Europe and Mediterranean: Vikings Sagas Cruise

Holland America Line

A dream voyage round-trip from Rotterdam through Norway's spectacular fjords and cities. Scenic cruise Oslofjord & Sognefjord. Explore Oslo, home of the painter Edvard Munch. Rotterdam® delivers exquisite cuisine, award-winning service, superbly appointed staterooms, and world-class entertainment.

Included Extras

Executive Member Benefit

  • Executive Members receive an annual 2% Reward, up to $1,000, on qualified Costco Travel purchases

Digital Costco Shop Card

  • Member Exclusive: Digital Costco Shop Card with every Holland America Line sailing†

Sailing Itinerary

Note: Cruise itineraries are subject to change. Please verify ports and times directly with the cruise line.

Day 1 Port of Call Rotterdam Departure 4:00pm

Overview

Nowadays Rotterdam is a vital part of the economy of the Netherlands. The Port of Rotterdam, the largest port in the world with a total throughput of about 300 million metric tons a year provides a solid base for industry in and around the Rotterdam area. Its population is about 575000, which makes it one of the largest cities in the Netherlands, but the number of people that work in the Rotterdam area or are otherwise economically dependent of it exceeds that number by far. The density of population is among the highest in the Netherlands, exceeding 4000 per square kilometer. Shipping, storage and forwarding are of course among the most important activities in the region, but the port of Rotterdam has also created a large chemical industry, which is fully dependent upon the transport facilities for the inflow of crude oil and the shipping of the various refined end products. Large petrochemical plants have sprung up, especially on the south bank of the Maas. These plants are in operation 24 hours a day. The development of Europoort ('Euro gate') started in 1957. A large complex of ports and industrial areas was created between Rotterdam and the entry to the North Sea. When more space was needed, the Maasvlakte ('Maas Flats') was created. By means of dikes, dams and sand deposits the coast line was altered to include many square kilometers of newly created land, where the Petroleum Harbors, container terminals, ore terminals and the Maasvlakte power plant are located. An interesting feature is the 'disaster area', a training complex where fire brigades train to cope with large-scale industrial accidents. The complex includes a grounded tanker that is set on fire several times a day. The name Europoort suggests that Rotterdam wanted to become the gateway to Europe. By 1963 this suggestion had become outdated, because in that year Rotterdam could claim to be the largest port in the world, a record that it still holds. In fact, the Berge Stahl, a 365000 ton ore carrier, is fully dependent on the port of Rotterdam, since this is the only port on the European continent that this ship (with its 23m/75ft draught) can access. After the flood in 1953 a large project was initiated to prevent such floodings in the future. This project, the 'Delta plan', involved stronger and higher dikes and numerous flood barriers. The latest of those flood barriers to be completed was the storm surge barrier in the Nieuwe Waterweg near Hoek van Holland. Two enormous doors mounted on swing arms can be used to close off the Nieuwe Waterweg, should storm and high water require so in order to protect the country from flooding. Normally the doors are open, so as not to impede the flow of ships through the Nieuwe Waterweg. Building and development have become a way of life for Rotterdam. The city has continued to grow, and it shows no signs of slowing down. And although this constant increase of population, urbanization and development all breed their own problems, Rotterdam is ready for the next millennium. As the economic heart of the Netherlands, with a population heading towards 600000, it had better be ready.

Day 2 Cruising
Day 3 Mandal Arrival 7:00am Departure 4:00pm
Day 4 Port of Call Eidfjord Arrival 7:30am Departure 7:30pm

Overview

The beautiful village of Eidfjord is situated at the mouth of the Ejo River at the head of the Eifjord, an arm of the great Hardangerfjord. Behind the village there are gravel and sand terraces which are 9000 year old deposits left behind when the great inland ice melted and retreated. Possibly one of Norway's best known waterfalls, the Vosingfoss, plunges into the Mabodal Canyon from the brink of the Hardanger plateau.

Day 4 Hardangerfjord

Overview

Hardanger is a name that Norwegians associate with blossom and fruit. In truth the orchard of Norway! Who would believe that you can grow apples, pears, plums and even cherries at 60° north? A mild and pleasant climate and clear, light summer nights are ideal for our guests, as well as for fruit and berries. In the centre of the district is the Hardangerfjord. High up you enter the Hardangervidda National Park and two of Norway’s largest glaciers, Folgefonna and Hardangerjokulen. From mountains and glaciers the majestic waterfalls foam down into the queen of fjords. This is Hardanger - a mixture of cold and warm, wilderness and quiet idylls, of old traditions and modern times!

Day 5 Port of Call Stavanger Arrival 7:00am Departure 3:00pm

Overview

Stavanger, the oil capital of Norway, is actually a medieval city. Although it didn't gain city status until 1125 when construction of the beautiful medieval cathedral began, the area has been populated for over 10,000 years. The city is an exciting combination of old and new. Narrow lanes and white timber houses are all in well preserved traditional style, from classic style to funkis. It is a modern city with a wide variety of shops, cafes and restaurants. Contrast characterises this city, the people who live there, the surrounding landscape - and the weather! All this makes Stavanger a pleasant and very charming city. Stavanger is also the centre of higher education in Rogaland county. It has a number of cultural institutions including international, British and French schools because of the great influx of foreigners connected to the oil industry and to the "Emigration Centre for Genealogical Studies and Contact Between Norway and North America". The Canning Museum is the only one of its kind in the world and testifies to what has been an important industry for Stavanger. Among the many other attractions are the theatre and the symphonic orchestra that has its home in the beautifully situated Kulturhuset.

Day 6 Sognefjord

Overview

When you are travelling along the Sognefjord, and especially by boat, and feel you have had your fill of vertical mountainsides and cascading waterfalls for a day, you are advised to turn your attention to the small high farms clinging on for dear life. For many of these farms - and some are still inhabited - the fjord is in many cases the only way to travel. You may also observe on your way in or out the Sognefjord that the weather may change quite dramatically. At the mouth of the fjord the climate is maritime, whereas the innermost parts of the 200-km-long fjord have a much drier inland climate. It is a well-established fact that it is not easy to sail on the Sognefjord. The currents may be strong in some places, and they may quickly change directions. In some places winds may blow hard whereas the very same wind direction may give calm waters around the next point of land. Some days you may see differently coloured current patterns on the fjord surface, and these are extensions of the river flows. These fluvial currents guide the wild salmon back to their river of birth to spawn. Occasionally you may still observe the wooden structures formerly used by local farmers as observation posts to catch the wild salmon in nets. This fishery used to be an important export industry, and in the wintertime ice was cut in the lakes and stored in special houses to be used in summertime to keep the salmon as fresh as possible. Nowadays the wild salmon is an endangered species, but when you visit Laerdal and the Norwegian Wild Salmon Centre, you may learn more about the salmon and traditional fishing methods. If you are very lucky, you may even get a chance to see the "live" spawning rituals of the wild salmon. At the Sognefjord Aquarium in Balestrand you may experience the interesting diversity of marine life in the fjord.

Day 6 Port of Call Skjolden Arrival 7:00am Departure 3:00pm

Overview

Skjolden is a small regional centre on the Lusterfjord, the innermost branch of Sognefjord.

Day 7 Cruising
Day 8 Port of Call Rotterdam Arrival 7:00am

Overview

Nowadays Rotterdam is a vital part of the economy of the Netherlands. The Port of Rotterdam, the largest port in the world with a total throughput of about 300 million metric tons a year provides a solid base for industry in and around the Rotterdam area. Its population is about 575000, which makes it one of the largest cities in the Netherlands, but the number of people that work in the Rotterdam area or are otherwise economically dependent of it exceeds that number by far. The density of population is among the highest in the Netherlands, exceeding 4000 per square kilometer. Shipping, storage and forwarding are of course among the most important activities in the region, but the port of Rotterdam has also created a large chemical industry, which is fully dependent upon the transport facilities for the inflow of crude oil and the shipping of the various refined end products. Large petrochemical plants have sprung up, especially on the south bank of the Maas. These plants are in operation 24 hours a day. The development of Europoort ('Euro gate') started in 1957. A large complex of ports and industrial areas was created between Rotterdam and the entry to the North Sea. When more space was needed, the Maasvlakte ('Maas Flats') was created. By means of dikes, dams and sand deposits the coast line was altered to include many square kilometers of newly created land, where the Petroleum Harbors, container terminals, ore terminals and the Maasvlakte power plant are located. An interesting feature is the 'disaster area', a training complex where fire brigades train to cope with large-scale industrial accidents. The complex includes a grounded tanker that is set on fire several times a day. The name Europoort suggests that Rotterdam wanted to become the gateway to Europe. By 1963 this suggestion had become outdated, because in that year Rotterdam could claim to be the largest port in the world, a record that it still holds. In fact, the Berge Stahl, a 365000 ton ore carrier, is fully dependent on the port of Rotterdam, since this is the only port on the European continent that this ship (with its 23m/75ft draught) can access. After the flood in 1953 a large project was initiated to prevent such floodings in the future. This project, the 'Delta plan', involved stronger and higher dikes and numerous flood barriers. The latest of those flood barriers to be completed was the storm surge barrier in the Nieuwe Waterweg near Hoek van Holland. Two enormous doors mounted on swing arms can be used to close off the Nieuwe Waterweg, should storm and high water require so in order to protect the country from flooding. Normally the doors are open, so as not to impede the flow of ships through the Nieuwe Waterweg. Building and development have become a way of life for Rotterdam. The city has continued to grow, and it shows no signs of slowing down. And although this constant increase of population, urbanization and development all breed their own problems, Rotterdam is ready for the next millennium. As the economic heart of the Netherlands, with a population heading towards 600000, it had better be ready.

Onboard the Rotterdam

Costco Member Reviews

In honor of some of the most memorable ships in Holland America Line's history, their third Pinnacle-class ship (and new flagship) will be named Rotterdam. This new addition to the fleet will fill your journey with a rhythm all its own, putting music front and center, creating the soundtrack to the discoveries you make every day. At the heart of it all is Music Walk®: an exclusive collection of five venues featuring live music and electrifying performances from accomplished musicians, dancers and artists every night. Rotterdam hits all the right notes: exquisite dining experiences, enhanced staterooms and suites, the finest service at sea and craftsmanship that reflects nearly 150 years of seafaring expertise. The result is a ship that moves you — from the start of your first day to the end of each perfect night. Ship images are an artist rendering.

Onboard Activities

Activities & Services (included in cruise)

BB King's Blues Club

  • Casino
  • Disco/Nightclub
  • Game Arcade
  • Movies
  • Theater/Show Lounge
  • Fitness Center
  • Pool - Outdoor
  • Pool - Indoor/Covered
  • Sports Facilities
  • Whirlpool/Jacuzzi
  • Bars/Lounges
  • Internet Center
  • Library
  • Billboard Onboard
  • Rolling Stone Rock Room
  • B.B. Kings Blues Club
  • Organized Age Specific Activities
  • Concierge Desk
  • Elevators
  • Safe Deposit Boxes

Activities & Services (available for an extra fee)

Greenhouse Spa

  • Beauty Salon
  • Fitness Classes
  • Full-Service Spa
  • Spa Services/Massage
  • Duty-Free Shops/Boutiques
  • Infirmary/Medical Center

Costco Travel makes every effort to verify the accuracy of all information provided. Additional fees for amenities or services may be charged by the cruise line. Amenities or services may be discontinued or revised by the cruise line without notice. Staterooms designated as wheelchair-accessible do not necessarily meet ADA requirements. Costco Travel is not responsible for inaccuracies or provider modifications.

Dining

Dining Room

Main Dining

Dining Room: For breakfast, lunch or an unforgettable five-course dinner, the elegant main Dining Room is your destination for sophisticated dining, with menu selections from classic favorites to vegetarian options to dishes inspired by the regions you’ll visit.

Pinnacle Grill

Specialty Dining

Pinnacle Grill: Reserve a table in the intimate Pinnacle Grill for lunch or dinner and celebrate the day’s adventures with cuisine inspired by the bounty of America’s Pacific Northwest. In this elegantly appointed room, service is warm and engaging, and a meal is an event. The menu focuses on premium ingredients expertly prepared—from wild-caught king salmon from Alaska to sustainably raised beef from Washington State’s Double R Ranch. And, every evening in this venue offers a chance for you to experience the signature recipes of Culinary Council Chef David Burke. Complementing your perfectly prepared meals are boutique wines from the Pacific Northwest and other celebrated vineyards from around the world. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

Canaletto: This authentic Italian restaurant offers a menu that celebrates spartire (Italian for "sharing"). Try Braised Chicken Cacciatore "al Forno" Branzino ai Ferri or a classic Italian pasta: spaghetti pomodoro or garlic shrimp-infused ravioli, perhaps. Buon appetito! This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

Rudi's Sel De Mer: Named for Master Chef Rudi Sodamin, Rudi’s Sel de Mer is an intimate brasserie featuring classic French dishes reimagined with contemporary flair. Menu selections include whole Dover sole meunière with shaved pink Himalayan sea salt, oysters on the half shell, fruits de mer, and salt-crust baked branzino, as well as favorites such as steak frites, duck cassoulet and coq au vin. Conclude your dinner with a classic dessert and fine French cheeses. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

Tamarind: Tamarind delights with exotic menus evoking the culinary traditions of Southeast Asia, China and Japan. Menus created by Master Chef Rudi Sodamin feature dishes honoring the elements of water, wood, fire and earth. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

Nami Sushi: Inspired by Culinary Council® member and world-renowned sushi master, Andy Matsuda, Nami Sushi offers a tempting array of the sushi rolls he’s created. Choose from such delectable selections as Tempura Lobster Roll with soft shell crab tempura; Dragon Roll with tempura shrimp, unagi sauce and avocado; Tsutsumi Roll with snapper, green olive, caper and avocado; Futomoki Roll with crab, yamagobo, avocado and cucumber; Volcano Roll with sesame-marinated salmon and Thai chilis; Nigiri sushi with tuna, salmon and ebi shrimp; and more. The word “nami”, Japanese in origin, means “wave” and is a homage to the ocean views you’ll enjoy as you dine on the freshest, tastiest and most inventive sushi at sea. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

Room Service

Casual Dining

Lido Market: Explore a world of intriguing culinary possibilities in the Lido Market. Steps from the Lido pool, this modern marketplace includes a curated selection of delicious options that you can grab on the go or have made to order: Breadboard, with freshly baked breads and pastries; Wild Harvest, offering a bountiful selection of hearty salads; Homestead, serving up comfort classics; Distant Lands, featuring global cuisine; Sweet Spot, for ice cream creations and desserts; Roasting Pan, hand-carved meats, fish and other hearty entrees; Perk, freshly brewed beverages and chilled juices; Quench, premium coffee, beer, wine, and soda available for purchase; Rise, savory quiches, croissants and sandwiches, and more.

New York Deli and Pizza: Authentic deli sandwiches piled high, indulgent personal pan pizzas and creative salads are served up poolside.

Grand Dutch Café: Inspired by blue and white Delftware, the Grand Dutch Cafe is the place to enjoy a fine pale lager or favorite coffee beverage with a traditional Dutch snack. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

Gelato: At Gelato, you can indulge your sweet tooth with a classic European gelato (ice cream), made fresh on board each day by chefs trained at the Carpigiani Gelato University. Choose among 12 delightful flavors, two of which are rotated daily. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

Room Service: Complimentary 24-hour dining in the comfort of your stateroom.


Times, costs and other specifics are outside the control of Costco Travel. All information is at the sole discretion of the cruise line and is subject to change without notice. Dining time and table size preferences are submitted to the cruise line on a first-come, first-served request basis and are confirmed aboard ship. Questions, concerns and/or special needs regarding dining arrangements must be addressed with the maitre d' hotel aboard ship. Every effort is made to accommodate travelers' preferences; however, Costco Travel cannot guarantee dining arrangements. In specialty restaurants, space is limited and reservations are recommended. A cover charge and dress code may apply.

Staterooms

Elegant staterooms feature luxurious bedding, premium massage showerheads and more.

Large Interior Spa Stateroom (Category: IQ)

Category: IQ

Large or Standard Interior Stateroom (Category: I)

Category: I

Standard Interior Stateroom (Category: J)

Category: J

Standard Interior Stateroom (Category: K)

Category: K

Standard Interior Stateroom (Category: L)

Category: L

Standard Interior Stateroom (Category: N)

Category: N

Elegant staterooms feature luxurious bedding, premium massage showerheads and a porthole or a window. All VH-category staterooms have partially obstructed views.

Family Oceanview Stateroom (Category: FA)

Category: FA

Family Oceanview Stateroom (Category: FB)

Category: FB

Large Oceanview Spa Stateroom (Category: CQ)

Category: CQ

Large Oceanview Stateroom (Category: C)

Category: C

Large Oceanview Stateroom (Category: D)

Category: D

Large Oceanview Stateroom (Category: E)

Category: E

Large Oceanview Stateroom (Category: F)

Category: F

Single Oceanview Stateroom (Category: OO)

Category: OO

Elegant staterooms feature luxurious bedding, premium massage showerheads and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a private verandah.

Verandah Spa Stateroom (Category: VQ)

Category: VQ

Verandah Stateroom (Category: VS)

Category: VS

Verandah Stateroom (Category: V)

Category: V

Verandah Stateroom (Category: VA)

Category: VA

Verandah Stateroom (Category: VB)

Category: VB

Verandah Stateroom (Category: VC)

Category: VC

Verandah Stateroom (Category: VD)

Category: VD

Verandah Stateroom (Category: VE)

Category: VE

Verandah Stateroom (Category: VF)

Category: VF

Verandah Stateroom (partially obstructed view) (Category: VH)

Category: VH

Luxurious suites feature a whirlpool bath (some with shower only), large sitting area, private balcony, floor-to-ceiling windows and more.

Pinnacle Suite with Verandah (Category: PS)

Category: PS

Neptune Spa Suite with Verandah (Category: SQ)

Category: SQ

Neptune Suite with Verandah (Category: SA)

Category: SA

Neptune Suite with Verandah (Category: SB)

Category: SB

Neptune Suite with Verandah (Category: SC)

Category: SC

Signature Suite with Verandah (Category: SS)

Category: SS

Signature Suite with Verandah (Category: SY)

Category: SY

Vista Suite with Verandah (Category: AS)

Category: AS

Vista Suite with Verandah (Category: A)

Category: A

Vista Suite with Verandah (Category: B)

Category: B

Vista Suite with Verandah (Category: BC)

Category: BC

Deck Plan

Cruise Ship
Observation Deck
Key to Symbols
SymbolDescription
Quad (2 lower beds, 1 sofa bed, 1 upper)Quad (2 lower beds, 1 sofa bed, 1 upper)
Triple (2 lower beds, 1 upper)Triple (2 lower beds, 1 upper)
Triple (2 lower beds, 1 sofa bed)Triple (2 lower beds, 1 sofa bed)
Double (2 lower beds convertible to 1 king-size bed, no Murphy bed)Double (2 lower beds convertible to 1 king-size bed, no Murphy bed)
Partially obstructed viewPartially obstructed view
Connecting roomsConnecting rooms
Floor-to-ceiling windowsFloor-to-ceiling windows
Shower onlyShower only
Uncovered verandahUncovered verandah
Solid-steel verandah railing instead of clear-view Plexiglas railingSolid-steel verandah railing instead of clear-view Plexiglas railing
Fully accessible, roll-in shower onlyFully accessible, roll-in shower only
Ambulatory accessible, shower only with small step, steip into bathroom, standard interior and exterior door sizeAmbulatory accessible, shower only with small step, steip into bathroom, standard interior and exterior door size
Part solid-steel, part clear-view Plexiglas railingPart solid-steel, part clear-view Plexiglas railing

Ship Facts

Rotterdam ship image
  • Ship Name: Rotterdam
  • Year Built: 2020
  • Year Entered Present Fleet: 2021
  • Ship Class: Pinnacle
  • Maximum Capacity: 3,170
  • Number of Passenger Decks: 13
  • Number of Crew: 1,036
  • Officers' Nationality: International
  • Ocean-View without Balcony: 103
  • Ocean-View with Balcony: 748
  • Total Inside Staterooms: 280
  • Tonnage (GRT): 99,500
  • Country of Registry: Netherlands
  • Total Staterooms: 1,339
  • Suites with Balcony: 164
  • Crew/Hotel Staff Nationality: International
Costco Travel makes every effort to verify the accuracy of all information provided. Additional fees for amenities or services may be charged by the hotel, resort or cruise line. Amenities or services may be discontinued or revised by the provider without notice. Hotels, resorts, ships or accommodations designated as wheelchair-accessible do not necessarily meet ADA requirements. Costco Travel is not responsible for inaccuracies or provider modifications.

Terms & Conditions

*Price shown is per person based on double occupancy and is valid for select stateroom categories only. Click on the Terms & Conditions link below for details.

†One Digital Costco Shop Card per room/stateroom, per stay. The exact amount of the Digital Costco Shop Card will be calculated during the booking process. The Digital Costco Shop Card promotion is nontransferable and may not be combined with any other promotion. A Digital Costco Shop Card will arrive by email approximately 10 days after the start of your cruise. Click on the Terms & Conditions link below for additional information.

Ship's registry: The Netherlands

    Package ID: HALROTEUR20240601