Holland America's Rotterdam embarks on inaugural cruise

The line celebrated the occasion with fanfare, cheering crew and a ribbon-cutting to welcome passengers on the trans-Atlantic cruise.

This third Pinnacle-class ship was delivered by Fincantieri in July and last week arrived at its namesake city where HAL President Gus Antorcha announced Her Royal Highness Princess Margriet of the Netherlands will serve as the godmother when the ship is officially named in the spring.

Fourth HAL ship to begin cruising

'Rotterdam’s maiden voyage has been highly anticipated for months by our guests and team members eager to welcome them aboard,' Antorcha said today. 'Rotterdam is a beautiful ship and the fourth in our fleet to begin cruising this year. We are excited to bring her to Florida and the Caribbean soon on her first sailing.'

Rotterdam will spend from November through April on its inaugural Caribbean season, with all sailings round-trip Port Everglades. The cruises range from six to 11 days and span the entire Caribbean region. Plus, combination sailings are available.

Every Caribbean cruise calls at Half Moon Cay, Holland America's private island in the Bahamas.