Rotterdam, with its modern skyline, is often referred to as Manhattan on the Maas. Bombed into rubble during World War II and rebuilt it has all the amenities of a modern city. It is a popular cruise port, particularly for Holland America Line cruises, which has roots that run deep here. And, a stay in Rotterdam can, like a cruise, be an opportunity to unpack once and see a variety of sights in and around the city.

Cruise ships pull up to Wilhelmina Pier, the historic departure point for Holland America steamships, and pass the Hotel New York, along the Maas River. It was the headquarters of the Holland America Line and the last stop before sailing to America. Today it is a National Heritage site, restaurant and luxury hotel.

The efficient system of trains, metro, trams and buses makes getting around a snap. The metro station is a short walk from the cruise terminal, and has elevators and escalators that make this an easy and economical way to get to your hotel or Central Station.

Rotterdam offers affordable luxury and there is a wide range of options for luxurious accommodations here, as well. For easy access to the Central Station, the Rotterdam Marriott Hotel is just across the street. The Holiday Inn Express, a few blocks away offers popular rates, breakfast included. .

The story of global migration will soon be told here with its new museum, FENIX. It will open in 2025 in a historic circa 1923 harbor warehouse that was important for Holland America’s storage and shipping. It is easily spotted by the tornado staircase that spirals up from the ground floor to the rooftop and what will be a spectacular viewing platform.

For a birds-eye view of it all, head for the Euromast, Designed by Rotterdam architect HA Maaskant, it, is the highest observation tower in the Netherlands. There is a 360-degree view of Rotterdam and narration about the city. Take the viewing platform to the Euroscoop, a revolving glass elevator, to a height of over 600 feet. Opt for a transparent or opaque floor–your choice. Enjoy the light show and music.

For another perspective on this largest port in Europe, head for Spido, at the base of the iconic Erasmus Bridge. 75 minute harbor tours are offered past the container ports, Hotel New York, Euromast, SS Rotterdam and much more.

The SS Rotterdam, built in 1959, was the former flagship of the Holland-America Line and is a short distance away. It represents the transition from cruising as a means to cross the ocean to recreational cruising. It is permanently moored and easily accessed by bus or the lively water taxis. Take a tour for a view of what transatlantic cruising was like during that era, and, if you like, visit the engine room, as well. The SS Rotterdam is now a hotel with two restaurants, two bars and a wonderful harbor view.

A city of art museums, shopping and nightlife

This is a city of museums and Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen, the world’s first publicly accessible art storage facility, is a highlight of the Museumpark. This unique facility houses over 154,000 objects in fourteen storage compartments stored in  five different climates. There are views of the ongoing work to preserve and manage the collection. 

Rotterdam is known for its architecture. Walk around the corner from the museum to the ultra-modern Sonneveld House, built in 1933 and designed by the architectural firm Brinkman and Van der Vlugt. It is an outstanding example of the functional architecture known as Het Nieuwe Bouwen and offers insight into the life of the Sonneveld family.

For more of Rotterdam's distinctive architecture, head toward the Binnenrotte Market, the second largest market hall in the Netherlands. Crowds are drawn to a wide array of tasty international meals and snacks inside. The Cube Houses, which many say resemble dice, are just outside. Visitors are allowed in the Kijk-Kubus, a furnished cube house specially designed to give an impression of what life is like in a cube house.

Another must-see is the Netherlands Photomuseum, the  Dutch national photography museum with over 5.5 million images. Its permanent exhibition ‘Gallery of Honour’, features 99 photos of the story of photography in the Netherlands from 1842 to the present. The museum is scheduled to move to the historic Santos building in 2025.

For an exceptional dining experience, reserve a table as early as possible for dinner at De Matroos en het Meisje, a delightfully intimate restaurant decorated in eclectic blue and white tiles depicting Dutch scenes and American references like the kissing sailor on Times Square on VJ Day. Three to five courses are offered for lunch. Four and five courses at dinner. You will be delightfully surprised by each artistically presented course.

Day-day tripping from Rotterdam

If it’s tulip season, take the train and a special bus to Keukenhof Gardens, the Garden of Europe. This delight is one of the largest flower gardens in the world and just celebrated its 75th year.

For some Old World Charm, You can’t go wrong with a train ride to Delft, if only to stroll the colorful streets and lanes. Walk if you have plenty of time and energy or take one of the special shuttles that run between the information center at the train station, the city center and the Royal Delft Museum. Take a tour of the museum to learn its history and about the production of Delft Blue Porcelain. Browse the extensive selection available for sale. Walk back to the city center or the desk clerk will summon the cab to take you back. Tour the Vermeer Center, dedicated to the work of the painter best known for The Girl With the Pearl Earring or take in the exhibits at the Museum Prinsenhof Delft, once home to William the Silent. There is a delightful cafe in the courtyard with indoor seating, as well.

Another easy day trip from Rotterdam is a water taxi, subway or tram ride to the charming Schiedam, This city with the tallest windmills in the world also has a rich history of Dutch gin. From the Jenever Museum, to the well-known chocolate shop de Bonte Koe, a whisper boat ride in the canals past the many windmills make for a most enjoyable day. The best bet for breakfast, lunch, high tea, or a snack? Vlaamsch Broody, Korte Haven 5.

Want more windmills? Take the waterbus and ferry to Kinderdijk, the quintessentially Dutch village where you can follow pathways to a museum and water management network of preserved and working 18th-century windmills, pumping stations and dykes. 

Allow enough time to get to know the Rotterdam area. You'll be glad you did.