Holland America Line Names Captain Werner Timmers Master of Rotterdam

Holland America Line has named Werner Timmers, a captain with nearly 40 years sailing for the cruise line, to take the helm of Rotterdam when the ship enters service in July 2021. Captain Timmers joined Holland America Line in 1984 and has worked on all classes of ship within the brand, most recently as master of Koningsdam.

Captain Timmers will head to Rotterdam in the coming months for sea trials and then relocate to the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy, where the ship is being built, to oversee the finishing touches before delivery.

“As one of the longest-serving officers in our fleet with a wealth of experience, we are pleased to name Captain Timmers master of Rotterdam,” said Gus Antorcha, president of Holland America Line. “His years of seamanship and hospitality with both guests and crew will continue to create a culture on board that promotes excellence in service and a passion for travel.”

Since first joining Holland America Line in 1984 as an intern, Captain Timmers has worked his way up the ranks to captain, which he achieved in 1996. He has since been master of Eurodam, Koningsdam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Ryndam, Zaandam and Zuiderdam.

“I am deeply honored to be named the first master of Rotterdam, and I look forward to getting on board for the sea trials and seeing the ship come together during the final stages of construction,” said Captain Timmers. “My long career with Holland America Line has been filled with so many wonderful milestones, and this appointment is a highlight.”

A native Dutchman, Captain Timmers grew up in Roosendaal, the Netherlands. He chose a career at sea in his final year of high school after hearing a seafarer tell tales of adventure during career day. He joined the Nautical Academy in Vlissingen, the Netherlands, and after graduating with a degree in nautical sciences, he obtained a second degree in marine engineering and rejoined Holland America Line as a fourth officer.

When not onboard a ship, Captain Timmers lives with his wife, Sherron, and their two children in Mount Dora, Florida.

GET TO KNOW THE MASTER

What is your favorite port to sail into?
There are a few ports that stand out, mostly because the sail-in is beautiful and you dock in the middle of town: Amsterdam, Vancouver, San Francisco, Venice and Istanbul.

What is your favorite dish on any Holland America Line menu?
It’s a hard choice but the Wasabi Beef in Tamarind. For dessert, the Salzburger Nockerln at Rudi’s Sel de Mer. The David Burke additions in Pinnacle Grill also are fantastic.

If you were a cruise guest, what type of shore excursion would appeal to you?
I am into the history of things, so I would choose any excursion that takes me to an old castle or ruins. In Alaska where nature is rampant, I would go either whale watching in Sitka or see the grizzly bears in Ketchikan.

If you weren’t a captain, what would you be doing?

I originally wanted to become an architect, and good design still fascinates me, so something in that direction, perhaps an industrial designer or builder. Together with my wife Sherron, I designed our log cabin in North Carolina and did most of the finishing work. I enjoy woodworking. The latest addition to my shop is a wood lathe. I do a little baking on occasion, my grandma’s apple pie mainly, and I also play golf badly.

If you could pick five people, living or dead, real or fictional, to join you at the captain’s table for dinner, who would you pick?

The first one is my wife Sherron of course, she is my muse and rock all at the same time.
Sir Frances Drake, fearless entrepreneur of the sea, he seems to have been everywhere we go. Steve Irwin and Jane Goodall, for their passion and defense of the animal kingdom and the environment. And finally, Elon Musk, fearless entrepreneur of today’s world.

Comments

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124 Comments

  1. Willemina August 13, 2022 at 7:24 am - Reply

    Jammer dat we verhinderd waren bij de kennismaking. We kijken terug op een geweldige cruise met u als kapitein op de Rotterdam 7 (31-7 – 14-8) en hopen in de toekomst U wel te kunnen ontmoeten

  2. Chris Van de Graaf June 2, 2022 at 4:41 pm - Reply

    I looking forward to see you at the cruise to Norway at June 12 from Amsterdam The Netherlands.
    The first cruise was with the Rotterdam VI and now the same one with the beautiful Rotterdam VII.

  3. Aafje Brinkman March 19, 2021 at 8:29 am - Reply

    Kapitein Timmers, behouden vaart op de Rotterdam VII.
    Tot ziens op de Rotterdam, 8 augustus 2021 Civitavecchia, Italy

  4. Hendrik Samuel De gorter March 12, 2021 at 11:43 pm - Reply

    Een behouden vaart captain nu even zonder passagiers hopelijk wordt alles weer zoals we ooit gewend waren volop gezelligheid en avontuur samen met de Holland America Line

    Keep Smiling

  5. John Kramer March 9, 2021 at 12:12 pm - Reply

    We hope to meet you on our next trip on SEPTEMBER 12th, tot dan,
    John Krame

  6. J.H. Gorp March 3, 2021 at 4:01 am - Reply

    Een goede vaart voor de Kaptein en de mooie nieuwe Rotterdam tot snel op de volgende Cruise.

  7. JOHN GARDNER March 1, 2021 at 9:48 am - Reply

    Congrats to our favorite Captain !! We are so looking forward to sailing with you again, hopefully, very soon ! Stay safe until then.

    Barbara & Jack Gardner, the Ryndam pigeon people

  8. Fran Fitzpatrick February 27, 2021 at 8:37 pm - Reply

    We have sailed with Captain Timmers on the Ryndam and we live in Hernando Beach and with many cruises with HAL he is my favorite Captain and actually speaks to everybody. Look forward hopefully at Christmas cruise in 2021. Looking forward to seeing him.

  9. Connie Dexter February 23, 2021 at 8:24 pm - Reply

    Sailed several years ago on the christening cruise on the Koningsdam with this Captain. We would love to sail on Rotterdam for that christening cruise again with Captain Timmers. Safe sailing Captain….

  10. jozef bosmans February 23, 2021 at 9:17 am - Reply

    goede vaart aan bemanning en passagiers !

  11. James Przygocki February 17, 2021 at 5:04 pm - Reply

    Looking forward to the TransAtlantic sailing with the Captain this October! Smooth Seas and Safe Sailing!

  12. Pieter Hoogmoed February 15, 2021 at 3:49 am - Reply

    Als favoriete haven had toch zeker Rotterdam niet mogen ontbreken.

  13. russ vincent February 14, 2021 at 12:51 pm - Reply

    Happy seas to you and all your blessed passengers and crew.

  14. Sj0erd Bonte February 14, 2021 at 7:35 am - Reply

    Mijn vrouw en ik hopen zodra dat kan, met onze twee tiener-kleindochters weer aan boord te stappen van
    een van de schepen van de Holland Amerika Lijn

  15. Gertie Zagema February 14, 2021 at 6:15 am - Reply

    Hallo,
    ook wij zijn benieuwd naar de Rotterdam en zijn blij met u te mogen reizen.
    Onze huwelijksdag (37) gaan wij feestelijk maken met deze reis. Verheug me op de caribbean.

  16. Caroline February 13, 2021 at 2:43 pm - Reply

    Great news , my favourite Captain, sailed with you in the past with my groups to Alaska , will consider my own holiday on the Rotterdam now I know you may be my Captain .

  17. Jaap Lautenbach February 13, 2021 at 1:36 pm - Reply

    Heel erg jammer dat deze ROTTERDAM
    Amsterdam als thuishaven heeft, dit klopt niet. Schepen van de HAL horen thuis in
    ROTTERDAM.

  18. Jaap Lautenbach February 13, 2021 at 1:27 pm - Reply

    Heel erg jammer dat deze ROTTERDAM
    Amsterdam als thuishaven heeft dit klopt niet.Schepen van de HAL horen thuis in
    ROTTERDAM.

  19. Ida en Wil van Pol February 13, 2021 at 12:30 pm - Reply

    Gefeliciteerd en wensen kapitein Werner Timmers veel succes met dit mooie schip de Rotterdam, tot in oktober bij de overtocht van Amsterdam naar Fort Lauderdale en de Caraïbische eilanden.

  20. Ferdinand Vanderstraeten February 13, 2021 at 12:02 pm - Reply

    Proficiat Capt TIMMERS ! En volle sukses met de Rotterdam !
    Wij hadden met U een fantastische reis op de Koningsdam naar Noorwegen in Juli, 2018…

  21. Paul Mollema February 13, 2021 at 11:22 am - Reply

    Van harte gefeliciteerd met uw benoeming tot kapitein op de Rotterdam VII.
    Ik zie u, als alles goed gaat, tijdens de transatlantische cruise van 20 oktober 2021.

    P.M. Mollema

  22. Bianca Verschuren February 13, 2021 at 11:01 am - Reply

    Congratulations, Captain Timmers,
    I sailed on the Old Lady the ss Rotterdam under captain Lagaay as a crewmember in the years 1969/1973.
    One of the best times of my life and since those years I was lucky enough to joinquite a few of the HAL ships as a passenger.
    I would be thrilled to sail on this young daughter Lady ms Rotterdam!
    As soon as Covid19 will be conquered I will sure book a nice cruise with her and hopefully with you, captain Timmers.

  23. Rudolf de Jong & Viktoriia Lazareva February 13, 2021 at 8:50 am - Reply

    First of all congrats with your new appointment. It is indeed a milestone to become the master of the new flagship MS Rotterdam.
    Maybe we will meet in person during the Caribbean cruise in November 2021.

  24. G. Van den Bergh February 13, 2021 at 8:39 am - Reply

    Gefeliciteerd Kapitein Timmers. Hoop U te zien op de nieuwe Rotterdam. J. Van den Bergh-Blaak

  25. Fred Versfeld February 13, 2021 at 7:59 am - Reply

    Congratulations Captain Timmers. What an honorable task to be able to perform your function as captain on this ship the Rotterdam. Hope to meet you once, on our cruise journeys in the near future. Save voyage.

  26. Dick & Corrie Korevaar February 13, 2021 at 7:48 am - Reply

    Gefeliciteerd Captain Timmers. Een goede reis en behouden vaart toegewenst.
    Ik heb ook een vraag: wij hebben U en Uw ouders op een cruise naar St Petersburg meegemaakt op de Eurodam, hoe is het met ze?

  27. MerciaLengers February 13, 2021 at 7:46 am - Reply

    Geachte kapitein Timmers, hartelijk gefeliciteerd met uw benoeming tot eerste captain of the Rotterdam! I was a passenger on the Koningsdam and enjoyed that trip onder uw leiding. Ik moet zeggen dat de nieuwe schepen mooi gebouwd zijn, maar ik mis toch de öuderwetse”touch van de H.A.L. Gezien mijn leeftijd is het ouderwetse zoals bij de Prinsendam en de oude Rotterdam voor mij meer herkenbaar als H.A.L. schip. Het is wel wennen aan het Italiaanse klatergoud. Evengoed hoop ik en met mij heel veel medecruisers dat dit schip een lang leven voor de boeg heeft.
    succes!

  28. K.A.Dunki Jacobs February 13, 2021 at 7:15 am - Reply

    Wenst u een plezierige vaart met de nieuwe Rotterdam.

  29. Rombaut Rudy February 13, 2021 at 7:05 am - Reply

    Congratulations Capt. Timmers ,keep it safe !

  30. Aaltje Risseeuw-Buter February 13, 2021 at 6:27 am - Reply

    Kapitein Werner Timers ,
    Van harte gefeliciteerd met u benoeming.
    Hoop u binnenkort aan boort te zien.

  31. Drs. Leon A DeWitte OBE February 13, 2021 at 4:55 am - Reply

    Congratulations with skipper and ship
    We in Flushing/ Vlissingen are proud , you are representing the seamen of the Scheldt

  32. Annie delijster February 13, 2021 at 4:40 am - Reply

    Hopen op betere tijden en gaan binnenkort onze reis weer boeken met kapitein timmers

  33. Arlette Stirnimann-Vanlishout February 13, 2021 at 4:36 am - Reply

    Gefeliciteerd, kapitein Timmers!
    Na drie geannuleerde cruises sinds mei 2020 (transatlantisch met Veendam, Noorwegen met Rotterdam en New England met Zaandam), hoop ik van harte u te mogen ontmoeten tijdens mijn oversteek van Amsterdam naar Fort Lauderdale eind oktober.
    I miss cruising with HAL so very much…
    Vriendelijke groeten vanuit België!

  34. Henricus (Han) Verschure February 13, 2021 at 4:30 am - Reply

    Hartelijk Gefeliciteerd, Kapitein Timmers. Ik ben al lang vertrouwd met HAL, voer reeds in 1968 met de STATENDAM naar New York, nadien Zuid-Amerika, Noorwegen, … Ik wilde eigenlijk kapitein ter lange omvaart worden, maar werd uiteindelijk architect-stedenbouwkundige en Professor in Leuven, met heel veel internationale projecten wereldwijd.

  35. Hans February 13, 2021 at 4:24 am - Reply

    Gefeliciteerd met uw benoeming, wij hopen u in september te begroeten op de trip naar noord europa en IJsland.

    Hans

  36. Jan Willem Goudriaan February 13, 2021 at 4:09 am - Reply

    Dag Kapitein Timmers,
    Van harte gefeliciteerd met uw benoeming!
    Behouden vaart voor U en uw crew.
    Tot ziens aan boord, oktober 2021 (en oktober 2022!)
    Met vriendelijke groeten,
    Jan Willem Goudriaan

  37. Mary Ann Humm February 12, 2021 at 3:23 pm - Reply

    Congratulations, nice to find out you are almost a neighbor. I sailed on the second Rotterdam and was impressed. It will be nice to see how beautiful the New Rotterdam is. Hope we can all get back to sailing again, soon…Hope they show the trials on T.V. like they did for the
    last new ship.

  38. Wil Casanova February 12, 2021 at 1:18 pm - Reply

    Congratulations Captain Timmers on your new command. We look forward to joining you in August and sailing that new beautiful ship all the way back home to Florida.
    Wil & Cyndi Casanova, Clermont, Fl.

  39. James Moore February 12, 2021 at 10:02 am - Reply

    I am quite pleased to become part of the initial months for the Rotterdam VII at sea by being on the maiden trans-Atlantic sojourn in October. Hope to greet you onboard, Captain Timmers as a loyal long-time Holland cruiser.

  40. Wendela Jackson February 12, 2021 at 6:53 am - Reply

    Gefeliciteerd Capt. Timmers! Miss working the ships and wish you all the best on board the Rotterdam. Hope to see you on a cruise soon! Stay well!
    Cheers!

  41. Duane & April taylor February 11, 2021 at 8:40 pm - Reply

    Congrats Capt Timmers. looking forward running into you and having a chat on our Dec 1 2021 cruise. We are excited to see the Rotterdam.

  42. Frederick Hample February 11, 2021 at 7:53 pm - Reply

    Congratulations I look forward to a future sail onboard the Rotterdam

  43. Bradley Streeter February 11, 2021 at 1:20 pm - Reply

    We sailed Eurodam with Captain Timmers a few years back. Such a fine person, funny and personable. We stopped in Key West, and poked around town for a while. We took the conch tour train back to the ship. Lo and behold, sitting next to us was Captain Timmers, dressed in t-shirt and shorts! He was getting key lime pie for the staff on the bridge! We renewed our vows with Captain Timmers presiding, he was fantastic. Spent 15 minutes or so after the wonderful ceremony chatting it up with us, too. We would like to sail on Rotterdam 2022, and would like to renew our vows again with Captain Timmers presiding. Would anyone know Captain Timmers service schedule for 2022?

  44. JOHN GARDNER February 11, 2021 at 11:03 am - Reply

    Well done !! Couldn’t have happened to a better Captain ! Can’t wait to set sail with you one again !

    Barb & Jack Gardner, the Ryndam Pigeon People

  45. glen olson February 11, 2021 at 10:57 am - Reply

    Enjoyed reading your story. It is what makes Holland feel like family. Have sailed with you many times. Hope to see you on the new ship in the future. Glen

  46. Gordon Dollar February 11, 2021 at 10:05 am - Reply

    Congratulations! We’ll join you in Amsterdam, Sept. 19, 2021, God willing!

  47. Joan Bruyntjens February 11, 2021 at 7:34 am - Reply

    Congratulations, Captain Timmers! Having recently moved from Florida to retirement in North Carolina, we appear to have a few similar likes. We’ll be sailing with you November 10th and can’t wait to be back at sea again with Holland America. Bon voyage!

  48. Michael Richards February 11, 2021 at 1:25 am - Reply

    Congratulations Captain Timmers. We first met on the Ryndam about 8 years ago, and we were very impressed with your leadership, personal involvement with passengers, and “hands on” approach to everything happening on the ship. You’re one of the top Captains in the cruise industry, and Holland America is lucky to have you. H-A made a very wise choice in selecting you to lead the new flagship, and we look forward to sailing with you again.

  49. Susan Kennedy February 11, 2021 at 12:16 am - Reply

    Congratulations! I have sailed with you on Ryndam. Looking forward to seeing you again on the inaugural voyage.

  50. Rob Howe February 11, 2021 at 12:07 am - Reply

    I was on the original Rotterdam August of 1994 on a 7 day out of Vancouver to Alaska . Look forward to sailing on the new Rotterdam one day soon .

  51. Sharon Fennessey February 10, 2021 at 11:06 pm - Reply

    Congratulations, Captain Timmers. We have fond memories of sailing with you on the Eurodam and dining with you. at your table for dinner. We’re looking forward to sailing with you again.

  52. Deb Furey February 10, 2021 at 10:21 pm - Reply

    Congratulations! Looking forward to seeing you in January on that beautiful ship!

  53. James Jacobs February 10, 2021 at 9:10 pm - Reply

    Hey Captain, Great to know we have an well seasoned professional at the helm. Looking forward to our trip with you in October 2021. Always looking for a additional bad poker player!

  54. Lois Metts February 10, 2021 at 8:19 pm - Reply

    Congratulations on the new ship, sure hope to sail with you Real soon. Lois

  55. Richard Garber February 10, 2021 at 7:14 pm - Reply

    Captain Timmers, congratulations on your assignment to the Rotterdam!!
    We really feel special to have a Captain of your caliber directing our cruise this fall to America.
    What a privilege!!
    We hope we have an opportunity to meet.
    Rich & Mary Garber, Mariners.

  56. Terry L Card February 10, 2021 at 7:01 pm - Reply

    Congratulations Captain Timmers. Well done! We had three voyages with you on the Ryndam, an old ship, with lots of character and coziness. Barb and I remember you presenting us with our Bronze Medallion on that third cruise. Of course, now, reward status is recorded in Stars. Our last cruise with you was in October-November, 2019, on the Koningsdam, just before the onset of COVID-19. Here’s hoping for a future cruise with you on the new Rotterdam.

  57. Bruce & Joan Brownlie February 10, 2021 at 6:31 pm - Reply

    Congratulations on your new appointment. We have travelled on the Konningsdam and look forward to cruising with you when the coast is clear to do so.

  58. Frank & Anna Frowiss February 10, 2021 at 6:18 pm - Reply

    Captain Timmers

    Our first cruise was on the Rotterdam. It was just such a pleasure. Going though the Panama Canal. My Wife and I will travel with you in your first year as Master of the new Rotterdam.
    Best to you and your Wife.

  59. Richard Ehlers February 10, 2021 at 6:18 pm - Reply

    Are there openings on the Rotterdam 1st voyage?

  60. Dawn and Dave smith February 10, 2021 at 6:13 pm - Reply

    Captain
    We loved having lunch with you and your wife while on the Konigsdam. You are the most knowledgeable and personable captain ever! Congratulations on your well deserved appointment. We look forward to sailing with you again!!
    Dawn and Dave Smith of Venice, FL

  61. Barry Gardner February 10, 2021 at 5:56 pm - Reply

    Sailed with him on the” last voyage” in March 2020 aboard Konningsdam. He did an excellent job navigating around the ever changing COVID restrictions. It was a great trip.
    Looking forward to sailing with him again on Rotterdam in May 2022.

  62. Don and Betty Blankman February 10, 2021 at 5:05 pm - Reply

    Congratulations Capt. Timmers. We look forward to sailing with you on the new MS Rotterdam. I see we are also nearly neighbors, as we have lived the last 20 years in The Villages, Florida. I have always sailed on HAL ships. My betovergroetvader Gerrit Gerritsz. Blankman, Jr. attended de Kweekschool voor de Zeevaart in Amsterdam from 1800 to 1805, when he graduated. He came with his own Schooner to America in 1819 and remained here. Our frequent vacations in NL have served to reacquaint me with the country and its culture, and we cherish the many distant cousins who still live there. Hopefully this nasty Pandemic will soon dissipate and we can begin sailing once again.
    Tot ziens, Don en Betty Blankman

  63. Claus and Yeda Damerow February 10, 2021 at 4:51 pm - Reply

    Congratulations Captain Timmers. Well deserved appointment. We traveled twice with you on the EURODAM and KONINGSDAM and look forward to seeing you again soon.

  64. Margaret Gillen February 10, 2021 at 4:49 pm - Reply

    Congrats. I look forward to sailing with you and all the good folks at HAL. Have missed this past year of being on the seas. We are practically neighbors as am in DeLand.

  65. John Stier February 10, 2021 at 4:46 pm - Reply

    We look forward to sailing with you on the Premier Voyage August 1st!
    We met you most recently on the Koningsdam!

  66. Huseyin - hatice February 10, 2021 at 4:42 pm - Reply

    Congratulations on your new assignment.
    See you in august 2021 on board Rotterdam

  67. RICHARD V MEYERS February 10, 2021 at 4:30 pm - Reply

    Best wishes to Captain Timmers. If all goes well, we hope to be able to meet him aboard the Rotterdam when we sail with her to Northern Europe on August 29. We are so very looking forward to this cruise. The new Rotterdam looks like an amazing and beautiful ship.

  68. Karel Doruyter February 10, 2021 at 4:08 pm - Reply

    Since I was born in Rotterdam and my grandfather worked his whole life for HAL, it tickles me to see the newest vessel named Rotterdam. Long may she travel the oceans in this world.

  69. charlotte & Ed Lakey February 10, 2021 at 3:57 pm - Reply

    Congratulation and see you in November 2021.

  70. Garry (Gerrit) Wit February 10, 2021 at 3:56 pm - Reply

    I look forward to planning a cruise with my wife on the Rotterdam, April, 2022. Captain Timmers we share the same heritage. I was born in the Netherlands, Middelstum, Prov. Groingen.. I now live in Sanford, FL not far from Mount Dora and my wife and I also designed and have a log home in the mountains of North Carolina, and still keep active constructing rock walls for retention purposes and aesthetics. Oh yes, it was not the Rotterdam, but I did cross the Atlantic 3 times on the Ryndam – once in 1953 and twice in 1955. Hope we have the opportunity to share some of this.

  71. LYNDA S MILLER February 10, 2021 at 3:45 pm - Reply

    We would love for our 8th HAL cruise to be with Captain Timmers.
    Fair winds and calm seas,
    Lynda Miller

  72. Frances Fitzpatrick February 10, 2021 at 3:43 pm - Reply

    Welcome and remember you and Mt. Dora from Massdam/Ryndam and will see you Christmas 2021.

    Fran Fitzpatrick

  73. Frances Fitzpatrick February 10, 2021 at 3:40 pm - Reply

    We live in Hernando Beach, FL but remember you from either Massdam or Ryndam and you living in Mount Dora and will be on Christmas Cruise 2021. Looking forward to seeing you.

    Fran Fitzpatrick

  74. Agnes Horn February 10, 2021 at 3:37 pm - Reply

    Congratulations Captain Timmers! We truly enjoyed sailing with you and your crew on Koningsdam’s maiden transatlantic voyage and very much look forward to the 14 day Best of Norway in September 2022!. Agnes & Arthur H., Cumming, Ga.

  75. Carole McGraw February 10, 2021 at 3:30 pm - Reply

    Congratulations captain. I hope I will meet you on board one day.

  76. Robert Charles Patterson February 10, 2021 at 3:27 pm - Reply

    We look forward to meeting you when we board the Rotterdam on September 26th for a 12 day cruise Jewels of the Baltic. We have loved cruising on Holland American and look forward to enjoying this cruise. The ship looks fantastic and can’t wait to see it in person. We would love to meet you at breakfast, brunch high tea or one of the meals. Bob

  77. Dwight Hale February 10, 2021 at 3:13 pm - Reply

    Congratulations, we enjoyed our voyage with you on Koningsdam and look forward to joining and enjoying your company again. Your sense of humor dispelled my notions regarding the absence of humor often associated with the Dutch…

  78. jay casbon February 10, 2021 at 3:01 pm - Reply

    Plan on sailing again in February, 2022.

  79. J.J. Casbon February 10, 2021 at 2:59 pm - Reply

    Congratulations! You were a marvelous Captain when we sailed with you on Eurodam. Look forward to sailing with you again on the beautiful Rotterdam!

  80. John Van Huizen, Seafarers Chaplain February 10, 2021 at 2:58 pm - Reply

    Congratulations, Captain Timmers! A well-deserved appointment, to be sure! Grace and I look forward to sailing and serving with you in the future.

  81. Michael Ryan February 10, 2021 at 2:53 pm - Reply

    Congratulations Captain Timmers, We will be on board eventually as soon as
    matters clear up here in Canada. It is reassuring to see that a person of your
    experience and professionalism will be the Captain of Rotterdam. We are very excited.

    Slainte!

    Mike RYAN and Deb POWELL.

  82. Douglas Louis February 10, 2021 at 2:45 pm - Reply

    We cruised HAL three times, Alaska 1984, Panama Canal 1988 both on the SS Rotterdam and the Mexico cruise in 2019 on the MS Eurodam. We were very disappointed with the Mexico cruise ship. When we came home I checked the other HAL ships to Mexico and the all had the same type amenities and entertainment, not much different than Norwegian or Carnival cruise ships, nothing special about HAL any more.

  83. Don Keele February 10, 2021 at 2:38 pm - Reply

    Can’t wait to get on board

  84. Dale Riggs February 10, 2021 at 2:31 pm - Reply

    Congratulations on your New Adventure aboard the Rotterdam!! Hope to sail with you in the near future Captain Timmers!

  85. Tamara and Tim Carroll February 10, 2021 at 2:28 pm - Reply

    Congrats Captain Timmers! We look forward to sailing with you on the Rotterdam in December 2021!!!

  86. Ann February 10, 2021 at 2:28 pm - Reply

    Congratulations!! Have safe voyages!! Hope to meet you sooner than later!!

  87. Joy Harrison February 10, 2021 at 2:17 pm - Reply

    Congratulations – I remember you so when the old Rotterdam was in port in Vancouver. I used to visit with my daughter Laura when Willem Spierens was Captain. His wife Audrey and I were close friends and you used to entertain Laura while Audrey and I visited. Those were the days before all of the security – hate to say it but that was at least 30 years ago!! Have taken many many HAL cruises since then but never on one you were Captain off. Perhaps we’ll meet again as I am a loyal HAL fan.

  88. Michel Beauregard February 10, 2021 at 2:14 pm - Reply

    Congratulations Capt Timmers , see you December 1th on Rotterdam in Fort Lauderdale for a wonderful 11 days .

  89. Ronald Frizzle February 10, 2021 at 2:10 pm - Reply

    Congratulations Captain Timmers – We hope to see you in August on the maiden voyage to Rotterdam.
    Cheers !

  90. Steve & Cindy Hogan February 10, 2021 at 2:06 pm - Reply

    Congratulations, Captain Timmers! See you in October 2021 on board the Rotterdam!

  91. Toni and Dennis Clements February 10, 2021 at 2:03 pm - Reply

    Congratulations Werner!
    It was well earned!
    We love your posts from sea and
    hope to sail with you again!

  92. Felix Maltchinski February 10, 2021 at 1:58 pm - Reply

    I’m a Holland America line former customer and it was great to sail on Koningsdam with captain Werner Timers.

  93. Charles Hoyle February 10, 2021 at 1:56 pm - Reply

    Congratulations Captain.
    We hope to see you again in November.
    Sail on!

  94. Athanasios Tsoukanas February 10, 2021 at 1:53 pm - Reply

    We really enjoyed reading the short profile of Captain Timmers. My wife and I would like to sail with him as soon as we feel safe to fly to a departure port.

  95. Paul-Martin Goulet February 10, 2021 at 1:52 pm - Reply

    Félicitations Capitaine. Nous espérons naviguer à nouveau avec vous très bientôt.

  96. Maribeth Gerhardt February 10, 2021 at 1:50 pm - Reply

    Love this Captain! Met him on a previous sail in 2019. Great sense of humor so be sure to attend his meet the captain talk
    Congrats!

  97. Martie February 10, 2021 at 1:49 pm - Reply

    We have been on many cruises with Captain Timmers. We are big fans! He is really smart and really funny. We hope to see him in December. Congrats to Captain Timmers, and good choice, HAL.

  98. Gail Westwood February 10, 2021 at 1:49 pm - Reply

    Congratulations Capt. Timmers. We look forward to joining you on the Caribbean cruise of December 1, 2021. Can’t wait to cruise on this beautiful new ship!

  99. Irene Shaw February 10, 2021 at 1:48 pm - Reply

    Looking forward to sail with you again??❤️??❤️

  100. Willian and Ruth McGuire February 10, 2021 at 1:45 pm - Reply

    Having attended a few Captains welcome’s with Capt. Timmers in the past, We look
    forward to a December 2021 sailing with him again.

  101. Rev.Dr. Harold H Witte February 10, 2021 at 1:34 pm - Reply

    Congratulations, Captain Timmers!

    I would love to share stories at dinner with you and Sir Frances Drake. What an exciting and enchanting evening that would be!

    Harold

  102. James Bernard Dressen February 10, 2021 at 1:33 pm - Reply

    We have enjoyed 3 trips to and from Alaska, the St.Lawrence Seaway in and out of Boston, out of Amsterdam to Ireland Scotland and back and Rome up the coast and islands to Barcelona. All via Holland America. We loved every bit of it and hopefully can do it again soon. We would love to join you on your new ship with you at the helm, it would be great!
    Best to you on your new adventure.
    Jim and Mary Jo Dressen

  103. Lois and Herb Johnson February 10, 2021 at 1:30 pm - Reply

    Our heartiest congratulations to Captain Timmers on becoming the first master of the new Rotterdam. We look forward to meeting you when we sail with you come December 1st, 2021.

  104. Lois Johnson February 10, 2021 at 1:29 pm - Reply

    Our heartiest congratulations to Captain Timmers on becoming the first master of the new Rotterdam. We look forward to meeting you when we sail with you come December 1st, 2021.

  105. Lois and Herb Johnson February 10, 2021 at 1:28 pm - Reply

    Our heartiest congratulations to Captain Timmers on becoming the first master of the new Rotterdam. We look forward to meeting you when we sail with you come December 1st, 2021.

  106. Kathy Newbern & JS Fletchet February 10, 2021 at 1:26 pm - Reply

    Captain – glad to meet you here. Exciting stuff. Hope to do so later this year on your gleaming new ship. We live in NC – so happy to read you designed and built a home here. Safe sailing wishes!

  107. Jan & Jean van den Broek February 10, 2021 at 1:21 pm - Reply

    We congratulate you on your appointment. We look forward to seeing you once again, this time on the beautiful (we are certain!) new Rotterdam on August 1st.

  108. Don & Marlene Munroe February 10, 2021 at 1:21 pm - Reply

    We are looking forward to meeting Captain Timmers while we cruise Rotterdam’s first 3 weeks in Europe.
    Don & Marlene Munroe, Canada

  109. Kenneth J Greenstein February 10, 2021 at 1:16 pm - Reply

    We have sailed with Captain Timmers in the past – Fabulous, a concerned individual who is not afraid to talk with an inquisitive passenger. Where is Your friend Captain VonDonSellar. Good Luck Captain, ‘keep the wind at your back’.

  110. Linda Myers-Treat February 10, 2021 at 8:46 am - Reply

    Congratulations Capt Timmerman! Looking forward to our voyage out of Amsterdam Aug 29th

  111. Deborah Davey February 10, 2021 at 2:58 am - Reply

    my husband Garry & I, our daughter. son in law & 2 grandsons had our 1st cruise in Europe 5 years ago & you Captained the Eurodam, & we had the pleasure of meeting you at a Cocktail party. You were engaging and entertaining & made all us feel very special. Congratulations Captain Timmers, we just hope we can get to travel from Australia to join another HAL cruise in the future. But for now the wonderful memories we have will keep us, for ever smiling.

  112. MD Meier February 9, 2021 at 11:32 am - Reply

    Congratulations Captain Timmers. Wishing you all the best.
    Not sure when I will see you again on board or in the Customs Hall, but hopefully soon one day.
    Until then, stay well and God speed.

  113. Sam Giammo February 8, 2021 at 12:08 pm - Reply

    Congratulations, Captain Timmer! My wife and I have sailed with you three times and enjoyed how you added to our wonderful experience on the Koningsdam with your well-timed humor. Best wishes.

  114. Jessica February 8, 2021 at 3:37 am - Reply

    Looking forward to our cruise with you in September. Best of luck!

  115. Gerard BOUTE February 4, 2021 at 12:49 pm - Reply

    Gefeliciteerd Cap Timmers

    Hoop gouw aan boord te kunnen vooe een cruise te maken met de Rotterdam.

    Jammer dat de Rotterdam geen thuishaven is. meschien veranderd dan toch nog, jeweet maar noo[t

  116. Jean February 4, 2021 at 1:32 am - Reply

    We sailed with Captain Timmers on a Seafarer Panama Canal cruise ten years ago (March 2011). I have a photo of us with him at a Captain’s Dinner and fond memories of discussing the positives of living in Central Florida.
    Congratulations to Captain Timmers who hopefully is at the helm in October when we board the Rotterdam VII for the Baltic and Transatlantic Cruise.

  117. Margot Villanova February 3, 2021 at 6:16 pm - Reply

    Congratulations, Captain Timmers! We look forward to meeting you onboard the Rotterdam on August 1!!

  118. Willy Krol February 3, 2021 at 4:16 am - Reply

    Congratulations cape Timmers See you in august 2021 on board Rotterdam

  119. Robert Sloots February 2, 2021 at 9:16 am - Reply

    Beste mijnheer Timmers, Wij hopen samen met u de “Rotterdam 7” naar haar thuishaven (helaas Amsterdam):) te varen. Hopelijk mag alles doorgang vinden. Succes met het vertrouwd worden met “uw boot” in de komende maanden.

  120. Willy Krol February 2, 2021 at 2:57 am - Reply

    Congratulations Capt Timmers see you in 1 august in
    Trieste IT

  121. Mickey La Garde February 1, 2021 at 6:02 pm - Reply

    As the former Master of six HAL ships and now the Rotterdam, Captain Timmers is indeed the Master of HAL’s fleet. Congratulations! We look forward to joining him for Rotterdam’s maiden voyage. Mickey & Dee La Garde, Ft Walton Beach, FL.

  122. Peter and Sylvia Huijgen February 1, 2021 at 3:58 pm - Reply

    We wish captain Werner Timmers a good voyage, and hope to see him again soon on the MS Rotterdam.
    Peter and Sylvia Huijgen.

  123. Rich Kramer February 1, 2021 at 1:17 pm - Reply

    Congratulations, Capt. Timmers! Well deserved. See you in October 2021 on board Rotterdam!

  124. Ann McCarthy February 1, 2021 at 12:53 pm - Reply

    Yay!~ Congratulations, Captain Timmers. We look forward to the premier voyage with you.

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