Cruising Norway's Fjords on Holland America's Brand New Rotterdam

April 12, 2023

Cruising Norway's Fjords on Holland America's Brand New Rotterdam

Way back in 2019, a group of eight friends booked a Holland America cruise to Norway. Originally scheduled to sail out of Amsterdam in 2020, we booked this cruise specifically for it's itinerary of four ports and two fjords. We booked through a travel agent that gave us many benefits including dining at specialty restaurants, the drinks package and a credit onboard. Of course, everyone knows that the Covid virus put the kabosh on travel for so many and specifically for us, on that cruise. Each year our travel agent contacted us and we kept carrying the reservation over from year to year. Finally, in September of 2022, six of us (one couple dropped out due to concerns about the virus and cruising) set sail on the newly christened Rotterdam from, ironically, Rotterdam, The Netherlands. I think it's safe to say that the wait was worth it and I was totally thrilled that we actually were able to go. We were almost giddy at the sail away! The following is a general synopsis of our week on the North Sea on the one year old Rotterdam:

Holland America's Rotterdam

Christened in 2021, the Rotterdam is Holland America's newest ship. Equipped with a climbing wall, surf pool, miniature golf course, a pool and 3 hot tubs under an atrium roof and an outdoor pool with two hot tubs (the adult pool), there were plenty of things to do during the day while the ship was sailing. And, though, there weren't many kids or teens on the ship the week we were there, there would be plenty to keep them busy on the Rotterdam.

We spent a lot of time in this atrium while at sea - playing cards, enjoying beverages and the light coming in

Adult pool and hot tubs on the back of the boat

Top of the ship viewing lounge

The Rotterdam itself was top notch. For the first time ever we splurged on a balcony cabin, which turned out to be a fantastic decision. The cabin was roomy with a queen size bed and small sofa to relax on. The bathroom was the largest I had ever seen on a cruise ship with a, get this, full size shower! The balcony was plenty big enough for two chairs and a small table with a glass balcony wall to see the waves through. We cruised through two fjords on our balcony in awe with glasses of prosecco - or beer- while the cruise director gave commentary on what we were seeing. And we enjoyed watching the waves rolling on the North Sea from the balcony.

Oil rigs on the North Sea

To keep you busy at night, one of HA's most unique concepts on the Rotterdam is the Music Walk - there are three music venues with four different music experiences each night with house bands performing - the Rolling Stone Rock Room, BB King's Blues Club, Billboard Onboard and the Lincoln Center Stage. A rock band - who was extremely popular almost reaching groupie status- a dueling piano's type duo who played pop music, a blues band a quintet playing classical music rotated between three clubs with usually two sets so you could still listen no matter when you dined. If that wasn't your cup of tea, then there is a theater which had different shows including individual singers and dance troupes.

Like most cruise ships, there is a formal dining room and a cafeteria style option called the Lido Market. Other options include the poolside Dive In serving burgers, hotdogs and fries, New York Deli & Pizza, and the extremely popular Grand Dutch Cafe serving Dutch favorites such as split pea soup, dutch desserts and coffee. (I'd say 80% of the cruisers on our ship were Dutch, 10% American and the other 10% were a mixed bag of nationalities.) All of these were included with your cruise fare.

HA hosts an "Orange Party" to celebrate Dutch heritage

The best salmon I've ever had!

For those who would like something above and beyond the usual cruise ship fare, there are the specialty restaurants. (All require advance reservations and were totally booked on our week) Our package included two nights at specialty restaurants and we were able to enjoy the Pinnacle Grill, which is a steakhouse, and Canaletto, the specialty Italian food restaurant. I'm not the type of person to pay extra - I would rather spend on excursions - so I probably wouldn't have done this if it wasn't included but I did enjoy both meals. Other specialty options are the Asian influenced Tamarind, Nami Sushi and Rudi's Sel de Mer seafood restaurant - all were completely booked or we would have tried those also.

Candied bacon - very yummy!

Specialty dining night!

As for my opinion of the ship, specifically, and Holland America, in general, it's very favorable. This was my first time sailing on HA and of all the things people like cruising for - the food, the shows, the activities, the staff and the excursions - I'd definitely give it a thumbs up. I found the food, especially, to be superior to other cruise lines that I've sailed on. My only downside was probably the excursions. I didn't feel that many were offered and the ones that were, were quite pricey. (But this is Norway, after all, a very expensive country) I would definitely consider cruising with Holland America again.