The Port of Halifax hosted a shoreside ceremony to celebrate the longstanding relationship with Holland America Line on Monday, August 28, 2023.
The celebration honored the cruise line’s 150th anniversary as well as 30 years of Holland America Line cruise ship calls at the Port of Halifax.
The celebration included ceremonial drumming by the Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre and a farewell performance by the 78th Highlanders.
Following a blessing by Mi’kmaw Elder Charlotte Bernard, a ceremony was held in front of the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 where Halifax Port Authority President and CEO Captain Allan Gray will present Captain Bart Vaartjes of the Holland America Line Zuiderdam with a commemorative plaque. Also taking part will be Sam Austin, Deputy Mayor of Halifax, Marie Chapman, CEO of the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21, and representatives from Discover Halifax, Tourism Nova Scotia, Parks Canada, and the Halifax Citadel Society.
