Huge cruise ship arrives in Plymouth

Celebrating the 150th anniversary of her namesake

A huge cruise ship has arrived in Plymouth, making maritime history.

The MS Rotterdam is marking the 150th anniversary of her namesake's trip to the port.

In 1872, SS Rotterdam arrived in Devon en route from Rotterdam to New York where it picked up passengers and mail before travelling across the Atlantic.

Now the Holland America's latest vessel to bear the Rotterdam name is returning a century and a half later when a special event, attended by local dignitaries and travel trade representative, will be held on board to celebrate the occasion.

Those attending the event included councillor Sue Dana, the lord mayor of Plymouth, the king's harbour master and members of the Plymouth Cruise Partnership.

During the event, a ship's plaque was presented to the city and in return, the Lord Mayor presenter a Plymouth city plaque to the master.
 
Amanda Lumley, Destination Plymouth Chief Executive said: “What a great opportunity to mark such an interesting moment in the port’s history. We’re thoroughly looking forward to welcoming the vessel and her passengers and showcasing some of the best attractions our modern port city has to offer. It’s events like these that really bring Plymouth’s fascinating maritime history to life and demonstrates the hard work of the cruise partners in successfully securing cruise bookings for the city.”
 
The visit is part of a 12-day transatlantic cruise recreating the SS Rotterdam’s first voyage, which departed Rotterdam on Saturday, calling at Le Havre for Paris on Monday and then on to Plymouth where she arrived in Plymouth at around 8am the following day. After departing Plymouth at approximately 5pm on Oct 18, she will spend a week crossing the Atlantic, arriving in New York on Wednesday 26 October.