MS "Rotterdam" arrives in Southampton - 03/11/2012

Saturday 3rd November saw a rare visitor arrive into Southampton Docks in the form of Holland-America Line's MS "Rotterdam". "Rotterdam's" visit was the first of a few that she'll be making over the coming months. She started her cruise in Rotterdam and was actually just collecting passengers, so Southampton was not a turn-around or a port of call for her. Her main destinations are the Atlantic Islands and then on to the Caribbean before returning to Southampton on December 5th in order to drop off the passengers who boarded before proceeding back to Rotterdam. "Rotterdam" was originally due to arrive in Southampton at 12:00. This was then changed to 11:30, then 10:45 and then 11:00. The latter time was the closest as she came alongside the 'Mayflower' Terminal at around 11:10 - 11:15. Also in Southampton were Fred Olsen Cruise Line's "Balmoral", docked at the 'QEII' Terminal and Princess Cruises' "Grand Princess" at the 'Ocean' Terminal. "Grand Princess" was making her final call into Southampton before leaving for Florida at 17:00. To see the video of "Grand Princess" and "Balmoral" departing in the evening, click here: http://youtu.be/Ye4eOY64taE