Short Cruise Provides Prelude to Maiden Voyage

Holland America Line’s original Rotterdam headquarters is the Hotel New York today.

Eurodam sets sail on its 10-day maiden voyage July 5, 2008, bound for the Baltic and British Isles. Three days earlier, on July 2, 2008, guests will have a chance to board Eurodam in Rotterdam for a special prelude cruise.

Sailing from Rotterdam to Hamburg, Germany, and then on to Copenhagen, this short cruise will be the first time guests have an opportunity to experience the fully operational Eurodam.

As a special pre-cruise shore excursion in Rotterdam, guests can participate in the official naming ceremonies that are to be staged on the cruise pier where Holland America Line’s original headquarters were located.

While a godmother has not been confirmed, the ceremonies are sure to be dramatic, as Holland America Line returns to its roots in Rotterdam where it was founded in 1873 to celebrate the dedication of its newest and largest cruise liner.

More details are available here.