Rotterdam, Holland

The city of Rotterdam is unlike Holland's other cities. Located on the mighty Maas River, it is a city with outstanding architecture, an abundance of attractions, festivals and museums, a swinging young city culture, excellent shopping facilities, restaurants and cafes.

Rotterdam is only a half-hour from The Hague and an hour from Amsterdam, but it is centuries away from them in both appearance and personality. Here, instead of the usual Dutch web of little streets, alleyways, and winding canals, there's a spacious and elegant shopping mall and the world's busiest ocean harbor. Rotterdam is a fascinating place to see and experience, particularly when you consider that this city was a living monument to Holland's Golden Age until it was bombed to rubble during World War II. The city retains traces of its ancient history in only two areas -- Delfshaven (Delft Harbor) and Oude Haven (Old Harbor).

Today this bustling metropolis has the world's biggest port, created when its several harbors were opened directly to the sea, 32km (20 miles) away, by the dredging of a deepwater channel that accommodates even the largest oil tankers. Europoort handles more ships and more cargo every year than any other port in the world.

Things to see and do

• Euromast
• Inner-city harbor area
• Boymans-Van Beuningen Museum
• Maritime Museum

General Information

Cruise Season

March - Nov

Currency

Euro (€)

Western Europe Sampler - Roundtrip from London

4 night cruise sailing from Southampton aboard the Crown Princess.

Departs:

• 2013-09-26.

from $659*

Norwegian Fjords 7 day cruise on ms Rotterdam

7 night cruise sailing from Rotterdam aboard the Rotterdam.

Departs:

• 2012-08-04.

from $849*

Cruise Break

5 night cruise sailing from Southampton aboard the Queen Mary 2.

Departs:

• 2012-10-09.

from $1,169*

Northern Europe Passage From Ft. Lauderdale

16 night cruise sailing from Fort Lauderdale aboard the Emerald Princess.

Departs:

• 2013-04-26.

from $1,669*

Tulips & Windmills - Amsterdam To Antwerp 9 night cruise on River Duchess

9 night cruise sailing from Amsterdam aboard the River Duchess.

Departs:

• 2013-03-23.

from $2,795*

Tulips & Windmills - Amsterdam To Antwerp 9 night cruise on River Queen

9 night cruise sailing from Amsterdam aboard the River Queen.

Departs:

• 2013-03-29.

from $2,795*

Baltic Heritage Roundtrip From London

14 night cruise sailing from Southampton aboard the Grand Princess.

Departs:

• 2012-07-07.

from $2,945*

Cruise Break

5 night cruise sailing from Southampton aboard the Queen Mary 2.

Departs:

• 2012-06-05.

from $3,069*