
June 28, 2026
7 nights · 3 sea days
Rotterdam
Netherlands
Rotterdam
Netherlands






Holland America Line
2021-09-01
781 GT
975 m
24 knots
1,340 / 2,668 guests
580





Your MSC cruise will lay anchor in the largest port in the world, Rotterdam, is a no-nonsense working-class city lying at the heart of a maze of rivers and artificial waterways that together form the outlet of the rivers Rijn (Rhine) and Maas (Meuse). After devastating damage during World War II, Rotterdam has grown into a vibrant, forceful city dotted with first division cultural attractions. Your MSC cruise of Northern Europe will give you the opportunity to see that the immense land reclamation work hasn’t obliterated its earthy character though: its tough grittiness is part of its appeal, as are its boisterous bars and clubs. Amongst the most interesting attractions to enjoy during your vacation in Holland, is Rotterdam’s Kunsthal, the museum of contemporary art, and the Boijmans van Beuningen Museum, which has an outstanding art collection including representative works from almost all the most important Dutch painters: both are in the city’s designated culture zone, the Museumpark. Other interesting sites to visit on an MSC excursion are the Oude Haven, the city’s oldest harbour, ravaged during World War II but sympathetically redeveloped, and Delfs haven, an antique harbour that managed to survive the bombs pretty much intact. Rotterdam also boasts a string of first-rate festivals, including the much-lauded North Sea Jazz Festival and the colourful Summer Carnival. The postwar period saw the rapid reconstruction of the docks and, when huge container ships and oil tankers made the existing port facilities obsolete, Rotterdammers promptly built an entirely new deep-sea port, the Europoort, jutting out into the North Sea some 25 km to the west of the old town. Completed in 1968, the Europoort is able to welcome the largest ships in the world, amongst which also the MSC cruise ships.





Norway's capital lies at the head of the majestic Oslofjord, encircled by wooded hills and snowcapped peaks. Dating back to the mid-11th century, it was at one time renamed Christiania while under Danish and Swedish rule. An act of Parliament finally changed the name back to Oslo in 1925. With barely half a million inhabitants, Oslo is the smallest among the Scandinavian capitals. Yet it has much to offer - most notably its spectacular scenic beauty, as well as many of the nation's finest cultural achievements. Arriving by ship, your first sight is the imposing Akershus Fortress towering above the docks. With the city center only a few blocks from the pier, you can easily spot the handsome modern City Hall with its two block towers. Dedicated in 1950 to commemorate Oslo's 900-year anniversary, it is the city's most familiar landmark. Many of Norway's leading artists contributed to the decoration of the interior and as a result Socialist modernism in its purest form can be seen here. More extraordinary art works can be admired at Frogner Park, site of the famous Vigeland sculptures depicting a world of human beings and animals in stone. Fine examples of Scandinavian impressionists, referred to as the "Northern Light" artists, are exhibited in the National Gallery. The Munch Museum houses an enormous collection of art bequeathed to the city by Norway's leading artist Edvard Munch. Most of Oslo's historic sites are concentrated on the Bygdoe Peninsula; the Norwegian Folkmuseum, the Viking Ship Museum, the Fram, and the Kon-Tiki Museums are outstanding.

In Kristiansand the MSC cruise of Northern Europe touches the southernmost part of Norway, the region of Sørlandet, where thousands of islands and rocks dot the coast along the Skagerrak straits. As you step ashore from the ship you find yourself in a lively town offering plenty of opportunities and attractions, such as the Kilden Performing Arts Centre, a striking building for its bold architecture, that hosts exhibitions and concerts all year round. The zoo and the Kristiansand amusement park (12 km from the town) are also an experience for the whole family. There are museums like the Vest-Agder that gives the visitor insight into the local culture and history with impressive models of the town with its most representative buildings. The nature museum with its botanical gardens instead hosts the largest collection of cactus plants in Norway. The Sørlandet museum of art hosts a permanent collection of Norwegian art while the imposing canons museum hosts the second largest cannon in the world and a rich collection of military exhibits. If instead you wish to immerse yourself in Kristiansand’s everyday life, visit the fish market, here you can find restaurants where you can enjoy the freshest fish, while there’s a bustling of boats coming and going. Try an experience into the past with a ride on the steam engine train. You can get to the village of Vennes and then get a ticket for the Setesdal railway, which has since the 19th century connected Kristiansand and the other coastal towns to the once remote region of Setesdal. You should not miss an excursion to the delightful town of Lillesand, known as the jewel of the Sørlandet, with picturesque fishermen’s houses that have been turned into holiday homes in an environment of rare charm with the colourful port and ever-present Norwegian nature.

Known as the gateway to the Helgeland coast – a spectacular stretch of mountainous coastline dotted with a myriad of islands – Sandnessjøen, on Alsta Island, is arguably most famous for its proximity to the striking Seven Sisters mountain range. According to legend, the seven side-by-side peaks are troll sisters who were turned to stone in the sunlight. Each mountain can be climbed individually, with peaks ranging from 910 metres (Breitinden) to 1,072 metres (Brotnkrona), or experienced climbers can take on the challenge of all seven. The views from the top of each peak are magnificent, offering vistas across Nordland and the Viga Archipelago. Outside of the Seven Sisters, the Petter Dass Museum is a local highlight, situated towards the south of the island of Alsta. Petter Dass was one of the country’s best-loved poets and also a priest, and the museum pays tribute to his life and works throughout a number of buildings, from the original 18th century vicarage to the modern museum building which overlooks the water.

Norway's Sognefjord is the longest and deepest fjord in the world. Imagine 205 majestic winding kilometers (127 miles) of beautiful villages, centuries-old architecture including wooden stave churches, towering mountains with snow-covered peaks, cascading waterfalls and panoramic views. It is also a region known for its traditional food, folklore, music and rich culture. Set in the southern part of the country, centrally located at the heart of Fjord Norway (as the region is known), the fjord reaches depths of more than 1,308 meters (4,291 feet). It also soars to the sky, with rugged cliffs rising to more than 1,700 meters (5,577 feet). This is nature at its most dramatic. In fact, one of the Sognefjord’s arms, the Nærøyfjord, is on UNESCO's World Heritage List. The Urnes Stave Church, which was build around 1130 is also included on UNESCO's World Heritage List. As the poet John Keats once wrote, “The poetry of earth is never dead,” and within the Sognefjord lie many sonnets of life. Be inspired by its treasures. All you have to do is sit back and watch the spectacular wonder of this destination.

Skjolden, Norway- Skjolden is the innermost port of Norway, located at the head of the longest navigable fjord in the world, Sognefjord. The village population may average 200, but its terrain is far from quaint. Experience the grand and pristine beauty of the north on your Skjolden cruise. The Breheimen National Park, home to three majestic glaciers and Feigumfossen Waterfall in an idyllic setting on the southern side of the Lusterfjord are only a few of the scenic attractions you’ll find here. Take the short walk into the falls or admire the view from the National Tourist Route on the northern side of the fjord. For the outdoors-y type that wants to take in a great hike, take the Rv55, one of Norway's most scenic roadways, to the pristine fishing waters of Eidsvatnet lake. For more breathtaking scenery, head just a bit north to the Mørkridsdalen Valley where verdant mountains surround fields of colorful wildflowers and rushing streams.





Your MSC cruise will lay anchor in the largest port in the world, Rotterdam, is a no-nonsense working-class city lying at the heart of a maze of rivers and artificial waterways that together form the outlet of the rivers Rijn (Rhine) and Maas (Meuse). After devastating damage during World War II, Rotterdam has grown into a vibrant, forceful city dotted with first division cultural attractions. Your MSC cruise of Northern Europe will give you the opportunity to see that the immense land reclamation work hasn’t obliterated its earthy character though: its tough grittiness is part of its appeal, as are its boisterous bars and clubs. Amongst the most interesting attractions to enjoy during your vacation in Holland, is Rotterdam’s Kunsthal, the museum of contemporary art, and the Boijmans van Beuningen Museum, which has an outstanding art collection including representative works from almost all the most important Dutch painters: both are in the city’s designated culture zone, the Museumpark. Other interesting sites to visit on an MSC excursion are the Oude Haven, the city’s oldest harbour, ravaged during World War II but sympathetically redeveloped, and Delfs haven, an antique harbour that managed to survive the bombs pretty much intact. Rotterdam also boasts a string of first-rate festivals, including the much-lauded North Sea Jazz Festival and the colourful Summer Carnival. The postwar period saw the rapid reconstruction of the docks and, when huge container ships and oil tankers made the existing port facilities obsolete, Rotterdammers promptly built an entirely new deep-sea port, the Europoort, jutting out into the North Sea some 25 km to the west of the old town. Completed in 1968, the Europoort is able to welcome the largest ships in the world, amongst which also the MSC cruise ships.






With a teak-lined verandah, floor-to-ceiling windows and comfortable sitting area, these comfortable suites are filled with light. They include two lower beds convertible to one queen-size bed—our signature Mariner's Dream bed with plush Euro-Top mattresses, plus a shower, mini-bar and refrigerator.





With floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a private verandah, these spacious suites are flooded with light. They feature a large sitting area and two lower beds convertible to one king-size bed—our signature Mariner's Dream bed with plush Euro-Top mattresses. The bathroom comes with a dual-sink vanity, full-size whirlpool bath and shower, plus additional shower stall. Amenities include use of the exclusive Neptune Lounge, a private concierge and an array of complimentary services.


Generously proportioned and filled with light, these elegant suites include a living room, dining room, pantry with microwave, refrigerator and built-in bar, and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a private verandah with whirlpool. The bedroom features a king-size bed—our Signature Mariner's Dream bed with plush Euro-Top mattresses, and the bath includes an oversize whirlpool bath and shower as well as an additional shower stall. There's also a sofa bed, suitable for two people, and a guest toilet. Amenities include a private stereo system, use of the exclusive Neptune Lounge, private concierge and an array of complimentary services.






These large, comfortable suites feature a spacious sitting area with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a private verandah, two lower beds convertible to one queen-size bed—our signature Mariner's Dream bed with plush Euro-Top mattresses, and one murphy bed for one person. The bathroom includes a dual-sink vanity, full-size whirlpool bath and shower, and an additional shower stall.





Sleeps up to 2 guests
2 beds convertible to 1 queen bed
Shower
Steps away from Greenhouse Spa & Salon®
Yoga mat
All Stateroom Amenities
Enjoy the Amenities available for the room & have a wonderful journey with this pleasant experience.
Daily housekeeping
Complimentary 24-hour room service
Elemis Aromapure soap, lotion, shampoo
Luxurious bathrobes
Generous storage
Fresh fruit upon request
Safe
Shoeshine
TV with On Demand movies, programming






With a teak-lined verandah, floor-to-ceiling windows and comfortable sitting area, these comfortable suites are filled with light. They include two lower beds convertible to one queen-size bed—our signature Mariner's Dream bed with plush Euro-Top mattresses, plus a shower, mini-bar and refrigerator.




Filled with light from floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a private verandah, these staterooms include a sitting area, two lower beds convertible to one queen-size bed—our signature Mariner's Dream bed with plush Euro-Top mattresses, and bath tub with premium massage showerheads.




With floor-to-ceiling windows and a private verandah, these light-infused staterooms feature two lower beds convertible to one queen-size bed—our Signature Mariner's Dream bed with plush Euro-Top mattresses, premium massage shower heads and thoughtful amenities.




2 lower beds convertible to 1 queensize bed, shower, sitting area, private verandah, floor-to-ceiling windows.
Approximately 228–405 sq. ft. including verandah






With accomodations for five guests, this stateroom includes two lower beds convertible to one queen-size bed and one upper bed—all are our signature Mariner's Dream beds with plush Euro-Top mattresses, plus one sofa bed for two persons. There are two bathrooms: one with bathtub, shower, sink and toilet, one with shower and sink.






These expansive staterooms include include two lower beds convertible to one queen-size bed—our Signature Mariner's Dream bed with plush Euro-Top mattresses, premium massage shower heads, a host of amenities and an ocean view.




Perfect for guests traveling solo, these staterooms feature one queen-size Signature Mariner's Dream bed with plush Euro-top mattress, plus a shower with premium massage head an array of modern amenities.






These ocean-view staterooms offer spa amenities such as yoga mats and an iPod docking station, with exclusive spa treatments from the nearby Greenhouse Spa and Salon. It includes two lower beds convertible to one queen-size bed—our signature Mariner's Dream bed with plush Euro-Top mattresses, a bathtub and shower.




Sleeps up to 2 guests
2 beds convertible to 1 queen bed
Shower
Steps away from Greenhouse Spa & Salon®
Yoga mat
All Stateroom Amenities
Enjoy the Amenities available for the room & have a wonderful journey with this pleasant experience.
Daily housekeeping
Complimentary 24-hour room service
Elemis Aromapure soap, lotion, shampoo
Luxurious bathrobes
Generous storage
Fresh fruit upon request
Safe
Shoeshine
TV with On Demand movies, programming




Two lower beds convertible to one queen-size bed—our signature Mariner's Dream™ bed with plush Euro-Top mattresses, premium massage shower heads and a host of amenities are featured in these comfortable staterooms.
Amenities
Daily housekeeping
Complimentary 24-hour room service
Elemis Aromapure soap, lotion, shampoo
Luxurious bathrobes
Generous storage
Fresh fruit upon request
Safe
Shoeshine
TV with On Demand movies, programming
Our cruise specialists can help you find the perfect cabin and the best available pricing.
US$2,429 /person
Contact Advisor