Launched in 1997, Rotterdam VI is the sixth in a line of Holland America flagships and it shows. The first Rotterdam set sail in 1872, beginning a Holland America tradition and reputation that continued through Rotterdam V, one of the most beloved ships of all time and host to 28 world cruises.
2019 Best for Dining
2019 Best for Public Rooms
Rotterdam
Pros
Pool deck never feels overcrowded
Cons
Older ship showing signs of age, particularly in non-suite cabins
Bottom Line
Simple ship with a laidback atmosphere
About
| Passengers | 1,404 |
| Crew | 600 |
| Passenger to Crew | 2.34:1 |
| Launched | 1997 |
| Shore Excursions | 943 |
Rotterdam Overview
Like her five classic predecessors, Rotterdam is more of a throwback to earlier cruise ships compared to most megaships built after 1995. However, with a maximum cruising speed of 25 knots and all of the modern amenities expected of a relatively large ship, the Rotterdam successfully straddles that sometimes fine line between classic and modern.
Highlights of the Rotterdam experience include: some of the largest "standard" cabins afloat; a high percentage of outside cabins that feature verandahs; upscale alternative dining in the Pinnacle Grill; and the Explorations Cafe -- a library, Internet cafe and coffee bar wrapped into one popular hangout.
The Rotterdam also features typical Holland America history and service. Memorabilia of the line's fabled past can be seen throughout the ship (the Dutch officers are happy to share the company's history with curious passengers). In addition, the Indonesian and Filipino staff continue the Holland America tradition of sparkling clean ships and white-gloved service.
Top Holland America Rotterdam Itineraries
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Rotterdam32-day Hawaii Tahiti & MarquesasSan Diego, Hilo, Honolulu, Honolulu, Maui, Christmas Island, Bora Bora, Bora Bora, Raiatea, Tahiti , Tahiti , Moorea, Rangiroa, Tahiti , San DiegoNow -
Rotterdam16-day Panama CanalFort Lauderdale , Half Moon Cay, Aruba, Puntarenas , Corinto, Puerto Quetzal , Huatulco, Puerto Vallarta, San DiegoNow
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Rotterdam15-day Passage To AmericaBarcelona, Seville , Tangier, Casablanca, Madeira , Madeira , Fort LauderdaleNow
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Rotterdam15-day Panama CanalFort Lauderdale , Aruba, Puntarenas , Corinto, Puerto Quetzal , Huatulco, Puerto Vallarta, San DiegoNow
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Rotterdam10-day Newfoundland & New England DiscoveryBoston, Bar Harbor, Halifax, St. John's , Corner Brook, Quebec City, Quebec City, MontrealNow
Fellow Passengers
Though a typical Holland America and Rotterdam cruise tends to attract more mature passengers, younger travelers and families are definitely coming aboard. It all depends on the itinerary and time of year. Gentleman Hosts are typically onboard for cruises of two weeks and longer.
Holland America Rotterdam Dress Code
Seven-night cruises typically feature two formal nights, with an extra formal night for every additional five days or so on longer cruises. Men definitely tend to wear tuxedos on these nights. Semi-formal nights call for jacket, but ties are optional. Casual nights simply call for resort wear, where blue jeans and T-shirts are frowned upon by fellow passengers.
Holland America Rotterdam Gratuity
The automatic tip for passengers staying in interior, oceanview and verandah cabins is $14.50 per person, per day. Passengers in suites will be charged $16 per person, per day.
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Deck:
Dolphin Deck
Main Deck
Lower Promenade Deck
Promenade Deck
Upper Promenade Deck
Verandah Deck
Navigation Deck
Lido Deck
Sports Deck
Sky Deck
Where does Holland America Rotterdam sail to?
Holland America Rotterdam cruises to Grand Cayman (Georgetown), Aruba, Cozumel, Curacao, Montego Bay, Halifax, Bar Harbor, Newport, Charlottetown (Prince Edward Island), Tahiti (Papeete), Moorea, Bora Bora, Raiatea, Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Quebec City, Montreal, Key West, Puerto Vallarta, Cabo San Lucas, Newfoundland, Barcelona, St. Petersburg, Stockholm, Copenhagen, Oslo, Brugge (Bruges), Lisbon, Seville , Helsinki, Tallinn, Hilo, New York (Manhattan), Honolulu, San Diego, Boston, Bergen, Dublin, Gibraltar, Madeira (Funchal), Rotterdam, Belfast, Liverpool, Trondheim, Cartagena (Colombia), Portland (Maine), Rostock (Warnemunde), Maui, Visby, Puntarenas (Puerto Caldera), Manzanillo, Lima, Reykjavik, Rangiroa, Falmouth, Half Moon Cay, Guernsey, Holyhead, Ponta Delgada, Bilbao, Porto (Leixoes), Stavanger, Sydney (Nova Scotia), Casablanca, Tangier, Cobh (Cork), Invergordon (Inverness), Lerwick (Shetland Islands), Molde, Bordeaux, Malaga, Akureyri, Alesund, Andalsnes, Christmas Island, Corner Brook, Fuerte Amador (Balboa), Gaspe, Huatulco, Kirkwall, La Rochelle-La Pallice, Olden, Puerto Quetzal (Antigua), Quepos, Valencia, Eidfjord, Isafjord, Skjolden, Corinto and San Juan del Sur.
Awards and Recognition
Cruise Critic Cruisers’ Choice
- 2019 Best for Dining
- 2019 Best for Public Rooms
- 2018 Best for Fitness & Recreation
- 2018 Best for Shore Excursions
Holland America Rotterdam Member Reviews
rlauder
Sail Date: Feb 2020
Rotterdam has Lani suites on the Promenade deck. They have full length sliding glass doors and it seems that everyone on the ship goes by....Read More
Seamore42
Sail Date: Jan 2020
Have been on Rotterdam multiple times. Enjoy the size of ship, the fact that it still has an Explorations Cafe and full Promenade deck, making it very comfortable, especially on sea days....Read More
Baybari
Sail Date: Dec 2019
We like the smaller ships but the Rotterdam needs to be retired. Rusty and too old to fix....Read More
Auburn Traveler
Sail Date: Oct 2019
King lounge
— I agree with another reviewer there were some tours that people should of really read the details as they were extremely difficult for them to walk and participate
I understand the Rotterdam...Read More
Holland America Line Fleet
