DECK
PLANS
Rotterdam is Holland America Line’s newest cruise ship, hitting all the right notes: exquisite dining, innovative entertainment, superbly appointed staterooms and suites, the finest service and craftsmanship that reflects nearly 150 years of expertise. Music is front and center on Rotterdam and the result is a ship that moves – not only through water, but through the hearts of guests. With world-class dining and the best live music at sea, this new cruise ship creates the soundtrack to the discoveries you’ll make each day.
You will need the following types of clothing on board: casual shipboard attire or day wear, and evening wear. Casual nights on board may be sports shirt and slacks and equivalent for ladies. During the evening on themed nights a dinner suit or dark suit for gentlemen and eveningwear for ladies is recommended. There are usually two formal nights on the cruise. The self-service restaurants are casual.
About a third of people on the cruise travel alone. We will match people in twin-share cabins when available, saving you the single supplement. You won’t be left alone; the Travelrite tour manager will be looking after you. There will be group activities almost every day.
Natalie is an accomplished Australian designer with over 20 years’ experience in the Patchwork and Quilting industry as a quilt and small project designer, shop owner, fabric designer and teacher. Natalie’s designs are featured in books, patterns, and fabric. Her style is uncomplicated, fun and heartfelt, with her own hand-drawn images used for stitchery and appliqué designs, as well as in her fabrics. “I’m inspired by my garden and nature’s beauty around me, also my family and friends. My designs often feature sentimental sayings and cute critters, and I love to use multiple hand-stitching techniques together in projects.” Her designs have been published in many Australian and International magazines, with Owl & Hare Hollow featuring in Homespun Magazine this year and A Letter To My Daughter in 2021. Natalie enjoys sharing her knowledge and love for handwork techniques, through teaching workshops. She has taught in Europe, NZ and around Australia.
VIEW ITINERARY DAY 1 Saturday, 25 July 2026
Depart Australia
Today we board our overnight flights to London.
DAY 2 Sunday, 26 July 2026
London, UK
This morning we arrive in London. After
clearing customs, we are met by our private
coach and will visit Hampton Court Palace,
which is an interesting place to learn about
the lives of British Monarchs from Henry VIII
onwards. We will enjoy a talk at the Royal
School of Needlework on their work bringing
historical textiles back to life. We will see superb
needlework produced by the students. There will
be free time to shop at The Royal Needlework
Shop, which sells high quality kits and supplies,
before travelling to Creative Quilting, which
houses about a thousand bolts. It has samples
and a generous selection of patterns and books.
We check into our hotel late afternoon.
DAY 3 Monday, 27 July 2026
London
This morning we will have an overview
sightseeing tour of exciting London. We will see
Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, Trafalgar Square,
St Paul’s Cathedral and more. After lunch, we
visit Liberty of London. Housed in a mock-Tudor
building, this department store is known around
the world for its close connection to art and
culture, but it is most famous for its bold and
floral print fabrics. We will spend some time this
evening setting up the project each tour member
will work on during the tour. We will enjoy a
Welcome Dinner to formally meet Natalie Bird.
DAY 4 Tuesday, 28 July 2026
London
This morning we travel north to Walthamstow to
visit the renovated William Morris Gallery. William
Morris (24 March 1834 – 3 October 1896) was a
British textile designer, poet, novelist, translator,
and socialist activist. Associated with the British
Arts and Crafts Movement, he was a major
contributor to the revival of traditional British
textile arts and methods of production. We
will see an internationally important collection
illustrating his life achievements and influences.
We continue with a visit to the Antique and
Textile Company of London. The owner,
Christopher Wilson-Tate, is a renowned fabric
designer for Moda, and is a specialist in antique
quilts.
DAY 5 Wednesday, 29 July 2026
Birmingham, UK
Today we will travel north stopping in the
pretty village of Great Doddington. Located in
the village, St Nicholas Church dates back to
Norman times. Mary and Sam from the Poppy
Patch will welcome us into their barn conversion
with over 1500 bolts of sumptuous fabrics. We
then visit Bramble Patch in Northampton. The
store is home to quality fabrics, haberdashery,
tools plus their own unique kits and patterns. We
arrive in Birmingham in readiness for the opening
of the Festival of Quilts tomorrow. It is the largest
patchwork and quilting event in Europe with an
international following.
DAY 6 Thursday, 30 July 2026
Birmingham
We visit the Birmingham Festival of Quilts on its
opening day. The festival has over 1000 quilts on display, in competitions and general displays for
inspiration and adoration. Get a taste of all the
different styles of quilting, with stall holders from
all over Europe amongst the 200 stands. Fabrics,
threads, kits, bags, clothing patterns and textiles,
workshops, embroidery needs and much more,
will be showcased at this annual event. Natalie
will point out the best exhibits.
DAY 7 Friday, 31 July 2026
Birmingham
A day to enjoy exploring the Festival of Quilts. In
the afternoon group members can stay on at the
show or enjoy free time to explore Birmingham.
DAY 8 Saturday, 1 August 2026
Rotterdam, Netherlands
Today we fly to Amsterdam. On arrival, we are
met by our private coach and transferred to
Rotterdam where we stay the night.
DAY 9 Sunday, 2 August 2026
Embarkation
In the morning we travel to the historic town of
Delft to tour the Royal Delft factory. They have
been creating blue Dutch ceramics since 1653.
After the guided tour we will have time in the
museum and the shop. Early afternoon we are
transferred to the cruise terminal to embark the
MS Rotterdam.
DAY 10 Monday, 3 August 2026
At Sea
Today we are free to enjoy the many facilities
of the ship while we travel. There will be an
opportunity to gather together to work on our
stitching on board.
DAY 11 Tuesday, 4 August 2026 Oslo, Norway
This morning we arrive in the city of Oslo, capital of Norway. We will be met by our private coach and have a sightseeing tour of this beautiful city, including the main street which leads you to the Royal Palace. We also visit Kathrines Quilt Stue, where you can shop their large collection of 100% cotton fabrics. In the afternoon we travel to the nearby village of Baerums Verk for free time. The village was founded 400 years ago to boost the Dano-Norwegian iron production. It has remained a hub for traditional crafts, and we will be able to explore the workshops of blacksmiths, glass blowers and woodworkers along the main street. This is a great place to purchase hand-made products of all kinds!
DAY 12 Wednesday, 5 August 2026 Kristiansand, Norway
Today we enjoy a tour of Kristiansand including the Old Town’s timber buildings and houses which date back to the 1700s. Even though many of the homes are painted white, this area’s history is colourful. We’ll also visit the Ravnedalen Garden, located on the outskirts of town. We will continue with a visit to the region’s most beautiful town – Lillesand. Once bustling with maritime activity, Lillesand is endowed with a sheltered harbor and boasts a current population of 8,200. Its quaint streetscapes feature white-painted 18th and 19th-century timber houses. Enjoy some free time to soak in the atmosphere of this charming town, aptly named the Jewel of Sorlandet, before we continue to Grimstad and visit Meretes Atelier Lysthuset. The shop is full of beautiful fabrics and sewing accessories.
DAY 13 Thursday, 6 August 2026 Stavanger, Norway
The gateway to Norway’s spectacularly scenic fjordland, Stavanger is a town with its own rich heritage and is regarded as the ‘Cradle of the Vikings’. On our sightseeing tour today, we will visit ‘Old Stavanger’, which consists of 173 listed and restored wooden houses, built in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. It is one of Northern Europe’s best-preserved collections of wooden houses and the city has received several awards for its preservation efforts. We will walk through the picturesque Old Town with its cobblestone streets and small, charming wooden houses and learn of the early history of the city. Situated in the heart of the city is Stavanger’s 12th-century cathedral, the only church to have retained all its original features since its construction in the Middle Ages. A short drive further along the sea, will take us to the highest point in Stavanger, with a great 360-degree view. The scenery opens with fjords and mountains surrounding us. In the afternoon, you’ll have time to wander along Øvre Holmegate, one of the most colourful streets in Norway and home to numerous galleries, boutiques and cafes!
DAY 14 Friday, 7 August 2026 Skolden, Norway
Nestled at the head of the Sognefjord, the world’s longest navigable fjord, Skjolden is encircled by dramatic hills and breathtaking waterfalls. On today’s tour, we’ll head south along the coast to visit Urnes Stave Church, the oldest stave church in Norway. Afterward, we’ll return to Skjolden via the winding, picturesque Romantic Road, aptly named for the fairytale-like landscapes it traverses. The route is dotted with charming villages nestled within the rolling, tree-covered hills.
DAY 15 Saturday, 8 August 2026 At Sea
Today we are free to enjoy the many facilities of the ship while we travel. There will be an opportunity to gather together to work on our stitching on board.
DAY 16 Sunday, 9 August 2026 Amsterdam, Netherlands
After disembarking we travel to Amsterdam, stopping on the way to visit Moni Quilt, which stock a large array of fabrics. This inspiring quilt shop, sells nice, fresh fabrics that are suitable for every quilt project. The fabrics are beautifully presented and mostly pre-cut in Dutch Fat Eights and Quarters. On arrival into Amsterdam we enjoy a canal cruise, where weeping willows line the edge of the picturesque waterways, before checking into our hotel.
DAY 17 Monday, 10 August 2026 Amsterdam
This morning we visit the famous Petra Prins, which carries fabrics based on Dutch Chintz designs, the Dutch Heritage collection. They also have a collection of small plaids used in Dutch traditional clothing and some fun Dutch related prints. We then visit the famous Den Hann and Wagenmakers, which stocks amazing original handmade Dutch reproduction print fabric, duvets and bedcoverings. Tonight we enjoy a Farewell Dinner.
DAY 18 Tuesday, 11 August 2026 Departure
This morning we are transferred to Amsterdam Airport for our flights back to Australia.
DAY 19 Wednesday, 12 August 2026 Arrive Australia
Tour members arrive back in Australia. The tour concludes.
| Cabin | Cabin Category | Deck | Twin Fare | Single Fare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| L | Inside | 4,5,6,7,8 | $ 12,490 | $ 15,990 |
| J | Inside | 4,5,6,7,8 | $ 12,790 | $ 16,490 |
| F | Oceanview | 1 | $ 13,190 | $ 16,990 |
| E | Oceanview | 1,4 | $ 13,390 | $ 17,490 |
| C | Oceanview | 1 | $ 13,490 | $ 17,590 |
| FB | Oceanview | 1 | $ 13,590 | $ 17,690 |
| FA | Balcony | 1 | $ 13,690 | $ 17,790 |
| VH | Balcony | 4 | $ 13,790 | $ 17,890 |
| VE | Balcony | 7,8 | $ 13,890 | $ 17,990 |
| VD | Balcony | 5,6,7 | $ 13,990 | $ 18,090 |
| VB | Balcony | 4,11 | $ 14,090 | $ 18,290 |
| VA | Balcony | 6,7,8 | $ 14,190 | $ 18,390 |
| V | Balcony | 5,6,7,8 | $ 14,290 | $ 18,490 |
| VS | Balcony | 5,6,8 | $ 14,390 | $ 18,590 |
| B | Suite | 8 | $ 14,490 | $ 18,790 |
| A | Suite | 4,5,6,7 | $ 14,590 | $ 18,990 |
| SY | Suite | 5 | $ 16,190 | $ 22,290 |
| Included cruise taxes | $180 | $180 | ||
| Included Port & Handling Charges | $310 | $620 | ||
| Included Air taxes as at 1 May 2025 | $290 | $290 | ||
You can stay longer in Europe for minimal additional cost. Please contact Travelrite on 1800 630 343 for more information.
All cabins are subject to availability. Please call for fares and information on other cabin categories. A limited number of cabins are available for single occupancy. Please call for details on 1800 630 343.
International touring can involve a considerable amount of walking and stair climbing in the places visited and it is important that all tour participants have a level of physical fitness that allows them to take part in this activity without the assistance from others.
Tour Operator: Travelrite International Pty Ltd (ABN 64 005 817 078) is the tour organiser MS Rotterdam is operated by Holland America Line Cruises and the MS Rotterdam fly/cruise arrangements are subject to the terms and conditions and general information detailed in the Holland America Line 2026 brochure. All passengers must complete the Holland America Line online check in and complete a Travelrite International booking form.
Deposit and Payment:
A non-refundable deposit of $900 per
passenger should be sent with a completed Travelrite International
booking form that lists your requested cabin category. As soon as the
booking is confirmed, (usually within 24 hours), a cruise confirmation
advice will be posted to the client. The confirmation advice will contain
all details. The passenger must also complete the Holland America
Line online check in. Final payments are due to be paid to Travelrite
International 90 days prior to the commencement of the MS Rotterdam
tour/cruise. A 1.5% administration fee will be added to payments by
credit card.
Tour Costs: The tour costs are based on general transport, entry, and accommodation costs. Travelrite reserves the right to alter the costs if any of these factors change, giving any passenger that has booked the right to withdraw with full refund of monies paid or modify arrangements. No alterations to price will be made within 90 days of departure from Australia.
Cancellation Charges: * Cancellation conditions don’t apply for clients with future cruise/tour credits. Cruise/tour credits are non-refundable.
| Days prior to Departure | Cancellation Fee |
|---|---|
| Over 90 days | loss of deposit |
| 90 - 61 days | 50% of full fare |
| 60 days or less | 100% of full fare |
| Non appearance/no written notice | 100% of full fare |
Refunds:
The cruise is based on arrangements which do not allow for
any refunds in respect to sightseeing, accommodation, meals or other
services not utilised after the tour has commenced.
Travel Documents: All passengers will require a valid passport. Australian passport holders will require an ETA for the UK. If not an Australian passport holder please check with Travelrite International for visa requirements.
Travel Insurance:
Adequate travel insurance is highly recommended
to cover cruise members for the consequences of unforeseen events during the cruise and for cancellation fees which could result
from events such as illness, accident, death etc.
Baggage: Passengers qualify for a 30kg free baggage allowance on flights to join or return from the cruise.
Minimum Tour Numbers: The fly/cruise arrangements have been made on the basis of a minimum number of passengers travelling. In the event that less than the required number of passengers have confirmed their booking 90 days from the date of departure, Travelrite International reserves the right to cancel the tour, giving a full refund of monies paid, or offer arrangements to proceed with the tour at a modified fare.
Tour Organization: Travelrite reserves the right to change advertised entrances if necessary for the smooth operation of the tour.
Tour Participation:
Children under 5 years of age are ineligible on coach & cruise tours. Children under 18 years of age must be
accompanied by an adult. Passengers with disabilities are welcome on Travelrite & Cruise Offers tours provided they are accompanied by a companion capable of providing
all necessary assistance, and do not require special assistance from Travelrite & Cruise Offers personnel. Travelrite and Cruise Offers reserves the right to
refuse to carry anyone if it is felt the individual cannot cope with the requirements of coach & cruise tour travel and who may require services and facilities that
Travelrite & Cruise Offers cannot guarantee will be available. You agree to not hold the Travelrite & Cruise Offers responsible for any decision made by any of them or
any service provider to refuse to carry you, provide any facilities or accommodation to you or to provide any service to you.
Responsibilities: Travelrite International Pty Ltd (ATAS No A1038) is the tour organiser. Travelrite International Pty Ltd, its agents, officers, affiliates, and/or suppliers of services pursuant to, or in connection with these tour/cruises, shall act only as agents in making arrangements for hotels, transportation, including transportation by ship, restaurants, or any other service and do not assume any liability whatsoever for any injury, damage, death, loss, accident or delay to person or property due to an act of negligence or a default of any hotel, carrier restaurant company or person rendering any services included in tour/cruises, or by act of God. Further, no responsibilities are accepted for any damage or delay due to sickness, pilferage, labour disputes, machinery break down, quarantine, government restraints, weather, terrorism or other causes beyond their control. No responsibility is accepted for any additional expense, omission, delays, re-routing or acts of any government authority. Baggage is at owners’ risk throughout the tour/ cruise. The passage contract between the carriers concerned, when issued, shall constitute the sole contract between the carriers and the purchasers of this tour/cruise and/ or the passengers. The right is reserved to withdraw any tour/ cruise and/or make such changes in the tour/cruises as may be found desirable or necessary for the convenience of the parties and the proper carrying out of the tour/ cruise. This contract shall be construed in accordance of the laws of the State of Victoria, Australia and any action must be undertaken in the state of Victoria. Attention is also directed to the terms and conditions of Holland America Line detailed on their website. If you do not have these details please contact Travelrite International and we will send them to you.
Delays AND Unforeseen Events:
You engage Travelrite to book
this tour on your behalf and you acknowledge that Travelrite acts as
your agent for the purpose of making contracts between you and the
various providers of accommodation, transportation and other services
that comprise the tour. Travelrite may without reference to you provide
or make available to you, or may as your agent engage any third
party to provide or make available to you, any good or service which
Travelrite reasonably believes is necessary for your benefit to maintain
the tour itinerary, repatriate you or otherwise accommodate, transport
or sustain you in circumstances in which the tour itinerary fails wholly
or partly for any reason. You appoint Travelrite your attorney for this
purpose. You agree to pay Travelrite any cost thereof and you indemnify
Travelrite in respect of any cost it incurs in this regard. Travelrite advises
you to obtain travel insurance generally including in respect of the risk
that any such good or service may become required.
How to Book: Bookings can be made by completing a booking form and sending it with a non-refundable deposit of $900 per person to:
Travelrite International Pty Ltd
423 Whitehorse Road Balwyn, Victoria 3103
Further information can be obtained by telephoning:
Toll Free: 1800 630 343
Telephone (03) 8803 6868
Email sales@travelrite.com.au
https://www.travelrite.com.au/
About Travelrite International: Travelrite International Pty Ltd is a well-established travel company which has been operating in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne for more than 40 years. It is a member of ATAS (number A10538) and has an accredited IATA office at Balwyn. As such, it directly represents the major airlines of the world and all major domestic and international tour and transport operators. Travelrite International has been operating special interest tours for over 38 years and now runs over 120 tours a year. Travelrite International Pty Ltd is a full member of the Australian Travel Industry Association – ATIA.
“Wonderful scenic towns, our tour manger the nicest most caring person ever. We were all her little chicks.”
“Natalie and Anja were great hosts. Our travelling companions were lovely and the quilt shops were fantastic.”
