Holland America Line will hold a naming ceremony for its newest ship, Rotterdam, in its namesake city in May.

The cruise line will celebrate the naming of the ship on 30 May 2022 with its godmother, Her Royal Highness Princess Margriet of the Netherlands, as part of a special seven-day Rotterdam Naming Celebration cruise.

The ship will sail roundtrip from Amsterdam, visiting Kristiansand, Stavanger and Flåm, Norway, with scenic cruising in Sognefjord.

Holland America Line president Gus Antorcha said: “Our new Rotterdam is a spectacular ship, and we are thrilled to have its naming ceremony scheduled with a celebratory cruise that allows our guests to join the festivities and officially welcome her to the fleet.

“Our history is deeply rooted in the Netherlands, and it was only fitting to name our newest Rotterdam in the city of Rotterdam with a royal godmother to honour our Dutch roots.

“We are deeply grateful that Her Royal Highness Princess Margriet will once again act as godmother to a Holland America Line ship.”

Rotterdam first launched in 2021 and sailed a transatlantic voyage before spending the winter on its inaugural Caribbean season sailing from Fort Lauderdale.

Beginning in May, the ship will explore Europe, heading to Norway, the Baltic, British Isles and Iceland, all sailing roundtrip from Amsterdam.

Holland America Line – a royal connection

Holland America Line’s connection to The House of Orange goes back nearly a century to Prince Hendrik launching Statendam III in 1929.

Since then, members of the Dutch Royal Family have launched 11 more Holland America Line vessels throughout the years, including Her Royal Highness Princess Margriet, who named Prinsendam (1972), Nieuw Amsterdam III (1983), Rotterdam VI (1997) and Oosterdam (2003).

Additional members of the Dutch Royal Family who are godmothers include Queen Máxima, who named Koningsdam in 2016 and Nieuw Amsterdam in 2010.

Holland America Line drink packages

Guests can purchase Holland America Line’s ‘Have It All’ premium package, which includes a beverage package consisting of up to 15 drinks per day.

This package also features one shore excursion up to around £74 in value, speciality dining in Pinnacle Grill, Tamarind or Canaletto, and a wifi package.

The ‘Have It All’ fare for the Rotterdam Naming Celebration cruise begins at £1,749pp, double occupancy, including free air from London and UK regional airports.