The Pinnacle of the Pinnacle Class ships?
MS Rotterdam is a great ship for a very simple reason: Holland America is amazing. Much of what makes the cruise line one of the best options for travelers carries over perfectly to MS Rotterdam, the third Pinnacle Class ship that joined Nieuw Statendam and Koningsdam in 2020. This cruise ship offers excellent food, beautiful details, and an atmosphere that blends the classic cruising style with modern comforts, all while introducing smart and subtle upgrades compared to its two sister ships.
What we like about MS Rotterdam
Let’s get one thing out of the way. The food onboard MS Rotterdam is pretty great. That’s something true of Holland America in general, as the cuisine is definitely a step up from what you’ll find on most mainstream cruise lines.
The buffet is already impressive, with sushi, fried chicken, and tons of other options at your disposal. There are also some excellent specialty dining venues, from the premium coffee at Grand Dutch Café to Tamarind, Pinnacle Grill, and Rudy’s. No matter where you choose to dine, you're in for a good time.
Another great thing about Rotterdam is, once again, what makes Holland America unique. The Have It All package is an excellent choice when booking a cruise. It gives you onboard credits, premium Wi-Fi, and the best drink package, all at a surprisingly good price. Sure, prices vary depending on the itinerary, but for example, a cruise that costs $1350 might go up to just $1800 with the package included. Paying less than $500 for all those extras is a great deal, especially considering how much more expensive similar packages are on other cruise lines like Celebrity Cruises.
Rotterdam is also a very stylish ship, with lots of indoor art that blends perfectly with the cozy atmosphere of a mid-size vessel and modern amenities. The spa is excellent, and there are several art galleries for those who prefer admiring sculptures over riding roller coasters, bumper cars, or other wild attractions found on some cruise ships. The crew is top notch. Service ranks among the best you’ll find at sea, with staff always attentive and ready to make sure you’re having a great time.
There is also a strong focus on music onboard Rotterdam, especially with the upgraded Music Walk. This area is a lively promenade filled with bars, lounges, and a theater, all centered around live performances. Here you’ll find the Rolling Stone Rock Room, the King’s Blues Club, and more. You can listen to everything from Beethoven to classic hits from the 70s and 80s.
So, what sets Rotterdam apart from its sister ships? Not much, to be honest. One highlight is the library, exclusive to Rotterdam, which is a great place to relax and enjoy a classic book. There is also the new Half Moon Bar, serving exclusive cocktails, and the Club Orange dining room has a classier, more upscale look. Some subtle layout and design changes can be found in certain staterooms and around the pool areas, but they are easy to miss unless you're really paying attention. Overall, the upgrades over the sister ships are small, but smart and very welcome.
What we don’t like about MS Rotterdam
Well, the issues with MS Rotterdam are also found on its sister ships... and to be honest, they’re not dealbreakers. One of the main points is that the entertainment is heavily focused on music. You won’t find big Broadway-style productions like the ones on Royal Caribbean, for example. Instead, the main theater features a lot of stand-up comedy and musical performances. On a six-day itinerary, you might even see some shows repeated. If you love music, you’ll have a good time, but the shows themselves are mostly average.
This ship would benefit from a more diverse entertainment lineup. Music is great, no doubt, but it would be nice to see a bit more variety throughout the cruise. Entertainment options for kids are also very limited. While there is a Kids Club onboard, Holland America is clearly geared more toward adults and mature travelers.
Conclusion
MS Rotterdam is an excellent ship, thanks in part to being part of the Holland America family and elevating the Pinnacle Class with small but meaningful upgrades. The crew is fantastic, the food is top-notch, and the ship feels like a love letter to those who truly enjoy good music.
MS Rotterdam FAQ
How much does a cruise on MS Rotterdam cost?
Prices vary depending on the date and stateroom category, but fares start at around $1.100 for a 7-Day Norwegian Fjords & Copenhagen Cruise.
What are the main destinations for MS Rotterdam?
MS Rotterdam focuses on Northern Europe and the Caribbean.
Is MS Rotterdam good for children?
Not really. This ship does have a Kids Club, but there aren’t a lot of entertainment for kids onboard.
Does MS Rotterdam visit Half Moon Cay?
Yes! MS Rotterdam does visit the private island Half Moon Cay in some of its Caribbean itineraries.
