MS Rotterdam returns to Plymouth for 150th anniversary

17th October 2022

Plymouth will host a historic maritime event tomorrow (Oct 18) when the cruise ship MS Rotterdam arrives to mark the 150^th anniversary of her namesake’s visit to the port.

The Holland America Line’s inaugural passenger liner, SS Rotterdam, called at Britain’s Ocean City in 1872 en route from Rotterdam, Holland to New York. That maiden voyage saw the ship pick up additional passengers and mail at Plymouth before setting sail across the Atlantic.

Now the line’s latest vessel to bear the Rotterdam name is returning a century and a half later when a special event, attended by local dignitaries and travel trade representative, will be held on board to celebrate the occasion.

Those present will include the Lord Mayor Councillor Sue Dann, the King’s Harbour Master and members of Plymouth Cruise Partnership. During the event the Master of MS Rotterdam will present a ship’s plaque to the city and, in exchange, the Lord Mayor will present a Plymouth City plaque to the Master.

Amanda Lumley, Destination Plymouth Chief Executive said: “What a great opportunity to mark such an interesting moment in the port’s history. We’re thoroughly looking forward to welcoming the vessel and her passengers and showcasing some of the best attractions our modern port city has to offer. It’s events like these that really bring Plymouth’s fascinating maritime history to life.”

The original vessel is thought to have anchored in Plymouth Sound or Cawsand Bay, taking passengers by tender boats to Princess Royal Pier, Mill Bay.

Next week the modern 300m long MS Rotterdam will become the largest cruise liner to dock at Plymouth and signify both the 150^th anniversary of the cruise and the founding of the Holland America Line.

The visit is part of a 12-day transatlantic cruise recreating the SS Rotterdam’s first voyage, departing Rotterdam on Oct 15, calling at Le Havre for Paris on Oct 17 and then on to Plymouth where she is due at anchorage at 8am the following day. After departing Plymouth at approximately 5pm on Oct 18, she will spend a week crossing the Atlantic, arriving in New York on Oct 26.

The current MS Rotterdam – the seventh ship to bear the name – came into service for Holland America Line (part of Carnival Corporation & plc) and can carry up to 3218 passengers with a crew of 1025. She has 13 passenger decks and 1340  cabins and suites. Around 2,000 guests will be on board next week.