The new Rotterdam from Holland America Line (HAL) may be the third in the premium brand’s Pinnacle class, but it’s the seventh to carry the ship name — a testament to the successful line’s longevity and historic fleet. And while the ship certainly pays homage to its heritage, it continues to elevate and modernize the traditional onboard experience.
As the last ship in the class (at least for now, with no others yet announced), Rotterdam caps off the series by maintaining its sister ships’ innovations and also returning to basics. For instance, a fun game room filled with elegantly boxed and latched board games sits to the side of the Crow’s Nest, itself a classic observation lounge.
Not seen on the preceding Koningsdam and Nieuw Statendam is Rotterdam’s fresh Half Moon Bar, which references the line’s Half Moon Cay private island. The beautiful midcentury modern venue replaces Blend wine bar from the first two ships in the series with “A Taste of History,” HAL’s story told through the lens of a cocktail. One such lovely libation is the Rotterdam VII, made with smoked gin and maraschino and finished off with cherry-wood smoke, befitting the steamship era.
The Library is another new addition, stocked with the latest literary editions in an inviting, homey space. Leather chairs face windows overlooking the side wake for the perfect reading nook onboard.
Equally if not more relaxing is, of course, the Greenhouse Spa & Salon, where I enjoyed a new R3: Relax, Repair, Relief massage to melt muscle tension away before trying out the extensive thermal suite. The ship’s heated tile recliners, steam rooms, sauna and hydropool are all sublime.
Onboard Dining, Entertainment and Cabins
Still, where Rotterdam is most exemplary is its spectacular cuisine, and there is no shortage of dining venues to try, from the Grand Dutch Cafe and its complimentary Apple and Bacon Pannenkoek (pancake) to Asian specialty restaurants Tamarind and Nami Sushi. The included main dining room, Lido Market buffet, Dive-In burger bar and New York Deli & Pizza are also top notch.
The Pinnacle Grill and Rudi’s Sel De Mer, both of which highlight the prowess of the Holland America Line Culinary Council, remain the stars. At the former, chef and council member David Burke’s Beef Tenderloin with Lobster Dumplings is mouthwatering to say the least, and at the latter, pretty much anything from master chef Rudi Sodamin is a seafood flavor revelation.
B.B. King’s Blues Club is part of the ship’s Music Walk.
Credit: 2022 Jason LeppertMeanwhile, Music Walk — consisting of B.B. King’s Blues Club, Lincoln Center Stage, Billboard Onboard and Rolling Stone Rock Room — is the star of the music-themed Rotterdam’s live entertainment. Even the guest stand-up comedians showcased at B.B. King’s Blues Club are hilarious and on par with the all-ages shows at The Punchliner Comedy Club on corporate cousin Carnival Cruise Line.
If there’s one slight letdown, it’s that the accompanying World Stage venue — which still dazzles with its immersive, circular LED walls — no longer features any Billboard-branded or Postmodern Jukebox performances (the latter partnership has been discontinued). The talented Step One Dance Company stages its same shows from the Nieuw Statendam, while BBC Earth shows have been enhanced with a new “Seven Worlds, One Planet in Concert” screening, which pairs a great live classical quartet with stunning documentary footage.
Verandah staterooms are comfortable and spacious.
Credit: 2022 Jason LeppertNonetheless, the Rotterdam is a marvelous home away from home, and its cabins and suites are comfortable retreats that range from solo and family accommodations to palatial enclaves for couples. Verandah staterooms are a fantastic median option with surprising room to spare and standard bathrooms with larger showers.
There are no more new ships on the immediate horizon for HAL, but Rotterdam is a near perfect example of the brand’s best.
The Details
Holland America Line
