Rotterdam is one of the fastest-growing cruise departure ports in Northern Europe. From the modern Cruise Terminal Rotterdam at Wilhelminapier, passengers can board cruises to the Norwegian Fjords, Baltic capitals, Iceland, the British Isles, Canary Islands and even transatlantic destinations.
This page focuses only on cruise ships that truly offer embarkation cruises from Rotterdam.
Cruise Ships Departing from Rotterdam
The following ocean cruise ships regularly offer embarkation cruises from Rotterdam:
Holland America Line
- Rotterdam
- Nieuw Statendam
These are the two main Holland America Line ships sailing directly from Rotterdam.
Popular itineraries include:
- Norwegian Fjords
- Iceland & Greenland
- Baltic Sea
- British Isles
- Scandinavia
- Canary Islands
- Transatlantic cruises
Holland America Line has strong historic ties with Rotterdam and uses the city as one of its key European homeports.
MSC Cruises
MSC Cruises regularly operates cruises from Rotterdam with:
- MSC Preziosa
- MSC Virtuosa
- MSC Poesia
MSC cruises from Rotterdam are especially popular for:
- Northern Europe
- Fjord cruises
- Family cruises
- Summer cruises
AIDA Cruises
AIDA Cruises regularly departs from Rotterdam with:
- AIDAnova
- AIDAperla
Popular destinations include Scandinavia and Northern Europe.
Holland America Line Expansion in 2027 / 2028
Holland America Line is significantly expanding its cruise operations from Rotterdam in 2027 and 2028.
More Cruises from Rotterdam
Starting in 2027:
- Rotterdam and Nieuw Statendam will continue to homeport in Rotterdam
- Holland America Line is expanding Northern Europe itineraries
- More departures to Scandinavia, Iceland and the British Isles will be offered
- Additional winter cruises from Rotterdam are being introduced
For the first time, Holland America Line will also keep Nieuw Statendam in Europe year-round during the 2027–2028 season.
This means Rotterdam will see:
- Winter departures
- Christmas market cruises
- Canary Islands cruises
- Mediterranean repositioning cruises
- Longer seasonal deployment in Europe
The expansion adds more than 70 additional European port days compared with previous seasons.
New Winter Cruises from Rotterdam
The new 2027–2028 Holland America Line expansion includes cruises such as:
- Baltic Christmas Market Cruises
- Scandinavian winter cruises
- Canary Islands voyages
- Western Mediterranean cruises
Most of these cruises will sail aboard Nieuw Statendam directly from Rotterdam.
Why Rotterdam Is Growing as a Cruise Departure Port
Cruise lines increasingly choose Rotterdam because:
- The cruise terminal is located directly in the city center
- Excellent train connections across Europe
- Easy access from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport
- Modern terminal facilities
- Strong Dutch cruise tradition
- Popular Northern Europe itineraries
Rotterdam is also attractive because passengers can easily combine a city trip with their cruise vacation.
Cruise Terminal Rotterdam
Most ocean cruises depart from the Cruise Terminal Rotterdam on Wilhelminapier.
The terminal is within walking distance of:
- Erasmus Bridge
- Hotels at the Wilhelminapier near the Cruise Trerminal
- Foodhallen Rotterdam
- Metro station Wilhelminaplein
- Rotterdam skyline viewpoints
The location is considered one of the most scenic cruise terminals in Europe.
Popular Cruise Destinations from Rotterdam
Norwegian Fjords
One of the most popular cruise regions from Rotterdam.
Common ports include:
- Bergen
- Flam
- Stavanger
- Geiranger
- Eidfjord
Iceland & Greenland
Longer cruises from Rotterdam often visit:
- Reykjavik
- Isafjordur
- Akureyri
- Greenland fjords
Baltic Capitals
Cruises regularly visit:
- Copenhagen
- Stockholm
- Helsinki
- Tallinn
British Isles
Popular ports include:
- Edinburgh
- Liverpool
- Belfast
- Cork
Best Time to Cruise from Rotterdam
Main Season
The main departure season runs from:
- April until October
This is the best period for:
- Fjord cruises
- Baltic cruises
- Northern Europe cruises
Winter Season
From late 2027 onward, Rotterdam will also become a more important winter departure port thanks to Holland America Line’s year-round Europe expansion.
FAQ – Cruises from Rotterdam
Which cruise ships really depart from Rotterdam?
Regular embarkation ships include:
- Rotterdam
- Nieuw Statendam
- MSC Preziosa
- MSC Virtuosa
- MSC Poesia
- AIDAnova
- AIDAperla
Where is the cruise terminal in Rotterdam?
Most cruises depart from Cruise Terminal Rotterdam at Wilhelminapier.
Does Holland America Line expand cruises from Rotterdam?
Yes. Holland America Line is expanding its Rotterdam and Northern Europe cruise program for 2027 and 2028, including more year-round European sailings and winter departures.
Are there winter cruises from Rotterdam?
Yes. Starting in 2027–2028, additional winter cruises and Christmas market cruises will depart from Rotterdam aboard Nieuw Statendam.