Awesome Birthday Cruise on the Rotterdam
Rotterdam Cruise Review
Contributor Level:
Cruise Director
Cruises: 7+ cruises
Reviews: 3
Helpful Votes: 69
Review summary
Great new ship, loved the itinerary, San Juan was replaced with Nassau, very relaxing onboard. Delicious food, Main Dining Room, Specialty Dining, Buffet, Dive In burgers and hotdogs, Deli and pizza. Great cruise vacation.Embarkation
When I arrived at Terminal 21 at Port Everglades in Ft Lauderdale, there was a power outage so we waited about 10 minutes before the generator kicked in and they got the Security Scanners up and running before we headed upstairs.
Once there, the cruise Rep. asked for my Passport, Proof of a negative COVID test result taken 2 days prior to embarkation and Proof of Vaccination. This was at the height of the Omnicron variant taking hold in the US. I was then cleared to board the ship.
I headed up to my cabin on Deck 7 Aft Starboard, got my Sea Card and settled in to my balcony stateroom which was nicely appointed. I unpacked the few things I would need from my carry on, set up my Wi-Fi then left to get a bite to eat in the Lido buffet. After eating, I toured the ship until the announcement for the Muster Drill was made.
I arrived back at my cabin, watched the Safety Video and proceeded down to my Muster Station where they scanned my sea card.and that concluded the Muster Drill.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
Rotterdam is a brand new ship so all dining venues were in excellent condition, well laid out and beautiful. The food everywhere was very very delicious. Because of COVID, the crew served everyone in the buffet, there was absolutely no self service when it came to food. Wearing masks was mandatory in the interior spaces of the ship, except when eating or drinking. Great variety of food at the buffet.
Onboard Activities
I did not participate in any onboard activities, I was there to relax and take it easy. Great atmosphere on this Holland America ship.
Entertainment
Entertainment was excellent, loved Music Walk with the varying venues there, BB King Blues Group, Billboard Onboard, Rolling Stone Rock Room and the Lincoln Center Stage drew a lot of attendance at night. There were the Production shows in the World Stage Theater and music and movies up on the Pool Deck.
Service and Staff
Excellent service, great staff, nothing too hard for them.
Ship Quality
Very nice ship with a Music theme, lots of Art pieces by the elevators on each deck. Very nice ambiance, would love to go back on Rotterdam.
Cabin / Stateroom
My cabin couldn’t have been better. It was equipped with two wine glasses, two flutes and tools to uncork your wine and/or Champagne bottles. Very well color coordinated.
Ports of call
The shore excursion I booked, swim and snorkel at Trunk Bay was canceled, so we went to another beach instead near Cruz Bay. Rough water but cold and refreshing.
Thumbs Up
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Half Moon Cay, Bahamas (Private Island)
Well, there’s absolutely nothing bad to say about Half Moon Cay other than the fact they force you to leave. If you’ve ever been to Half Moon Cay, you know the beauty of the beach and water there. The best Private Island beach break.
Disembarkation
Very quick and easy disembarkation more so since the ship sailed with reduced capacity due to COVID.
Traveler Photos
