Holland America Line

The Wilhelminapier was named after Queen Wilhelmina. In 1890, Wilhelmina was ten years old and had just succeeded her father to the throne. In this year, she visited the Rotterdam port area for the first time. One year later, the former Prinsessekade (Princess Quay) was renamed Wilhelminakade (Wilhelmina Quay).

Cruise Terminal

The pier has a rich history. Between 1873 and 1978, the Cruise Terminal of the Holland America Line (HAL) was used by passengers departing for North America and Canada, culminating in an apex of emigrant transport in the last quarter of the nineteenth century. Over 90,000 cabin passengers and 400,000 third-class passengers crossed the ocean in search of a better life.

Wilhelminakade

Early in the seventies of the last century, however, competition with civil aviation became too fierce. Between 1971 and 1978, the ships were used as cruise ships only. The old piers and quays were put to new use as areas for residential, work and recreational purposes. The Wilhelminapier developed into a favoured location with endless possibilities.