Holland America MS Rotterdam Ship Visit

South Queensferry ~ Edinburgh ~ 27^th August 2012

We don’t get the opportunity for many ship visits up here in Edinburgh but on bank holiday Monday I was lucky enough to be invited onboard Holland America MS Rotterdam for a tour and lunch.

We took a short tender across to the ship. We decided to head up to the Sky deck and make our way down to the Promenade deck where we were meeting for lunch in the delightful La Fontaine Dining room which is spread over 2 decks and has 747 seats.

Although the ship isn’t the biggest there is still plenty of space and areas to get away from it all including the spa & thermal suite. You will also find all the facilities you would expect for those of you that like to be a little more active including the fitness centre and aerobics area with its own juice bar.

One of the major benefits for me was the fact that the pool had a sliding dome cover (ideal on days like today!) This is standard throughout the fleet and great for those of you looking for an Alaska cruise if the weather is having an off day!!

Down to the navigation deck which has 36 exclusive suites and 4 penthouse suites. There is a private Neptune lounge concierge that will handle special requests, shore excursion bookings and accounts for all suite guests.

Now on to the upper promenade and promenade decks, this is where all the action happens! I loved the layout of the Queens Lounge showroom at sea. Here you will also find shopping, lounges, casino, speciality restaurants and my personal favourite the wine tasting bar & gourmet shops.

My favourite part was the visit to the Wajong Theatre. Here you will find recently released films complete with freshly popped popcorn. It is also the venue for the innovative new culinary arts centre, where cookery demonstrations and lessons (often celebrity chefs) are held.

Finally onto lunch ~ La Fontaine is the main restaurant with panoramic sea-views on three sides. You can choose from the traditional two set dining times (upper level) or flexible ‘as you wish’ dining (lower level). We were served smoked salmon, tomato & basil soup, filet mignon & chocolate cake served alongside Californian white wine.

It was then time to brave the elements outside and hop on the tender before heading home.

All in all a lovely cosy ship with great facilities, fantastic food and attentive crew.