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Ship Statistics
One of the many pleasures of traveling on board one of the world's largest luxury cruise ships is having a wealth of options to choose from. The ms Rotterdam reflects a graceful combination of classic and state-of-the-art features. She exhibits woods and deep, vibrant colors for a traditional ship feel, while breaking new ground with unique elements, such as a Concierge Deck for suite guests and a children's play lounge. The ms Rotterdam features six lounges, three restaurants and two swimming pools. Heir to 127 years of cruising experience, she pampers each guest in an atmosphere of refined elegance.
Ship Highlights
Overview Launched in 1997, the Rotterdam The Rotterdam seemingly has a favorite space for everyone and the ship rarely seems crowded. It starts with the bustling three-deck atrium, which certainly isn't as flashy as those on more recent ships. The hub is a wonderful clock tower, with finely crafted sculptures and 14 clocks telling the time around the world. Entertainment The two-story Queen's Lounge features the expected nightly entertainment, combining typically excellent Anita Mann productions with varying solo and small group performers (music, magic, and the like). As mentioned, venues like the Ocean Bar, Explorer's Lounge, Crow's Nest, and elsewhere feature nightly entertainment, ranging from a pianist to quintets and pop to classical (dancing is popular). The demographics of a typical Rotterdam sailing mean the casino's offerings of slots, blackjack, roulette, and poker are only moderately busy. Close your eyes and open your mind to all of the thrill seeking entertainment alternative that you'll have the opportunity to venture. No matter how you plan on spending your night, the Rotterdam remains well equip to accommodate each and every one of your desires. If you're looking for the relaxed scenery of a lounge, you'll find plenty. If you're in the mood for the mingling bar atmosphere, you'll feel completely comfortable in our bars.
Fitness and Recreation Steiner's Ocean Spa on the Lido Deck looks out to sea with floor-to-ceiling windows. The bright space features modern exercise and weight machines, along with a juice bar. Fitness classes are offered several times a day, ranging from yoga to aerobics and more (some classes have charges and they seem a bit steep). The spa proper offers the typical Steiner services, including the beauty parlor, facials, massage, and more--the massage treatment rooms are on the smaller side. Activities Once you're aboard Holland America's Rotterdam, you're required to unwind and set your inner child free. During your ultimate cruising experience you'll have the opportunity to wander around the decks and submerge yourself in whichever activity your heart desires. Feel free to let your hair down and kick your shoes off and absorb the serene atmosphere.
Family Holland America's Club HAL is offered to children 5-12 and teens 13-17 aboard the Rotterdam. There's a full-time youth counselor, but the level of activities really depends on the itinerary and time of year (e.g., school breaks). However, potential passengers should be aware that the ship is not particularly family-intensive by any stretch of the imagination (though most children will surely enjoy themselves). Babysitters are typically easy to arrange. Fellow passengers Though a typical Holland America and Rotterdam cruise tends to attract more mature passengers, younger travelers and families are definitely coming aboard. It all depends on the itinerary and time of year. Gentleman Hosts are typically onboard for cruises of two weeks and longer. Dress Seven-night cruises typically feature two formal nights, with an extra formal night for every additional five days or so on longer cruises. Men definitely tend to wear tuxedos on these nights. Semi-formal nights call for jacket, but ties are optional. Casual nights simply call for resort wear, where blue jeans and T-shirts are frowned upon by fellow passengers. Gratuity For years and years, Holland America Line distinguished itself with its "no tipping required" policy, the objective of which was to prove that the cheerful and accommodating staff worked for the love of serving their guests, not for tips. Unfortunately, many passengers took this to mean "tips are included," or "tipping not allowed," so as Holland America hopes to attract a more diverse clientele and more first-time cruisers, the tipping policy has been specifically addressed. |
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VI is the sixth in a line of Holland America flagships and it shows. The first Rotterdam set sail in 1872, beginning a Holland America tradition and reputation that continued through the Rotterdam V, one of the most beloved ships of all time and host to 28 world cruises.