We sailed onboard the MS Rotterdam from Rotterdam to NYC on july 3th 2011.

The departure from Rotterdam was very special, it being the first time in 40 years the Holland America Line made the classic atlantic crossing. There were a lot of festivities on the quay. Especially for Dutch people and even more for those coming from Rotterdam it was extra special. Too bad that some grumpy Americans made comments during the departure and the crossing that the Dutch took over ( a Dutch invation...) : welcome onboard HOLLAND america Line !!

There were than enough activities in conjunction with the character of the crossing : lectures from Bill Miller, a very nice little museum in the Crow's nest with a lot of HAL memorabillia , the Pasadena Roof Orchestra etc. There was also a Dutch TV crew onboard (TV Rijnmond) who made an item for the evening news show. They were very carefull not to be in the way of the passengers. So with all the stuff going on: we were never bored, just staring out over the Ocean makes it worthwile, even on wednesday when the weather was also in classic North Atlantic style : high seas, rain and high winds ! Read more