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Rotterdam to Make Two Nostalgic Trans-Atlantic Crossings in 2011

tcook052

By tcook052,
in Holland America Line

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tcook052

tcook052

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http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/holland-america-lines-ms-rotterdam-to-make-two-nostalgic-trans-atlantic-crossings-in-2011-108723894.html

 

SEATTLE, Nov. 17, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- To commemorate Holland America Line's 40th anniversary of its evolution from traditional trans-Atlantic voyages to becoming entirely dedicated to vacation cruising, the premium line's ms Rotterdam is sailing two classic crossings in July 2011.

 

Rotterdam's nine-day trans-Atlantic sailing departs Rotterdam, the Netherlands, on July 3, 2011, and calls at the traditional crossing departure port of Southampton, England, before heading to New York. The July 12 trans-Atlantic departure returns to Rotterdam from New York over nine leisurely days with a call at Cobh (Cork), Ireland, another time-honored stop on crossings of the past.

 

"Trans-Atlantic cruises were the foundation of Holland America Line for several decades, and there's still a strong desire from today's travelers who want to step back in time and relive the celebrated days of an elegant crossing or follow in the footsteps of their ancestors," said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs. "We're proud to honor our heritage with these two special itineraries, replete with nostalgia-themed menus, entertainment and a host of surprises and keepsakes."

 

The trans-Atlantic journeys will offer enriching activities, guest lecturers and chefs, complimentary mementos and opportunities to celebrate the line's 138-year heritage. In addition, a bon voyage sail away party, captain's gala party, special entertainers and events ensure that both itineraries will create recollections to last a lifetime. For novices and enthusiasts, Bridge and dance instructors as well as hosts will be onboard.

 

The celebrated Pasadena Roof Orchestra is scheduled to provide the authentic, big-band dancing sounds of yesteryear for both itineraries. Popular Dutch singing sensation "Frank in Person" plans to dazzle guests with his Frank Sinatra looks, singing style and repertoire from Rotterdam to New York.

 

Guests seeking to discover more about the company's history can visit the Crow's Nest, which will be set up as a "Museum at Sea" during both crossings, or attend a lecture by a renowned maritime historian.

Bill Miller, considered an international authority on the subject of ocean liners and cruise ships, will be on board both sailings as a guest lecturer. Called "Mr. Ocean Liner," he has written more than 65 books on the subject — from early steamers and immigrant ships to liners at war.

Maritime artist Captain Stephen J. Card also will be on both crossings to discuss his work and his knowledge of Holland America Line vessels. Card is the official chronicler of the Holland America fleet and his paintings, which are showcased on every ship in the fleet — have achieved wide acclaim for their technical accuracy as well as their artistic expression.

Royal Designer of Industry Stephen Payne, OBE, vice president chief naval architect for Carnival Corporate Shipbuilding, will share his nautical knowledge on the July 12 voyage. The immediate past president of the Royal Institution of Naval Architects, Payne was lead designer of Cunard Line's Queen Mary 2. He has been involved with Carnival Corporation ships since January 1985, and in July 2010 he was awarded the title of "Amazing Person 2010" by Solent Education Business Partnership for his work in promoting engineering careers to young people.

 

Guests looking to sharpen their skills in the line's Culinary Arts Center will have the opportunity to learn from master chefs on both cruises. Dutch Chef Cas Spijkers is scheduled to sail on the July 3 crossing. The author of 10 cookbooks and culinary educator has prepared lavish dinners for the Dutch Royal Family, starred in his own television series, "Cooking with the Stars," and was named as the Netherlands' "Masterchef of the Century" in 1991.

 

Daniel Orr, chef and owner of FARMbloomington, is scheduled to sail on the July 12 departure. Orr draws from a lifelong curiosity about individual ingredients combined with extensive training in the art of finding food's true essence and flavor. He calls his cuisine "real food for real people."

For more information and cruise fares, contact a professional travel agent, call 1-877-SAIL-HAL (1-877-724-5425) or visit www.hollandamerica.com.

Find Holland America Line on Twitter, Facebook and the Holland America Blog. Access all social media outlets via the Online Communities quick link on the home page at www.hollandamerica.com.

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libgal

libgal

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My husband and I and our two young children, ages 3 and 4, were on the Rotterdam in July 1967 sailing to New York from Cobh. I have a picture of us boarding the tender. We had been in Nigeria, where my husband was working as a small business consultant. When the civil war broke out we went home, with a little R & R in Ireland on the way. The Rotterdam was a lovely ship and we had a wonderful journey.

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durangoscots

durangoscots

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If this cruise were starting/ending in NYC, rather than Rotterdam, I would be on it for the round trip. What a lovely time it will be! :)

But I don't want to fly round trip to Europe to have the sailing.

 

I'm with you Ruth, although I am tempted. I made a lot of transatlantic crossings beginning before WWII and continuing on into the late '60's.... most were with HAL.

 

Susan

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terigo

terigo

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If this cruise were starting/ending in NYC, rather than Rotterdam, I would be on it for the round trip. What a lovely time it will be! :)

But I don't want to fly round trip to Europe to have the sailing.

 

I thought the same thing... :(

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bob brown

bob brown

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Perhaps go one way on the QM2 and the other on the Rotterdam? That would make a very nice combination. You could either fly the short distance from Southampton to Rotterdam or perhaps take the train?

You could leave NY on 24 June for a 7 day crossing on the QM2, then return on the Rotterdam's 9 day crossing on 3 July, with a few days in-between to travel and tour.

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rafinmd "Live from...." Rare

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Perhaps go one way on the QM2 and the other on the Rotterdam? That would make a very nice combination. You could either fly the short distance from Southampton to Rotterdam or perhaps take the train?

You could leave NY on 24 June for a 7 day crossing on the QM2, then return on the Rotterdam's 9 day crossing on 3 July, with a few days in-between to travel and tour.

 

I think this is a great idea. The eastbound also really tempting for me as a prelude to July 25 on Prinsendam, but a little too close to some July 11 commitments.

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ariawoman

ariawoman

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Perhaps go one way on the QM2 and the other on the Rotterdam? That would make a very nice combination. You could either fly the short distance from Southampton to Rotterdam or perhaps take the train?

You could leave NY on 24 June for a 7 day crossing on the QM2, then return on the Rotterdam's 9 day crossing on 3 July, with a few days in-between to travel and tour.

 

LOL i love how we are all such enablers! :-) Someone please talk me into my next cruise now :-)

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VermeulT

VermeulT

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Perhaps go one way on the QM2 and the other on the Rotterdam? That would make a very nice combination. You could either fly the short distance from Southampton to Rotterdam or perhaps take the train?

You could leave NY on 24 June for a 7 day crossing on the QM2, then return on the Rotterdam's 9 day crossing on 3 July, with a few days in-between to travel and tour.

 

Thanks for the suggestion... I've passed it onto DH. With the new airport security measures he will do just about anything to not have to fly.

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VermeulT

VermeulT

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Perhaps go one way on the QM2 and the other on the Rotterdam? That would make a very nice combination. You could either fly the short distance from Southampton to Rotterdam or perhaps take the train?

You could leave NY on 24 June for a 7 day crossing on the QM2, then return on the Rotterdam's 9 day crossing on 3 July, with a few days in-between to travel and tour.

 

Unfortunately - it doesn't work that smoothly.

The 6/24 voyage leaves from Southampton... and the July 6th trip from NY won't get to Europe until the 13th - and Rotterdam leaves the 12th.

And if you try the reverse - Rotterdam leaves NY 7/12 and gets to Europe 7/21. QM2 leaves 7/20 for the Westbound trip. SO you'd need at least a week between the trips.

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tcook052

tcook052

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http://travel.usatoday.com/cruises/post/2010/11/holland-america-rotterdam-cruise-trans-atlantic-sailing/131700/1

 

Watch out, Cunard. You're about to get some new competition when it comes to classic trans-Atlantic crossings in the summer.

 

Holland America Wednesday unveiled new details of its previously announced plan to offer two classic trans-Atlantic crossings next summer -- something it hasn't offered in decades -- and it looks like the 138-year-old company is going all out.

 

The line says the voyages will include nostalgia-themed dinner menus and entertainment, special guest lectures and the presence of a temporary "museum at sea," among other crossing-related features.

 

Holland America's Rotterdam will set sail on the first of the two trans-Atlantic crossings -- a nine-day trip from Rotterdam, Netherlands to New York -- on July 3. The ship will make a stop in Southampton, England on the way.

 

On July 12, the Rotterdam will make a nine-day return trip to Rotterdam from New York with a single call at Cobh (Cork), Ireland -- like Southampton a time-honored stop on crossings of the past.

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rochelle_s

rochelle_s

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If this cruise were starting/ending in NYC, rather than Rotterdam, I would be on it for the round trip. What a lovely time it will be! :)

But I don't want to fly round trip to Europe to have the sailing.

 

 

Ruth...

 

Do you have 56 days available for a cruise??

 

You could do the May 17 --TransAtlantic/ British Isles/ Baltics (28 days), stay onboard the ship June14 for a return to the Baltics (12 days) and then finish off an already wonderful cruise with the July 2 Nostalgic TransAtlantic.

 

Sounds like an amazing itinerary to me. Prices are excellent and not a single long haul flight to be had!

 

Wonder if HAL would give any discounts for booking a b2b2b?

 

 

I can dream.....just doing the first 28 days but if those lottery numbers come up I'll be there. :D

 

Rochelle

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cant51

cant51

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Pretty impressive guest line-up on both sailings with Stephen Card & others. And with Rotterdam as em/disembarkation port, guests can stay a while at Rotterdam V, now a hotel but the former pride of the HAL fleet.
rotterdam-hotel-new-york.jpg

 

This it how it looks now, and my view from my livingroom across the river:D

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RuthC

RuthC

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Ruth...

 

Do you have 56 days available for a cruise??

 

LOL! I do, but I won't leave my cat for that long. I feel guilty leaving her for as long as I do sometimes.

 

What you posted is a great trip, and I would love to be able to do it. However, I've cruised this area many times. If I were to take a cruise for that amount of time, I would go a bit longer and do that circle Pacific cruise. I've been longing to take that since the 1993 cruise!

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