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Holland America's New Rotterdam Ship Is Vibrant Addition to Fleet

11/22/2021

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Holland America's new Rotterdam, which carries up to 2,668 passengers, is the third in the Pinnacle class for the line. // All photos by Kelly McDaniel
By Kelly McDaniel 
This past year, the cruise industry required patience and flexibility for both passengers and cruise lines. It was also marked by a host of new procedures, protocols and creative measures to ensure a safe sailing environment as the cruise industry worked hard to restart after the pandemic. 
I sailed on Rotterdam, Holland America's newest Pinnacle-class addition, to close out the year, and it is a fitting ship to show just how the cruise industry has fully adjusted and adapted to the new travel environment. My experience on Rotterdam (as well as my earlier sailings on Azamara Quest and Royal Caribbean's Freedom of the Seas) also helped to show me that the cruising experience is just as fun as it's always been.
Sure, it's a little different now. But fellow passengers I have sailed with this year say they have thoroughly enjoyed themselves despite being a bit worried at first about how cruising might be changed. The good thing is, not all change is bad. The need to socially distance and create fewer touchpoints has resulted in some advantages, namely the phone apps many cruise lines are rolling out. Holland America's free Navigator app helped make embarkation simple and fast. After presenting my passport, covid vaccination certificate and negative covid test, I moved quickly through security to the final checkpoint to have my picture taken and boarding pass scanned.
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The Navigator app is easy to use and offers key info to help during your cruise. Adrian and Ross were two of the wonderful crew members taking care of us on our voyage.
The app allowed me to skip the hassle of printing a pass and instead present a digital boarding pass right on my phone. In less than 10 minutes, I was walking on board, where I was enthusiastically greeted by crew members.
Throughout the cruise, the app was my constant companion -- I booked shore excursions, arranged specialty dining, checked deck plans, looked through the list of daily ship activities and even "favorited" some that were then added to a personal itinerary. As activity times drew closer, I received push notifications reminding me of when and where the activity was on the ship. Don't worry; there's no need to buy the ship's internet package to access it -- all passengers can use the Navigator app at no cost. 
I have to say before I dive too deep into my time on Rotterdam, that this was my first experience sailing with Holland America Line. I share this because as a woman in her 30s, I was informed that the line tends to cater to an older demographic and to not be surprised if the fun ends at 10 p.m. Well, this was definitely not the case on my sailing, and you can see Holland America's efforts to attract younger passengers is working -- at least for me.  
Who needs sleep when you have four fantastic music venues pumping out classical concertos, blues, pop and rock until 2 a.m.? HAL's innovative Music Walk has been a staple on several of its ships for years, and Rotterdam has four distinct stages offering tunes for every taste. As Rebekah Law, Rotterdam's Cruise and Travel Director says, it's the "best live music at sea."

The Music Walk on Rotterdam:

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B.B. King's Blues Club brings the classic Memphis sounds to sea with an eight-piece band, with rhythm and horn sections, as well as two singers. Cruisers fill the dance floor and dance the night away to the beats.
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Billboard Onboard is the lively dueling piano bar on Rotterdam's Music Walk. Gather round and sing along to chart topping songs from the past sixty years.
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Rolling Stone Rock Room kicks into high gear after dark, with the band pumping out classic rock and roll favorites. Passengers love to settle in over a couple drinks or to come here to hit the dance floor.
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Lincoln Center Stage showcases classical and contemporary music with creative concerts each evening and sea day recitals. The venue is created in collaboration with Lincoln Center, the famed performing arts organization.
If you're looking for somewhere a bit quieter, check out Half Moon Bar, just outside of Club Orange. This late-night cocktail bar features concoctions named after memorable people and moments in HAL history like the Rotterdam VII (this newest incarnation of Rotterdam), a smoky drink with high production value. I never tired of watching the bartender whip it up (picture below) as she slowly poured the smoke over the chilled liquor. This was where I ended up most nights chatting with friends, some new and some old, after a show at The World Stage or a late dinner.
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The World Stage, Rotterdam's theater filled with LED lights and a "seating in the round" concept, offers nightly performances ranging from a doo-wop group, lyrical dance performances by Step One Dance Company, and even a particularly moving piece highlighting Holland America's journey through time narrated by the cruise director. What makes this theater different from others is the 270-degree two-story LED screens that make each show a spectacle, wrapping around the audience for a fully immersive experience.
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The World Stage is the innovative main theater on Rotterdam.
The entertainment wasn't reserved just for the evenings. Wine tastings, team trivia, pickleball tournaments and even painting classes were all offered during my 5-night cruise. The Lido pool, covered by a retractable glass roof, played movies on the big screen every afternoon, and on Sunday, it was a great spot to watch NFL games. It was a hub of activity most hours of the day with two restaurants: Dive In serving up burgers and hot dogs, and NY Pizza and Deli slinging freshly made pies and sandwiches, right next to multiple hot tubs, a large pool, day beds and padded loungers.  
Did I mention there's a gelato bar there, too?

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Rotterdam's beautiful all-weather Lido Pool Deck is the place to be during your cruise. Plus, it's where you'll find the delicious gelato.
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With the ship at about 50 percent capacity, there was no waiting in lines or searching for an open deck chair or table at the buffet. Staff were abundant and continuously circulating, all wanting and willing to bring you another drink or an extra towel. Their attention to detail was impeccable at the Lido Market, where they greeted me by name. Although it was my go-to spot for a quick meal, it was hard to leave as I always found one more decadent pastry I just HAD to try or an entirely new station I hadn't seen before. There are made-to-order omelets and pasta dishes, fresh-baked nut bread, sushi and hand-carved meats. Need I say more?
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The Lido Market is Rotterdam's gorgeous buffet-style restaurant. Look at those views -- and the desserts!
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HAL's reputation for good food extends to the specialty restaurants on Rotterdam. Pinnacle Grill's candied bacon and tomahawk bone-in rib eye steak were highlights at our table, while the impressive seafood selections at Rudi's Sel de Mer was made all the better when Rudi stopped by to say hello. Tamarind was the true standout of the bunch, exploring the culinary traditions of Southeast Asia, China and Japan in a warm and darkened setting overlooking the aft pool deck. I had a lovely green tea to clear my palette before I savored the main course -- a cashew barramundi (Asian sea bass) with red Thai curry. I topped it off with a refreshing mango posset (cold, creamy dessert drink).
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A look at the pretty dining room in Rudi's Sel de Mer restaurant, and below, a range of tasty items you can find at the eateries on Rotterdam.
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On our lone sea day, passengers flocked to the open air and sunny Sea View Pool at the aft of the ship. Many relaxed with a book from the ship's library, a truly impressive space chock full of trendy titles from several genres including "Young Adult" -- a nod to the next cruising generation, perhaps?
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The massive and stunning Library on Rotterdam.
Now, I would be remiss if I did not point out Rotterdam's magnificent art collection. I had heard the facts -- the collection is valued at over $4 million with over 2,600 pieces from 90 artists around the world. But nothing is quite as satisfying as discovering it on your own.  
Every turn down a hall or walk up a flight of stairs meant I'd glimpse another stunning piece of art. I've never had so much fun running around trying to see them all. Do yourself a favor and take the time!
Here are a few of my favorites:

Selected Works: HAL's Rotterdam is Like a Floating Art Gallery

Holland America has really hit it out of the park with its new Rotterdam cruise ship. It's truly got it all -- superior entertainment, excellent food, first-class service and a modern, classy ship to enjoy it all on. 
 
I hope you get a chance to cruise on this stunning ship soon. 
Thanks for reading, and happy sailing!
Kelly

Video: Tour a Balcony Cabin on Rotterdam

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Holland America Enlists Top Chefs to Raise Bar on Cruise Cuisine

3/5/2018

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Chef Jacques Torres
Jacques Torres is known as Mr. Chocolate and has crafted many tasty pastries, desserts and chocolate delicacies as part of Holland America's Culinary Council. I was thrilled to try one of his specialties alongside the master himself.
By John Roberts 

Holland America Line continues to work to refine how passengers experience a cruise and the world when sailing onboard a HAL ship. 

Holland America has revealed a new focus on its dining program, as the line develops an enhanced onboard eating experience (always one of the best parts of a cruise) by tapping into the expertise of seven members of its award-winning Culinary Council. 

Each chef on the council will cultivate a particular aspect of the overall onboard dining experience. The Culinary Council comprises a collection of elite international celebrity chefs.  

It's led by Holland America Line's Master Chef Rudi Sodamin, who is joined by international chefs Jonnie Boer, David Burke, Elizabeth Falkner, Andy Matsuda, Ethan Stowell and Jacques Torres. Holland America Line also has announced a collaboration with wine critic James Suckling to curate its wine lists and who will work with master mixologist Dale DeGroff on Holland America's cocktail program. 

I was fortunate to get a preview of the types of meals you can expect on a HAL cruise during a media event onboard Holland America's Eurodam in Fort Lauderdale to kick off Seatrade, the world's largest annual cruise conference. 

We had delicious courses including grilled scallops, roasted and raw carrot and omega seed salad, seared fresh hamachi fish, aged beef tenderloin with shrimp, and chocolate puff pastry for dessert. The meal in Pinnacle Grill was incredibly varied and flavorful. Cruisers can expect similar menus and choices created by these accomplished chefs. 

"Holland America Line's Culinary Council is made up of some of the world's leading food authorities who have a tremendous amount of talent and knowledge, and the most profound way for us to use their expertise is to have them focus on their specialties throughout our different dining experiences," said Orlando Ashford, Holland America Line's president. "Culinary partners often only influence one restaurant or one area, but having seven world-class chefs enables us to cover our entire dining program and utilize their collective passion and creativity so all guests can enjoy their cuisine." 

Check out the bios of the members of the Culinary Council: 
Rudi Sodamin, Master Chef and Culinary Council Chairman 
Sodamin oversees all aspects of onboard dining, in addition to bringing his influence and expertise to Rudi's Sel de Mer. The popular French brasserie is a standalone venue on Koningsdam and Nieuw Statendam and is featured on other ships through special pop-up dinners in the Pinnacle Grill. Sodamin was born in Austria and trained in France. He recently released his latest culinary masterpiece, an art table book called "Food Faces" that features more than 150 vibrant images of edible creations that display a whimsical spectrum of human emotion. His innovative approach has made him the most decorated chef on the world's oceans. 
Jonnie Boer Offers a Taste of De Librije 
Jonnie Boer brings the flavors of his internationally acclaimed restaurant, De Librije, onboard select sailings through special "Taste of De Librije" evenings in the Pinnacle Grill. Dutch-born Boer is the driving force behind De Librije, a regional, fine-dining restaurant in the Netherlands. Recognized as one of The World's 50 Best Restaurants, De Librije has earned a three-star Michelin rating every year since 2004. 
David Burke Influences the Pinnacle Grill Menu 
A leading pioneer of contemporary American cuisine and a master of French culinary technique, Burke will continue to enhance the menu at the Pinnacle Grill, adding contemporary flavors and new signature recipes. Burke partnered with Smith & Wollensky CEO Alan Stillman to open the critically acclaimed Park Avenue Cafe, and then, in 1996, he became vice president of culinary development for the Smith & Wollensky Restaurant Group. Burke is a restaurateur, cookbook author, inventor and consultant at ESquared Hospitality, which owns and operates the BLT restaurant brand. He has been featured on "Iron Chef America" and "Top Chef Masters." 
Elizabeth Falkner Introduces Lighter Fare 
At the forefront of the culinary arts and a recurring judge and competitor on the Food Network, Falkner will be introducing a variety of new lighter fare to venues across the fleet. Falkner is an advocate for people and chefs to think more like athletes and "stay fit to cook." Falkner does both savory and sweet, traditional and modern and has earned accolades for her ground-breaking San Francisco shop, Citizen Cake. 
Andy Matsuda Brings Top Sushi Trends and Techniques 
Matsuda lead the sushi offerings in Lido Market as well as the sushi menu available in Tamarind on select ships. Aboard Nieuw Statendam, Matsuda's creations will be featured at Nami Sushi, the new sushi bar inside Tamarind. The Japanese-born chef is at the forefront of sushi trends and techniques. At Matsuda's Sushi Chef Institute in Los Angeles, California, he teaches aspiring chefs and professionals about sushi and Japanese cuisine. 
Ethan Stowell Celebrates the Flavors of the Pacific Northwest 
Stowell brings the unique flavors of Alaska and the Pacific Northwest onboard ships sailing in the region. Also known for his pasta and Italian dishes, Stowell will introduce several of his recipes at New York Pizza and select Lido Market stations on all ships. With an impressive roster of highly acclaimed restaurants, Stowell has helped to change the face of the Seattle food scene. He was named one of the Best New Chefs in America by Food & Wine magazine in 2008 and chosen as one of the Best New Chef All-Stars in 2013. 
Jacques Torres Specializing in Chocolate Confections 
A world-renowned chocolatier known as "Mr. Chocolate," Torres creates masterful chocolate desserts for Holland America Line's dining venues, as well as the Chocolate Surprise Dessert Parade featured on the last gala evening of every cruise. A French-trained Master Chef and artisan chocolatier, Torres is a James Beard Award recipient. After rising to executive pastry chef at New York's legendary Le Cirque, he opened a chocolate factory and stores throughout New York. Torres is co-hosting and head judge on the new Netflix culinary show "Nailed It" with Nicole Byer. The reality contest program pits home bakers against one another attempting to recreate edible masterpieces.  
 
The cuisine on Holland America is a great mix of decadent delights and healthy options, which is just the type of cruise experience I crave. I always look for healthy choices that fit into my lifestyle choices, but it's always great to be able to dive into a gourmet meal bursting with new kinds of flavors, too. It's all about treating yourself when you travel, and these creations are beyond anything I'll ever be able to whip up in my own kitchen. 

Another cool thing is that these meals connect cruisers to the destinations by utilizing ingredients and cooking styles reflective of the regions where the ships sail. 

Have you sailed on Holland America? What did you think of the food and overall experience? Also, let us know how important food is to you when you travel. 

Comment below, and thanks for reading.
 
JR
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Holland America's New Explorations Central Program                 Aims to Give Cruise Passengers More Vivid Look at Destinations

12/19/2016

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Holland America Line MS Westerdam
The EXC shipboard center will debut on HAL's Westerdam in April after a scheduled dry dock.
By John Roberts   

Holland America will launch a new concept to help its cruise passengers get a more in-depth look at the destinations they visit during their voyages. Explorations Central, or EXC, is a multifaceted experience that combines travel resources and enrichment programming in an effort to give cruisers an engaging, immersive and meaningful travel experience. 

The Crow's Nest, the line's panoramic lounge and bar area at the top of HAL ships, will be transformed on some vessels to create the new Explorations Central venues. Programming for the EXC resource and engagement centers begins in early 2017 and will roll out across the entire fleet by the end of the year. The EXC shipboard center will debut on HAL's Westerdam in April after a scheduled dry dock. The EXC program is scheduled to expand across the rest of the fleet through 2018. 
 
"Explorations Central is revolutionizing the way we deliver destinations to our guests, and it's going to profoundly change how our guests are immersed in the history, culture and cuisine of the places we visit," said Orlando Ashford, Holland America Line'se president. "Those who see the world better understand the world; and when we better understand the world we can gain insights into ourselves and personally experience the transformative effects of travel. EXC is going to show our guests the world in a whole new way and enable them to engage in truly meaningful experiences."
 
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Explorations Central space / renderings courtesy of Holland America Line
As the centerpiece for interactive discovery, Explorations Central will allow cruisers to relax and immerse themselves, whether by collecting information about a port or indulging in a cup of espresso at the coffee bar, HAL says. 
 
In-depth content will showcase digital storytelling and interactive video experiences on subjects ranging from travel and food to the arts. In an industry first, EXC will feature a virtual ship's bridge where real-time data from the ship's actual bridge reveals the cruise experience to passengers from a unique vantage point. 
 
Also being introduced is a dedicated EXC Team that will bring culture and history onboard with customized guidance for each destination. Passengers can seek advice from the EXC guides about the best tours, most popular sites and where to go to feel like a local. This way, each destination can be explored to its fullest. These specially trained experts shape the story of each journey by providing informative talks, fielding questions and leading encounters in each destination. 
 
EXC Talks by the guides bring each locale to life by digging deeper, beyond facts and figures. You can learn customs, hear interesting tales and gain extensive insight into each port of call. 
 
Through EXC Encounters, cultural representatives come onboard before the ship reaches the next destination to preview the upcoming adventures. You might learn how to play the steel drums from a Trinidadian, make a flower lei with a native Hawaiian or create a sense of balance and serenity every morning in a class led by a master tai chi instructor. EXC Encounters also include informal small-group gatherings hosted by the guides. These feature language and cultural etiquette lessons, hands-on discovery of local items and products, participatory programs covering music and dance and storytelling sessions. 
 
To ensure guests are prepared to go ashore, online EXC Port Guides using tips and information from AFAR Media provide exclusive handbooks for each destination. Cruisers can create a personalized journey based on their interests in a variety of subjects. Rather explore on your own? Printed EXC Port Maps present a simple view of the best each port has to offer by highlighting the key points in each destination that can easily be explored during your time in port. Tips and suggestions will be included from shipboard crew who have visited the port several times before. 
 
Completing the new onboard offerings, stateroom televisions also become a portal to the world through the EXC Channel featuring a selection of curated films, documentaries and TV shows exploring destinations on the ship'
s itinerary.
​

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