MBT Cruise ship MS Rotterdam (1997) – Holland America Line – Construction plan, scale 1:100 (10.10.148)

The MS Rotterdam (1997) was an iconic cruise ship of the Holland America Line (HAL), built by Fincantieri in Italy. It was the sixth ship in the HAL family to bear the name Rotterdam and served as the fleet’s flagship.

Technical Specifications

Year of construction: 1997

Length: 237.7 metres

Beam: 32.2 metres

Gross tonnage: 61,849 GT

Number of decks: 10

Passenger capacity: 1,404 guests

Crew: 600

Speed: 22.5 knots

IMO number: 9199311

Flag: Netherlands

Shipyard: Fincantieri, Marghera, Italy

Features and Accommodations

The ship offered a range of facilities, including:

Culinary Arts Centre: For cooking demonstrations and workshops.

Showroom at Sea: For live entertainment and shows.

Club HAL and The Loft: For children and teenagers.

Lido Pool: With a retractable roof for flexible use.

Greenhouse Spa & Salon: For wellness treatments.

Fitness centre and sports fields: For active guests.

Accommodation ranged from inside cabins to luxury suites, with special Lanai cabins offering direct access to the promenade deck.

Career and History

Christening: The ship was christened by Princess Margriet of the Netherlands on 9 December 1997 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

First visit to Rotterdam: The ship arrived in the port of Rotterdam on 10 June 1998.

Sale: In July 2020, the ship was sold to Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines and renamed MS Borealis.

Current status: MS Borealis still sails under the flag of the Bahamas.

Culture and Heritage

MS Rotterdam was renowned for its extensive on-board art collection, featuring works valued at over $2 million. The ship combined classic elegance with modern amenities, making it a favourite among cruise enthusiasts. The ship was often associated with the city of Rotterdam and the Netherlands’ rich maritime history

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