rotterdam cruise ship capacity

MS Rotterdam

Holland america.

The  MS Rotterdam  was built in 2021 and is among Holland America’s 11 ships in its fleet. The MS Rotterdam is included in the cruise line’s Pinnacle Class Class. In the cruise ship stats below, you’ll find the MS Rotterdam vs all of the other Holland America ships.

MS Rotterdam Size

How big is the MS Rotterdam? Below, you’ll find all of the relevant cruise ship stats, specs and dimensions for the MS Rotterdam. Included in these statistics are passenger capacity, length, year built, year renovated, cost to build, gross tonnage, engine info, number of rooms, deck counts and more!

MS Rotterdam Capacity

Passenger Capacity refers to the total number of people that the MS Rotterdam can accommodate. Of course, there are also crew members on board. Below, find the total onboard capacity, including staff and cruise guests.

Holland America Avg: 2,156 guests

MS Rotterdam Passenger Capacity: The passenger capacity for the MS Rotterdam is 3,218 guests . The average capacity for the 11 active ships in Holland America’s fleet is 2,156 passengers. The passenger capacity range for all Holland America ships has a minimum of 1,432 guests and a maximum of 3,218 passengers.

Holland America Avg: 862 staff

MS Rotterdam Crew Members: Staff on the MS Rotterdam include 1,025 crew members. That’s a guest to staff ratio of 3.1 to 1. The average Holland America ship includes 862 employees and has a passenger to staff ratio of 2.5 to 1.

MS Rotterdam Passenger Capacity and Crew

vs Holland America Fleet

MS Rotterdam Length

How long is the MS Rotterdam? From end to end, the MS Rotterdam length equals 975 feet (298 meters). Compare that to the average ship length of all 11 active vessels in Holland America’s fleet, measuring 922 feet (282 meters).

Holland America Avg: 922 feet

The smallest Holland America ship (in terms of length) measures 778 feet (238 meters) from end to end. The longest vessel spans 983 feet (300 meters).

Our chart below shows the length of the MS Rotterdam vs all other active Holland America ships.

MS Rotterdam Ship Length

vs all Holland America Ships

MS Rotterdam Built Date

When was the MS Rotterdam Built? The MS Rotterdam was built in 2021 and joined the cruise line’s Pinnacle Class Class.

Holland America includes 11 active ships. The oldest in the fleet was built in 1999. The average Holland America ship is 16 years old and the median build date for all active ships is 2008

Holland America Avg: 2007

When was the last MS Rotterdam Dry Dock? The MS Rotterdam has not experienced dry dock improvements yet.

renovation date

Renovations included the following: The MS Rotterdam has not yet experienced refurbishment efforts. No dry dock is currently necessary as the ship is relatively new. The MS Rotterdam was built in 2021.

MS Rotterdam Info

Frequently asked questions, what is the ms rotterdam ship class.

The ship belongs to the Holland America class of ships known as the Pinnacle Class class.

What is the MS Rotterdam capacity?

We're often asked how many passengers are on the MS Rotterdam. The ship's capacity is 3,218. When comparing the occupancy to the average Holland America passenger capacity, you'll find that the average ship in the fleet holds 2,156 guests. Feel free to look at our graph above to see where this ship falls in line with all other live Holland America ships.

How old is the MS Rotterdam?

The MS Rotterdam was built in 2021. Holland America includes 11 active ships. The oldest in the fleet was built in 1999. The average Holland America ship is 16 years old and the median build date for all active ships is 2010

Is the MS Rotterdam a good ship?

Each of Holland America's ships offers a unique layout with features and activities catered to all. Whether the MS Rotterdam is right for you will depend on your individual preferences. Do you prefer a larger or smaller ship with many or fewer guests? Are you hoping for many family activities or entertainment options for an older clientele. Our deck maps layout and activities list provide a helpful guide to what you'll find on board. Feel free to explore the see if this ship is suited towards your preferences.

How long is the MS Rotterdam?

From end to end, the Spectrum of the Seas length equals 975 feet (298 meters). Compare that to the average ship length of all 11 active vessels in Holland America fleet, measuring 922 feet (282 meters). Please see our size comparison chart above to see how this ship falls in line with all other active ships in the fleet.

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Rotterdam Overview

Holland America’s ms Rotterdam , the line's third Pinnacle-class cruise ship, features incredible dining, inspiring entertainment, beautiful accommodations and the exceptional service mastered through 150 years of exceeding expectations on the high seas. A destination in itself, the exquisitely appointed Rotterdam offers some of the finest artistic expression at sea, regardless of tastes, from the Rolling Stone Rock Room to the classic Lincoln Center Stage and the thought-provoking paintings and sculptures lining the corridors! Even better, the included dining, whether it be a fresh burger from Dive In or the poolside New York Pizza, onboard Rotterdam ensures something for the whole family at any time of day. To learn more about Holland America's Rotterdam cruise ship and start planning your incredible cruise vacation, call our expert cruise consultants at 1-800-377-9383!

• Passenger Capacity: 2,668 (double occupancy)
• Year Built: 2021
• Last Refurbished: N/A

• Music Walk Each night of your cruise can be spent relaxing to live tunes at any of the venues along Rotterdam ’s Music Walk, where Holland America has collected their best musical performances for an eclectic blend with something for everyone! Sing along to hits new and old at Billboard Onboard, take in a classic blues show at B.B. King’s Blues Club or an become entranced by an awe-inspiring visual show at the World Stage.  

• Nami Sushi Nami, in Japanese, translates to “wave,” paying homage to the views you’ll enjoy while dining on a tantalizing of sushi and sashimi, with only the freshest ingredients, inspired by the inventive style of sushi master, Andy Matsuda.  

• Grand Dutch Café The best place for a quick snack or afternoon pick-me-up, the Grand Dutch Café onboard Rotterdam offers Dutch-inspired specialty drinks, more than a dozen varieties of Belgian beers and even a few complimentary, classic Dutch munchies. Don’t worry – there is also a full menu of hearty meals to help you recharge after a day ashore filled with adventure.  

• Rudi’s Sel de Mer With a menu curated by Master Chef Rudi Sodamin, this intimate eatery offers dishes inspired by French cuisine and expertly prepared seafood for those looking to elevate their dining experience onboard Rotterdam !  

• Holland America Navigator App In a world of smartphones and applications, Holland America brings every detail of your cruise to your fingertips with the Navigator app! While onboard your Rotterdam cruise, you can use the app, which is free to use and works onboard even without a WiFi package, to plan excursions, entertainment and even view restaurant menus! Make your cruise your very own by planning every detail with your consultant at The Cruise Web and the Holland America Navigator app!  

Rotterdam Cruise Destinations

Holland America Line prides itself on offering a superb variety of destinations. This cruise line visits 7 continents and over 320 ports worldwide while embarking from all types of ports, from convenient close-to-home ports to far-away exotic departure ports. You can plan a special romantic cruise to the Greek Isles or an enriching vacation in Asia. In addition, Holland America's connections with Alaskan hotels and their ownership of Half Moon Cay (their private Caribbean island) have differentiated them in Alaska and the Caribbean. 

Eastern Caribbean

Spend some time in the sunshine and fill your nights with tropical delights in the Eastern Caribbean.

Northern Europe

Inspire yourself with a Northern Europe cruise highlighted by Viking legends, grand, looming fjords, and a history of royalty.

Southern Caribbean

From snorkeling to smoothies, cultural treasures to creatures of the jungle—cruising to the Southern Caribbean is an incredible vacation option.

Transatlantic

Experience premium cruising at its best on a relaxing cruise across the Atlantic Ocean aboard one of Holland America’s elegant cruise ships.

Rotterdam Departure Ports

Sail to the world’s hot spots with Holland America. This revered cruise line has sailings from cities around the world like Ft. Lauderdale, Valparaiso, Barcelona, Sydney and Montreal.  All of their departure ports are convenient to get to with major airports and public transportation. Get ready for an amazing cruise vacation with Holland America, your first step is to call us at The Cruise Web to speak with a consultant and find your perfect itinerary. 

Reykjavik was just a small village until seeing a major expansion after World War II, but this popular cruise destination still offers a small town feel different than any other European capital.

With incredible weather, delicious fare and some stupendous attractions, you will find that Fort Lauderdale’s Port Everglades is one of the most attractive ports in the entire US.

Rotterdam, The Netherlands

With modern buildings and a bustling population, Rotterdam offers an interesting contrast to the more laid back feel of city’s like Amsterdam.

Rotterdam Deck Plans

Promenade deck, beethoven deck, gershwin deck, mozart deck, schubert deck, navigation deck, panorama deck, observation deck, rotterdam staterooms.

Balcony (V)

Balcony (va), balcony (vb), balcony (vc), balcony (vd), balcony (ve), balcony (vf), balcony (vh), balcony (vq), balcony (vs).

Inside (IQ)

Oceanview (FA)

Oceanview (fb).

Oceanview (C)

Oceanview (cq), oceanview (d), oceanview (e), oceanview (f).

Oceanview (OO)

Photo Gallery for Rotterdam Cruise Ship

Are you a visual learner? Check out this photo gallery of the Holland America experience. Here you can see the amazing dining venues, spacious staterooms and beautiful destinations the ship sails to. 

B.B. King's Blues Club aboard ms Rotterdam

Club Orange Restaurant aboard ms Rotterdam

Neptune Lounge aboard ms Rotterdam

Rolling Stone Rock Room aboard ms Rotterdam

Inside Stateroom aboard ms Rotterdam

Oceanview Stateroom on ms Rotterdam

Verandah Stateroom on ms Rotterdam

Vista Suite aboard ms Rotterdam

Neptune Suite aboard ms Rotterdam

Signature Suite aboard ms Rotterdam

Holland America's ms Rotterdam Cruise Ship

Top 10 Rotterdam Cruises

• Rotterdam 14-day Northern Isles Departing From Rotterdam, The Netherlands (Jul 2024 - Aug 2024)
• Rotterdam 21-day Britain Scotland Ireland & Norway Departing From Rotterdam, The Netherlands (Aug 2024)
• Rotterdam 14-day Britain Scotland & Ireland Departing From Rotterdam, The Netherlands (Aug 2024)
• Rotterdam 21-day Viking Sagas & Northern Isles Departing From Rotterdam, The Netherlands (Aug 2024)
• Rotterdam 7-day Northern Isles Departing From Rotterdam, The Netherlands (Aug 2024)
• Rotterdam 7-day Northern Isles Departing From Reykjavik, Iceland (Sep 2024)
• Rotterdam 21-day Norse Legends & Jewels Of The Baltic Departing From Rotterdam, The Netherlands (Sep 2024)
• Rotterdam 14-day Jewels Of The Baltic Departing From Rotterdam, The Netherlands (Sep 2024)
• Rotterdam 29-day Jewels Of The Baltic & Atlantic Sojourn Departing From Rotterdam, The Netherlands (Sep 2024)
• Rotterdam 15-day Atlantic Sojourn Departing From Rotterdam, The Netherlands (Oct 2024)

Learn More About Holland America Line

Accessibility

Learn about Holland America's handicap accessible cruises and accommodations for guests with special needs or disabilities, including hearing impairment, service animals and oxygen needs.

Savor dining aboard Holland America, including the Pinnacle Grill, Canaletto, Tamarind, Lido Restaurant, Master Chef's Room, main dining room, room service and more.

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Enjoy Holland America's onboard entertainment, including BB King's Blues Club, an onboard theater, casino, indoor and outdoor movie screens, bars and lounges.

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Engage in Holland America's onboard activities, including culinary classes, digital workshops, regional experiences, art galleries, pools, sports courts, duty-free shopping and more.

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Learn how Holland America's friendly staff take care of your every need with an extensive list of onboard services. Plus, view Holland America's cruising awards.

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Relax in Holland America's greenhouse spa, salon, fitness center and fitness classes. There are also Hydrotherapy pools on some Holland America ships.

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Make the most of your Holland America Line cruise with exclusive special events and signature experiences in select cities.

Explore Holland America's deluxe cruise staterooms, including Pinnacle, Neptune, Signature and Vista Suites, along with balcony, ocean-view and inside staterooms.

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Learn about cruising with children aboard Holland America. Youth programs provide supervision and activities for children ages 3-17, along with babysitting programs.

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Holland America’s ms Rotterdam: Comprehensive Ship Review

Theresa Russell

• August 19, 2022

Holland America’s Rotterdam, delayed by COVID, made her maiden voyage from Amsterdam in October of 2021 and then sailed initially in the Caribbean. In May of 2022, she again sailed from Amsterdam, visiting her namesake city, Rotterdam. She is the 7th ship with this name and she wears the name well.

ms Rotterdam Ship Stats

Rotterdam was christened in 2022 with Her Royal Highness Princess Margriet of the Netherlands serving as godmother. Music continues to be a theme on the latest Holland America vessel, with a variety of styles performed. Classical, classic rock, jazz, and blues are all heard throughout the ship.

With many decks named after composers and much artwork relating to music in some manner, the significance of the art form on board cannot be forgotten.

While music is a focus, there are other features that make this ship a good choice for singles, couples, and families. I sailed roundtrip from Amsterdam with ports of call in Rotterdam and Norway.

Holland America has dropped its vaccination mandate, as well as pre-cruise testing requirements for vaccinated guests, but it’s best to check the line’s website for current policies as protocols are ever-changing.

Rotterdam is simple to navigate. Most of the music venues are on the Plaza Deck, while dining is on Deck 2. At the top of the ship are the pool deck, Lido, and sports decks.

Staterooms are sandwiched in between.

MORE: 9 Cruise Concepts That Didn’t Quite Catch On

Staterooms range from interiors all the way to suites. I stayed in a Verandah stateroom, 6173, on Deck 6. This deck happened to be named after Mozart, which made me think of my personal connections to this composer’s music.

Inside the stateroom, I found everything that I would need for a comfortable week-long stay. The atmosphere and its neutral décor created a calming space. Light woods, some whites, and some pops of color — like in the balcony drapes — kept the room from feeling too plain.

My room had a small desk, perfect for using a laptop and keeping track of the daily newsletters. Thought had been given to the number of USB ports and power outlets. Having USB access on both sides of the bed just makes sense.

A loveseat had plenty of space for sitting with a small coffee table in front of it. Above the loveseat were cabinets that, for a shorter person, were a bit hard to access. Life jackets were stored in part of that cabinet.

The balcony had a good amount of space with room for loungers. My friend stayed in the cabin next door, so we requested that the divider be unlocked and opened so that we would have better space for photographs. Opening the divider also made the balcony area seem quite large.

One really unexpected benefit of that came when some unnamed person forgot her room key. It was so easy to walk through the balcony and into my room to collect my card. Fortunately, my balcony door was unlocked.

This stateroom also had a connecting door, which remained locked.

Finding space for unpacked clothes was easy, as it seems that this cabin had plenty of storage options. One surprising thing was that certain drawers were not very deep at all, but there were deeper drawers to compensate.

The bathroom had contrasting marble-designed floors and walls. The walls had a white background with dark veins running through, and the floors had dark marble with lighter veins running through. The combination of the wall and floor treatments really added a touch of elegance to the look of this bathroom.

Noticeable additions to this bathroom were grabbing bars in the shower and behind the toilet and a shaving bar in the shower. A person who might need extra space should not find this bathroom as confining as those on some ships.

It’s nice to conserve space, but it seems that some bathrooms need a tool like a shoe horn to help guests fit into the minuscule space that some ships have for bathrooms.

With options from casual to formal, ms Rotterdam’s designers and culinary experts put a lot of thought into pleasing a variety of tastes. The Lido has a multitude of options for those cruisers looking for something quick and casual.

If you want to focus on just one item, like hamburgers, Dive-In is the place to go. In addition to the large hamburgers and fries that they serve, they also cook hot dogs. Another quick option is pizza.

Taking food up a notch are several venues also with a theme. Pinnacle Grill is the steakhouse familiar to those who have sailed with Holland America.

In fact, all of the dining venues are found on most of the HAL ships. Guests looking for a restaurant with an Asian flair enjoy Tamarind, while those seeking seafood and creative dishes head to Rudi Sodamin’s Sel de Mer.

MORE: 9 Hits And Misses of Holland America’s Rotterdam

Entertainment

Music Walk is at the heart of it all. With a mix of music including blues, classical, classic rock and piano, all the music that you love is available on Deck 2. If, like me, you appreciate a variety of musical styles, it’s a simple matter to hop from one venue to the next.

On the World Stage, BBC Earth shows combine outstanding visuals appearing on the circular 270 degree, two-story screen that comprises much of the theater space. To accompany the photos and videos, musicians play live on the stage. These shows evoke a real sense of place and tell engaging stories of the natural world.

One favorite venue on ms Rotterdam is the bright library, something that seems to be disappearing from many ships. The selection of books impressed me, as did the entire feel of this comfortable and quiet space.

Public Areas & Watering Holes

Many of the music venues have nearby bars, so it’s nice to enjoy music with easy access to refreshments. One of the new bars on board illustrates Dutch maritime history through its cocktails. Half Moon Bar, new in the fleet, offer a menu with an accompanying description of its customized drinks . Some of the drinks created here can be found at other bars on the ship.

Just because a bar is located in a dining venue doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy it without having a reservation in the restaurant it is associated with. Such is the case with the Tamarind Bar, which often enticed guests with martini tastings and special pricing on the martini being featured.

Fitness Center & Spa

I didn’t have a chance to use either the spa or the fitness center, but they offer what most guests expect to find on a ship this size.

According to Holland America, these are a few of their offerings: Ryde Indoor Cycling room, TRX Suspension Training room, saunas, massage rooms including couple’s massage rooms, dry float suite with massage option, thermal suites with hydro-therapy pool, steam & aromatic room, heated ceramic lounges, in-suite showers, relaxation area, manicure and pedicure area, beauty salon/barber shop, and Medi-Spa.

Closing Thoughts of ms Rotterdam

Experiencing a brand-new ship counts among my favorite cruising experiences. Holland America’s ms Rotterdam is no exception. It had been several years since I had sailed on Holland America, and I waited far too long to return.

As a music lover, I appreciated the variety of music found in the different venues on Rotterdam. Maybe even more important, I appreciated that music existed as an art form for the enjoyment of the guests. Too many ships play loud music without purpose. Being able to have a conversation while enjoying purposeful music creates a perfect atmosphere for me.

Having enjoyed sailing on Holland America ships for many years, even when decades younger, I want to emphasize that this brand is not exclusively for an older demographic but for a cruiser who appreciates a place to feel refreshed with music, good food, and a peaceful atmosphere.

I am looking forward to introducing my grandchildren to cruising on a line like Holland America, which, by the way, does have Club HAL for children.

READ NEXT: Trip Report, Day 1: Embarking Holland America’s Newest Ship, Rotterdam

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The evolution of heritage: A first look at Holland America's new Rotterdam cruise ship

Tradition has always been at the forefront for Holland America Line , a company with roots that reach as far back as 1873, when the then-named Nederlandsche-Amerikaansche Stoomvaart Maatschappij (Dutch-American Steamship Company) ferried passengers back and forth between Rotterdam and New York City.

HAL's first ship was Rotterdam; since the line began operations, it has just about always had a vessel with that name in its fleet.

In November, I sailed on the line's newest ship -- the seventh to bear the name for Holland America. With its modern take on passenger cruising, it's a far cry from the original Rotterdam -- and from many other Holland America ships -- but it still finds plenty of ways to pay homage to its predecessors while innovating in ways that both retain what matters to its stalwart passenger base and make space for new generations of cruisers without being too flashy.

Here's how the newest Rotterdam handles dining, cabins, entertainment and more.

For more cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Dining and drinks

I've said it before, and I'll say it again: Holland America's cuisine is seriously underrated.

Whether you're eating in an added-fee specialty restaurant, grabbing a meal in the included main dining room or snagging a snack from the cafe, the quality and presentation of the food on HAL's ships are consistently superb. It's one of the few cruise lines that doesn't require passengers to pay extra in order to enjoy a truly delicious or fancy meal.

The complimentary two-deck dining room is open daily for breakfast, lunch (on sea days) and dinner. Apart from a few fun lighting fixtures, the space is fairly neutral and nondescript, leaving all eyes on the food itself, and it doesn't disappoint.

I thoroughly enjoyed my French onion soup, Caesar salad and salmon with capers and dill. The menu offers several more exciting selections, too, some of which incorporate port-sourced ingredients. There are also several options for vegetarians and cruisers who can't eat dairy or gluten.

Among the other complimentary dining outposts are the Lido Market buffet, which is crew-served and open for all meals with an astounding variety of options; the Grand Dutch Cafe, which offers out-of-this-world grilled ham and cheese sandwiches and pea soup, plus complimentary coffee and extra-fee alcohol and prepackaged Dutch candy and pastries; and New York Deli and Pizza, overlooking the main pool.

Unfortunately, my slice of pizza looked (and tasted) like it had been under a heat lamp for hours. (It was the only subpar dining experience I had on the entire sailing, but other passengers I spoke with said their experience was fantastic.) Room service is available 24 hours a day, and it's also free, with the exception of select items that are noted on the menu.

Pinnacle Grill, the ship's added-cost steakhouse, is a favorite of Holland America fans, and it's one of the most dress-up-worthy venues on board.

Designed for carnivores, the menu does offer a couple of vegetarian choices, but the star of the show is the meat. I drooled over the candied bacon appetizer — designed by chef David Burke and served on a clothesline -- which was so good one of my travel companions joked he'd be ordering it again for dessert.

My 7-ounce filet mignon arrived cooked to perfection, along with sauces and shareable sides like asparagus, lobster macaroni and cheese and roasted baby beets with blue cheese. Anyone looking for something more substantial will be pleased to find that a 36-ounce tomahawk steak is also available to order.

Rudi's Sel de Mer is an upscale for-fee restaurant that focuses on fish and seafood, but steak, duck and lamb also make an appearance on the menu, as well as a few vegetarian selections. You can't go wrong with the jumbo Alaskan crab legs, which come cracked and ready to eat with a side of drawn butter.

For dessert, I highly recommend Rudi's Face to Face Chocolate, which consists of fruit and chocolate arranged on a plate in one of chef Rudi Sodamin's signature Food Faces designs.

Tamarind, the added-fee Asian restaurant that shares real estate with Nami Sushi, is located at the very aft of the ship. I found it difficult to access initially, but it's a stunning, elegant space with an interesting list of dishes such as a satay sampler with Malaysian, Chinese, Thai, Indonesian and Vietnamese small bites; cashew barramundi with red Thai curry; wasabi- and soy-crusted beef tenderloin; and Mongolian barbecue lamb chops.

I absolutely loved the spicy dan dan noodles with a side of steamed jasmine rice.

Also worth noting are Canaletto, an Italian restaurant that takes up residence at the Lido Market at night and levies a supplemental charge, and the Club Orange dining room, which is free to passengers who are booked in suites. Cruisers not booked in suites are able to pay for access to Club Orange and a slew of other perks.

As with most ships, Rotterdam has a large number of bars, but a few stand out.

The most impressive is the Half Moon Bar, which is new to the fleet and features a menu that's a mix of science and history. In addition to wine and beer, this watering hole -- located where the Blend wine mixing bar is found on other Pinnacle-class vessels -- boasts seven exclusive cocktails, each with its own story and ties to Holland America's maritime history.

My favorite? The Rotterdam VII: smoked gin and maraschino. It's a smokey drink that actually appeals to those of us who prefer sweeter tipples. Plus, the presentation is one you won't want to miss. (Be ready to snap a photo or take a video.)

My second-favorite beverage outpost is the Grand Dutch Cafe for its cappuccinos and nibbles as much as its mixed drinks. The former are fabulous, but if you're looking for a sugar rush, you'll also want to try the Dutch take on an Aperol spritz -- De Kuyper Oranje Bitter mixed with Sprite. Be warned: it's over-the-top sweet, but it pairs perfectly with one of the cafe's complimentary pastries.

For those seeking some quiet time reading, playing board games, doing puzzles or simply gazing at the sea, head to the Crow's Nest. The lounge's Explorations Cafe ensures you won't have to go far to grab a cozy coffee or tea, but this location deserves a shout simply because it's the only place on board where I was able to find my favorite Dutch treat, stroopwafels.

Then there's the Sea View Bar, which offers standard poolside drinks near the adults-only Sea View Pool. The starboard (right, when facing the front of the ship) side of the area is dedicated to smokers, which is a turnoff, but otherwise, there are comfy seats, twin hot tubs and, of course, the pool itself, which is backlit by color-changing mood lighting at night and complemented by breathtaking vistas of the ship's wake by day.

Below the suite level, cabins on Rotterdam comprise the usual categories: insides, outsides and balconies all with neutral, subdued color schemes that are almost exclusively white, cream, brown and tan with light woods. The only pops of black, slate gray and light blue come from a few throw pillows, the bed runner and curtains (in oceanview and balcony cabins). The houndstooth carpet pattern also stands out.

Even the most standard staterooms are outfitted with touches many mainstream lines don't bother to incorporate, such as glass showers and shaving bars in the bathrooms; shoeshine baskets and tie racks in the closets; and USB charging ports near the beds in the main cabin, as well as DVD players to go along with the interactive televisions.There's also an impressive selection of free movie titles from which to choose.

Makeup-lovers will appreciate enhanced lighting near each cabin vanity, as well as standalone makeup mirrors, which can be found in the drawers alongside a hairdryer.

Passengers looking for more high-end digs will appreciate Rotterdam's selection of suites, which include Vista Suites (basically a slightly larger balcony cabin), Signature Suites (with a murphy bed, dual-sink vanity and full-size whirlpool bath) and Neptune Suites (large sitting area, Neptune Lounge access and a private concierge in addition to Signature Suite amenities).

All are elegantly appointed and offer a bit more space than standard cabins.

All cruisers booked in Neptune Suite accommodations have complimentary Club Orange access, entitling them to meals in the exclusive Club Orange dining room, as well as other perks like priority embarkation and disembarkation. Passengers not booked in suites are able to join Club Orange by paying for those extras.

Forty cabins across several categories, including suites, are tailored for accessibility. Of those 40, 13 are ambulatory accessible for passengers who use canes or walkers. The rest are fully accessible for cruisers with wheelchairs or scooters; they are equipped with roll-in showers and other accommodations .

Additionally, the ship provides 12 cabins for solo travelers. All are found in a cluster at the front of Deck 12 (the Main Deck) and are fairly small.

Entertainment

Entertainment on Holland America ships is generally more subdued than what you might expect when sailing with some other lines, but that doesn't mean it's boring.

New to the fleet with Rotterdam's debut is "Origin Story," a high-tech, live-hosted documentary-style show that chronicles HAL's history -- from the original Rotterdam through the pandemic-related shutdown of 2020 -- in a way that will leave you wanting to see it more than once. (Bring tissues.)

The World Stage, where "Origin Story" is shown, serves as the ship's main theater and also plays host to dance performances and doo-wop groups, among other nightly shows.

A highlight of the onboard entertainment scene is Music Walk, a promenade dotted with four performance venues that house different musical experiences and other offerings, allowing passengers to find something that caters to their specific tastes.

The Rolling Stone Rock Room features a live band that plays nightly rock tunes, while B.B. King's Blues Club puts the focus on bluesy hits and comedic acts.

Billboard Onboard, which also serves as the home base for daily trivia competitions, pits dueling pianists against one another for decade-specific tunes, Hot 100 songs and even requests.

Lincoln Center Stage spotlights instrumental performances, covering genres like classical, Latin and French. I was surprised to see that some of the nighttime venues had people dancing as late as 1 a.m.

Some of the other options for fun-seeking travelers include casino play, poolside movies, afternoon tea, pickleball, board games, basketball shooting competitions, spa seminars, dance and mixology classes and wine tastings.

Public areas

Rotterdam's public spaces are elegantly designed and feature plenty of nooks and crannies for relaxing, finding some quiet time or grabbing a drink. The ship was at less than 40% capacity when I sailed, so I can't speak to how crowded it might feel when it's full, but I had no trouble escaping for a few quiet moments now and then.

Some of the notable public areas include the Greenhouse Spa and Salon, where passengers can receive a variety of for-fee treatments like massages and manicures, have their hair done or check out the thermal suite; the fitness center (which is equipped with several cardio and weight machines, as well as free weights and studio space for added-cost yoga and spin classes); the top-deck jogging track for fresh-air laps; and the onboard shops, selling everything from HAL logo wear and duty-free items to toiletries you might have forgotten to pack.

The vessel's main pool is the Lido Pool on Deck 9. Thankfully, it lacks bright, kitschy, tropical decor that seems to be synonymous with cruise ships and, instead, boasts plenty of loungers, a retractable roof to allow swimming in any kind of weather, three hot tubs and easy access to bar service, gelato and the buffet, as well as the deli and pizzeria, which is one deck above.

The Sea View Pool, also on Deck 9, is the adults-only pool. There, the focus is on the passing scenery and the ship's wake. There are also two hot tubs, and elegant lantern lighting is reminiscent of an upscale beach club.

New additions

As the third ship in Holland America's Pinnacle Class, Rotterdam is the product of evolution. It's worlds away from some of the line's oldest vessels, yet still the same in all the ways that matter: comfort, service, food, tradition, serenity and understated elegance.

New on Rotterdam are the previously mentioned Half Moon Bar; the onboard library, which gives me serious Barnes & Noble vibes and is fully stocked with sections for travel, young adult, mystery, poetry, fiction and science fiction, among others; and the onboard art collection, comprising 2,500 intriguing and eye-catching pieces from artists around the world.

Bottom line

With Rotterdam and the other vessels in the Pinnacle Class, Holland America has managed to please its most loyal demographic while offering plenty to keep younger cruisers satisfied and entertained. Although it doesn't attract large numbers of children, it's absolutely suitable for multigenerational family trips.

Service is great across the board; cabins are well-appointed, elegant and comfortable; and the food in just about every eatery is simply excellent.

Holland America Rotterdam Review: HAL’s Newest Cruise Ship

Meet holland america’s newest ship, the ms rotterdam.

The Holland America Rotterdam , a Pinnacle Class ship by Holland America Line is HAL’s newest cruise ship and doesn’t disappoint! It’s almost universal that passengers really enjoy the new Rotterdam and it’s easy to understand why!

The ship, while relatively large holding over 2650 passengers, isn’t nearly the size of the modern “mega ships” found in other cruise company fleets. This makes the MS Rotterdam feel more intimate and overall feels like what you’d expect from a classic cruise experience. 

What we loved about the Rotterdam Cruise Ship

• The food and restaurant selection is impressive for the ship’s size. 
• The buffet space feels less “buffet” than it does a cafeteria line, meaning there are fewer self-service stations than on traditional ships. Being a germaphobe, this was soothing to my soul :). 
• Efficient service at every bar. We rarely had to wait for service, despite the ship being at near capacity.
• The staterooms are beautiful
• The ship feels like a floating art gallery. If you love art, you could spend hours looking at the art in every vestibule. This is the first ship we’ve been on with this level of curated art. 
• The ship feels more traditional yet modern. It gives a great sense of what cruising once was while keeping up with modern-day amenities, decor, and programs
• The music is just fantastic. The cruise line has clearly put a lot of effort in finding amazing performers.
• This is the first cruise in many years where the Cruise Director (A shout out to Karlijn!) was present, visible, and very active in lectures.

What we didn’t like about the MS Rotterdam

• There’s not a lot to dislike about the Rotterdam, but what was disappointing was some of the excursion prices being simply outrageous.
• Some of the communication was lacking.
• There were several port changes, which is to be expected. However, on one occasion, the decision was made to dock far outside of the city (Copenhagen) rather than the passenger terminal closer to the city center. On top of that, Holland America decided it was ok to charge everyone $20 for a bus ride. It very much felt like a money grab. When people pay this amount for a cruise, they should have had courtesy shuttles arranged (in my opinion). 

Food on the Rotterdam – Our Experience

Overall, the food in every venue was quite good, and excelled in some restaurants such as Pinnacle Grill. Even the main dining room selection and quality were surprisingly good and never had a miss with any of the dining experiences.

Restaurants on the Rotterdam Explained

Holland America has a great variety when it comes to dining options and specialty dining venues. There really is something for everyone. Unfortunately, most of the venues are specialty restaurants with an upcharge, however considering the value of each restaurant, it’s reasonably priced. 

Specialty Restaurants

Pinnacle Grill – The most popular restaurant on HAL ships is the go-to for steak lovers. The service is always consistently good and the food quality is top-notch! Reservations are recommended, but the restaurant accepts walk-ins if there is space. The  charge for Pinnacle Grill is only $39 plus the 18% service charge  making it a reasonable  $46 per person.  See the Pinnacle Grill Menu .

Tamarind – The Asian experience on board is a beautiful space with a good-sized menu to cover even picky eaters. The best part is the hidden bar in the corner of the restaurant. This little gem is a great space to hang out when all of the other bars seem busy, as many people don’t realize it even exists (and you don’t need to be dining in the restaurant to go to the bar).  Also within Tamarind is the a la carte Nami Sushi bar which is reasonably priced and a good place for a light meal. Die-hard sushi lovers will probably find it a bit too basic and some of the preparations were unusual, but it was still a good snack for a sushi lover.   Tamarind has a flat cover charge of $29 per person plus 18%  gratuity  – See the Tamarind menu .

Rudi’s Sel de Mer – The French-inspired & seafood-forward restaurant was the only one we WERE going to skip but decided in order to be able to review the Rotterdam fully, we needed to try it out. It was a lovely dining experience but may not be a great choice for picky eaters. Definitely review the menu before committing to a booking. While the food was quite good, the service was unusual and the entire experience can be summed up as “strange”.  Enjoyable, however. See Rudi’s Sel de Mer menu

Canaletto – The Italian eatery on the ship is tucked away in the side parts of the buffet area, and didn’t “wow” with anything. On longer voyages, it’s definitely a good way to break up the monotony of other dining venues, but we’d give this a pass on shorter itineraries as it’s basic, albeit decent Italian food.  See the Canaletto menu

Club Orange Dining Room – The private dining room for passengers who’ve opted to upgrade to the Club Orange program is open during meal service and has an expanded menu. The best part about this venue is that it’s more subdued and private feeling, though the food is largely the same with a few more options depending on the meal. 

Included complimentary dining options

Grand Dutch Cafe – Quite possibly the best little spot on the ship! It’s truly Dutch (and I can say that after living in The Netherlands!). They have everything from traditional Dutch snacks like “bitterballen”.  If you don’t know what those are, we’ll explain separately. 

The Lido Market (Buffet) – As previously mentioned, the Lido is less of a traditional buffet and more of a cafeteria line where the majority of the items were prepared and served while in line. It most certainly feels more sanitary, but better than that is the fact it reduces food waste. I almost never witnessed piles of food being left behind on tables, which is typical to see on other cruise lines.  The food itself is varied enough and rotates throughout the voyage. Passengers who love the buffet experience on cruise ships won’t be disappointed! 

Dive In Burgers & Dogs – If you have a weak spot for burgers and hot dogs, you’re in luck!  Dive In makes some really great burgers and loaded hotdogs. It’s nice that this isn’t just a typical buffet, but the items are made to order so everything comes out hot and fresh. 

New York Deli and Pizza – Just as you’d expect, order a slice or a whole pie! The pizza was consistent, not the best pizza we’ve had at sea, but always decent. 

Bars & Lounges

As expected, there was no shortage of bars and lounges on the Rotterdam. But there seemed to be a shortage of comfortable places to relax with a drink in hand. So while the bars have seats, there were really only a couple of locations that felt like a real “lounge”.  

The best lounge area is “The Crow’s Nest” aka Explorations Central. This is at the top of the ship and in many other cruise ships, it would be referred to as the “observation lounge”.  The area is surrounded by glass with plenty of lounge seating, table service, and a full bar. At some points during the day, they even had small snacks. 

A favorite of ours is the bar inside the Tamarind restaurant. It’s usually not busy and it’s not known by many other guests, so getting a drink when other bars are busy is much easier! 

There are the expected Pool Bars which include the bar at the Lido Pool (Lido Bar), outdoor bars (Panorama Bar & Sea View Bar) as well as the Retreat which is a private space for paying guests only. Interestingly enough, these bars don’t have the same vibe and aren’t the same gathering spots you’d find on other cruise ships. While they provide good service and as-expected drinks, guests just don’t seem to congregate around these pool bars making them feel a little sterile. This could be by design or just circumstance, it’s hard to tell. 

Half Moon Bar  – Unique to the Holland America Rotterdam, this is a craft cocktail bar where the staff takes the making of unique, specialty drinks seriously! The only thing is the space is cramped and seems like an afterthought. Great service, unique drinks, and can get busy – so get a seat at the bar if you see one available. The best thing is, if you opted for the “Have it All” package , nearly all of the specialty cocktails are included in the package!

Other bars on the Rotterdam include:

The Ocean bar is effectively the “atrium bar” and has a nice lounge area. As with some of the other bars on the ship, the bar itself isn’t terribly inviting, but the lounge space is a nice place for a quiet drink during the day.

Grand Dutch Cafe – Which isn’t really a bar, but is where you would go for a selection of craft beers and some coffee-based drinks.

• See Also : Holland America Drink Menus

Entertainment on the Holland America Rotterdam

The Rotterdam is clearly focused on live music entertainment with the main promenade being referred to as “Music Walk” where the space is divided into several performance spaces such as Rolling Stone Rock Room, Billboard Onboard & BB King’s Blues Club (also called the Center Stage). These venues all blend together and various music performances are happening in the spaces throughout the evening. They’re planned well enough to where music doesn’t really overflow into other venues even though they’re all relatively open. This makes for a great vibe while wandering through the ship in the evenings.

The only real negative aspect of the music on the Rotterdam is there aren’t any lower key venues to listen to quieter music. Everything was really upbeat (good!) and loud (good for some, not for all) – but really entertaining! 

In addition to the wonderful music on board, the amazing “World Stage” is the performance and lecture space that when paired with the right event, is stunning. The tech that has been put into the theater is not only cutting edge but so well done you’d never know you were in a theater at sea. The world theater has rotating shows throughout the voyage and includes an amazing show called “Humanity” which is a journey of music and dance. 

The lectures that happen within the World Stage include the history of Holland America Line as well as interesting presentations about the ship and the focus on sustainability.

Finally, there are the fun “game show” style events that include really creative concepts from Music Trivia to “Secret Identity”. It’s pretty entertaining and the staff do a great job engaging the passengers and making the most of the events. I’m not one to usually participate in these sorts of activities, but they were just too good to pass up.

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Quiet spaces on the ship

Even when the ship is at full capacity, there are places that are quiet. A great place to find some quiet is the Library on Deck 2. It’s a hidden spot that many people don’t realize exists. It’s a quiet space with a huge selection of reading material (complimentary) including a book exchange. Additionally, in the Crow’s Nest, there is a game room space that is usually very quiet and has an amazing selection of board and card games. 

For people who just want to read a book during the day, the entire Music Walk space has seating where you can be sure to find a quiet corner. 

In the evening, there are low-key activities such as movies played at the Lido Pool on an oversized screen. 

Fitness center, sports deck, and walking

The Fitness Center on the ship is quite extensive. After entering through the spa, a large, expansive room opens up with every possible workout machine and space for free weights. In addition to the workout space, there’s a spin room full of Precor spin bikes and a separate space for yoga & pilates classes.

The cost for fitness classes is nominal and includes:

• Pilates – 45 minutes, $20
• Yoga – 45 minutes, $20
• Suspension Training – 45 minutes, $20
• Training – 45 minutes, $20
• Indoor cycling – 45 minutes, $20

For long walks at sea, the Rotterdam has a full walking & jogging track that loops around the sports court ( a great place to shoot some hoops)

The Greenhouse Spa & Salon + Thermal Suite

The Spa facilities (Greenhouse Spa & Salon) are relatively simple and don’t seem to be a focal point of the ship’s offerings. While there is everything you’d expect from a spa at sea, it’s just not large nor very welcoming. However, the thermal suite which is available for a separate fee, is a nice size and offers a bit of a retreat from the rest of the ship.

It’s worth noting though, that unlike some other cruise lines, getting a treatment does not get you access to the Thermal Suite. That is a bit mindboggling if you ask me.

Saunas on the Rotterdam are free!

The saunas located within the Greenhouse Spa are actually free to use for all passengers. Most people don’t realize the sauna exists, much less being complimentary! These are the only spa spaces that are gender-specific & clothing optional.

How much does the Thermal Suite Pass cost on the Rotterdam?

A day pass to the Greenhouse thermal suite is $49 per person. A full voyage pass is available and varies, but on a 7 day voyage we were able to get a pass for $149 per person. A great value if you enjoy these types of services.

The thermal suite includes a relaxation room with warming chairs, several steam rooms, an aqua therapy pool, a horizontal shower, and a sauna. The entire facility is mixed gender/co-ed.

The Cost of Spa Treatments for the Greenhouse Spa on HAL (Spa Menu)

We found some of the prices of the Spa on the Rotterdam were a bit excessive, but in line with other cruise lines lately. A basic massage was $179 for 50 minutes and $299 for 100 minutes.

The Pools on the HAL Rotterdam

What makes the experience special for so many on a cruise are the pools, and this cruise ship doesn’t disappoint! In fact, the thought that has gone into the pool spaces is pretty amazing given the smaller size of this ship. 

The primary pool (Lido) is the central pool with a retractable roof making this ship a perfect choice for all-weather cruising. On a Nordic itinerary during the summer, some locations were cold and would otherwise have made the main pool unusable, but because of the retracting roof, the pool was enjoyable for the entire cruise. 

At the rear of the ship is the small but lovely Sea View Pool & Bar. With two decks of sun chairs, there’s almost always a place to enjoy the outdoors by this pool.

Cabins on the MS Rotterdam

The cabins on the ship are modern and designed incredibly well when compared to similar size cruise ships. Rather than feeling like a traditional stateroom, the cabins feel more like a high-end hotel experience. As expected, there are all the stateroom classes you’d find on modern ships including Balcony / Verandah cabins, Ocean view cabins, inside cabins, and a variety of suites .

Balcony / Verandah Stateroom 

The most popular and sought-after cabins are the Verandah Staterooms. These cabins are spacious, well decorated, and offer amazing views over the ocean. We’ve done a complete overview of the balcony cabin on the Rotterdam with photos & 360 views.

• See : 360 photos of the Rotterdam Balcony Cabin & Review

Solo Cabins

Holland America has elevated the solo travel experience with the solo cabins on this cruise ship. Cruise lines that offer solo cabins usually only have interior space available for solo guests. HAL has elevated the solo travel experience by offering their solo cabins as ocean-view staterooms! They’re not large, but it’s nice to know the option of an ocean view exists when taking a cruise alone.

Spa Staterooms

Booking a Spa stateroom or suite on MS Rotterdam is a great option for those who are passionate about spa treatments and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The convenience of being in close proximity to the spa is a definite advantage, and the added amenities in these rooms can enhance your overall experience.

The only real extra “spa” amenities in the room are yoga mats, a pedometer, as well as a countertop water feature.

The Spa Cabins Do Not Include Spa Access!

Unlike other cruise lines that offer spa rooms, the “Spa” cabins do not include any access to the thermal suites.

If you’re unsure about the value of booking a Spa stateroom or suite, especially if you anticipate spending most of your time elsewhere on the ship, it may not be worth paying the premium price. The cost difference between a spa stateroom and a standard room in the same category might not be significant, so evaluate whether the additional benefits justify an extra expense.

Cabins to Avoid on the Rotterdam

There are almost no bad cabins on this ship, however, there are a few that passengers consistently comment on for different reasons. First, the staterooms above and below some of the performance stages along the Music Walk can sometimes get noise in the evenings.

These cabin numbers are in the area of C1108-C1134 and C1029-C1103, deck 1 as well as VH4046-VH4092 and VH4045-VH4103 on Deck 4.

It’s also worth noting that the above cabins on Deck 4 may also have obstructed views (lifeboats).

Holland America Rotterdam Deck Plan

Explore the deck plans for the Holland America Rotterdam . See if your cabin is under or above loud spaces and get a feel for the ship before you embark on your cruise!

Do you have a comment?

Did we miss something? Have you had a different experience? Did we get it wrong?

Our Final Thoughts

The Rotterdam is a stunning new addition to the Holland America fleet, and feels like you’re embarking on a high-end / luxury journey with the presence of amazing art, great food, and good entertainment.

Anyone who has been reluctant about the demographics of Holland America and their other ships should give the Rotterdam a try. The ship caters to all ages in an incredible way.

Cruise Gear Editor

I'm a global nomad at heart, and the dedicated editor behind CruiseGear. For the past two decades, I've experienced exciting voyages across the world, discovering countless ports from the decks of dozens of ships, visiting 40+ countries (and living in some of them for years). It's been an exhilarating journey to say the least! I want to share everything I've learned and hope to make your next cruise vacation as enjoyable as possible.

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Rotterdam Ship Info

• 3. Promenade
• 4. Beethoven
• 5. Gershwin
• 7. Schubert
• 8. Navigation
• 10. Panorama
• 12. Observation
• Click here for ALL
• Family Oceanview
• Signature Suite
• Neptune Suite
• Pinnacle Suite
• Ship info and tracking
• Cabin Check

On this page you will find Rotterdam features, history, sister ships, and useful facts provided by Cruisedeckplans.com. Look at the bottom of the page for the LIVE TRACKING position of Rotterdam

Holland America Cruise Line

General information.

The Rotterdam started sailing in 2021. Former names: none. The Rotterdam is registered in Netherlands. The Rotterdam has 1339 cabins. You can expect between 2678 to 3214 passengers on a typical sailing. This means that at the higher number (usually peak and holiday sailings) Rotterdam has a space ratio of 31. (A space ratio less than 33 means that you may find the ship crowded in areas. A space ratio greater than 39 means that there should be plenty of space for each passenger.) When this ship isn't sailing at capacity the space ratio can be as good as 37.2. The Rotterdam has 1025 crew members on board. There are 3 passengers for every crew member on board. There are no self serve laundromats on this cruise ship.

Sister Ships

The following ships share the same class as this ship. This means the basic design and layout of the ship is the same. For the most part the cabins will be identical among these ships, but may be decorated differently. 2016- Koningsdam 2018- Nieuw Statendam 2021- Rotterdam

Accessibility

There are 27 special needs cabins on this ship. These cabins have been modified for accessibility purposes.

13 Decks

There are 13 on this ship. The highest deck number is 13. The number of decks with passenger cabins is 8.

68% Balconies

This is the percent of the staterooms on board have balconies.

Other Information

Ships name changed from Ryndam to Rotterdam. Delivered July 30, 2021. Maiden voyage was on October 20, 2021. This is the third ship in the fleet. There are 1340 total staterooms on board, with 70% of them including a step-out private balcony. Passengers booked in the Neptune and Pinnacle Suites will enjoy bonus perks by the Club Orange program including an exclusive dining venue, Club Orange Restaurant. Also included are priority services, 24-hour concierge service and desk, room service, and sparkling wine on embarkation day and luxury robes and tote bag. There are 11 dining options on board: The Dining Room- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner/complimentary Pinnacle Grill- Seafood & Steakhouse, reservations required Rudis Sel De Mer- French seafood brasserie for dinner only, reservations required Canaletto Restaurant- Lido Restaurant & Italian Restaurant (for dinner, reservations required) Grand Dutch Cafe- Holland-themed ala carte that offers snack and sweets Dive-In- Fast food burgers and fries, complimentary New York Deli & Pizza- fast food sandwiches and pizza Gelato- ice cream bar Lido Market- buffet restaurant for breakfast, lunch, and dinner Tamarind- Asian restaurant, complimentary lunch & extra fee for dinner/reservations only Club Orange Restaurant- for Pinnacle and Neptune suite guests only Nightly entertainment can be found at the main show lounge, The World Stage, which features LED screens that can move into different configurations. Live entertainment can also be found in the Music Walk area which houses venues such as Lincoln Center Stage & B.B. Kings Blues Club, Rolling Stone Rock Room, and Billboard Onboard. Nighttime movies can be found at the 2-deck outdoor cinema. Kids have their own space at Club HAL, which has complimentary kids programming. There is also The Loft which is for teens including a video games arcade, playstations, and a teen disco. Outdoor entertainment can be found at the sports court which has pickleball, sun decks that spread over 3 floors and include swimming pools and jacuzzis, and the walking/jogging track. Adults have their very own sundeck/relaxation zone with private cabanas for rent. The Wellness Complex consists of a fitness center, and Greenhouse Salon & Spa with therapy rooms, Hydrotherapy pool, thermal suites, sauna, steam room, relaxation area, and salon. Adults can also enjoy the casino, and the many lounges and bars on board.

Rotterdam Ship Stats

Rotterdam features.

• 1 Indoor Pools
• 1 Retractable Roof Pools

• 7 Whirlpools (hot tubs)
• No Rock Climbing Wall
• No Flow Rider
• No Ice Rink
• No Waterslide
• No Water Park
• No Ropes Course
• No Mini Golf
• Sports Court
• No Jogging Track

• No Cigar Lounge
• Video Arcade
• Show Lounge
• Fitness Center

• No Bridge Viewing Area
• No Outdoor Movie Screen
• Teen Lounge
• Passenger Promenade Deck
• Sea Viewing Lounge on upper deck
• No Adult Only Outside Lounge Area

Live Cruise Ship Tracking - Rotterdam

Smoking policy.

• All staterooms, showrooms, and most indoor areas are designated non-smoking. Guests are allowed to smoke on stateroom verandahs (Effective in January 2017 smoking will not be allowed on verandahs)
• Electronic cigarette smoking is permitted inside staterooms
• Smoking is permitted in designated smoking areas that MAY include: casino (active slots only - Oosterdam and Eurodam casinos are non-smoking)
• Smoking allowed outside at Sea View (Retreat) Bar/Pool on starboard side.
• On ms Prinsendam, ms Koningsdam and ms Nieuw Statendam, smoking allowed on the port side. Smoking is never on both sides.
• Smoking allowed in the Sun Bar on ms Koningsdam and ms Nieuw Statendam.
• Allowed on Sports Deck forward and aft of Crow's Nest on starboard side on ms Maasdam, ms Veendam, ms Volendam, ms Zaandam, ms Rotterdam and ms Amsterdam, aft of Crow's Nest starboard side.
• Cigar and pipe smoking is not allowed anywhere inside the ship
• Only allowed in designated outdoor smoking areas.

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The newest Pinnacle-class cruise ship in Holland America's fleet.

As Holland America Line's third Pinnacle-class ship, Rotterdam hits all the right notes: exquisite dining experiences, enhanced staterooms and suites, exceptional service and craftsmanship that reflects nearly 150 years of seafaring expertise.

Onboard the Rotterdam

Costco Member Reviews

• Year Built: 2020

Double Occupancy Capacity: 0

In honor of some of the most memorable ships in Holland America Line's history, their third Pinnacle-class ship (and new flagship) will be named Rotterdam. This new addition to the fleet will fill your journey with a rhythm all its own, putting music front and center, creating the soundtrack to the discoveries you make every day. At the heart of it all is Music Walk®: an exclusive collection of five venues featuring live music and electrifying performances from accomplished musicians, dancers and artists every night. Rotterdam hits all the right notes: exquisite dining experiences, enhanced staterooms and suites, the finest service at sea and craftsmanship that reflects nearly 150 years of seafaring expertise. The result is a ship that moves you — from the start of your first day to the end of each perfect night. Ship images are an artist rendering.

Member reviews become available after at least 5 are received in order to provide you with an accurate picture of this travel product.

Onboard Activities

Activities & services (included in cruise).

BB King's Blues Club

• Disco/Nightclub
• Game Arcade
• Theater/Show Lounge
• Fitness Center
• Pool - Outdoor
• Pool - Indoor/Covered
• Sports Facilities
• Whirlpool/Jacuzzi
• Bars/Lounges
• Internet Center
• Billboard Onboard
• Rolling Stone Rock Room
• B.B. Kings Blues Club
• Organized Age Specific Activities
• Concierge Desk
• Safe Deposit Boxes

Activities & Services (available for an extra fee)

Greenhouse Spa

• Beauty Salon
• Fitness Classes
• Full-Service Spa
• Spa Services/Massage
• Duty-Free Shops/Boutiques
• Infirmary/Medical Center

Dining Room

Main Dining

Dining Room:  For breakfast, lunch or an unforgettable five-course dinner, the elegant main Dining Room is your destination for sophisticated dining, with menu selections from classic favorites to vegetarian options to dishes inspired by the regions you’ll visit.

Pinnacle Grill

Specialty Dining

Pinnacle Grill:  Reserve a table in the intimate Pinnacle Grill for lunch or dinner and celebrate the day’s adventures with cuisine inspired by the bounty of America’s Pacific Northwest. In this elegantly appointed room, service is warm and engaging, and a meal is an event. The menu focuses on premium ingredients expertly prepared—from wild-caught king salmon from Alaska to sustainably raised beef from Washington State’s Double R Ranch. And, every evening in this venue offers a chance for you to experience the signature recipes of Culinary Council Chef David Burke. Complementing your perfectly prepared meals are boutique wines from the Pacific Northwest and other celebrated vineyards from around the world. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

Canaletto:  This authentic Italian restaurant offers a menu that celebrates spartire (Italian for "sharing"). Try Braised Chicken Cacciatore "al Forno" Branzino ai Ferri or a classic Italian pasta: spaghetti pomodoro or garlic shrimp-infused ravioli, perhaps. Buon appetito! This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

Rudi's Sel De Mer:  Named for Master Chef Rudi Sodamin, Rudi’s Sel de Mer is an intimate brasserie featuring classic French dishes reimagined with contemporary flair. Menu selections include whole Dover sole meunière with shaved pink Himalayan sea salt, oysters on the half shell, fruits de mer, and salt-crust baked branzino, as well as favorites such as steak frites, duck cassoulet and coq au vin. Conclude your dinner with a classic dessert and fine French cheeses. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

Tamarind:  Tamarind delights with exotic menus evoking the culinary traditions of Southeast Asia, China and Japan. Menus created by Master Chef Rudi Sodamin feature dishes honoring the elements of water, wood, fire and earth. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

Nami Sushi:  Inspired by Culinary Council® member and world-renowned sushi master, Andy Matsuda, Nami Sushi offers a tempting array of the sushi rolls he’s created. Choose from such delectable selections as Tempura Lobster Roll with soft shell crab tempura; Dragon Roll with tempura shrimp, unagi sauce and avocado; Tsutsumi Roll with snapper, green olive, caper and avocado; Futomoki Roll with crab, yamagobo, avocado and cucumber; Volcano Roll with sesame-marinated salmon and Thai chilis; Nigiri sushi with tuna, salmon and ebi shrimp; and more. The word “nami”, Japanese in origin, means “wave” and is a homage to the ocean views you’ll enjoy as you dine on the freshest, tastiest and most inventive sushi at sea. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

Room Service

Casual Dining

Lido Market:  Explore a world of intriguing culinary possibilities in the Lido Market. Steps from the Lido pool, this modern marketplace includes a curated selection of delicious options that you can grab on the go or have made to order: Breadboard, with freshly baked breads and pastries; Wild Harvest, offering a bountiful selection of hearty salads; Homestead, serving up comfort classics; Distant Lands, featuring global cuisine; Sweet Spot, for ice cream creations and desserts; Roasting Pan, hand-carved meats, fish and other hearty entrees; Perk, freshly brewed beverages and chilled juices; Quench, premium coffee, beer, wine, and soda available for purchase; Rise, savory quiches, croissants and sandwiches, and more.

New York Deli and Pizza:  Authentic deli sandwiches piled high, indulgent personal pan pizzas and creative salads are served up poolside.

Grand Dutch Café:  Inspired by blue and white Delftware, the Grand Dutch Cafe is the place to enjoy a fine pale lager or favorite coffee beverage with a traditional Dutch snack. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

Gelato:  At Gelato, you can indulge your sweet tooth with a classic European gelato (ice cream), made fresh on board each day by chefs trained at the Carpigiani Gelato University. Choose among 12 delightful flavors, two of which are rotated daily. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

Room Service:  Complimentary 24-hour dining in the comfort of your stateroom.

Disclaimer regarding ship dining

• Inside Stateroom
• Ocean View Stateroom
• Balcony Stateroom
• Suite Stateroom

Elegant staterooms feature luxurious bedding, premium massage showerheads and more.

Large Interior Spa Stateroom (Category: IQ)

• Daily housekeeping
• Complimentary 24-hour room service
• Elemis Aromapure soap, lotion, shampoo
• Luxurious bathrobes
• Generous storage
• Fresh fruit upon request
• TV with On Demand movies, programming

Two lower beds convertible to one queen-size bed — our signature Mariner's Dream™ bed with plush Euro-Top mattresses, premium massage shower heads, and a host of amenities are featured in these comfortable staterooms.

Large or Standard Interior Stateroom (Category: I)

Standard interior stateroom (category: j), standard interior stateroom (category: k), standard interior stateroom (category: l), standard interior stateroom (category: n).

Elegant staterooms feature luxurious bedding, premium massage showerheads and a porthole or a window. All VH-category staterooms have partially obstructed views.

Family Oceanview Stateroom (Category: FA)

• Hair dryers, makeup mirrors
• Ice service

These expansive staterooms include include two lower beds convertible to one queen-size bed — our signature Mariner's Dream™ bed with plush Euro-Top mattresses, premium massage shower heads, a host of amenities and an ocean view.

Family Oceanview Stateroom (Category: FB)

Large oceanview spa stateroom (category: cq).

Large Oceanview Stateroom (Category: C)

Large Oceanview Stateroom (Category: D)

Large oceanview stateroom (category: e), large oceanview stateroom (category: f), single oceanview stateroom (category: oo).

Elegant staterooms feature luxurious bedding, premium massage showerheads and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a private verandah.

Verandah Spa Stateroom (Category: VQ)

Filled with light from floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a private verandah, these staterooms include a sitting area, two lower beds convertible to one queen-size bed — our signature Mariner's Dream™ bed with plush Euro-Top mattresses, and shower with premium massage showerheads.

Verandah Stateroom (Category: VS)

Verandah stateroom (category: v), verandah stateroom (category: va), verandah stateroom (category: vb), verandah stateroom (category: vc), verandah stateroom (category: vd), verandah stateroom (category: ve), verandah stateroom (category: vf), verandah stateroom (partially obstructed view) (category: vh).

Luxurious suites feature a whirlpool bath (some with shower only), large sitting area, private balcony, floor-to-ceiling windows and more.

Pinnacle Suite with Verandah (Category: PS)

Category: PS

Neptune Spa Suite with Verandah (Category: SQ)

• Premium bathrobes, slippers
• Fresh flowers
• One-Touch concierge service
• Whirlpool bath (suite dependent)
• In-suite coffee, espresso
• Complimentary laundry
• Pre-dinner hors d'oeuvres served in suite
• Welcome glass of sparkling wine
• Priority boarding for tender ports, priority dining/seating requests, special disembarkation service
• High tea in suite on request
• Exclusive tote bag

With floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a private verandah, these spacious suites are flooded with light. They feature a large sitting area and two lower beds convertible to one king-size bed — our signature Mariner's Dream™ bed with plush Euro-Top mattresses. The bathroom comes with a dual-sink vanity and large shower. Amenities include use of the exclusive Neptune Lounge, a private concierge and an array of complimentary services.

Neptune Suite with Verandah (Category: SA)

Neptune suite with verandah (category: sb), neptune suite with verandah (category: sc), signature suite with verandah (category: ss).

These large, comfortable suites feature a spacious sitting area with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a private verandah, two lower beds convertible to one king-size bed — our signature Mariner's Dream™ bed with plush Euro-Top mattresses, and one murphy bed.

Signature Suite with Verandah (Category: SY)

Vista suite with verandah (category: as).

With a verandah, floor-to-ceiling windows and comfortable sitting area, these comfortable suites are filled with light. They include two lower beds convertible to one queen-size bed — our signature Mariner's Dream™ bed with plush Euro-Top mattresses, plus a shower, mini-bar and refrigerator.

Vista Suite with Verandah (Category: A)

Vista suite with verandah (category: b), vista suite with verandah (category: bc).

• Ship Name: Rotterdam
• Year Entered Present Fleet: 2021
• Ship Class: Pinnacle
• Maximum Capacity: 3,170
• Number of Passenger Decks: 13
• Number of Crew: 1,036
• Officers' Nationality: International
• Ocean-View without Balcony: 103
• Ocean-View with Balcony: 748
• Total Inside Staterooms: 280
• Tonnage (GRT): 99,500
• Country of Registry: Netherlands
• Total Staterooms: 1,339
• Suites with Balcony: 164
• Crew/Hotel Staff Nationality: International

More Holland America Line Ships

Holland America Line’s first Signature-class cruise ship, Eurodam has delighted guests since her maiden voyage. In addition to amazing evening entertainment, an array of activities allows you to pursue new interests or relax and rejuvenate. Experience onboard cooking shows and hands-on workshops. On deck enjoy two outdoor pools, along with basketball and volleyball courts.

Launched in 2016, Koningsdam carries forward all of the tradition, nautical heritage, and signature service and style for which Holland America Line is known, while raising the bar for 21st-century elegance. Pinnacle means "high point" and the debut of Koningsdam is a high point in Holland America Line history.

Nieuw Amsterdam

The second Signature-class ship, Nieuw Amsterdam celebrates the glamour and history of New York City with its inspired interior design and art collection throughout the ship ranging from antiques by traditional Dutch masters to creations by renowned contemporary artists including Andy Warhol, Richard Estes and Roy Lichtenstein. Nieuw Amsterdam guests enjoy dazzling entertainment options from their very first night on board. While cruising, experience onboard cooking shows and hands-on workshops or head out on deck to enjoy the two outdoor pools, basketball or volleyball courts.

Nieuw Statendam

Honoring Holland America Line's past while keeping its eyes on the future, Nieuw Statendam is the sixth ship in Holland America Line’s history to bear the name Statendam and features several of the innovative venues that were introduced on her sister ship, the Koningsdam.

Named for the Northern compass point, Noordam features museum-quality art such as an oil painting of the city of Utrecht painted in 1842, as well as contemporary art like the series of photographs of music greats Dizzy Gillespie and B.B. King. Noordam guests enjoy dazzling entertainment options from their very first night on board, including B.B. King’s Blues Club. Enjoy exciting activities like cooking shows and hands-on workshops that allow you to pursue new interests or simply relax and rejuvenate.

Holland America Line’s first Vista-class cruise ship, Oosterdam has delighted guests since her maiden voyage. Guests now have more world-class entertainment options than ever before. Live music has always been the heart and soul of evenings aboard Holland America Line, and now Oosterdam features the full Music Walk experience with three exciting venues. Lincoln Center Stage features world-class musicians performing chamber music. Billboard Onboard, rocks the house with 50 years of chart-topping hits. The already popular B.B. King’s Blues Club, brings the best of Memphis blues to sea. Feel free to enjoy exciting activities, pursue new interests or simply relax and rejuvenate.

The beautiful garden theme of Volendam is reflected in an artful floral motif throughout the ship's spacious public rooms and elegant staterooms. Flowers are found in abundance in floral fabrics and tapestries, as well as huge vases of fresh floral arrangements. Guests aboard Volendam enjoy wide teak decks, elegant dining rooms and spacious staterooms — many with private verandahs.

The theme of Westerdam's art collection is Dutch heritage in the New World. Art ranges from paintings of historic Dutch ships, a huge Indian silver-overlaid wood palace doorway, a bone tobacco pipe, to a collection of 5,000-year-old pre-Columbian carved figures and Contemporary pieces include an original Andy Warhol portrait.

Designed to carry fewer guests while providing more space for maximum comfort, Zaandam is a prize in the mid-size ship category. On the musically themed Zaandam, you'll find musical instruments such as Bill Clinton's saxophone and signed guitars from Queen, Iggy Pop, Eric Clapton and the Rolling Stones throughout the ship. In her soaring three-story atrium: a Baroque-style Dutch pipe organ, inspired by the traditional barrel organs still found on the streets of The Netherlands.

Guests aboard Zuiderdam, the first in the Vista-class series, enjoy a spectacular art and antique collection, wide teak decks, elegant dining rooms and spacious staterooms. At the heart of Zuiderdam, suspended in a three-story atrium, is a Waterford Crystal Seahorse. Other notable pieces include a painting of Queen Beatrix by pop culture artist and icon, Andy Warhol, medallions by Frank Lloyd Wright, and a massive floral painting by Charles Ben.

The Costco Travel Rating assigned to each hotel is only intended as a guideline. The rating is based on information that has been compiled by Costco Travel buyers and might differ from other references.

Property offers the ultimate in elegance and sophistication, with highly personalized service and hospitality.

Property offers upscale design and decor, superior dining venues, manicured grounds, and a high level of service and hospitality.

Property offers above-average accommodations, service, comfort, facilities and grounds.

Property offers basic accommodations, decor, facilities and grounds.

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Ship Rating

An outstanding luxury cruise experience with an exceptional level of attention to detail. Expect superb service from all levels of officers and staff.

A very good quality all-around cruise experience aboard a ship that offers a range of facilities and services.

A decent, unpretentious cruise experience, with a moderate amount of space and quality in furnishing and fittings.

A modest quality cruise experience with less attention to detail and service.

Expect a very basic cruise experience with minimal attention to service, hospitality and finesse.

Offers some, but not all, of the amenities and services associated with the next highest star rating.

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• Ships and Lines

Cruise Ship Passenger Capacity

View cruise ship ratings and learn what is average/normal and max cruise ship passenger capacity. Cruise ships capacity (passengers and crew/hotel staff) and space ratios of the world's most famous ships are sorted alphabetically by the names of their owners (companies, lines, and operators) according to the official cruise ship data.

Most online travel media publish ship ratings based on onboard amenities (dining/entertainment), itineraries/destinations, special/unique facilities, and experiences. Some ratings are based on website visitors' feedbacks and conducted polls. However, while the latter ratings could by easily manipulated, "expert review" based ratings could be only suggestive as top-rated will be always the largest liners and the  newest vessels .

Cruise Ship Capacity

The "full" cruise ship passenger capacity is based on double occupancy (2 guests per cabin). The cabin's capacity varies according to stateroom's type, category, and also by line and ship. A standard passenger ship cabin usually accommodates 2 or 3 guests, but there are some "smaller" and "bigger" exceptions.

Our survey also includes smaller ships (under 500 passengers), and some ships are intentionally omitted from the big table to be included in the small one (about passenger capacity of top luxury cruise ships, with emphasis made on their highest guests-to-crew ratio. If searching for a particular vessel, use the Ctrl+F key combination and type the name in the search box. Good to know things:

• Ships will sail at varying capacities depending on itinerary and season.
• The average cruise ship passenger capacity is around 3,000 guests for ocean liners and around 150 guests for bigger river cruise ships.
• The largest cruise ship passenger capacity is 5,412 (at double occupancy) and 6,318 max capacity if all berths are occupied. And, of course, these big numbers are part of the specifications of the first in the  list of the biggest cruise ships in the world  - the Oasis ship of Royal Caribbean International.
• Single cruise cabins (called also "studios", or "solo cabins"), though rarely available, offer some of the cheapest rates for solo travelers by avoiding the double occupancy policy of all the major cruise ship companies, with the range of single supplement rates being between 50 and 100% (depending on line and ship).
• Family suite cruise accommodations generally have the biggest passenger capacity (up to 6 guests) and are some of the most expensive cabin categories (again, not available on all ships). Cheap suites are available on most Carnival, Royal Caribbean, MSC, and Costa ships.

Max (largest) passenger capacity of a cruise ship would signify this ideal financial situation, when all the berths, plus all upper and lower bunks, "Pullman" beds and single and double sofa beds (available in types and numbers according to the ship's cabin grades) are all occupied by the most numerous crowd the ship can ever gather on board. However, on most of the sailings, even the full-ship capacity (at double occupancy level) is not reached. This automatically opens the "big ships doors" for great deals, like kids sail for free, buy one get one free, free cabin upgrades, bonus amenities, and also huge price discounts on luxury cruise deals. For more info, you can read our survey on unsold cruise cabins/cheap cruise upgrades .

Cruise passengers-to-space ratio

The ship's "space ratio" (by definition) is the enclosed space (measured in ft3/cubic feet) per passenger. A ship of 45,000 GT (gross tonnage) with capacity 1,000 passengers will have a space ratio 45 (or 45ft3=45000/1000). So if your ship has generally smaller cabins but very large public spaces, she will have a higher space ratio, and the higher the space ratio number, the more guests will enjoy a sense of spaciousness on board.

Average/max cruise passenger capacity

Aida ships capacity, azamara ships capacity, ccl-carnival ships capacity, cssc carnival china / adora cruises ships capacity, celebrity ships capacity, celestyal ships capacity, ponant ships capacity, costa ships capacity, crystal ships capacity, cunard ships capacity, dcl-disney ships capacity, fred olsen ships capacity, hapag-lloyd ships capacity, hal-holland america line ships capacity, hurtigruten ships capacity, national geographic - lindblad ships capacity, marella uk ships capacity, msc ships capacity, ncl-norwegian ships capacity, oceania ships capacity, p&o cruises (uk and australia) ships capacity, phoenix reisen ships capacity, princess cruises ships capacity, quark expeditions ships capacity, rssc-regent seven seas ships capacity, rci-royal caribbean international ships capacity, saga uk ships capacity, seabourn ships capacity, seadream yachts capacity, emerald cruises-scenic cruises yachts capacity, silversea ships capacity, small cruise lines ships capacity, (genting) star cruises ships capacity, tui cruises ships capacity, (ocean and expedition) viking cruises ships capacity / identical, virgin voyages ships, windstar ships capacity, 1-ship cruise lines, luxury yacht cruise lines.

For boats that are dead and forgotten see at CruiseMapper's Scrapped Cruise Ships hub.

Cruise Ship Ratings

0 (or no Stars) doesn't mean the ship is the worst ever, but not yet rated.

"Specialty" means usually a smaller ship offering deals on adventure or expedition cruises. Emphasis on itinerary/destination and unique experiences rather than onboard services/amenities/activities. Cabins are modest (as size and amenities), but also comfortable.

3 Stars mean "Contemporary" and big resort-like experiences on bigger ships with a multi-generational clientele, a huge variety of family and kids programs, at least 2 swimming pools, huge fitness/spa centers, distinct nightlife (clubs, a casino, deck parties), several dining options. Cabins range from cozy Inside to large family suites and many connecting/adjoining rooms. Itineraries from 3 to 7-night in length (repeating, round-trip) leaving from big and popular ports.

4 Stars mean a "Premium" product, medium-sized ships with higher guest-to-crew ratios compared to similar-sized mainstream ships. The onboard experience - fewer kids, larger than average cabins with upgraded (luxurious) amenities, high-level of service, dining, and entertainment, extensive enrichment programs, a luxury spa, longer itineraries (from 7 to 14 and even 21-night in length).

5 Stars mean a "Deluxe" product, from medium-size to small cruise ships with deluxe staterooms, bedding and cabin amenities, impeccable service, multiple specialties (gourmet) dining options, also less entertainment and onboard activities. The itinerary is mostly port-intensive, and longer than 10 nights, with deals on back-to-back cruises .

6 Stars mean "Best Luxury" on small ships, intimate cruising experiences, highest guest-to-crew ratios (fewer guests). These are mostly ships with all-inclusive cruise deals - gratuities and beverages (often alcohol) and gourmet (specialty restaurant) dining are all included in the fares (often with shore excursions and tours), spacious staterooms and public spaces, the highest level of service. Many of these are all-suite ships (with different category suites). Port-intensive itineraries and exotic destinations, often offering deals on Around the World Cruises .

All cruise ship ratings are based on CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association) categorizations, and reviews from "WMPH Vacations" (iCruise, AlaskaCruises, EuropeCruises, HawaiiCruiseOutlet, RegentCruises, and CruiseCheap) specialists and advisors. Cruise ratings also may vary on the ship's age, size, cabins/venues/amenities, passenger feedback, etc. Besides CLIA and WMPH, other cruise vessel rating sources are Berlitz Guide, Fieldings Guide, Sterns Guide, CruiseCritic, CruiseReviews, and CruiseMates.

Cruise ship star ratings meaning

5,5 stars rating - a top luxury cruising, impeccable and highly personalized service, finest quality food & amenities; attention to detail, perfect maintenance, spacious accommodations, gourmet cuisine, the highest level of service, authentic furnishings, top of the line fitness & spa facilities.

5 stars rating - the highest level of food/service in a premium cruising market, high-quality meals, attentive service, well-equipped staterooms (not necessarily large), list of cabin amenities include bathrobes; butler service, public spaces are with beautiful decors.

4,5 stars rating - friendly decor, good maintenance, full range of onboard activities.

4 stars rating - best overall experience, above-average food & service, satisfactory entertainment.

3,5 stars rating - an average overall experience, very small to large accommodations, good service, delicious food, kids facilities without dedicated areas, mediocre entertainment.

3 stars rating - modest experience on an older cruise ship, may not have balcony cabins, mediocre food & lack of proper service, expect interesting destinations/itineraries.

2 stars rating - the ship is comparable to a low-budget hotel, a major refurbishment needed for refit and renovation of public areas and staterooms, lousy service (the staff will only supply the most basic service), itineraries with little or no popular (cheap charging) ports of call.