Holland America Line's newest ship, the Rotterdam, will be christened in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, on May 30, 2022. Her Royal Highness Princess Margriet of the Netherlands will be the ship's godmother, following a Dutch royal tradition that began in the 1920s.
The special seven-day cruise “Rotterdam Naming Celebration” will sail round trip from Amsterdam (Netherlands), departing on May 29, and will also visit Kristiansand, Stavanger and Flåm (Norway), with a scenic cruise through Sognefjord.
“Our new Rotterdam is a spectacular ship, and we are delighted that its christening is scheduled with a cruise that will allow our guests to join us in officially welcoming it to the fleet,” said Gus Antorcha, president of Holland America Line. “Our history is deeply rooted in the Netherlands, and it was only fitting to name our new Rotterdam in the city of Rotterdam with a royal godmother to honor our Dutch heritage. We are deeply grateful that Her Royal Highness Princess Margriet is once again serving as godmother of a Holland America Line ship.”
When the ship arrives in Rotterdam on May 30, a private ceremony will be held for guests and broadcast throughout the ship. During the voyage, guests will enjoy exclusive special events, including a Gala Dinner along with commemorative surprises and gifts.
Once the ship departs Rotterdam, guests will spend the remainder of the voyage exploring the ports of Kristiansand and Stavanger, as well as Norway's stunning fjords and charming villages. A highlight of the itinerary is a scenic day cruise on the Sognefjord, one of the most beautiful fjords in the world.
Travelers who want to be part of the celebration can book their trip now. The company is offering an all-inclusive package option for this trip, which includes shore excursions, drinks, specialty meals, and Wi-Fi.
The Rotterdam was delivered by the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy on July 30, 2021, and completed its maiden transatlantic voyage before spending the fall and winter of its inaugural season in the Caribbean, sailing round-trip from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Beginning in May, the ship will explore Europe, heading to Norway, the Baltic, the British Isles, and Iceland, all sailing round-trip from Amsterdam.
