Holland America Line’s newest cruise ship, Rotterdam, successfully completed two sets of sea trials off of the coast of Italy.
Rotterdam left Marghera April 25 and performed the preliminary sea trials over two days before going into dry dock at Fincantieri’s Trieste shipyard where standard pre-delivery hull maintenance and painting were performed.
The cruise ship started its official sea trials on May 3, returning to Marghera May 6, where the final steps in the construction process will be completed. Rotterdam is scheduled for delivery on July 30, 2021.
“The successful completion of sea trials gives us great confidence as we head into the final weeks of outfitting for Rotterdam and prepare for delivery of this historic ship.” said Gus Antorcha, president of Holland America Line. “Construction of Rotterdam has continued through the global challenges of the past year with Fincantieri maintaining the highest level of dedication to staying on schedule. Congratulations to everyone involved for completing this significant milestone.”
During sea trials, Rotterdam underwent a series of rigorous performance tests on the cruise ship’s systems, machinery and engines.
Captain Werner Timmers, Staff Captain Kevin Beirnaert, acting Chief Engineer Stefan Dullaert and other members of Rotterdam’s designated senior bridge and engineering teams participated in testing the ship’s maneuvering characteristics and safety systems in collaboration with the shipyard’s team of naval architects, engineers and builders.
Rotterdam is the cruise line’s third Pinnacle class cruise ship will will debut later this year. After a season in the Mediterranean, the vessel will cross the Atlantic and offer cruises from Port Everglades to the Caribbean.
