HAL-Holland America's flagship MS Rotterdam received the royal treatment in an official ceremony rich with Dutch heritage on May 30, 2022, in Rotterdam (Netherlands).
Her Royal Highness Princess Margriet of the Netherlands served as the godmother and officially named the newbuild in front of invited dignitaries and guests.
Upon arrival, the Princess was welcomed at the gangway with a floral bouquet presented by 7-year-old Nora van Dijk, daughter of Nathalie van Dijk, who's been with HAL for 15 years. During the daytime celebration, Carnival Corporation's President & CEO Arnold Donald, Holland America Group President Jan Swartz, Rotterdam Capt. Werner Timmers, Lord Mayor of Rotterdam Ahmed Aboutaleb, Mariner Ambassadors David and Gisela Gere, all joined Princess Margriet to welcome ms Rotterdam to the fleet.
After the christening ceremony, a gala luncheon was held onboard for invited guests. The special festivities continued into the evening with a gala dinner and the chance for guests to pour champagne over the cruise ship's bell. The blessing of the vessel's bell is a Holland America tradition when welcoming a newbuild to the fleet.
The 2021-built MS Rotterdam (initially named "Nieuw Ryndam") is the 11th vessel in the HAL's fleet and the 3rd of the company's Pinnacle-class liners (HAL's newest and ever-largest). Its sisterships are the fleetmates Koningsdam (2016) and Nieuw Statendam (2018) and also Cunard's Queen Anne.
The new Rotterdam is HAL's 17th vessel built by Fincantieri.