Spotted: Ms Rotterdam Marks Homecoming Milestone

Holland America Line’s ms Rotterdam sailed into the Port of Rotterdam for its milestone 100th call Saturday, July 4.

The celebratory 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 the ship’s Godmother 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 ms Rotterdam May 11, 1997, and the ship’s first call at the Port of Rotterdam was June 10, 1998. The current ms Rotterdam is the sixth ship to bear that name in Holland America Line’s history and considered a flagship for the company. Going back in time to 1872, Rotterdam I made its maiden voyage from the Port of Rotterdam. In 2015, ms Rotterdam will make a total of 21 calls at the Port of Rotterdam.

”A 100th port call is a big milestone for any ship, but when the ship is named after the city and the company has roots there dating back more than 142 years, it’s all the more worthy of a celebration,” said Orlando Ashford, Holland America Line’s president.

Ms Rotterdam is currently sailing a series of Norway and Baltic voyages that range from seven to 14 days. In August the ship will sail round-trip Rotterdam to Iceland.