Seattle resident Austin Thomas was named the winner of Holland America Line’s 150th anniversary poster contest. A panel of Holland America Line team members selected Thomas’ design for its colorful palette, nostalgic aesthetic and modernized interpretation of the brand.
In February this year, Holland America Line asked fans to create a unique poster commemorating the cruise line’s 150th Anniversary, paying homage to company’s historic advertorial posters. Today the company has named Seattle resident Austin Thomas the winner of the contest. Thomas’ prize is a seven-day Alaska cruise for two in a balcony stateroom.
“Congratulations to Austin on creating a poster that stood out not only for its eye-catching design but also how it perfectly reflects both our past and the brand we are today,” said Kacy Cole, vice president of marketing and e-commerce, Holland America Line. “We received so many amazing posters that honored our milestone birthday, and it’s clear that our fans know our history. Thank you to everyone who entered.”
When asked about his design inspiration, Austin Thomas said: “It was amazing to me that because Holland America Line has been making international voyages for so long, it’s impacting families in very different ways. I wanted to illustrate how excited a family immigrating to America in the 1800s might be to see a modern-day family able to travel and see the world for leisure. And vice versa. Holland America Line is still impacting families and giving them life-changing experiences 150 years later, but in a different way.”
In addition to being featured on Holland America Line’s social media channels, the winning poster will be on display in Rotterdam cruise terminal April 18 and 19 as Holland America Line celebrates its 150th birthday.
Celebrations for Holland America Line’s 150th Anniversary began last October, and the poster contest was just one way the cruise line is marking the milestone. Additional commemorations have included two anniversary transatlantic crossings aboard Rotterdam, the launch of De Lijn Gin and a limited-edition Pilsner beer, menus that showcase Holland America Line’s history with entrées reminiscent of dishes served as early as the 1920s, Throwback Happy Hours with prices as a low as 75 cents, a new partnership with The Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation, 150th Anniversary merchandise in the shipboard ships and more. To learn more about the various events and unique products visit Celebrating 150 years of maritime history with Holland America Line.