FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- Holland America Line’s new $280 million flagship, the ms Rotterdam, made its first U.S. landfall at Port Everglades Thursday, Dec. 4. The 62,000-ton Rotterdam is the sixth flagship in Holland America’s 125-year history to bear the name and the eighth ship in the Holland America fleet.

Built for world cruising, the 781-foot-long, 106-foot-wide, 1,312-passenger ship is capable of achieving a cruising speed of 25 knots - 20 percent faster than most contemporary passenger vessels. That speed provides more time in ports of call and enhances safety, speed and stability on extended world-cruise itineraries and ocean crossings.

The Rotterdam represents a unique class of ship and sets a new standard for service and amenities among premium-category cruise lines. Among the on-board innovations are an all-suite "concierge deck," where guests staying in suites have exclusive access to special services from their own personal concierge. The Rotterdam also has the first alternative dining room in the Holland America fleet - the gourmet Italian Odyssey Restaurant.

Princess Margriet of the Netherlands is slated to officially dedicate the ship Tuesday, Dec. 9, in a pierside ceremony at Port Everglades.

The Rotterdam will set sail on its maiden voyage on a 10-day Caribbean cruise Monday, Dec. 15.