Holland America Line holds Rotterdam plaque exchange ceremony in Southampton

Friday, May 02, 2025 0

Holland America Line has marked Rotterdam’s first visit to Southampton with a traditional plaque exchange ceremony.

The 2668-guest ship called at the port on Thursday (April 24), as part of a 14-day ‘Cultural Crossing’ itinerary. The cruise departed Fort Lauderdale on April 12, calling at Bermuda and Portland, before visiting Southampton, in addition to Bruges, Rotterdam, Kristiansand in Norway, Eidfjord, Bergen, and Kirkwall in the Orkney Islands, before concluding her voyage in Rotterdam.

The ceremony was attended by representatives of Holland America Line, including captain Bas Van Dreumel, and officials from the Port of Southampton, including Steve Masters, Southampton harbour master; Fay Draper, cruise manager; and Nicola Denbigh, corporate communications manager.

Karen Farndell, UK director of sales and marketing at Holland America Line, said: “The arrival of Rotterdam into Southampton for the first time marks a significant milestone for both the ship and Holland America Line as a whole. We were thrilled to mark the occasion with officials from the Port of Southampton and thank them for their ongoing support.”

Steve Masters, Southampton harbour master, said: “I am delighted to welcome Rotterdam to the Port of Southampton and present captain Bas Van Dreumel with a plaque to commemorate the ship’s inaugural call. Rotterdam is the second cruise ship we have welcomed this year for its first visit to the port, with four more first-time vessels expected to arrive later in the year. Given Southampton’s strategic location and our port services, including the ability to commission shore power, we regularly welcome cruise ships for their inaugural visits.”