ms Rotterdam

The 2021-built MS Rotterdam cruise ship (initially named "Nieuw Ryndam") is the 11th vessel in the Holland America Line fleet and the 3rd in the company's Pinnacle-class (HAL’s newest and largest ships). Her sisterships are Koningsdam (2016), Nieuw Statendam (2018), and Cunard’s Queen Anne. Rotterdam is the 17th HAL ship built by Fincantieri.

On July 30, 2020, HAL announced that the ship’s name would change from "Ryndam" to "Rotterdam" and that she would become the fleet’s new flagship. This is HAL’s 7th vessel to bear the name (also referred to as “Rotterdam VII”). The previous Rotterdam was sold in July 2020 to Fred. Olsen and later renamed “MS Borealis.”

The new Rotterdam (IMO 9837470) is Holland-flagged (MMSI 245464000) and was delivered on July 30, 2021 (originally scheduled for May 31).

History - construction and ownership

Holland America Line (HAL) is a Seattle-based cruise company owned by Carnival Corporation. Between 1873-1989, HAL operated as a Dutch cargo and passenger shipping company running regular transatlantic services between Holland and the Americas. The company was founded in 1873 as the “Dutch-American Steamship Company,” headquartered in Rotterdam. In 1989, it was acquired by Carnival Corporation for approximately EUR 530 million. HAL’s assets include the Westmark hotel chain (Alaska-Yukon), Worldwide Shore Services (warehousing and logistics), and Half Moon Cay (a private Bahamian island).

The 3210-passenger Rotterdam was originally named “Nieuw Ryndam,” announced on April 7, 2019. The name honored HAL’s first Ryndam (1901-1929), originally named Rijndam until 1923. In 1927, Ryndam I became HAL’s first ship to operate a world cruise, although she was chartered as a floating school for that voyage. Ryndam II (1951-1973) and Ryndam III (1994), later sold to P&O Australia and now sailing as Pacific Aria, followed.

The new MS Rotterdam is named after Rotterdam City (South Holland, Netherlands).

HAL’s first ship was SS Rotterdam, which made her maiden voyage (Rotterdam–New York) on October 15, 1872. HAL was officially founded on April 18, 1873. The 1878-built “SS Rotterdam II” was purchased in 1886. SS Rotterdam III (1897) served until 1906. “SS Rotterdam IV” (1908-1940; capacity 3139 passengers + 472 crew) operated Mediterranean roundtrips from New York. “SS Rotterdam V” (1959-1997, “The Grande Dame”) began with transatlantic crossings before converting to full-time cruising in 1969. She later operated Grand World Voyages and today serves as a hotel/museum ship in Rotterdam. “MS Rotterdam VI” (1997) now sails as Fred. Olsen Borealis.

Decks and Cabins

MS Rotterdam staterooms (1340 total, in 35 grades) include 164 Suites, 748 Balcony, 147 Oceanview (including 32 Family Oceanview and 12 Studio/single cabins), and 280 Inside. Most cabins are sized ~180 ft² (17 m²), while most balconies are ~50 ft² (5 m²). Nearly 70% of all accommodations feature a private step-out veranda. Wheelchair-accessible cabins number 27. The largest accommodation is the Penthouse/Pinnacle Suite (970 ft² / 90 m², with a 320 ft² / 30 m² terrace with outdoor Jacuzzi).

The ship has 13 passenger decks, including 8 with cabins.

Four color schemes distinguish the spa, suite, verandah, oceanview, and inside categories. Cabins feature redesigned headboards with electrical/USB outlets on both sides of the bed, stone-topped nightstands and vanities, upgraded lighting, and more storage.

Club Orange is an exclusive (Suite-only) venue included in HAL’s “Club Orange” program for Neptune and Pinnacle Suite guests. Benefits include:

• priority services (check-in, disembarkation, tendering, dining reservations)
• 24-hour concierge (assistance, information, reservations)
• exclusive dining venue (Club Orange Restaurant, deck 2) serving complimentary Pinnacle Grill breakfast and Dining Room dinner, plus exclusive dishes
• dedicated Concierge Desk (Guest Services & Shore Excursions)
• enhanced room service breakfast (complimentary gourmet options such as smoked salmon, steak and eggs)
• sparkling wine on embarkation day, a Club Orange tote bag, premium bathrobes (available for purchase/monogramming)

Club Orange Restaurant occupies the former “Culinary Arts Center,” once a premium dinner-only venue (US$39 cover, unlimited wine) operated in partnership with “Food & Wine Magazine.” It previously hosted cooking shows, classes, workshops, and the “Dinner at the Culinary Arts Center” experience, featuring cooking demonstrations paired with wines. Through HAL’s partnership with Koppert Cress, the venue included a live microgreens garden for farm-to-table dishes.

Shipboard dining options - Food and Drinks

The 2-level MDR (Main Dining Room) serves open-seating breakfast and lunch, and a mix of set and flexible dining at dinner. Breakfast typically starts at 7 am on port days and 8 am on sea days, ending around 9:30 am. Offerings include bread, cereals, French toast, pancakes, corned beef hash, egg dishes, and yogurt parfaits. Portions are modest, so a second pastry is recommended. Lunch is usually available for just one hour (noon–1 pm on sea days; closed on full port days).

MS Rotterdam offers 11 dining venues. The MDR features floor-to-ceiling windows, curved pillars, custom furnishings, and a dramatic 2-story wine tower clad in copper. Menus include HAL classics, signature dishes, regional specialties, and recipes by Culinary Council chefs including Master Chef Rudi Sodamin and renowned chefs David Burke, Elizabeth Falkner, Jacques Torres, Jonnie Boer, and Mark Best.

Specialty dining options include the redesigned Lido Market (with themed stations), the new French seafood brasserie Rudi’s Sel de Mer, the suite-exclusive Club Orange Restaurant, Canaletto (Italian), Tamarind (pan-Asian with sushi bar), and Pinnacle Grill (steakhouse/seafood).

BLEND is a glass-enclosed winery room (10 seats) hosting daily wine-blending sessions (90 minutes, US$129, reservations required) in partnership with Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery. Guests sample 5 single-vineyard red wines, create their own blend, bottle it, and enjoy it onboard.

Below is the full list of MS Rotterdam dining venues:

• Pinnacle Grill (reservations-only steakhouse/seafood; complimentary for children under 12). Occasionally transforms into “De Librije” (US$69–89), inspired by the two-Michelin-star Dutch restaurant. Wine tasting is included (four 2 oz pours); optional wine pairing available for US$20 (four 5 oz pours).
• Rudi’s Sel de Mer – dinner-only French seafood brasserie also serving select Asian dishes. Larger on Rotterdam and Statendam (54 seats). Decor features walnut wood columns and signature porcelain “Food Faces” plates by Chef Rudi (in partnership with Bernardaud). Signature dishes include Rudi's Seafood Tower, Fruits de Mer, Whole Dover Sole Meunière, Steak Tartare, and signature desserts.
• The Dining Room – aft MDR serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner (two fixed seatings or “Any Time” dining from 5:15–9 pm).
• Canaletto – dinner-only Italian venue adjacent to Lido Restaurant (reservations required).
• Club Orange Restaurant – exclusive to Neptune and Pinnacle Suite guests.
• Grand Dutch Cafe – Dutch-themed patisserie bar serving snacks, sweets, coffees, and European beers.
• Dive-In – complimentary poolside grill with gourmet burgers and fries.
• New York Deli & Pizza – complimentary sandwiches and pizzas.
• Gelato – ice cream bar.

Lido Market (capacity 386) is Rotterdam’s self-service buffet open for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner. Five themed stations include Breadboard (baked goods, sandwiches), Wild Harvest (salads, fruits), Homestead (comfort foods), Distant Lands (itinerary-inspired cuisine), and Sweet Spot (desserts).

Tamarind (Deck 10 aft) is a reservations-only Asian restaurant with complimentary lunch and at-fee dinner. It includes Nami Sushi (7 seats), offering lunch and dinner at a surcharge. The sushi menu, created by Chef Andy Matsuda, features four signature rolls.

In 2025, Rotterdam added “Morimoto By Sea,” a 12-seat sushi bar created with Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto. Menu highlights include Toro Tartare, Nigiri & Sashimi, signature rolls, Tuna Pizza, Poke Bowls, and White Chocolate Lime Ganache.

Shipboard entertainment options - Fun and Sport

The World Stage is the main theater, equipped with 270-degree LED screens. Lido Pool (one of two pools) features an outdoor movie screen, 3 whirlpools, and two-tier seating. A retractable Magrodome provides an enclosed midship pool environment.

Music Walk (forward-midship on Deck 2) includes Lincoln Center Stage & B.B. King's Blues Club, Rolling Stone Rock Room, and Billboard Onboard.

The 2-tier Lincoln Center Stage & B.B. King’s Blues Club includes two grand pianos, HAL’s largest dance floor, a bar, balcony seating, and an 8-member resident band. It hosts concerts, blues, chamber music, lectures, and enrichment programs.

Rolling Stone Rock Room presents live performances by a 5-piece band, while Billboard Onboard is a sing-along venue with pianists, guitarists, DJs, and nightly themed sets.

Other amenities include complimentary 24-hour room service, “Club HAL” kids program, weddings, Wi-Fi, and full-service laundry (no self-service laundromats).

Below is the list of MS Rotterdam bars, lounges, and entertainment venues:

• Atrium – 3-deck open-space with stainless-steel musical sculpture and glass skylight used for HD projections and live sky feeds.
• Stuyvesant Room – multi-purpose venue for cards, meetings, and Club HAL activities.
• World Stage – main show lounge, also used for HAL’s enrichment program (BBC Earth partnership).
• Lincoln Center Stage & B.B. King’s Blues Club – 2-deck ballroom and concert hall.
• Digital Workshop (Windows-powered)
• Photo Gallery & Shop; Art Gallery
• Shore Excursions Desk; 4 Meeting Rooms
• Signature Shops – duty-free stores, watches, perfumes, apparel, souvenirs; Marabella Luxury Shop; Dive-In (scuba gear)
• Club Orange (Suite-only restaurant)
• Ocean Bar – Atrium bar lounge with stage and dance floor
• Billboard Onboard – music bar with live performances
• BLEND – winery room
• Neptune Lounge – exclusive Suite guest lounge
• Sport Court (basketball, volleyball, soccer); Sun Deck; Promenade Deck; Walking/Jogging Track
• Club HAL (kids lounge)
• The Loft (teens lounge with video arcade, computers, PlayStations)

The wellness complex (Decks 9-10 forward) includes a Fitness Center, Aerobics Room, and Greenhouse Spa & Salon (treatment rooms, hydrotherapy pool, thermal suite, sauna, aroma steam room, relaxation lounge, and beauty salon).

Sundecks span three levels (Decks 9-11), featuring two swimming pools and five Jacuzzies. Lido Pool (midship) is served by Lido Bar, Gelato, Dive-In, New York Deli & Pizza, and Panorama Bar. Sea View Pool (aft) is served by Sea View Bar.

“Movies by the Pool Deck” is a 2-deck outdoor cinema with snacks (popcorn, sandwiches, pizza, nachos) and waiter service during movie nights.

The Retreat (Deck 12) is an adults-only relaxation area with private cabanas available for rent (including lunch, concierge service, and access to a massage tent).

Explorations Central & Café (formerly Crow’s Nest, on Deck 11 forward) is an observation lounge with panoramic windows, bar, café, dance floor, enrichment events, library, and multimedia resources. It doubles as a nightclub with DJ sets and live performances.

The Casino includes gaming tables, 140 slot/video poker machines, a PokerPro table, a Casino Bar, and a smoke-free section. In 2023, HAL expanded casino spaces on Pinnacle-class and Signature-class ships.

Since 2023, all HAL ships feature pickleball courts (in partnership with PPA), complimentary lessons, branded gear for sale, and tutorial videos on cabin TVs.

Itineraries

MS Rotterdam’s itinerary program was announced in late July 2020. The maiden season was planned in Europe, with Baltic and Northern Europe voyages roundtrip from Amsterdam.

The initial maiden voyage was scheduled for August 1, 2021—a 7-day Trieste to Civitavecchia (Rome) itinerary. Between August 1 and October 10, she was planned to operate Northern Europe cruises visiting Norway, the UK, and Iceland.

Despite her on-schedule delivery (July 30), HAL canceled all departures through November 3 (the entire European season). The Inaugural Voyage was rescheduled to October 20—a 14-night transatlantic repositioning from Amsterdam to Fort Lauderdale.

Rotterdam’s US homeport is Port Everglades (Fort Lauderdale, Florida), offering the following Caribbean itineraries:

• 10-day “Southern Caribbean Seafarer” – Half Moon Cay, Grand Turk, Amber Cove, Kralendijk (Bonaire), Willemstad (Curaçao), Oranjestad (Aruba)
• 11-day “Southern Caribbean Wayfarer” – Philipsburg, Castries, Bridgetown, Fort-de-France, Basseterre, Charlotte Amalie, Half Moon Cay
• 21-day B2B “Seafarer & Wayfarer” combination
• 7-day “Eastern Caribbean” – Grand Turk, San Juan, St. Thomas, Half Moon Cay
• 7-day “Western Caribbean” – Half Moon Cay, Falmouth, Grand Cayman, Key West
• 14-day B2B “Eastern & Western Caribbean”