SEATTLE — Holland America Line celebrated its 145th anniversary on April 18, cementing its status as one of the most experienced cruise lines in the world. As the company prepares for the launch of its newest ship – Nieuw Statendam – in December 2018, it’s taking the time to commemorate its storied past with newly released images of its early days.

Check out this shot of the Nieuw Amsterdam in New York (that skyline sure looks different!):

Nieuw Amsterdam leaving New York City

We can’t get over the opulence of Rotterdam’s Palm Court:

Palm Court, Rotterdam

And how fun are these vintage advertisements?

ss Statendam Historical Poster, 1928

Statue of Liberty Historical Poster, ca. 1955

In addition to these images, HAL also highlighted a few fun facts about the company. How many of the following tidbits did you know about?

1. Holland America Line started as a shipping and passenger line called Netherlands-American Steamship Company in 1873.

2. Within 25 years of its founding, the company owned a fleet of six cargo and passenger ships and operated between Holland and the Dutch East Indies. Because it was headquartered in Rotterdam and provided service to the Americas, over time the company became known as Holland America Line!

Stephen Card painting on ms Nieuw Amsterdam

Pier 40, New York City

3. Though transportation and shipping were the primary sources of revenue, in 1895 the company offered its first vacation cruise.

4. The line was primarily a carrier of immigrants from Europe and the United States until well after the turn of the century, bringing nearly one million people to the New World. It also supported the Allied troops during two world wars, with several ships serving as troop carriers.

Westerdam Aankomst in Rotterdam

5. Through the early 70s, Holland America Line was the first to establish schools in Indonesia and the Philippines to train future employees.