OREANDA-NEWS. July 08, 2015. Holland America Line’s ms Rotterdam sailed into the Port of Rotterdam for its milestone 100th call, amid the celebratory colorful sprays of water from welcoming port boats that greeted the ship and its guests. Honored guest and ms Rotterdam’s godmother, Her Royal Highness Princess Margriet of the Netherlands, attended the shipboard festivities to honor ‘her’ ship.

The event included a welcoming concert in the Cruise Port terminal by a local children’s choir ZangExpress, special luncheon and performance by Dutch singer and winner of “The Voice of Holland” Iris Kroes. In addition, the Port of Rotterdam presented plaques to Her Royal Highness Princess Margriet of the Netherlands, Holland America Group Chief Executive Officer Stein Kruse and the ship’s master Captain Marco Carsjens.

Her Royal Highness Princess Margriet of the Netherlands christened ms Rotterdam May 11, 1997, and the ship’s first call at the Port of Rotterdam was June 10, 1998. The current ms Rotterdam is the sixth ship to bear that name in Holland America Line’s history and considered a flagship for the company. Going back in time to 1872, Rotterdam I made its maiden voyage from the Port of Rotterdam. In 2015, ms Rotterdam will make a total of 21 calls at the Port of Rotterdam.

“A 100th port call is a big milestone for any ship, but when the ship is named after the city and the company has roots there dating back more than 142 years, it’s all the more worthy of a celebration,” said Orlando Ashford, Holland America Line’s president. “We were most honored to have Her Royal Highness Princess Margriet of the Netherlands onboard to honor ‘her’ ship, and thank everyone who came out to pay tribute to Rotterdam on this special day.”

Rotterdam currently is sailing a series of Norway and Baltic voyages that range from seven to 14 days. In August the ship will sail roundtrip Rotterdam to Iceland.