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Rotterdam

Rotterdam

Home > Reviews > Holland America Line > Rotterdam

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Ship Specifications
Year Built: 1997 Age Restrictions: All guests in room must be
Year Refurbished: 2005 21 years old. If not, at least one must be 25.
Previous Name: N/A Seating Assignments: Assigned or Open
Guest Occupancy: 1,316 Assigned Dining Hours: 6:00 pm or 8:15 pm
Crew: 593 Internet Access: Yes
Tonnage: 59,652 tons Bars/Lounges: 15
Length: 780 feet Spa: Yes
Beam: 105.8 feet Fitness Center : Yes
Maximum Speed: 25 knots Swimming Pools: 2
Decks: 10 Hot Tubs: 2
Ship's Registry: Netherlands Bowling Alley: No
Casino: Yes Rock Climbing Wall: No
Show Room: Yes Ice Skating Rink: No
Disco/Night Club: Yes 24-Hour Room Service: Yes
Library: Yes Hair Dryer in Room: Yes
 

Overview
The ms Rotterdam, one of Holland America's mid-sized ships, is actually the sixth ship in Holland America Line's history to be named Rotterdam; that's why her true name is Rotterdam VI. In fact, the first Rotterdam set sail way back in 1872, yes 1872! Because of the long and storied history of the Rotterdams, throughout the ship are various memorabilia and art with them as their subject.


Destinations & Itineraries
The Holland America Rotterdam will be featuring cruises in the following regions (subject to change, based on the cruise line's discretion):

2010: Hawaii, South America



Staterooms
There is a nice variety of accommodations available onboard the Rotterdam VI, from standard interior staterooms to luxurious suites.

Interior Staterooms: The Rotterdam's most basic staterooms are its interior staterooms. There rooms are 182 square feet and have two lower beds that can be converted into one queen-size bed, as well as a bathroom with a shower.

OceanView Staterooms: The Rotterdam's oceanview staterooms are called Large OceanView staterooms. These rooms are 197 square feet and feature everything the interiors do, plus a window and a bathtub. Category DD staterooms have a partial oceanview, while category HH staterooms have fully obstructed views (meaning that there is something on the outside of their window blocking the view - such as a lifeboat). Category G and H staterooms may have portholes instead of a window.

Suites: There are no standard balconies onboard the Rotterdam. To have a balcony you must book a suite. The most basic suites onboard the Rotterdam are known as Verandah Suites. These staterooms are 292 square feet and have two lower beds that can be converted into one queen-size bed, a private verandah, a whirlpool bath & shower, a sitting area, mini-bar and refrigerator.

A Deluxe Verandah Suite (category S) is 556 square feet. Such a stateroom feature two lower beds that can be converted into one king-size bed, a whirlpool bath & shower, a large sitting area, dressing room, private verandah, 1 sofa bed for 2 people, mini-bar and refrigerator.

The most premium accommodations onboard the Rotterdam are its four (category PS) Penthouse Verandah Suites. These huge staterooms are 1,159 square feet and feature a bedroom with a king-size bed, an oversized whirlpool bath & shower, a living room, dining room, dressing room, private verandah, pantry, 1 sofa bed for 2 people, mini-bar, refrigerator and guest toilet.



Dining
The Rotterdam's main dining room is the two-level La Fontaine Dining Room, located on the Promenade and Upper Promenade decks. This restaurant features fine china, a great wine list, and serves a wonderful five-course dinner. There are vegetarian and low-carb options available in this restaurant. Passengers have the option of booking themselves into a traditional, assigned dining setup (at either an early or main seating) or a more flexible/open dining setup. The flexible/open dining schedule is available from 5:15 pm to 9:00 pm. You must choose which format you prefer when you initially book your cruise. You can change your mind prior to your departure, but the dining you prefer may be waitlisted or closed at that point in time.

The Pinnacle Grill is the Rotterdam's optional specialty restaurant, located mid-ship on the Promenade deck. This gourmet venue offers a 5-star dining experience, featuring upscale selections such as Sterling Silver Beef, fresh seafood and a world-class wine list. There is a $20 per person cover charge for dinner, and a $10 per person cover charge for lunch at the Pinnacle Grill. This restaurant is available by reservation only, and it is recommended that you make your reservations as soon as you know that you want to go (to avoid the restaurant being booked up when you want to eat there). Children under 12 dine at the Pinnacle Grill free of charge. Children 13 to 17 years of age only have to pay half of the typical cover charge.

The Rotterdam's main buffet area is located on the Lido deck and is (appropriately) named the Lido Restaurant. It's a casual and relaxed dining option that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner (with wait service). The Lido Restaurant features a wide variety of choices, from pasta, pizza, cooked-to-order omelets, and a salad bar to gourmet sandwiches, sushi and Asian stir-fry. Indoor and outdoor seating is available at this venue.

The Terrace Grill is located outside on the Lido deck (towards the front of the ship). This venue serves pizza, sandwiches, sausages, nachos, hamburgers and hot dogs. It's a nice option for a relaxing poolside lunch.

Don't forget that 24 hour room service is available for all passengers. There is a basic complimentary menu, but it's an excellent option for a late night snack, or for when you're feeling a little lazy and would rather the food come to you. There are a few items on the menu that you can order at an additional cost, such as bar drinks.



Onboard Features
The first passenger level deck onboard the Rotterdam is the Dolphin deck. On this deck you'll find a wide range of interior and oceanview staterooms, as well as the doctor's office and infirmary.

The Rotterdam's next deck up is the Main deck, where there are a bunch of interior and oceanview staterooms.

Deck three onboard the Rotterdam is the Lower Promenade deck. On this deck are various interior and oceanview staterooms, as well as the offices of the hotel manager and cruise director.

The next deck up onboard the Rotterdam is the Promenade deck, where the lower level of La Fontaine Dining Room is located (towards the rear of the ship). Also on this deck is the Pinnacle Grill, the Rotterdam's specialty restaurant. Forward on the Promenade deck is the stage level of the Queen's Lounge (the main show lounge onboard the Rotterdam). There are a few other public areas on this deck, including the photo gallery, the front office, the shore excursion office, art gallery, Wine Tasting Bar, Gourmet Shops and Wajang Theatre & Culinary Arts Center (where there is a demonstration kitchen).

The Upper Promenade deck is the next deck up onboard the Rotterdam. The balcony level of the Queen's Lounge is forward on this deck. Also on this deck is the Ocean Bar, Shopping Arcade, Casino (and Casino Bar), Tropic Bar, Ambassador Lounge, Queen's Room, King's Room and the upper level of La Fontaine.

Deck six of the Rotterdam is the Verandah deck, where there are a bunch of suites and a few interior and oceanview staterooms.

The Navigation deck is the next deck on the Rotterdam. The bridge is located forward on this deck, and the four Penthouse Suites are located a little towards the rear from it. There are also quite a few Deluxe Verandah Suites on this deck. Neptune's Lounge, the Sea View Bar and Sea View Pool are also located on this deck.

The next deck up is the Lido deck, where the Rotterdam's casual buffet (the Lido Restaurant) is located. Another dining option on this deck is the Terrace Grill. The Rotterdam's main pool, the Lido Pool is located mid-ship on this deck, as well as the Lido Bar and a couple of whirlpools. There are also a ton of lounge chairs to relax and catch some sun in. Forward on this deck is the Greenhouse Salon & Spa, where you can find the fitness center, beauty salon, saunas, massage rooms and thermal suite.

The Sports deck is the next deck up. On this deck is the Crow's Nest, a tennis court, a basketball court and a video arcade that's by the kids (Club HAL) & teen (The Loft) areas.

The highest deck onboard the Rotterdam is the Sky deck. On this deck you can find the "teen only" Oasis area, where there's a pool and more things for the teens to do.



Dress Code and Attire
Dress during the day is casual. Holland America asks that you wear shoes and a cover-up over bathing suits when you walk in the interior of the ship.

Evening dress is broken up into two categories by Holland America: Formal or Smart Casual. Smart Casual is defined by Holland America as slacks and collared shirts for men and casual dresses, slacks and informal evening wear for women. T-shirts, swimsuits, tank tops and shorts are not allowed in the restaurants or public areas during the evening hours. On Formal evenings, ladies usually wear a suit, cocktail dress or gown and gentlemen wear a jacket and tie, dark suit or tuxedo. There are approximately two formal nights per week.



Children Programs
Holland America offers a supervised youth and teen program for children ages 3* to 17. The program is broken up into three, aged based, groups.

Club HAL® Kids is for children ages 3 to 7. Activities include storytelling, fabric painting, indoor games, arts and crafts, drawing contests, puzzles, bingo and more. Children in pull-ups or diapers are not allowed in the youth facilities due to US Public Health laws.


Club HAL® Tweens is for children ages 8 to 12. Activities may include learning golf putting, disco parties, theme parties, participating in the award winning National Park Service Jr. Ranger Program (only on Alaska cruises), on-deck sports events, scavenger hunts and more.

The Loft and The Oasis (not available on all Vista-class ships) is for teens, ages 13 to 17. Activities include a teen disco, karaoke, video games, sport tournaments, trivia contests, bingo, movies and more.

When there are over 100 children onboard a HAL Talent Show is offered. *On the Prinsendam. youth activities are offered for ages 5 to 17.

Club HAL® has an After Hours program available on all ships (except the Prinsendam), from 10:00 pm to 12:00 am. This special program costs $5 per child, per hour.



Tipping and Gratuities
Holland America automatically applies a Hotel Service Charge of $11 per person per day to each person's shipboard account. This charge is paid to Holland America's crewmembers that service you throughout your cruise, including the dining room wait staff, room stewards, galley crew and laundry staff. You are free to adjust this charge (higher or lower) if you deem this as being appropriate. A 15% service charge is automatically added to all bar charges and dining room wine purchases.


Alcohol Policy
The official minimum drinking age on all Holland America Rotterdam cruise is 21 years of age. A corkage fee of $15 will be charged for wine and champagne brought to the restaurants or bars onboard the ship. Except for wine and champagne, alcoholic beverages purchased in the ship's shops, or brought onto the ship, cannot be consumed on the ship.


Gambling Policy
Guests must be at least 18 years old in order to gamble on a Rotterdam cruise.


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