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. 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. Natalie enjoys sharing her knowledge and love for handwork techniques, through teaching workshops.
VIEW ITINERARYDAY 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. We 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. There will be free time to shop at The Royal Needlework Shop before travelling to Creative Quilting, which houses about a thousand bolts. We check into our hotel late afternoon.
DAY 3 Monday, 27 July 2026 London
This morning we will have an overview sightseeing tour of London. After lunch, we visit Liberty of London. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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 have a sightseeing tour of this beautiful city. 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. 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. 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. Enjoy some free time to soak in the atmosphere of this charming town 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. On our sightseeing tour today, we will visit 'Old Stavanger', which consists of 173 listed and restored wooden houses. The city has received several awards for its preservation efforts. Situated in the heart of the city is Stavanger's 12th-century cathedral. 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 Skjolden, 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.
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. 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. 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 | Description | Deck | Twin-share | Single |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | $620 | $310 | ||
| 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.
CANCELLATION CHARGES:
| 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.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Travelrite International Pty Ltd (ATAS No A1038) is the tour organiser. Travelrite International Pty Ltd, ils 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: 423 Whitehorse Road Balwyn, Victoria 3103
Further information can be obtained by telephoning Toll Free 1800 630 343 Phone: (03) 88036868 or Email: sales@travelrite.com.au 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.
“The best Tour Manager I have ever had over all tour companies.”
“Michelle puts a huge amount of effort info making our trip as good as it can be. Wonderful!”
