Cruise Review: Is Holland America’s MS Rotterdam Worth the Hype?

As someone who loves trying new things, I couldn’t wait to set foot on Holland America’s newest gem, the MS Rotterdam. Launched in 2021, this stunning vessel is the seventh ship to carry the iconic Rotterdam name, and boy, does she live up to her legacy! With room for 2,668 passengers, she’s the perfect size for those who want a mix of grandeur and intimacy.

I was immediately struck by the Rotterdam’s elegant design and thoughtful amenities. When I stepped on board, I knew this Pinnacle Class ship would perfectly blend classic Holland America charm and modern innovations. The ship’s focus on music and art adds a touch of sophistication that I appreciate.

As I explored Rotterdam, I was eager to explore all she had to offer. From the mouthwatering dining options to the captivating entertainment, I knew I was in for a treat.

And don’t even get me started on the cozy staterooms and the endless activities! Are you ready to join me on this exciting journey through Holland America’s latest masterpiece? Below are all my images from my experience on this unique cruise ship. I hope you enjoy them.

History and Overview of MS Rotterdam

I’ve had the pleasure of sailing on the MS Rotterdam on the Vikings Sage cruise from Holland America, which left from Rotterdam and sailed to Norway through the fjords and several incredible cities. Here’s a video of my experience. Read my full day-by-day itinerary from the cruise.

This cruise ship is steeped in history yet brimming with modern amenities. This beautiful vessel carries a proud legacy and offers today’s cruisers an unforgettable experience.

Ship’s Legacy and Holland America Line

The MS Rotterdam is the seventh ship to bear this iconic name for the Holland America Line. I was thrilled to be on board for its maiden voyage in 2021. At 99,800 tons and able to host 2,668 guests, it’s a perfect mid-size ship.

Holland America’s roots go way back to 1873, and the Rotterdam name has been part of that story from the start. I love how this new ship nods to tradition while embracing the future. The classic teak promenade and elegant artwork blend seamlessly with high-tech entertainment and eco-friendly systems.

One of my favorite spots is the World Stage Theater. Its 270-degree LED screens make shows feel incredibly immersive. And don’t get me started on the dining! Many delicious options exist, from the Pinnacle Grill steakhouse to Rudi’s Sel de Mer seafood brasserie.

Staterooms and Accommodations

I’ve spent a lot of time exploring the cabins on the MS Rotterdam, and I’m excited to share my insights. The ship offers many options to suit different tastes and budgets. Let’s dive into the details of what you can expect.

Suites and Verandahs

The suites on MS Rotterdam are truly impressive. The Pinnacle Suite, which spans over 1,290 square feet, wowed me. It’s like a luxury apartment at sea! The suite has a separate bedroom, living room, dining area, and a huge balcony with a whirlpool.

For a more modest splurge, I recommend the Vista Suites. They’re about 260-356 square feet and have a private verandah. The amenities are top-notch, including a Bose Bluetooth speaker and a mini-bar.

Verandah staterooms are my personal favorite. They’re cozy at 228-405 square feet but offer that all-important private balcony. I love having my morning coffee while watching the ocean roll by.

Interior and Ocean-View Cabins

Don’t worry if you’re on a tighter budget. The interior and ocean-view cabins are comfy and well-designed. The interior cabins are the smallest, at about 143-225 square feet. They’re a great choice if you plan to spend most of your time exploring the ship.

Ocean-view cabins are similar in size but have a window. I found them to be bright and cheerful. Both cabins have all the essentials: a comfy bed, plenty of storage, and a private bathroom.

Club Orange Amenities

I was lucky to try the Club Orange program on my last cruise. It’s an upgrade well worth considering. You get priority embarkation and disembarkation, which is a real time saver.

The best part? Access to a private dining room. The menu here is more extensive than the main dining room, and the service is extra attentive.

Club Orange members also get in-room perks like a premium bathrobe and a special room service menu. It’s a great option to add a touch of luxury to your cruise without spending a fortune on a full suite.

Onboard Dining Experience

The MS Rotterdam impressed me with its mouthwatering array of dining options. From upscale specialty venues to casual eateries, there’s something to satisfy every craving and occasion.

Pinnacle Grill and Specialty Restaurants

I loved the elegant Pinnacle Grill, Holland America’s signature steakhouse. The menu features premium beef cuts and fresh seafood. I indulged in a perfectly cooked filet mignon paired with a bold cabernet. For Asian cuisine, Tamarind was a standout. The restaurant’s stunning ocean views complemented inventive dishes like wasabi-crusted beef tenderloin.

Canaletto offers a taste of Italy in an intimate setting. I enjoyed sharing antipasti plates and homemade pasta with my tablemates. The warm service made it feel like dining at an Italian family’s home.

Lido Market and Main Dining Room

The Lido Market buffet was my go-to for quick, casual meals. Multiple stations offer international cuisines, made-to-order dishes, and grab-and-go options. I loved the fresh salad bar and daily carving station.

In the main dining room, I experienced attentive service and expertly prepared dishes. The menu changes nightly, featuring both classic favorites and creative specials. I appreciated the flexibility of dining anytime, though set seating times are also available.

Room Service and Snacking Options

24-hour room service was perfect for lazy mornings or late-night cravings. The continental breakfast delivered to my balcony was a treat. I often grabbed a slice at New York Pizza or a gelato from Gelato for midday snacks.

I was impressed by the complimentary afternoon tea service. Delicate finger sandwiches and sweets paired nicely with a selection of teas in an elegant setting.

Entertainment and Activities

The Rotterdam offers lively entertainment options to keep guests engaged throughout their cruise. From dazzling shows to live music venues, there are options to suit various interests.

World Stage Shows and Performances

The World Stage Theater on the Rotterdam blew me away. This 714-seat venue features a unique 270-degree wraparound LED screen that creates an immersive experience. The hi-def visuals enhance the performances.

During my cruise, I caught a few of the new production shows. “Song & Dance” was a fun tribute to Broadway and Hollywood musicals. “Class Act” brought Vegas-style glitz with talented female vocalists. The TV variety show-inspired “All That!” had me laughing and tapping my toes.

What impressed me most was how the shows incorporated both singing and dancing. The performers were true triple threats. I’d recommend arriving early to snag a good seat – the shows are popular!

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Rolling Stone Rock Room and B.B. King’s Blues Club

For live music lovers, Rotterdam doesn’t disappoint. I spent several evenings rocking at the Rolling Stone Rock Room, where the house band cranks out classic rock hits nightly.

On other nights, I got my blues fix at B.B. King’s Blues Club. The talented musicians had the crowd on their feet with soulful tunes. Both venues have a great atmosphere for enjoying drinks and dancing.

The ship also features the Billboard Onboard piano bar, where dueling pianists take requests and get guests singing along to chart-toppers across the decades.

Sea Days and Onboard Experience

Sea days offer plenty of ways to stay entertained. I tried my hand at pickleball on the sports court – it’s all the rage these days. The fitness center has great views if you want to squeeze in a workout.

I enjoyed trivia contests in the Crow’s Nest lounge for a more relaxed vibe. I also had a nightly Old Fashioned and played chess with my wife. This was my go-to for coffee.

The hack for my fellow caffeine lovers is to get your coffee here. It’s way better than the other spots. Also, they have a really cool real-time navigation dashboard where you can check all the fun nautical stats.

The library is perfect for curling up with a book, and movie buffs can catch films at the outdoor Dive-In theater by the pool.

Kids have their own dedicated club spaces. I saw many families enjoying quality time together with activities like cooking classes and dance lessons.

Wellness and Recreation

As I explored the MS Rotterdam, I was impressed by the wide range of wellness and recreation options. The ship goes above and beyond to help passengers relax, stay fit, and have fun during their cruise.

Outdoor Track, Pickleball, and Basketball Court

A huge part of being in a confined space for a long time is having multiple options to move inside and out. I loved the pickleball court, as you can see above. There were tournaments a couple of the days and the track was a great way to walk while your on the open sea and also cruising through the fjords.

Greenhouse Spa and Fitness Center

The Greenhouse Spa blew me away with its tranquil atmosphere and an extensive menu of treatments. I treated myself to a hot stone massage that melted away my stress. The thermal suite with its heated ceramic loungers was heavenly—I could have napped there all day!

The fitness center has all the latest cardio and weight equipment. I took a yoga class on the deck at sunrise, which was magical. They also offer personal training and nutrition consultations to help you stay on track with your fitness goals.

Pools and Open Deck Spaces

I lounged by the main Lido pool, sipping fruity drinks from the nearby bar. The retractable roof is great for all-weather swimming. For a quieter vibe, I loved the adults-only Serenity pool area.

The jogging track on the top deck gave me amazing ocean views during my morning runs. I also enjoyed basketball and shuffleboard games. At night, the Lido deck transforms into a movie under the stars—so fun!

Itineraries and Destinations

The MS Rotterdam offers exciting voyages to stunning destinations around the world. I’ve been lucky enough to experience some of these incredible journeys firsthand. Let me share what I’ve learned about the ship’s routes and excursions.

Popular Routes and Seasonal Journeys

I love how the Rotterdam mixes classic and unique itineraries throughout the year. In summer, she sails to Alaska, showing off glaciers and wildlife. The scenery blew me away! Fall and spring bring transatlantic crossings and European tours. The ship visits gems like Rome, Barcelona, and Copenhagen. Winter is perfect for Caribbean cruises. I’ve basked on white sand beaches and snorkeled in crystal clear waters.

The Rotterdam also does longer voyages. I’m dying to try their 35-day Australia and New Zealand trip. Or maybe the 128-day world cruise! Shorter 7-10-day trips are great for busy folks.

Port Excursions and Land Tours

Holland America offers amazing shore excursions at each port. They are a bit overpriced as you can book directly for much cheaper, but the options are usually aplenty. I opted for kayaking through the Eidfjord, which was truly incredible.

Active travelers can try kayaking, hiking, or cycling tours. Foodies will enjoy cooking classes and wine tastings. I suggest mixing it up to get the full experience. Don’t forget to leave time to wander on your own, too. Some of my best memories are from stumbling upon hidden gems in port cities.

Ship Amenities and Services

The Rotterdam offers many amenities and services to make your cruise experience smooth and enjoyable. I was impressed by the variety of options available, from handy shops to helpful guest services.

Library

One of my favorite gems was the library onboard. It was fully stocked; they even had a give-a-book, get-a-book section. You could read as many books as you wanted for free. Simple things like this can help you embrace slow travel for those sea days and truly take a moment to relax.

Or, even maybe read up on your favorite travel guide… 🙂

Onboard Shopping and Boutiques

As I walked around Rotterdam, I discovered some great shopping spots. The ship has several boutiques selling jewelry, watches, perfumes, and Holland America-branded items. I picked up a cute HAL t-shirt as a souvenir. There’s also a duty-free shop with good deals on alcohol and cigarettes.

One of my favorite stops was the photo gallery, where I could view and purchase professional photos taken throughout the cruise. For any forgotten essentials, there’s a small sundries shop stocking toiletries, snacks, and basic medications.

Guest Services and Information

The guest services desk was my go-to spot for questions and assistance. The friendly staff helped me with everything from dinner reservations to shore excursion bookings. They even assisted me when I needed to exchange some currency for a port visit.

I found the digital screens around the ship handy for checking daily activities, restaurant hours, and my onboard account balance. A dedicated concierge service offers personalized assistance for Club Orange members like me.

The Rotterdam also has a medical center staffed 24/7 for any health concerns. While I didn’t need it, it was reassuring to know it was there.

MS Rotterdam Deck Plan and Ship Details

Once you know a few key tips, getting around the MS Rotterdam is a breeze. I’ll share my insights on the ship’s layout and how to move about easily.

Deck Plans and Orientation

I found the Rotterdam’s layout pretty intuitive. The main public areas are on decks 2 and 3, with the dining room spanning both. The Lido Market buffet and the pools are up on deck 9.

I recommend grabbing a pocket-sized deck plan from Guest Services when you board. It’s a lifesaver for the first day or two. The ship has a logical flow, with most attractions in the middle. One trick I learned is that odd-numbered cabins are on the port side, even on starboard. This helped me orient myself quickly.

Here’s a full summary of the deck plan:

Accessibility and Guest Movement

Rotterdam has 12 elevators, which I found to be plenty. I never waited long, even at peak times. There are also wide staircases if you prefer to walk.

The ship is very accessible for guests with mobility issues. Wide corridors and doorways easily accommodate wheelchairs, and multiple accessible cabins are available.

I was impressed by the marked wayfinding signs throughout the ship. They use large text and intuitive icons. At night, subtle lighting in the hallways guides the way.

My top tip: Use the midship elevators for the quickest access to most areas. The forward and aft ones tend to be less busy, too.

Cruise Fare and Value

I’ve cruised on the MS Rotterdam and found it offers good value overall. The fare covers a lot, but there are some extra costs to remember. Let’s break down what’s included and how to get the most bang for your buck on this ship.

Inclusions and Expenses

My base fare on the Rotterdam included quite a bit—my cozy stateroom, tasty meals in the main dining room and buffet, and most onboard activities. I loved enjoying live music, comedy shows, and poolside fun without paying extra. But I did have to budget for some extras. Drinks, specialty dining, and shore excursions weren’t included. I also paid about $12 per day for gratuities.

Wi-Fi and spa treatments also cost extra. To save money, I bought a drink package in advance and picked a few key excursions rather than booking something in every port.

Assessing Overall Worth

The Rotterdam offers more value than land vacations or pricier cruise lines. For what I paid, I visited multiple destinations while only unpacking once. The food quality impressed me, especially in the main dining room.

I took advantage of free activities like trivia and cooking demos to maximize value. I also looked for port days when I could explore independently instead of booking tours.

While not the cheapest option, Rotterdam’s mix of comfort, service, and inclusions made it worth the fare. Just be sure to factor in those extra costs when budgeting!