Holland America Line’s Rotterdam Arrives
Holland America Line took delivery of Rotterdam on 30 July 2021, officially making it the 11th ship in the fleet. A handover ceremony took place at Fincantieri’s Marghera shipyard in Italy the evening of July 29.
The ceremony was attended by the ship’s master, Captain Werner Timmers, and Cyril Tatar, Holland America Group’s vice president of newbuilding services with several executives from Fincantieri. Video congratulations were extended by Jan Swartz, president of Holland America Group, and Gus Antorcha, president of Holland America Line.
The third vessel in the Pinnacle Class series and the seventh ship to bear the name for HAL, Rotterdam will carry 2,668 guests and feature highly successful amenities and innovations introduced with her sister ships. Throughout the ship, Rotterdam will showcase exquisite cuisine guided by seven of the world’s leading chefs; gracious, award-winning service; and superbly appointed staterooms and suites, including family and single accommodations.
Rotterdam will remain in non-guest operations until its transatlantic crossing on 20 Oct 2021, from Amsterdam to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where it will then begin its maiden season in the Caribbean. Naming details will be announced at a later date.
Two HAL ships Return to Service
HAL’s two ‘Signature-class’ ships are the first to return to service for the line. Nieuw Amsterdam has already commenced sailing from Seattle to Alaska on 7-night cruises, while sister ship Eurodam will start sailing from Athens (Piraeus) on 7 & 14-night Greek Islands and beyond itineraries on Sunday 15 August 2021. These cruises are only available to guests who have been fully vaccinated.
Seabourn Offers Summer Caribbean & Greece cruises
Two of Seabourn’s Ultra-Luxury, all-inclusive ships have already returned to service. Seabourn Odyssey is offering 7 & 14-night deep Caribbean cruises from Barbados, featuring the line’s exclusive ‘Caviar in the Surf’ and ‘Marina day with complimentary watersports’ experiences. Seabourn Ovation – which launched in 2018 with Elaine Paige as godmother – is currently offering two 7-night Greek islands cruises departing every Saturday from Piraeus (Athens) which can be combined into a 14-night cruise.