By
Alex Smith |
Holland America Line’s Rotterdam has departed on its 14-day maiden voyage from Amsterdam, Netherlands, to Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
The departure was celebrated with a ribbon-cutting and welcome ceremony for guests onboard the cruise. The 2,668-guest Rotterdam was delivered in July 2021 and is the third in Holland America Line’s Pinnacle-class series.
Last week the ship arrived at its namesake city of Rotterdam, Netherlands, where it was announced that Her Royal Highness Princess Margriet of the Netherlands will be the ship’s godmother when she is officially named in spring 2022.
"Rotterdam's maiden voyage has been highly anticipated for months by our guests and team members eager to welcome them aboard," said Gus Antorcha, president of Holland America Line. "Rotterdam is a beautiful ship and the fourth in our fleet to begin cruising this year. We are excited to bring her to Florida and the Caribbean soon on her first sailing."
Following the transatlantic crossing, Rotterdam will offer roundtrips from Fort Lauderdale from November until April 2022. The cruises range from six to 11 days and span southern, eastern, western and tropical Caribbean itineraries. Also on offer will be a ‘Collectors' Voyage’, which comprises back-to-back itineraries covering more than one area. Every Caribbean cruise includes a call at Half Moon Cay, Holland America Line's private Bahamian island.