More than a century ago, Holland America's board of directors could look out of the window of their beautiful Rotterdam head quarters to watch the famous transatlantic steamers sail from the Old World to New York. Could they have imagined that on a beautiful July day in the year 2003, that same head quarters (still going strong as Hotel New York) served as an appropriate background for the royal christening of a 86,799 ton contemporary Holland America giant?

Bringing both their flagship Rotterdam and brand new Oosterdam into the cruise line's long-time home port for an unsurpassed 130th birthday bash was the best PR stunt Holland America Line could have come up with. Thousands flocked to the port to witness the spectacular royal christening ceremony. In a seafaring country that once operated a "Spotless Fleet" of ocean liners, the arrival of not one but two Dutch-registered passenger ships resulted in traffic jams, crowds and lots of media attention - just the way Holland America's PR department had planned it!

Built in Italy by Fincantieri, Oosterdam is second in a series of four identical ships (Zuiderdam, Oosterdam, Westerdam, Noordam). Although being a close relative to Costa's Atlantica Class and Carnival's Spirit Class, Holland America's Vista Class differs in many respects. With their remarkable twin funnels, their classic dark hulls and eclectic interior design, Oosterdam and her sisters were specifically designed to attract a younger crowd and offer guests more entertainment and dining options. But before we discover all that Oosterdam has to offer, we first mix 'n mingle with royalty!