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ms Rotterdam Cruise ReviewPage 3
ABOVE: A large ocean-view stateroom on Rotterdam. (Berths can be configured as a queen-size bed or two singles.) Staterooms and suitesThe ms Rotterdam accommodates 1,316 passengers in roughly half as many staterooms. (Passenger capacity will increase to 1,404 in December, 2009, after a multimillion-dollar renovation.) 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.
Penthouse veranda suites. Rotterdam's most luxurious accommodations have 1,159 square feet (108 m˛) of living space. Each has a separate bedroom, living room, and dining room, plus a a pantry, a veranda, a bathroom with double sinks and an oversize whirlpool, and a separate guest bath.
Spa staterooms. Rotterdam will inaugurate 23 "spa staterooms " on the Veranda Deck in time for the 2010 cruise season. 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. "Signature of Excellence" improvements for 2010:Rotterdam is one of several ships that are undergoing extensive renovations under Holland America's current US $525 million "Signature of Excellence" program. By December, 2009, Rotterdam's staterooms in all categories will have their bathrooms redecorated and "soft goods" (such as carpets and upholstery) replaced. For families and disabled guests:
Next page: Dining, café, bars
Top and 3rd, 4th, 5th inset photos copyright © Holland America Line.
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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- m˛)
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.
Lanai
staterooms. Following a renovation in late 2009, Rotterdam will offer
39 lanai staterooms that open directly onto the outdoor walkaround on
the Lower Promenade Deck. Glass doors will have a reflective coating for privacy, and guests will
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 m˛. They have large expanses of glass to maximize daylight and
views.