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Maritime Historian
Please Note:
Cruise-Australia is a non-commercial and privately owned cruise site and it is
NOT associated with any cruise company or travel organisation! Although the
author has been in the passenger shipping industry since 1960 and is currently
semi-retired, but continues to write cruise and ship reviews and articles in
order to better to inform cruise and ship enthusiasts and provide information
for those intending a cruise in the future.
The magnificent 21,148-ton SS Rotterdam IV joined the Holland America fleet in 1908 and continued to 1940 with HAL
Page One
From SS Ariadne & SS Rotterdam I, IV to SS Rotterdam V
(1872 to 2000)
SS Ariadne
The
“Netherland’s America Steamship Company” or in Dutch,
“Nederlandsch Amerikaansche Stoomvaart Maatschappij” (NASM) was
officially founded on April 18, 1873, in Rotterdam, but in due course it became
better known as “Holland America Line.” However, prior to this time
the company had already begun as a cargo line, but the company was known as
“Plate, Reuchlin en Co” and by 1871 they had already ordered the
building of their first actual passenger ship, being the SS Rotterdam I, which
was being built by Henderson
Coulborn & Co, in Renfrew, England. However, due to
ongoing delays with the builder, they were forced to charter a British a
relatively new, but a small built ship to commence their new first
Trans-Atlantic service to
SS Ariadne
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SS Rotterdam I:
Within a number of
months the new 268.4ft – 81.8m, 1,694-ton SS Rotterdam I was delivered
and under the command of Captain Jacob Hus and she set sail on September 7,
1872. She
had accommodations for 8 first Class and 388 Third Class passengers, being
mostly immigrants and there was a crew of 46. The SS Rotterdam’s
departure set in motion the beginning of what became one of the world’s
great shipping companies, one that remains with us to this very day some 140
years later in 2013! Sadly, during her 65th.voyage from
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SS Rotterdam II:
The SS Rotterdam II was
built by Harland & Wolff in
In October 1986 this
British ship was purchased by “NASM” and considering they had lost
As In 1895, she was re
christened SS Edam and served for another four years until she was eventually
broken up in
SS Rotterdam II –
1986 to
Although this ship had excellent outdoor spaces for her passengers, her public venues onboard for Second Class were minimal and Steerage non existent. First Class had the following venues; on Promenade Deck, being the topmost deck, forward to aft. A small Ladies Salon forward and far aft a medium sized Smoking Room. On Main Deck is the spacious Main Salon (Lounge), but this also serves as the Dinning Room as there is a Galley and Pantry just aft of the Main Entrance/Lobby. In addition amidships there are two further First Class venues, but both are accessed from out on the deck. There the Barber Shop on the starboard side, and the Library & Reading Room portside, which is named the “Gallery.” First Class Twin bedded “State Rooms” are one down on “Spar” Deck. However, in the centre of the deck running the length of the cabins was seating with tables, rather unusual!
Second Class had a smallish Sitting Room aft on Main Deck, but otherwise no other venues. Their cabins were located just aft of the engine casing on Spar Deck. Cabins were either two or three berth. Again there was the seating and tables in the middle, and as there was a pantry and galley, it seems that this area also served as the dinning room.
Steerage occupied far
aft and far forward of Spar Deck. Aft offered cabins with eight berths each,
whilst far forward it was dormitories for 10, 20 or even 22 in a dorm with
bunks. These were for migrant heading for a new life in
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SS Rotterdam IV:
The new SS Rotterdam being built was a simply magnificent and once again Harland & Wolff Belfast were the builders. This fine ship would soon make a huge impact on Trans Atlantic sailings and a huge name for the company, as this was a 24,170-ton ship that had a whole lot class!
SS Rotterdam IV was
launched after various hold ups, due ongoing strikes, on March 3, 1908. She was
completed rather quickly and delivered on June 13, the same year. SS Rotterdam
IV departed on her maiden voyage from
There was no doubt, she was one of the most magnificent and luxurious ships that HAL had ever built, and she set a new standard in style and fine accommodations, something that was soon copied by other British and European shipping companies. There where grand staircases with huge stained glass domes, beautiful Ionic pillars and fine timber clad walls, sourced from around the globe, as well as the best linens used, including the best porcelain, crystal and silverware.
SS Rotterdam offered 520
First Class passengers, 555 in Second Class and 2,300 in Third Class. However,
even Third Class had some excellent lounges, but this part of the ship was
mainly occupied by immigrants heading for
Although the Dutch were
not involved in WWI, the SS Rotterdam proved to be a mighty warrior during war
as she carried just over a million American soldiers during, as well as arms,
etc. Considering that the Germans did not suspect a Neutral Dutch ship, thus
the
When she was released for her wartime duties, she returned to service, but in 1929 she received a comprehensive refit and she became a delightful two class ship, now accommodating; 517 in First Class and 1,130 in Tourist Class. Finally, ten years later, at the end of 1939 she was laid up having sailed the equivalent of around 70 times around the globe. She was soon sold and broken up in 1940.
A
very old postcard of SS Rotterdam IV
Also
see colour image at the top of the page
Now we will “Go back to the future” and the days that many of us may well remember, but possibly not all of my younger readers, but the following ship is certainly one of Holland America Lines most notable liner built in the 1930s. OK, I was certainly not born for a little while yet, but, I was during the great days of the next great liner, and those that follow!
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In the latter part of the 1930s, a new kind of grand Liner was being built, this was a ship that has been called by ship enthusiasts around the world to this day, as the most “Perfectly designed liner ever to be built,” and others say that she was “The best looking Trans-Atlantic Liner ever to be built.”
I do know that her interiors were simply out of this world, for they were so far ahead of any other ship built to date as she was one of the most elegant ships for her day, and frankly I would sail on her today, had she still been around!
Seen
not long after being built, the superb SS Nieuw Amsterdam III … 1938
– 1974
Sadly
this image simply does this room no justice having dined in this great venue,
for it is so grandiose! In the alcoves you would find
superb mosaics, and the simplicity, but elegant ceiling
lighting, as well as the wall lighting fixtures where simply sublime.
The
is the First Class “Grand Hall” or Main Lounge, and the artworks
are seen in etched glass, on the ceiling
And
the huge mural by a famed artist on the wall as you can see. Even the back of
the band stand is highly
Glossed
and has some excellent artwork on it. This ship was known for its intricate
detail and it was simply elegant!
This
is the Writing and Reading Room, and instantly we can see that it does not look
like an old fashioned room, for it
looks rather modern in fact. HAL’s artists used a special
style of Art Deco here as they did in so many parts of
the ship to give it that special timeless look and that is
why SS Nieuw Amsterdam’s interiors just never seemed to age
A
fine view from the port side Bridge looking aft, with the new Holland America
Lines Flagship the SS Rotterdam V having just passed
However,
there are always the traditionalist among the passengers, especially on the
Trans-Atlantic route, and thus this great
Ship
did have the traditional heavy leather and beautifully timber clad
“Smoking Room” in each class, whereas all other venues were
Bright
and certainly the happier places. But for the Caviar and
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These ships proved extremely economic to operate, being mainly due to having been designed as freighters, thus their original machinery remained. These comprised of two cross-compound General Electric steam turbines, which were built in 1945. They developed 8,500 SHP, double-reduction geared to a single screw. Their service speed compared with other passenger ships sailing at the time was slow, for they had a service speed of 16.5 knots, thus the crossing from Britain to New York took eight days; however, the daily fuel consumption was a mere 53 tons, making these ships great value for Holland America, in addition they usually fully booked and with good reason!
These ships were quite remarkable, for they were built as two-class ships, but amazingly they were essentially almost all Tourist Class. The truth is that Tourist Class passengers had the run of the vast majority of the ship, except for one section, and that was Boat Deck, for this was known as the “Exclusive First Class Penthouse Section” of the ship, and it was a most luxurious part of the ship indeed! Although, being Tourist Class Liners, and of such a high standard they proved to be a huge success for HAL and sailed on until the Trans-Atlantic passenger demand began to dry up due to air travel
The Ryndam was sold in 1973, and she become the
Epirotiki lines rather extremely modernised cruise ship, the SS Atlas, whilst
the SS Maasdam was sold earlier in May 1968 to the “Polish Ocean
Lines”, but she made her final HAL voyage on September 20, as she
departed
SS
Ryndam with her famed “slim-line” funnel
Painting
by Hans Breeman - http://home.tiscali.nl/hansbreeman/photouk.htm
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The planning of the fourth Statendam commenced in 1953, and it was quickly taking shape and as the drawings and details were being released to the public, it became obvious that this was going to be a fine ship with an incredible bow. There would be many new improvements incorporated into her design compared to the earlier sisters for this new, but as yet unnamed ship, for was just known as number 753. This ship she would be almost 10,000 tons larger than her last namesake and this extra size would allow a far superior hull design to any of the more recent HAL liners that essentially had hulls that were designed as passenger-cargo ships. Liner number 753 would be fitted with twin screws, and her service speed would be a good 19 knots compared to the 16 knots of the two beloved “The Economy Twins.” However, the internals of this new liner would follow similar lines of the aforementioned ships, the Ryndam and Maasdam, as the Tourist Class would again have the run of the ship, but this time all venues and accommodations would be of a much higher standard utilising some of the finest artisans that HAL could gather. Of course the boutique First Class section would be ultra luxurious!
She was built in a floating
dock and named Statendam during her delivery voyage to
She did see livery
changes, later having a dark blue hull and various funnel colours, but sadly in
October 1982 she was sold to Actus Investments Ltd,
and placed under the management of the French company Paquet
Cruises. She had a good long life under various guises, but due to her last
owner, Premier Cruises going into bankruptcy, this still beautiful ship was
finally broken up in 2004 in Alang
The
delightful SS Statendam
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When the second ship finally came into service HAL
changed their schedule as follows:
Both ships had a very high standard of
accommodation for 60 passengers, and there were beautifully decorated and
furnished public venues, such as a lounge and bar, a smoking room, library and
a dining room. Cabins ranged from suites, to two bedded rooms, some having the
option for a third or even a fourth berth. There was ample deck space up on
Boat Deck, Promenade Deck and down on Main deck, that also had space for sports
aft.
Passenger-Cargo ships were always a popular means
of travel for many, as they took their guests to many interesting places and in
a leisurely way, as well being able to mix with the officers and staff,
especially in the dining room, and visiting the bridge was quite welcome whilst
at sea, etc. Eventually both ships were sold to
The SS Diemerdyk is seen with her original livery in
The SS Dinteldyk with her grey hull
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Now we come to one of the most loved ships in recent history, for so many who will read this page will have sailed on the beautiful SS Rotterdam V a ship that that was originally considered to be rather controversial, due to the lack of a traditional funnel. Instead of a single funnel, her designers decided upon giving this sleek liner twin slender uptakes located aft of the ship, as her machinery was located aft. She was certainly not the first liner to place her engines aft, for that honour belongs to the revolutionary Shaw Savill budget (Immigrant) liner, the SS Southern Cross.
However, the funnel controversy was short lived for soon a good number of passenger liners, including the famed 1961 P&O liner SS Canberra copied the trend that had been set by the SS Rotterdam.
Here
we see the famed “secret” stairwell
SS Rotterdam is known
worldwide as “The Grande Dame,” and she was launched by HM Queen
Juliana in a grand gala ceremony on September13, 1958, and completed in July
1959. The
SS Rotterdam departed
Rotterdam for her maiden voyage on September 3, 1959, bound for New York and
she very rapidly became one of the most successful and loved ships, which was
due to HAL’s reliability, and also as they are well known as being the “Spotless
Fleet” for Dutch cleanliness is of the utmost importance with HAL,
and it remains so to this day! Although in due course the Trans Atlantic market
slowed down dramatically and she was more and more employed as a cruise ship,
and eventually she became a full time cruise ship. Her “Around the World
Voyages” became much sought after and she called on
But thankfully, unlike
every other shipping company that sold out to Carnival, the Dutch did stand
firm on so many conditions, such as that all their ships must remain Dutch,
thus registered in
An
early HAL publicity photo of the SS Rotterdam V - 1960
Above & below: The magnificent grand Ritz Carlton Ball Room
Here
we see the superb grand golden aft dining room (Tourist Class), later when the
ship became One Class it was named “La Fontaine”
SS
Rotterdam seen arriving to her homeport
To date HAL has remained
clear of Carnivalisation on their smaller ships, but sadly as I
sailed on one of their Carnival Vista ships, the ms Oosterdam (February 2013),
and I did note quite a bit of Carnivalisation had occurred onboard, for let
face it, Carnival intends to win and eventually overpower these stubborn Dutch.
A
painting of the SS Rotterdam with her cruising blue hull
At
Circular Quay in the heart of
The superb SS Rotterdam was one of the most successful passenger ships of all time, with her career spanning a good forty years, but sadly she was sold in 1997 to Premier Cruises by Carnival, as Carnival felt that this ship no longer suited the “Carnival image and style”, even though she was not even their ship, but a Holland America Line ship. But tragically, they did have some control of ship design, etc. As soon as the news came out, HAL passengers by the thousands sent protests to Carnival and HAL, but take note, Carnival does not listen to passengers, for unless you are paying a deposit for your next cruise, you are a nobody, for only your hard earned money counts!
The SS Rotterdam was
renamed the Rembrandt, which was a good alternative and she commenced sailing
around
But then suddenly, on September 13, 2000, the
As soon as the author heard what had happened to
the Rembrandt, ex
There were up’s and downs, but eventually a
Dutch organisation obtained her to have restored to become a hotel, function
and tourist venue in
SS Rotterdam, looking simply magnificent arrived in
The
completely restored SS Rotterdam is seen arriving home on August 4, 2008
The
38,645-ton SS Rotterdam … 1959 – 1997 & Premier Cruises SS
Rembrandt 1997 to 2000
She
has been fully renovated and restored to her original 1959 state and is now a
superb Hotel in Rotterdam Holland
In conclusion:
Do you know what the ships are on the
The ships.
It is obvious that I could and would not cover
every single detail of this great company nor all of their delightful ships of,
thus the above is just a capsule of Holland America Line and some of their
magnificent ships. However, I may possibly one day expand on this theme and do
a far more comprehensive feature, covering all their passenger liners and ships
of the past, including their delightful passenger-cargo liners!
My
Recommendation:
Dear reader,
if you are planning on going on a cruise, I certainly recommend Holland America
Line, for I am sure you will know that they are one of the most highly awarded
Cruise Company in the World. One award alone HAL has received for 20 years in a
row, from one of the finest shipping source, and these can be seen on the HAL
ships features online, which soon will be updated. But before you book a
cruise, please take note of the following!
My personal
preference is for Holland America’s delightful smaller ships, such the
sublime Explorer Class, the super luxurious 38,100-ton ms Prinsendam that only
has 835 guests in spacious accommodations. Or go on one of the four wonderful
S-Class ships, being the Statendam, Maasdam Ryndam and Veendam. These lovely
ships average at around 55,500-tons and accommodate just 1,250 Guests and have
some 600 crew. Then there are the four R-Class ships, being the epic ms
Rotterdam VI, Volendam,
After the
aforementioned ships comes all HAL’s BIG Carnival style ships, and personally,
they are just too big, and thus they have many more passengers onboard up to
2,104 guests. However, when we sailed on the ms Oosterdam from Sydney on
February 6, 2013 on a 14 night cruise around New Zealand, we where advised by
both the captain and cruise director that there were “over 2,000
passengers aboard”, which angered me, because all HAL promotional
material clearly states that the Oosterdam only “Serves 1,916
guests.” Thus, I consider that false advertising, and feel that Carnival
is intruding, for it feels like a Carnival trick!!!
I have
sailed on the smaller ships and now have come home from a voyage on the
Oosterdam. Although the service was superb, the cuisine delicious,
entertainment, good, but not as good as on the smaller ships, Oosterdam’s
interiors is just unbelievably beautiful, but I would never sail on her again
and the reason for this will be fully spelled out below at the bottom of the
page, but more fully in my Oosterdam Cruise review.
Please make
sure that you choose a ship that is right for you, if you are young and want to
drink, get drunk and just party,
If you have
problems walking and/or use a walking aid, do NOT go on any of HAL’s
larger ships, such as the V-Class such as the ms Oosterdam and her sisters the
ms Noordam, Zuiderdam and Westerdam, or the ms Nieuw Amsterdam and her sister
the ms Eurodam, for they are simply not suitable ships for those with those
with walking problems, believe me I found this out myself, as I came home a
wreck, from what should have been a relaxing vacation but my voyage became a
private hell.
Thus stay with the ships I mentioned above, for they are simply wonderful and a great size as well I found the service far more personal!
Taken onboard the ms Oosterdam - February 2012.
Reuben Goossens.
Maritime Historian,
Cruise’n’Ship Reviewer, Author & Lecturer.
Commenced in Passenger
Shipping in 1960.
Just completed my 126th.voyage/cruise.
Go to … Page Two
-Also visit my other
Page Two … “The History of
1993 to 2015
-
ms Rotterdam - ms Prinsendam
ms Oosterdam 2013 Cruise’n’Ship Review
ms Volendam Cruise Review
Also read our Holland America Line
For a Holland America Line cruise brochure or for more information on their superb cruises from Australia or throughout the world, consult a cruise specialist, who is a travel professional or in Australia call Holland America Line at 1300 987 322 or visit www.hollandamerica.com.au.
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