COMPANY PROFILE HAL

With more than 130 years of experience, Holland America Line is recognized as the undisputed leader in the cruise industry's premium segment. Its 13 ships sail to more than 280 ports of call on all seven continents, ranging from popular Caribbean and Alaska itineraries to exotic cruises to the far corners of the world. A 14th, 2,044-guest, 86,000 ton ship has been ordered and scheduled for delivery summer 2008, marking the first ship in the Signature Class series and the largest new build for Holland America Line.
Over the course of the company's long history, first as a cargo- and passenger-shipping carrier, and subsequently a leisure-cruise line, Holland America Line has carried more than 10 million passengers from Europe to the New World and to vacation destinations across the globe.

Continuing a Tradition of Excellence through Signature of Excellence
Holland America Line recently announced an unprecedented $225 million investment in unparalleled product and service enhancements to its fleet of five-star ships. Called Signature of Excellence, this initiative will build on Holland America Line's renowned Tradition of Excellence™ by significantly raising the standard in premium cruising. The comprehensive enhancements focus on five areas central to the Holland America Line guest experience: spacious, elegant ships and accommodations; sophisticated five-star dining; gracious, unobtrusive service; extensive enrichment programs and activities; and compelling worldwide itineraries.
Enhancements have been executed on eleven ships and are expected to be completed throughout the fleet by the end of 2006.

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

• By its 25th anniversary, Holland America Line owned a fleet of six cargo and passenger ships, and also provided service between Holland and the Dutch East Indies via the newly constructed Suez Canal.
• The line was a principal carrier of immigrants from Europe to the United States until well after the turn of the century, carrying 850,000 to new lives in the New World.
  
• In 1895, the company offered its first vacation cruise; its second leisure cruise, from New York to the Holy Land, was in 1910.
  
• In 1971, Holland America Line suspended its transatlantic passenger trade and turned to offering cruise vacations full time.
  
• In 1989, Holland America Line Inc. became a wholly owned subsidiary of Carnival Corp., the largest cruise company in the world. 

You can see how the proses to joining as Holland America Crew in this site.