ms Rotterdam Cruise Review

The ms Rotterdam accommodates 1,404 passengers in roughly half as many staterooms.

As on most cruise ships, staterooms are priced by size and location. Even the least expensive cabins have sofas, making them more comfortable than the average hotel room.

Cabins in all price categories are surprisingly large, with an unusual amount of storage space. (Our ocean-view stateroom's four closets had leftover space even after we'd piled our suitcases in one, and the bathroom had at least twice as much storage as we needed.)

Rotterdam's basic stateroom types are:

Inside staterooms. These come in two sizes (standard and large), with showers instead of the bathtubs used in most Rotterdam staterooms.

Inside cabins aren't as claustrophic as you might expect, thanks to generous dimensions, curtains that hide an imaginary window, and a "bridgecam" channel on the flat-screen TV. They're worth considering if you're on a budget or you plan to spend more time in the bar, by the pool, or on deck than in your cabin.

Ocean-view staterooms. The largest number of Rotterdam's cabins fall under this heading, which includes 197-square foot (18- m²) staterooms in 11 price categories. Outside staterooms typically have large windows facing onto the sea, though some rooms in the lower-priced categories have obstructed views or portholes.

• Note: Most inside and ocean-view staterooms are on Decks 1, 2, and 3, within easy reach of the sheltered teak "outdoor walkaround" beneath the tenders and lifeboats on Deck 3.

Lanai staterooms. These staterooms were added during a renovation in 2009. They open directly onto the outdoor walkaround on the Lower Promenade. Glass doors will have a reflective coating for privacy, and guests have reserved deck chairs outside their cabins.

Veranda suites. These are somewhat larger than ocean-view and lanai staterooms, with glass doors opening onto private balconies. Bathrooms have whirlpool baths, and each suite has a refrigerator. (Veranda suites are located on Deck 6.)

Deluxe veranda suites. Category S veranda suites are nearly twice the size of standard veranda suites, with an area of 556 square feet or about 52 m². They have large expanses of glass to maximize daylight and views.

Penthouse veranda suites. Rotterdam's most luxurious accommodations have 1,159 square feet (108 m²) of living space. Each suite consists of living room, dining room, and separate bedroom. Other amenities include a pantry, a veranda, a bathroom with double sinks and an oversize whirlpool, and a separate guest bath.

• Note: Deluxe and penthouse veranda suites are located on Deck 7, and guests have access to a special "Neptune Lounge" with its own concierge, Continental breakfast buffet, tea sandwiches, pre-dinner canapés, and other special perks.

Spa staterooms. Rotterdam recently added 23 "spa staterooms " on the Veranda Deck. These staterooms will have a special decor, a countertop "water feature" with soothing sounds, yoga mats, in-room spa amenities and treatments, and other features for spa aficionados.

Staterooms for families and disabled guests:

• Family cabins. Several dozen of Rotterdam's staterooms are triples (with convertible sofa beds) or quads (with sofa beds and upper berths). Connecting cabins are also available. Consult the deck plans on Holland America Line's Web site for details.

• Cabins and services for mobility-impaired guests. Twenty-one of ms Rotterdam's staterooms can accommodate wheelchairs and electric mobility scooters within specified dimensions. The ship will provide wheelchairs for embarkation and disembarkation, and wheelchairs can be rented for use during the cruise.