Rotterdam, Holland America Line’s new flagship has reached another major building milestone. Last week the cruiseline and shipbuilder Fincantieri celebrated its Coin Ceremony at the Marghera shipyard, today the ship was fully floated out.
Last week Holland America Line celebrated the Coin Ceremony for its new flagship Rotterdam. During the ceremony Dutch coins, minted in 1872 to honor Holland America Line’s first Rotterdam were welded to the outside deck of the ship to bring good fortune. The ship was then blessed by the shipyard chaplain.
Following last week’s ceremony at the Marghera shipyard in Italy, the gates to the enormous building dock were opened to let in the first water. With the help of three tugs the new vessel has now been moved to the outfitting pier at the shipyard. Here work will continue until its July 2021 delivery. The next major milestone will be Rotterdam’s sea trials in early 2021.
About Rotterdam VII
Rotterdam will measure 99,800 gross tons and carry 2,668 guests. The vessel will feature the highly successful amenities and innovations which were introduced with her sister ships. These include the 270-degree surround screen World Stage, Rudi’s Sel de Mer and Grand Dutch Café.
Rotterdam will celebrate live music with an exclusive collection of world-class performances each night – from Lincoln Center Stage and B.B. King’s Blues Club to Rolling Stone Rock Room and Billboard Onboard.
Throughout the ship, Rotterdam will showcase Holland America Line hallmarks that drive one of the highest guest repeat rates in the industry: exquisite cuisine guided by eight of the world’s leading chefs; gracious, award-winning service; and superbly appointed staterooms and suites, including family and single accommodations.
Rotterdam is the seventh ship to bear the name for Holland America Line and the 17th ship constructed for the brand by Italian shipyard Fincantieri, which most recently built Nieuw Statendam.
Following Rotterdam’s Premiere Voyage departing Aug. 1, 2021, the ship will spend its inaugural summer season in northern Europe.