Rotterdam

The Sleek, Contemporary Ambiance: While Holland America cultivated its loyal passenger base (generally retirees seeking longer sailings) with smaller, cozier,  and more traditional ships known for global itineraries, the transition to a sleeker, more contemporary design on its Pinnacle Class vessels has been welcomed by guests. There's a soothing lightness to most spaces — with just enough unexpected pops of color to keep things interesting.

Music Walk: While it's possible to stroll through Music Walk — a series of spaces on the Plaza Deck dedicated to live music across multiple genres — most passengers end up finding a chair, ordering a drink, and staying for a while. Comprised of B.B. King's Blues Club, The Rolling Stone Rock Room, and Billboard Onboard, Music Walk features a rotating schedule of blues, pop, and vintage rock performances. It's especially popular during pre- and post-dinner periods.

The World Stage: Featuring an immersive two-story, 270-degree LED wraparound screen, Rotterdam's World Stage theater is the setting for a variety of musical shows. 

Consistent Culinary Offerings: Holland America’s dining program is overseen by a Culinary Council of seven leading top chefs — including David Burke, Jacques Torres, and Ethan Stowell, — and its onboard eateries offer terrific quality and consistency. Rotterdam’s specialty restaurants are the same as its Pinnacle Class siblings with flavorful Pan-Asian in Tamarind (and sushi in Nami Sushi), steakhouse favorites in Pinnacle Grill, elevated seafood with a whimsical touch in Rudi’s Sel de Mer, and Italian classics in Canaletto. The line’s flagship dining experience, The Main Dining Room, features a dramatically sweeping space designed by Adam Tihany, where passengers can enjoy a multicourse menu that rotates nightly. 

An Impressive Art Collection: Holland America ships have always featured extensive onboard art collections, but Pinnacle Class ships showcase more vibrant contemporary pieces (think: paintings, sculptures, and mixed-media works). Rotterdam’s public spaces are accented by 2,645 striking creations, many of which are inspired by music, architecture, and zoology. The collection is valued at over $4.1 million, and there are artists from 37 countries represented.

Couples and Some Multigenerational Families: Holland America knows its loyal audience (which, for the most part, consists of couples age 55 and older), and its ships are designed for that demographic. During the summer and holiday seasons, the cruise line also attracts multigenerational family groups — parents and grown children or grandparents with children and grandchildren — who are destination-focused rather than seeking thrill-based onboard activities. 

More than Half the Dining Options Cost Extra: Rotterdam passengers can dine on high-quality food at no additional cost at five of the ship's 11 dining venues: The Dining Room, Lido Market buffet, Dive-In poolside grill, and New York Deli & Pizza, plus 24-hour room service and Grand Dutch Café (although beverages here cost extra). However, specialty dining, such as Tamarind and Rudi's Sel de Mer, will incur an added upcharge plus an 18% gratuity — and that's excluding beverages. 

Some Tweens & Teens Might Get Bored: Although Rotterdam is a big ship, Holland America's core market is mature cruisers, which means it doesn't have the waterslides, surf simulators, laser tag, and virtual-reality arcades that are big draws for many families. There is Kids Club — an activities program for kids ages three to 17 that organizes arts and crafts, scavenger hunts, sports and video game competitions, and theme parties — but are there big thrills? No.