Overall Score
| BERLITZ'S RATING |
| |
Possible |
Achieved |
| |
| Ship |
500 |
431 |
| Accommodation |
200 |
165 |
| Food |
400 |
281 |
| Service |
400 |
279 |
| Entertainment |
100 |
77 |
| Cruise |
400 |
312 |
| |
This latest Rotterdam has been constructed to look like a slightly larger (longer and beamier), but certainly a much sleeker version of the “S”-class ships, while retaining the graceful lines of the former Rotterdam, including a nicely raked bow and a more rounded exterior, as well as the familiar interior flow and design style. Also retained is the twin-funnel feature well recognized by former Holland America Line passengers, though it has been somewhat more streamlined. This Rotterdam (the sixth Holland America Line ship to bear the name) is capable of 25 knots (some call it the Fastdam), which is useful for longer itineraries.
Two decks (Promenade Deck and Upper Promenade Deck) house most of the public rooms, and these are sandwiched between several accommodation decks. The layout is quite easy to learn, and the signage is good.
The interior decor is best described as restrained, with much use of wood accenting. As a whole, the decor of this ship is extremely refined, with much of the traditional ocean liner detailing so loved by frequent Holland America Line passengers. The focal interior point is a three-deck high atrium, in an oval, instead of circular, shape. The atrium’s focal point is a huge “one-of-a-kind” custom-made clock, which includes an astrolabe, an astrological clock and 14 other clocks in a structure that takes up three decks (the clock’s design is based on an antique Flemish original).
One room has a glass ceiling similar to that aboard a former Statendam. The Ambassador’s Lounge has an interesting brass dance floor, similar to the dance floor that adorned the Ritz-Carlton room aboard the previous Rotterdam.
Instead of just two staircases aboard the “S”-class ships, Rotterdam has three (better from the viewpoint of safety, passenger accessibility and evacuation). There is a magrodome-covered pool on the Lido Deck between the mast and the ship’s twin funnels, as aboard the company’s “S”-class ships, which have only one large, very square funnel.
The ship has allotted more space to children’s and teens’ play areas, although these really are token gestures by a company that traditionally does not cater well to children. However, grandparents do take their grandchildren with them (to the delight of parents, who get a well-deserved break). Enhanced children’s programming is brought into play according to the number of children carried.
Popcorn is available at the Wajang Theatre for moviegoers, while adjacent is the popular Java Cafe. The casino, which is located in the middle of a major passenger flow, has blackjack, roulette, poker and dice tables alongside the requisite rows of slot machines.
Holland America Line has a long legacy in Dutch maritime history. The artwork aboard this ship (it cost $2 million) consists of a collection of 17th-century Dutch and Japanese artifacts together with contemporary works specially created for the ship, although there seems little linkage between some of the items.
Holland America Line’s flagship replaced the former ship of the same name when it was retired in 1997 – just in time for the start of the company’s 125th anniversary in 1998. It is a most contemporary ship for Holland America Line, with lighter, brighter decor. It is an extremely comfortable vessel in which to cruise, with some fine, elegant and luxurious decorative features. However, these are marred somewhat by the poor quality of dining room food and service and the lack of understanding of what it takes to make a “luxury” cruise experience, despite what is touted in the company’s brochures.
With one whole deck of suites (and a dedicated, private concierge lounge, and preferential passenger treatment), the company has in effect created a two-class ship. The charge to use the washing machines and dryers in the self-service launderette is really petty and irritating, particularly for the occupants of suites, as they pay high prices for their cruises. Room service could be better. Non-smokers should avoid this ship, as smokers seem to be everywhere.
In a 2009 refit, 23 Verandah Deck cabins were converted into “Spa Cabins,” while new Lancei-style cabins were created on Lower Promenade Deck.
Berlitz Guide © Apa Publishing 2010.
Berlitz Guide © Apa Publishing 2008
