Holland America was founded in 1873 as the Netherlands-America Steamship Company (NASM), a shipping and passenger line. Because it provided service to the Americas, it became known as Holland America Line. The company's first ocean liner was the original Rotterdam, which sailed its maiden voyage from the Netherlands to New York City on Oct. 15, 1872. The one-way voyage took 15 days.

While today Holland America is a wholly owned subsidiary of Carnival Corporation (whose other lines include Costa, Seabourn and Cunard), the company maintains its seagoing heritage with a fleet of eleven ships that carry on the tradition by offering a classical style of cruising. Best known for its major presence in Alaska, the company's ships cruise Caribbean, Panama Canal, New England/Canada, Baltic, Mediterranean, Asia/South Pacific and South America itineraries.

Today, Holland America Line has 13 luxury ships sailing more than 280 ports of call and scenic cruising destinations on all seven continents, including Antarctica.

Holland America has carried more than seven million passengers.

In 1976, Holland America begins recruiting skilled personnel from the Philippines. United Philippine Lines, the chosen agent of Holland America Line, was the pioneer in the manning industryand one of the very first to hire Filipino seafarers. First to work in the deck and engine department, then in the kitchen and bars/lounges. Filipino also staffed the on-board maintenance shops (tailors, upholstery, carpenters).

Today, Holland America offers 180 positions for Filipinos on each vessel, including Hotel ,Deck , Engine and Medical Departments totaling to more than 2,500 Filipino crew on all Holland America Line vessels.