MS Oosterdam

MS Oosterdam is a cruise ship of Holland America Line, a division of Carnival Corporation. As the second addition to Holland America's Vista-class of ships, Oosterdam is sister to MS Noordam, MS Westerdam, and MS Zuiderdam. The ship's name is derived from the Dutch translation for the eastern compass point, and is pronounced "OH-ster-dam."

The ship has been alternating fall/winter cruises along the Mexican Riviera and summer in Alaska. In fall 2011 she visited Hawaii for the first time. However, after January 2012 Holland America dropped Mexico's west coast, in part due to safety concerns there in connection to the Mexican Drug War and in part due to the depressed cruise market in Southern California; the Oosterdam will shift to Hawaii, Australia, and the South Pacific.

Christening

Oosterdam was christened by Her Royal Highness Princess Margriet of the Netherlands. The ceremony took place in Holland America Line's founding city, Rotterdam on July 29, 2003. The event was held over three days of celebrations marking the company's 130th anniversary. The joint flagship of the fleet, MS Rotterdam, joined Oosterdam "bow-to-bow" in welcoming her to the fleet.