‘Rotterdam Naming Celebration’ cruise and royal treatment for newest ship of the HAL
Rotterdam, the new ship of the Holland America Line
The Atrium of the Rotterdam
The main dining room of the Rotterdam
Holland America Line’s newest ship ‘Rotterdam’ is set to get the royal treatment at a naming ceremony in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, May 30, 2022. Her Royal Highness Princess Margriet of the Netherlands will be the ship’s godmother, carrying on a Dutch royal tradition that began in the 1920s. And there will be a special seven-day ‘Rotterdam Naming Celebration’ cruise that sails roundtrip to Norway.
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Rotterdam Naming Celebration Cruise
Rotterdam’s special seven-day “Rotterdam Naming Celebration” cruise sails roundtrip from Amsterdam, Netherlands, departing May 29 and also visits Kristiansand, Stavanger and Flåm, Norway, with scenic cruising in Sognefjord.
“Our new Rotterdam is a spectacular ship, and we are thrilled to have its naming ceremony scheduled with a celebratory cruise that allows our guests to join the festivities and officially welcome her to the fleet,” said Gus Antorcha, president of Holland America Line. “Our history is deeply rooted in the Netherlands, and it was only fitting to name our newest Rotterdam in the city of Rotterdam with a royal godmother to honour our Dutch roots. We are deeply grateful that Her Royal Highness Princess Margriet will once again act as godmother to a Holland America Line ship.”
When the ship arrives at Rotterdam May 30, a private ceremony will be held for invited guests that will be broadcast throughout the ship. During the voyage, guests will enjoy special events exclusive to the naming sailing, including a celebratory Gala Dinner and an opportunity to participate in the blessing of the ship’s bell, along with surprises and commemorative gifts.
Once the ship departs Rotterdam, guests will spend the remainder of the voyage exploring the ports of Kristiansand, Stavanger and the stunning fjords and charming villages of Norway. A highlight of the itinerary is a day of scenic cruising in Sognefjord. The largest and deepest fjord in Norway, the “King of the Fjords” is one of the world’s most beautiful destinations lined with majestic mountains and lush landscapes. In Flåm, the famous railway offers an unforgettable experience, climbing from sea level to 2,800 feet, crossing back and forth over rivers and passing through 20 tunnels.
Travelers who want to be a part of the festivities can book Rotterdam’s naming voyage and join in the celebrations. For guests who appreciate taking an inclusive vacation with extra amenities factored upfront into the price, Holland America Line’s “Have It All” premium package includes shore excursions, beverages, specialty dining and Wi-Fi in one base cruise fare.
A Long Royal Relationship | A bit of history
Holland America Line’s connection to The House of Orange goes back nearly a century to Prince Hendrik launching Statendam III in 1929. Since then, members of the Dutch Royal Family have launched 11 more Holland America Line vessels throughout the years, including Her Royal Highness Princess Margriet who named Prinsendam (1972), Nieuw Amsterdam III (1983), Rotterdam VI (1997) and Oosterdam (2003).
Additional members of the Dutch Royal Family who are godmothers include Queen Máxima, who named Koningsdam in 2016 and Nieuw Amsterdam in 2010. Then-Queen Beatrix served as Eurodam’s godmother in 2008. Rotterdam V was launched in 1958 by Queen Juliana. Then-Princess Beatrix named Statendam IV in 1957 and Prinses Margriet in 1960. Nieuw Amsterdam II was launched by Queen Wilhelmina in 1937.
Rotterdam was delivered by the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy July 30, 2021, and sailed a transatlantic first voyage before spending the fall and winter on its inaugural Caribbean season sailing roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Beginning in May, the ship will explore Europe, heading to Norway, the Baltic, British Isles and Iceland, all sailing roundtrip from Amsterdam.
For more information about Holland America Line visit hollandamerica.com.
Website: Holland America Line.
