Holland America announces its ms Rotterdam will sail Alaskan Explorer cruises

October 29, 7:44 PMCharlotte Cruise Ships ExaminerKeith Cooke

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The Lido Pool aboard Holland America's ms Rotterdam is a great place to relax
during an Alaskan Explorer cruise beginning in May 2010 (Photo credit/copyright:
Holland America Line).

Holland America Line (HAL) announced that its flagship ms Rotterdam will begin 7-night roundtrip sailings from Seattle to Alaska in 2010. The Rotterdam's sailings, which will total 18 in all, will begin May 15, 2010 on Saturdays through September 11, 2010.

The sailings, which are dubbed Alaskan Explorer cruises, will sail the scenic Inside Passage and the famed Hubbard Glacier in Yakutat Bay. The glacier, North America's largest tidewater glacier, is one of only 8 Alaskan glaciers that are advancing instead of retreating, allowing passengers a rare opportunity to see a glacier that is more than five miles wide. Other exciting ports of call on these sailings include Juneau, Alaska's state capital, Sitka and Ketchikan, along with Victoria, British Columbia. The sailings also include scenic cruising of the Inside Passage and Vancouver Island.

In addition to the exciting ports of call, guests will enjoy a newly-renovated Rotterdam. According to a press release, "under Holland America’s $525-million Signature of Excellence program, the Rotterdam gains 39 new lanai staterooms, created by replacing existing stateroom windows (on Lower Promenade Deck 6) with lanai doors that open directly onto the walk-around promenade. The ship also adds 23 new spa staterooms, featuring a variety of enhanced spa amenities, on its Verandah Deck. All staterooms and bathrooms will receive complete new décor and furnishings.

"Public areas will add The Retreat, a resort pool feature; the Showroom at Sea, a glamorous nightclub; and Mix, a new concept with three separate bars: Martinis, Champagne and Spirits & Ales. Canaletto, Holland America Line’s popular and complimentary casual Italian restaurant, will also be added to the ship."

Rates for these cruises start at $649 per person, which is based on double occupancy, and does not include government taxes and fees, port charges or gratuities. This is a rather inexpensive way to see some of the most scenic areas in the world via Alaska. Ask your local travel agent for more details on this exciting opportunity from Holland America.

For more of the cruising experience, please stay tuned for future articles. Until then, Bon Voyage!