HAL-Holland America Line’s ms Rotterdam departed on Wednesday, October 20, 2021, on her 14-day maiden voyage from Amsterdam, the Netherlands, to Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades, Florida).
The cruise company celebrated the occasion with fanfare and a ribbon cutting to welcome passengers onboard the transatlantic cruise.
The 2,668-passenger ms Rotterdam was delivered in July and is the 3rd in the Pinnacle Class series for Holland America.
Last week the vessel arrived at her namesake city of Rotterdam where it was announced that Her Royal Highness Princess Margriet of the Netherlands will serve as the ship's godmother when ms Rotterdam is officially christened in the spring.
Following the transatlantic crossing, ms Rotterdam will spend from November 2021 through April 2022 on her inaugural Caribbean Season, with all voyages roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale. The sailings range from 6 to 11 days and span the entire Caribbean region on tropical, southern, eastern, and western itineraries. Passengers looking for a longer vacation can embark on a Collectors’ Voyage - these are combined back-to-back itineraries offering an in-depth exploration that covers more than one area.
Every Caribbean voyage includes a visit to Half Moon Cay, Holland America’s private Bahamian island.