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Article: Holland's maritime heritage: Dutch ports reflect centuries of seafaring traditions.
- Article from:
- Cruise Travel
- Article date:
- November 1, 2002
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2002 World Publishing, Co. (Illinois). This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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Those familiar with Holland America Line know that its entire fleet carries an Explorer's Lounge, recalling early Dutch ventures by sea in paintings of Amsterdam harbor, prints, old maps, models, and navigational equipment. Holland was right up there with Spain, Portugal, and England, all competing for the overseas trade to Northern European ports and, via the Cape of Good Hope, to India, the Spice Islands, and China. In fact by the 17th century, Amsterdam had become Europe's dominant trading power and richest city. Holland's Golden Age is reflected in the splendid 16th to 18th century architecture in Amsterdam and its surrounding cities.
During visits to the ...