Holland America reveals christening plans for new ship Rotterdam

Holland America Line‘s new cruise ship Rotterdam will be christened in the Dutch city after which she is named on May 30th, as part of a special “Rotterdam Naming Celebration” cruise.

Rotterdam will be named by Her Royal Highness Princess Margriet of the Netherlands, who will reprise her role as godmother, continuing a Holland America tradition that began in the 1920s.

Holland America Line’s connection to the Dutch royal family goes back nearly a century to Prince Hendrik launching Statendam III in 1929.

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Since then, Dutch royalty have launched 11 more Holland America Line vessels throughout the years, including Her Royal Highness Princess Margriet who named Prinsendam (1972), Nieuw Amsterdam II (1983), Rotterdam VI (1997) and Oosterdam (2003).

Passengers will board Rotterdam’s special seven-day “Rotterdam Naming Celebration” cruise in Amsterdamon May 29th, before sailing to Rotterdam for the celebrations.

The cruise will also visit Kristiansand, Stavanger and Flåm, Norway, with scenic cruising in Sognefjord.

When the ship arrives at Rotterdam May 30th, a private ceremony will be held for invited guests that will be broadcast throughout the ship.

During the voyage, guests will enjoy special events exclusive to the naming sailing, including a celebratory Gala Dinner and an opportunity to participate in the blessing of the ship’s bell, along with surprises and commemorative gifts.

“Our new Rotterdam is a spectacular ship, and we are thrilled to have its naming ceremony scheduled with a celebratory cruise that allows our guests to join the festivities and officially welcome her to the fleet,” said Gus Antorcha, President, Holland America Line.

“Our history is deeply rooted in the Netherlands, and it was only fitting to name our newest Rotterdam in the city of Rotterdam with a royal godmother to honor our Dutch roots,” he added. “We are deeply grateful that Her Royal Highness Princess Margriet will once again act as godmother to a Holland America Line ship.”

Rotterdam is Holland America Line’s third Pinnacle-class ship and the seventh in its history to bear the name. She was originally meant to be called Ryndam, but those plans were changed when the most recent Rotterdam was sold out of the fleet last year.

She is nearly identical to sister ships Koningsdam and Nieuw Statendam, with a Music Walk featuring B.B. King’s Blues Club, Lincoln Center Stage, Billboard Onboard and Rolling Stone Rock Room.

She features 7 restaurants, including French brassiere Sel de Mer and Holland America signature eateries Pinnacle Grill and Canaletto, as well as 10 cafes and bars, such as the popular Grand Dutch cafe and the heritage-focused Half Moon Bar.