Holland America Line’s Rotterdam sailed into the Port of Rotterdam for its milestone 100th call Saturday, July 4.
The ship's godmother, Her Royal Highness Princess Margriet of the Netherlands, attended the shipboard festivities.
The event included a welcoming concert in the Cruise Port terminal by a local children’s choir ZangExpress, special luncheon and performance by Dutch singer and winner of “The Voice of Holland” Iris Kroes. In addition, the Port of Rotterdam presented plaques to Her Royal Highness Princess Margriet of the Netherlands, Holland America Group Chief Executive Officer Stein Kruse and the ship’s master, Captain Marco Carsjens.
Her Royal Highness Princess Margriet of the Netherlands christened Rotterdam May 11, 1997, and the ship’s first call at the Port of Rotterdam was June 10, 1998. The current Rotterdam is the sixth ship to bear that name in Holland America Line’s history and considered a flagship for the company. In 1872, Rotterdam I made its maiden voyage from the Port of Rotterdam. In 2015, Rotterdam will make a total of 21 calls at the Port of Rotterdam.
Rotterdam currently is sailing a series of Norway and Baltic voyages that range from seven to 14 days. In August the ship will sail roundtrip Rotterdam to Iceland.
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