Holland America Rotterdam Cruises a Perfect Way to Sail In New Era of Cruising
Holland America’s new Rotterdam, which carries up to 2,668 passengers, is the third in the Pinnacle class for the line. // All photos by Kelly McDaniel
This past year, the cruise industry required patience and flexibility for both passengers and cruise lines. It was also marked by a host of new procedures, protocols and creative measures to ensure a safe sailing environment as the cruise industry worked hard to restart after the pandemic.
I sailed on Rotterdam, Holland America’s newest Pinnacle-class addition, to close out the year, and it is a fitting ship to show just how the cruise industry has fully adjusted and adapted to the new travel environment. My experience on Rotterdam (as well as my earlier sailings on Azamara Quest and Royal Caribbean’s Freedom of the Seas) also helped to show me that the cruising experience is just as fun as it's always been.
Sure, it’s a little different now. But fellow passengers I have sailed with this year say they have thoroughly enjoyed themselves despite being a bit worried at first about how cruising might be changed. The good thing is, not all change is bad. The need to socially distance and create fewer touchpoints has resulted in some advantages, namely the phone apps many cruise lines are rolling out. Holland America's free Navigator app helped make embarkation simple and fast. After presenting my passport, COVID vaccination certificate and negative covid test, I moved quickly through security to the final checkpoint to have my picture taken and boarding pass scanned.
The Navigator app is easy to use and offers key info to help during your cruise. Adrian and Ross were two of the wonderful crew members taking care of us on our voyage.
The app allowed me to skip the hassle of printing a pass and instead present a digital boarding pass right on my phone. In less than 10 minutes, I was walking on board, where I was enthusiastically greeted by crew members.
Throughout the cruise, the app was my constant companion — I booked shore excursions, arranged specialty dining, checked deck plans, looked through the list of daily ship activities and even “favorited” some that were then added to a personal itinerary. As activity times drew closer, I received push notifications reminding me of when and where the activity was on the ship. Don't worry; there's no need to buy the ship's internet package to access it — all passengers can use the Navigator app at no cost.
I have to say before I dive too deep into my time on Rotterdam, that this was my first experience sailing with Holland America Line. I share this because as a woman in her 30s, I was informed that the line tends to cater to an older demographic and to not be surprised if the fun ends at 10 p.m. Well, this was definitely not the case on my sailing, and you can see Holland America's efforts to attract younger passengers is working — at least for me.
Who needs sleep when you have four fantastic music venues pumping out classical concertos, blues, pop and rock until 2 a.m.? HAL’s innovative Music Walk has been a staple on several of its ships for years, and Rotterdam has four distinct stages offering tunes for every taste. As Rebekah Law, Rotterdam's Cruise and Travel Director says, it’s the “best live music at sea.”
The Music Walk on Rotterdam
B.B. King’s Blues Club brings the classic Memphis sounds to sea with an eight-piece band, with rhythm and horn sections, as well as two singers. Cruisers fill the dance floor and dance the night away to the beats.
Billboard Onboard is the lively dueling piano bar on Rotterdam's Music Walk. Gather round and sing along to chart topping songs from the past sixty years.
Rolling Stone Rock Room kicks into high gear after dark, with the band pumping out classic rock and roll favorites. Passengers love to settle in over a couple drinks or to come here to hit the dance floor.
Lincoln Center Stage showcases classical and contemporary music with creative concerts each evening and sea day recitals. The venue is created in collaboration with Lincoln Center, the famed performing arts organization.
If you’re looking for somewhere a bit quieter, check out Half Moon Bar, just outside of Club Orange. This late-night cocktail bar features concoctions named after memorable people and moments in HAL history like the Rotterdam VII (this newest incarnation of Rotterdam), a smoky drink with high production value. I never tired of watching the bartender whip it up (picture below) as she slowly poured the smoke over the chilled liquor. This was where I ended up most nights chatting with friends, some new and some old, after a show at The World Stage or a late dinner.
The World Stage, Rotterdam’s theater filled with LED lights and a “seating in the round” concept, offers nightly performances ranging from a doo-wop group, lyrical dance performances by Step One Dance Company, and even a particularly moving piece highlighting Holland America’s journey through time narrated by the cruise director. What makes this theater different from others is the 270-degree two-story LED screens that make each show a spectacle, wrapping around the audience for a fully immersive experience.
The World Stage is the innovative main theater on Rotterdam.
The entertainment wasn’t reserved just for the evenings. Wine tastings, team trivia, pickleball tournaments and even painting classes were all offered during my five-night cruise. The Lido pool, covered by a retractable glass roof, played movies on the big screen every afternoon, and on Sunday, it was a great spot to watch NFL games. It was a hub of activity most hours of the day with two restaurants: Dive In serving up burgers and hot dogs, and NY Pizza and Deli slinging freshly made pies and sandwiches, right next to multiple hot tubs, a large pool, day beds and padded loungers.
Did I mention there's a gelato bar there, too?
Rotterdam’s beautiful all-weather Lido Pool Deck is the place to be during your cruise. Plus, it's where you'll find the delicious gelato.
With the ship at about 50 percent capacity, there was no waiting in lines or searching for an open deck chair or table at the buffet. Staff were abundant and continuously circulating, all wanting and willing to bring you another drink or an extra towel. Their attention to detail was impeccable at the Lido Market, where they greeted me by name. Although it was my go-to spot for a quick meal, it was hard to leave as I always found one more decadent pastry I just HAD to try or an entirely new station I hadn't seen before. There are made-to-order omelets and pasta dishes, fresh-baked nut bread, sushi and hand-carved meats. Need I say more?
The Lido Market is Rotterdam's gorgeous buffet-style restaurant. Look at those views — and the desserts!
HAL’s reputation for good food extends to the specialty restaurants on Rotterdam. Pinnacle Grill's candied bacon and tomahawk bone-in rib eye steak were highlights at our table, while the impressive seafood selections at Rudi’s Sel de Mer was made all the better when Rudi stopped by to say hello. Tamarind was the true standout of the bunch, exploring the culinary traditions of Southeast Asia,
China and Japan in a warm and darkened setting overlooking the aft pool deck. I had a lovely green tea to clear my palette before I savored the main course — a cashew barramundi (Asian sea bass) with red Thai curry. I topped it off with a refreshing mango posset (cold, creamy dessert drink).
A look at the pretty dining room in Rudi’s Sel de Mer restaurant, and below, a range of tasty items you can find at the eateries on Rotterdam.
On our lone sea day, passengers flocked to the open air and sunny Sea View Pool at the aft of the ship. Many relaxed with a book from the ship’s library, a truly impressive space chock full of trendy titles from several genres including “Young Adult” — a nod to the next cruising generation, perhaps?
The massive and stunning Library on Rotterdam.
Now, I would be remiss if I did not point out Rotterdam’s magnificent art collection. I had heard the facts — the collection is valued at over $4 million with over 2,600 pieces from 90 artists around the world. But nothing is quite as satisfying as discovering it on your own.
Every turn down a hall or walk up a flight of stairs meant I'd glimpse another stunning piece of art. I’ve never had so much fun running around trying to see them all. Do yourself a favor and take the time!
Here are a few of my favorites:
Selected Works: HAL's Rotterdam is Like a Floating Art Gallery
Holland America has really hit it out of the park with its new Rotterdam cruise ship. It’s truly got it all — superior entertainment, excellent food, first-class service and a modern, classy ship on which to sail and enjoy it all.
I hope you get a chance to cruise on this stunning ship soon.
Thanks for reading, and happy sailing!
Kelly