Sunfinder Vacations

Launched in 1997, Rotterdam VI is the sixth in a line of Holland America flagships, and it shows. The first Rotterdam set sail in 1872, beginning a Holland America tradition and reputation that continued through the Rotterdam V, one of the most beloved ships of all time and host to 28 world cruises. Like her five "classic" predecessors, Rotterdam is more of a throwback to earlier cruise ships compared to most megaships built after 1995. However, with a maximum cruising speed of 25 knots and all of the modern amenities expected of a relatively large ship, Rotterdam successfully straddles that sometimes fine line between classic and modern.

Highlights of the Rotterdam experience include: Some of the largest "standard" cabins afloat; a high percentage of oceanview cabins that feature balconies; upscale alternative Italian dining in the Odyssey Restaurant; and the popular Java Bar, where espresso, cappuccino, cookies, and more are complimentary throughout the day (they also make fresh popcorn for the large Wajang Theater nearby). Rotterdam also features typical Holland America history and service. Memorabilia of the line's fabled past can be seen throughout the ship (the Dutch officers are happy to share the company's history with curious passengers). In addition, the Indonesian and Filipino staff continue the Holland America tradition of sparkling clean ships and white-gloved service.

Lots of space, convenient layouts, thoughtful amenities, and muted colors all keep Rotterdam's cabins as popular as ever. The standard cabins consistently get rave reviews, with the large oceanview cabins offering 196 square feet and the large inside cabins featuring 185 square feet. These cabins offer a separate sitting area that features a leather couch, with more storage space for a standard cabin than is typically seen at sea. Other standard cabin offerings include a nice-sized bathroom with hairdryer and toiletries; a safe; and a television with movies, satellite coverage when available, and closed-circuit choices. There are 20 cabins with Holland America's excellent wheelchair access and facilities. There are also 20 cabins with fully-obstructed views and 22 cabins with partially-obstructed views on the Lower Promenade deck.

The balcony cabins are definitely worth the price (especially on cruises where a balcony will be used often). The 120 Verandah Suites (230 square feet, excluding balcony) are an especially good value, with a queen-size bed, a larger seating area, in-room refrigerator and minibar, whirlpool bath, and a balcony. The 36 Deluxe Verandah Suites (385 square feet, excluding balcony) and four Penthouse Suites (946 square feet, excluding balcony) throw in a king-sized bed, dressing room, complimentary stationery, dressing room, and expanded balcony, as well as the use of the "private" Neptune Lounge, with personal concierge service, food, and beverages throughout the day, and a reading area with current magazines.

The dining experience begins with the two-deck La Fontaine Dining Room, which features floor-to-ceiling windows at the rear of the ship, and a sweeping double staircase. While Holland America's food hasn't always been the line's strong point, we see signs of improvement with Rotterdam. The menus in La Fontaine strike a nice balance between contemporary cuisine and more traditional fare. Each lunch and dinner menu features several creative choices involving unique preparation, sauces, or pairings. But the menus offer "plain" options as well, including 'From the Grill' items like salmon, prime rib, and more, as well as lighter cuisine and a vegetarian choice. Special diets can be accommodated by La Fontaine chefs with 30 days notice. The wine list is outstanding and the wine stewards are knowledgeable without being overbearing. Many passengers enjoy the four- or six-wine "Wine Navigator" package of moderately priced and varied bottles.

As is typical with Holland America, there are many tables for two. If the ship isn't sailing full, tables for four along the port and starboard windows are transformed into wonderful tables for two.

The Odyssey Restaurant is obviously a huge hit with Rotterdam passengers. Passengers are generally limited to one reservation for lunch or dinner during a cruise, though stopping by right at lunch, or checking for dinner cancellations, sometimes leads to a second experience. There's no extra charge for dining in the Odyssey. The menu is currently creative Italian, with the pastas and veal consistent favorites. The wine list is different from La Fontaine's, with several more excellent Italian choices and a popular two-glass white and red choice to accompany what many consider one of the top "alternative" restaurants afloat.

The Lido Restaurant is a nice dining surprise. The breakfast and lunch offerings are fairly standard at the cafeteria-style restaurant, though excellent omelets for breakfast, and occasional lunchtime Indonesian "rice tables" or Indian curry stations, provide unusual choices. At dinner, the Lido transforms into a "bistro" that is quite popular with those who don't always want to get dressed up on more formal nights. The Lido also has espresso and cappuccino available 24 hours a day. Just outside, a self-serve stand is open practically all day, with choices like hamburgers, hot dogs, and Mexican fare for a more casual meal.

Rotterdam seemingly has a favorite space for everyone and the ship rarely seems crowded. It starts with the bustling three-deck atrium, which certainly isn't as flashy as those on more recent ships. The hub is a wonderful clock tower, with finely crafted sculptures and 14 clocks telling the time around the world.

In addition to the fascinating Holland America memorabilia found throughout the ship, specially commissioned works of art also fill Rotterdam, ranging from oil paintings to sculptures to textile designs and much more. Museum-quality antiques are also found in many public rooms.

Favorite pre- and post-dinner gathering spots include the spacious Explorer's Lounge and the Ocean Bar on the Upper Promenade Deck, as well as the Crow's Nest up on the Sports Deck (especially popular during port departures). The Ambassador Lounge and Tropic Bar within it are more intimate, though passing traffic can make them seem less so at times. Several of these lounges feature varied music in the evenings, as well as complimentary (and generally creative) hors d'oeuvres.

Recently released movies are shown in the Wajang Theater throughout the day, with popcorn munching, cookie nibbling, and cappuccino sipping all encouraged. Several self-serve laundries are conveniently located on most decks with cabins.

The two-story Queen's Lounge features the expected nightly entertainment, combining typically excellent Anita Mann productions with varying solo and small group performers (music, magic, and the like). As mentioned, venues like the Ocean Bar, Explorer's Lounge, Crow's Nest, and elsewhere feature nightly entertainment, ranging from a pianist to quintets and pop to classical (dancing is popular). The demographics of a typical Rotterdam sailing result in the casino's offerings of slots, blackjack, roulette, and poker only being moderately busy.

Steiner's Ocean Spa on the Lido Deck looks out to sea with floor-to-ceiling windows. The bright space features modern exercise and weight machines, along with a juice bar. Fitness classes are offered several times a day, ranging from yoga to aerobics and more, though some classes have charges and they seem a bit steep. The spa proper offers the typical Steiner services, including the beauty parlor, facials, massage, and more. The massage treatment rooms are on the smaller side.

The Lower Promenade offers a popular walking deck (with great deck chairs), where 3½ laps equal one mile. There are two pools, with a retractable roof on the Lido Deck covering one (where two large whirlpool tubs and a "kiddy" pool are also situated). Other sports facilities and activities include shuffleboard, putting, and a basketball, volleyball, and paddle tennis court.

Further "recreational" opportunities include popular enrichment lectures, "horse racing," dance lessons, and lots of organized games. The popular Web Site Café (run by DigitalSeas) is situated between the well-stocked Library and the often bustling Card Room.

Holland America's Club HAL is offered aboard Rotterdam to children ages 5-12 and teens ages 13-17. There's a full-time youth counselor, but the level of activities really depends on the itinerary and time of year (e.g., more activities during school breaks). However, potential passengers should be aware that the ship is not particularly family-intensive by any stretch of the imagination (though most children will surely enjoy themselves). Babysitters are typically easy to arrange.

Though a typical Holland America and Rotterdam cruise tends to attract more mature passengers, younger travelers and families are definitely coming aboard. It all depends on the itinerary and time of year. Gentleman Hosts are typically onboard for cruises of two weeks and longer.

Holland America Line has recently changed its "tipping not required" policy. Beginning in April 2004, Holland America will add cabin and wait staff gratuities of $10 per person, per day to all shipboard accounts. Passengers may adjust these gratuities at any time during the cruise by contacting the front desk. In addition, a 15 percent service charge will be added to each beverage order.

Seven-night cruises typically feature two formal nights, with an extra formal night for every additional five days or so on longer cruises. Men definitely tend to wear tuxedos on these nights. Semi-formal nights call for jackets, but ties are optional. Casual nights simply call for resort wear, where blue jeans and T-shirts are frowned upon by fellow passengers.

• Cruise line - Holland America
• Ship name - Rotterdam
• Type of cruise - Elegant
• Passenger capacity - 1316
• Decks - 10
• Total cabins - 658
• Private balcony cabins - 161
• Total crew - 658
• Year entered service - 1997
• Tonnage - 59,652
• Officers nationality - Dutch/European
• Ship size - Large
• Registry - Netherlands
• Ship length - 780

Copyright 2005, The Independent Traveler, Inc. All rights reserved.