
SS Rotterdam
Stay aboard a historic Holland America Line cruise ship, now a unique hotel in Rotterdam offering colorful rooms and great dining.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, relaxed atmosphere

SS Rotterdam
Best Time
Fewer crowds, relaxed atmosphere

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Stay aboard a historic Holland America Line cruise ship, now a unique hotel in Rotterdam offering colorful rooms and great dining.
"Honestly just a fantastic place to stay! Really felt like a unique one of a kind hotel."

🚢 Water Taxi Convenience
Don't miss the water taxis! They dock right at the ship and zip you to the city center in minutes. A traveler favorite! ⛵
🍽️ Delicious Dining Options
Enjoy great food! Dinner and breakfast buffets are highly praised. The BBQ brisket is a must-try for dinner. :knifeforkplate:

Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.5 · 8,798 reviews
Type
Hotel
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Grand Ballroom
Main Deck
Step back in time in this opulent ballroom, a testament to the ship's glamorous past. Imagine the parties and events held here!

Captain's Quarters
Bridge Deck
Get a glimpse into the life of the captain. This area offers historical insights and fantastic views from the ship's command center.

Lido Deck & Pool
Upper Deck
Enjoy a relaxing atmosphere with stunning city views. The paddling pool is a hit with families, making it a great spot to unwind.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Stay in Advance
Explore Beyond the Ship
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Ss rotterdam questions
I'll be staying on the ss rotterdam in September which I'm looking forward too but I just have a few questions I'm hoping some locals can help me with I booked online but it says I have to pay for my stay on the day of arrival is this true? What's the food like on board? And…
🚢 Water Taxi Convenience
Don't miss the water taxis! They dock right at the ship and zip you to the city center in minutes. A traveler favorite! ⛵
🍽️ Delicious Dining Options
Enjoy great food! Dinner and breakfast buffets are highly praised. The BBQ brisket is a must-try for dinner. :knifeforkplate:
Travel advice for Rotterdam
I frequently go to Amsterdam but I'm looking for some advice for a potential trip to Rotterdam. Last I went to Amsterdam was roughly two weeks ago, and I now feel like I want to go to other places in the Netherlands. What are some good things to do in Rotterdam in terms of…
Rotterdam for container ship enthusiasts
Hey there! :) I’m going to visit Rotterdam soon and am looking for tips and hints concerning activities related to container ships, boats, and the haven. I’m grateful for any explicit advice, tours, ships you can visit. And does anyone know if it is possible to go on a container…
👨👩👧👦 Kid-Friendly Fun
Kids love the paddling pool on the top deck! It's a fantastic feature for families looking for entertainment. :child:
🚶♀️ Explore the Ship
Consider a ship tour to fully experience the SS Rotterdam's history and unique spaces. :camerawithflash:
Why the SS Rotterdam is Actually Profitable
Does anyone know why the SS Rotterdam is profitable for it's use as a hotel and museum ship in Rotterdam when many passenger ships used for the same purpose are not profitable?
Tips
from all over the internet
🚢 Water Taxi Convenience
Don't miss the water taxis! They dock right at the ship and zip you to the city center in minutes. A traveler favorite! ⛵
🍽️ Delicious Dining Options
Enjoy great food! Dinner and breakfast buffets are highly praised. The BBQ brisket is a must-try for dinner. :knifeforkplate:
👨👩👧👦 Kid-Friendly Fun
Kids love the paddling pool on the top deck! It's a fantastic feature for families looking for entertainment. :child:
🚶♀️ Explore the Ship
Consider a ship tour to fully experience the SS Rotterdam's history and unique spaces. :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the SS Rotterdam's unique hotel experience, often comparing it to being on a real cruise. The friendly staff, delicious food (especially breakfast and BBQ), and the fun paddling pool for kids are frequently praised. However, some guests found the ship to be a bit of a walk from central attractions and were disappointed by the need to pay for ship tours to explore.
"It room was nice although the refrigerator wasn’t that cold. Dinner and breakfast were very nice. We were disappointed, however, that we were not able to explore the ship without paying for a tour. We expected to get some enjoyment out of exploring the ship and couldn’t do that. In addition, it is quite a walk to any place from the ship. We would not stay there again"
Gail Ginell
"Lovely hotel. It really felt like we were on a cruise. Lovely room with a view, and friendly staff. Breakfast buffet was great and we had it every day. On the last night, we had dinner on the ship. It was delicious. Easy to get about. Water taxi from boat or bus stop nearby. We had a great stay."
Lauretta Hunt
"Honestly just a fantastic place to stay! Really felt like a unique one of a kind hotel. We were there for a week in July and my children talk about it every day. The little paddling pool for children on the top deck is fantastic!! The rooms are spacious and charming. But our favourite part was probably the water taxis which pick you up right outside and zip you across to the centre in minutes. Absolutely blew us away and we’d love to visit again one day!"
Anna
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most convenient way to reach the SS Rotterdam is by water taxi, which docks directly at the ship and offers quick trips to the city center. Alternatively, bus stops are nearby, and it's a pleasant walk if you prefer. ⛵
Yes, parking is available at the SS Rotterdam, though it may incur additional charges. It's advisable to check the hotel's official website for the most current parking rates and availability. 🚗
Yes, public transport options are available. Bus stops are located within walking distance of the ship, providing access to Rotterdam's public transportation network. 🚌
The SS Rotterdam aims to be accessible, but as it's a historic ship, some areas might have limitations. It's best to contact the hotel directly to discuss specific accessibility needs. ♿
For passengers on Holland America Line cruises, a free shuttle to the cruise terminal is often available. For other cruise lines, water taxis or public transport are excellent options. :cruise_ship:
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, to explore most of the ship beyond your hotel room or dining areas, a separate tour ticket is generally required. Many visitors express a desire to explore more freely, so factor this into your plans. 🎟️
Tour hours can vary, and it's best to check the official SS Rotterdam website for the most up-to-date information on tour schedules and availability. 🕐
While you can book hotel rooms and tours separately, some packages might be available. It's recommended to check the booking options on the SS Rotterdam's official website. 💻
Information on discounts for ship tours is typically available on the SS Rotterdam's official website. It's always a good idea to check for any special offers or group rates. :moneywithwings:
A tour ticket usually grants access to key areas of the ship, including historical exhibits and public spaces, allowing you to learn about its past. Specific inclusions can be found on their booking page. 📜
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The hotel rooms on the SS Rotterdam are described as nice, spacious, and charming, offering a unique experience that feels like being on a cruise. Some rooms are suites with great views. 🛏️
Children will love the paddling pool on the top deck, which is a fantastic feature for them to enjoy while parents relax. :child:
Absolutely! The SS Rotterdam is a very photogenic location, both inside and out. Capture the historic architecture, unique rooms, and city views. :camerawithflash:
Yes, Wi-Fi is typically available throughout the SS Rotterdam, allowing you to stay connected during your stay. :iphone:
The atmosphere is often described as feeling like you're on a cruise, with friendly staff and a unique, historic setting. It's a fantastic and one-of-a-kind hotel experience. :star2:
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Dining on the SS Rotterdam is highly rated. The breakfast buffet is great, and dinner options, including BBQ like beef brisket, are delicious and surprisingly good for a ship. :hamburger:
Breakfast is often included with hotel stays and is described as a great buffet. It's always best to confirm this when booking your room. 🥐
While specific menus can change, most restaurants on the SS Rotterdam are likely to offer vegetarian options. For vegan choices, it's advisable to inquire with the restaurant staff directly. 🍃
Yes, you can visit the restaurants and bars on the SS Rotterdam for drinks and dinner even if you are not staying overnight. It's a great way to experience the unique venue. :wine_glass:
The Lido Grill is known for its open-air deck and often features BBQ menus, with dishes like beef brisket receiving high praise for their flavor and tenderness. :steak:
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning photos from the Lido Deck for city views, the Grand Ballroom for historic charm, and the bridge for a captain's perspective. The ship's exterior itself is also very photogenic. :camerawithflash:
For professional photoshoots, it's essential to contact the SS Rotterdam management in advance to inquire about permissions, potential fees, and available locations. :studio_camera:
Golden hour, both sunrise and sunset, offers beautiful lighting for exterior shots of the ship and city skyline. Daytime is great for capturing details inside and the lively Lido Deck. :sunriseovermountains:
Generally, personal photography is allowed in most public areas. However, always be mindful of other guests and check for any specific signage regarding photography in certain exhibits or private areas. :noentrysign:
A versatile lens, like a 24-70mm, is great for capturing both wide shots of the ship and details inside. A wide-angle lens is useful for interiors, and a telephoto can be good for city views from the deck. :dslr:



Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit