On October 20 2021, the new Holland America Line ship ms Rotterdam, departed on its highly anticipated 14-day maiden voyage from Amsterdam, the Netherlands, to its homeport Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The celebration for this occasion included fanfare, cheering crew and a ribbon cutting to welcome guests on board the transatlantic cruise with Captain Bas van Dreumel at the helm.

“Rotterdam’s maiden voyage has been highly anticipated for months by our guests and team members eager to welcome them aboard,” said Gus Antorcha, president of Holland America Line. “Rotterdam is a beautiful ship and the fourth in our fleet to begin cruising this year.  We are excited to bring her to Florida and the Caribbean soon on her first sailing.”

Ms Rotterdam is the third in the Pinnacle Class series for Holland America Line, with a capacity of 2,668 guests and gross tonnage of 99,500 tones. It arrived in Rotterdam recently and the Company announced that it will be named by Her Royal Highness Princess Margriet of the Netherlands the next spring, 2022. 

Following the transatlantic crossing, Rotterdam will sail Caribbean cruises from November 2021 through April 2024 from Fort Lauderdale. The ship will offer a range of six- to 11-day itineraries covering the entire region. There will also be Holland America Collectors’ Voyage that offers more in-depth exploration on back-to-back cruises.

Every Caribbean cruise includes a call at Half Moon Cay, Holland America Line’s award-winning private Bahamian island. This sanctuary is always a popular and much-loved visit for guests, featuring the finest beaches, two-story villas and private cabanas, lots of fun with nature exploring and delicious sea food.