The final stop through the “ABC Islands” in the Southern Caribbean saw us docked in Oranjestad in the country known as “One Happy Island” – Aruba. Our ship, Holland America’s Rotterdam docked around 7:30 am and we were clear to go ashore shortly before 8 am. Unlike our call in Aruba during the previous segment of the cruise, we had an early departure scheduled with all aboard set for 4:30 pm. Unfortunately for me, I had meetings until mid-day, so I didn’t get to spend too much time off the ship but did get to walk around one of my favorite ports.
As I’ve mentioned previously, if you’re not doing any shore excursions in Aruba, there are still plenty of things to do within walking distance. Just outside the port, there are plenty of local merchants selling “I Love Aruba” merchandise to take home and never wear again. Then there are your typical port stores such as Diamonds International, and Little Switzerland, along with a bunch of restaurants and bars to grab a drink or a snack. Unfortunately, there aren’t any beaches within walking distance of the port, so if you’re looking to spend some time in the water in Aruba, you would need to take a taxi or book an excursion.
There is, however, a small beach that is not very inviting, but will get your fix in, called Governor’s Beach. This is mainly used by locals to do some surf fishing, there are no amenities at all, and it’s very tiny. It’s just a short 10-minute walk up the street, but again – don’t expect much!
Not far from the port is the Renaissance Resort which has a small mall with a few shops and restaurants such as Starbucks, 5 O’Clock Somewhere Bar, an ice cream shop, and even a movie theatre where you can kill some time. While they don’t offer day passes for the resort, you can walk around the grounds and peek at some of the amenities resort guests get to experience. Just be respectful – go for a peek and leave.
Back on board, as we were waiting to depart, an ambulance pulled up to the ship and a guest was taken away. I’m surprised this is the first time someone has had a medical issue on the ship based on the age of the passengers. On a previous Holland America cruise, we had to return to port one night to transfer a guest to the hospital, a few days later had a guest taken off the ship via a Coast Guard helicopter, and a day or two after that, had another guest taken away by ambulance. So to complete almost 21 days without an incident like this was a surprise! Our departure from Aubra was still on time, so this didn’t impact our schedule at all.
On the World Stage was comedian Tom McTigue who was doing a 7:30 pm general audience and 9:30 pm adults-only show. I popped in for the 7:30 pm show and found the humor to be a little too family-friendly and dry. Of course, like every comedian on a cruise ship, he did a few minutes about the ship’s vacuum toilets.
For dinner, I decided to dine in the main dining room.
The first course that caught my eye was the Shrimp Crostini, a dish that promised a blend of textures and flavors. However, expectations and reality didn’t quite align this time.
The term ‘crostini’ conjures up images of crisp, toasted bread, the perfect vehicle for a variety of toppings. It’s the crunch of the bread that makes a crostini what it is – a delightful contrast to the soft or creamy toppings it usually bears. So, imagine my disappointment when the dish presented to me was a far cry from this expectation.
Instead of the anticipated crispy bread, the shrimp were perched atop a piece of bread that was, unfortunately, soft and soggy. The texture was a miss, detracting significantly from what could have been a great appetizer. The bread’s sogginess overshadowed the shrimp’s flavor, which in itself was decent, but not enough to save the overall dish.
After the somewhat disappointing start with the Shrimp Crostini, I moved on to the next course – the Tomato and Mozzarella Salad. This dish was a refreshing interlude in the meal, offering a lighter touch after the heavier appetizer. The salad itself was simple, a classic combination that rarely goes wrong. Fresh, ripe tomatoes paired with mozzarella cheese, drizzled with olive oil and a sprinkle of balsamic. In a dish where simplicity is key, the quality of the ingredients becomes the star of the show.
The main letdown of the dish was the mozzarella cheese. It appeared to be store-bought, lacking the delicate, creamy texture and rich flavor of homemade mozzarella. In a fine dining setting, especially on a luxury cruise like Holland America’s Rotterdam, the expectation is often set higher. Handmade mozzarella could have elevated this dish from good to great, offering a more authentic and indulgent experience. Its absence was noticeable.
Moving on, I eagerly anticipated the main event of the dinner – the Pinnacle Grill Strip Steak. Opting for this dish involved a $20 upcharge, but it seemed like a worthwhile investment to indulge in a steakhouse experience within the main dining room.
The idea behind choosing the Pinnacle Grill Strip Steak is quite clever. It offers a taste of the luxury steakhouse experience that the Pinnacle Grill is known for, but without the full per-person fee. This option is perfect for those who want to elevate their dining experience without committing to a full steakhouse meal.
The steak served is the same cut you’d find at the Pinnacle Grill, which speaks to its quality. However, the preparation in the main dining room differs, particularly in terms of the sauce accompaniment. On this occasion, the steak came with a sauce that, in hindsight, I would have preferred to omit. The sauce, while flavorful, somewhat overshadowed the natural taste and quality of the meat.
Despite the sauce, the steak itself was enjoyable. The meat was cooked well, retaining its juiciness and flavor, which are key elements in any steak dish. The experience was a testament to the kitchen’s ability to deliver quality, even when adapting signature dishes to different settings.
Service tonight in the main dining room wasn’t as rushed as it’s been, which was a welcome change.
Post-dinner, the ship transformed into a vibrant hub of celebration with the much-anticipated Orange Party. This event is Holland America’s unique way of paying homage to its Dutch roots, inviting guests to immerse themselves in a festive and colorful Dutch tradition.
The Orange Party is a nod to the Netherlands, where orange is more than just a color – it’s a symbol of national pride, particularly during celebrations. Guests on the ship were encouraged to don orange attire, creating an atmosphere that was both lively and visually stunning. The sea of orange across the deck and lounges captured the essence of Dutch festivities.
To kick off the evening’s festivities, the ship hosted an Orange Party Bar Hop. For $25 per person, guests had the opportunity to embark on a journey through the ship’s various bars. Each bar offered a selection of pre-batched cocktails, specially crafted for the occasion. This bar hop was not only a great way to sample unique drinks but also an excellent opportunity to mingle with fellow passengers and get into the party mood.
As the night progressed, the epicenter of the Orange Party shifted to B.B. King’s Blues Club. Known for its soulful atmosphere, the club was the perfect venue to host the main event. Here, special orange-themed cocktails were served, adding a unique twist to the evening’s drink selection. To complement the drinks, light snacks were served, offering a perfect balance to the evening’s indulgences.
The always fantastic band at B.B. King’s Blues Club played a crucial role in keeping the energy high. Their music, ranging from blues to upbeat numbers, created a lively backdrop that kept the party going until midnight. The dance floor was alive with guests moving to the rhythm, celebrating in true Dutch fashion.
Understanding that not everyone packs orange clothing for a cruise, Holland America thoughtfully provided a solution. The ship’s gift shop offered a range of orange accessories, including scarves, feather boas, sunglasses, earrings, and headbands. These items were not just souvenirs but also a way for everyone to participate in the festivities, regardless of their wardrobe.
As the Orange Party’s lively beats faded into the night, the ship quieted down, signaling the end of another eventful day aboard the Rotterdam. With the festivities wrapped up, it was time to head to bed. The next two will be at sea as we set sail across the Caribbean, heading towards Holland America’s private island, Half Moon Cay. This picturesque destination, known for its stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters, is a slice of paradise.
As we sail towards this final port-of-call, it’s a time for reflection on the 21-day adventure that’s quickly coming to an end. This journey has been nothing short of extraordinary, but I’m looking forward to a night in my own bed. From Half Moon Cay, my journey will take me back to where it all began – Fort Lauderdale.
Thanks for following along.
Links to Rotterdam Restaurant Menus
Restaurant menus for November 8, 2023, on Holland America Rotterdam:
- Lido Market – Breakfast Menu
- Lido Market – Lunch Menu
- Lido Market – Dinner Menu
- Main Dining Room – Breakfast Menu
- Main Dining Room – Lunch Menu
- Main Dining Room – Dinner Menu
- Club Orange – Breakfast Menu
- Club Orange – Dinner Menu
- Pinnacle Grill – Lunch Menu
- Pinnacle Grill – Dinner Menu
- Canaletto – Dinner Menu
- Nami Sushi – Dinner Menu
- Tamarind – Dinner Menu
- Tamarind Bar – Lite Bites Menu
- Rudi’s Sel de Mer – Dinner Menu
- Rotterdam Room Service Menu – All Day Menu
- New York Deli & Pizza – All Day Menu
- Dive In Burgers & Hot Dogs – All Day Menu
Daily Planner for Day 6:
