Netherlands' Princess Margriet is Rotterdam's godmother

This makes the 13th Holland America ship named by a Dutch royal, a tradition that began in the 1920s.

Margriet's fifth HAL ship

HAL's connection to The House of Orange goes back nearly a century to Prince Hendrik launching Statendam III in 1929. Since then, members of the Dutch royal family have launched 11 more HAL vessels throughout the years, including Princess Margriet who named Prinsendam (1972), Nieuw Amsterdam III (1983), Rotterdam VI (1997) and Oosterdam (2003).

'We are deeply grateful that Her Royal Highness Princess Margriet will once again act as godmother to a Holland America Line ship, carrying on a long tradition with the royal family that continues to honor our Dutch roots,' HAL President Gus Antorcha said. 'Rotterdam will be named in Rotterdam next year, celebrating its namesake city and our historic connection with the Netherlands. We look forward to commemorating the occasion where it all started for Holland America Line.'

Rotterdam arrived at its namesake city for the first time on Oct. 14

Rotterdam arrival

Rotterdam arrived at the Port of Rotterdam yesterday for the first time.

Additional members of the Dutch royal family who are godmothers include Queen Máxima, who named Koningsdam in 2016 and Nieuw Amsterdam in 2010. Then-Queen Beatrix served as Eurodam’s godmother in 2008. Rotterdam V was launched in 1958 by Queen Juliana. Then-Princess Beatrix named Statendam IV in 1957 and Prinses Margriet in 1960. Nieuw Amsterdam II was launched by Queen Wilhelmina in 1937.

Oct. 20 maiden voyage

Rotterdam’s maiden cruise is set to depart Oct. 20 from Amsterdam on a 14-day trans-Atlantic journey to Fort Lauderdale. During its inaugural Caribbean season from November to April, the ship will sail a variety of five- to 11-day cruises that span the region. All are round-trip Fort Lauderdale.

In mid-April, Rotterdam is to make a 14-day crossing back to Europe to spend the summer in Norway, the Baltic, British Isles and Iceland on cruises all sailing round-trip Amsterdam.