ss rotterdam cruise ship hotel

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The impressive and prestigious ship of Rotterdam

ss Rotterdam

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The COVID-19 outbreak has led to several measures within our hotel, which will make your stay look slightly different from what you have come to expect from us in the past. We have listed all the information.

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Please note: road works

From Monday, July 13, 2020, road works will start on the Posthumalaan (the street between the Erasmus Bridge and the Rijnhaven metro station) and the Veemstraat (on the corner at Hogeschool Inholland) on the Kop van Zuid. The work is expected to take approximately 6 months, until medio November 2020. The closure of this important ‘traffic artery’ will affect the accessibility of the ss Rotterdam (from the center) and vice versa. 

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About this hotel

15 reasons to opt for the ss Rotterdam! Experience the fantastic 50s atmosphere in a unique place. Enjoy a fantastic dinner at Restaurant Clubroom, book a tour or try to escape from the Escape Room. A real experience!

Where the cabins of the steamship used to be, you now find the 254 4-star hotel rooms. ss Rotterdam is considered one of the best hotels in the city of Rotterdam where you get to spend the night in a unique setting. Choose from one of six room types with a fifties decor of choice: Original, Manhattan or Bahamas. Each room is unique in shape, décor and color and is located on B Deck, A Deck, Main Deck, Lower Promenade Deck, Boat Deck and Sun Deck.

Enjoy with the whole family! The Family Rooms are located on the inside of the ship and suitable for maximum 4 adults and 1…

Superior Triple

Imagine yourself in the fifties in this modern former ‘cabin’ with original portholes (windows), twin bed, bathroom with…

A sneak peek of the ss Rotterdam? View the 360º photos here

Restaurant Clubroom

The Club Room is a wonderful place onboard La Grande Dame if dining in style if what you have in mind. Expect a delightful evening while putting on one of your greatest outfits. Together with maître-sommelier Alfred van der Toolen, the kitchen brigade is ready to deliver you an unforgettable evening.

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Escape Room

The door of the cooling cell closes behind you with an ice-cold click. There is no escaping now… You will have to do you ultimate best if you wish to escape! Are you brave enough? Step into our Escape Room and try to solve the secrets of the captain within the hour. And experience you will not forget!

Lido is situated on the Promenade Deck and is characterized by many windows. You experience a sence of freedom when you enter this gorgeous and spacious room. Chef Raymon Rademaker and his kitchen staff like to surprise you during breakfast, lunch and dinner. Of course, for a cup of coffee and a sweet treat you are also more than welcome!

Tours on the ss Rotterdam

If you are curious about the magnificent ss Rotterdam, you are more than welcome to visit the Promenade Deck, the Lynbaan Shop or enjoy a lovely cup of coffee at the restaurant. We bet you will want to see more. And for that, you can book one of our guided tours. We have daily and monthly tours!

Holland-America Line Package

Hotel New York Rotterdam, ss Rotterdam

Experience Rotterdam

2-days · from 2 persons

Upper Promenade Deck

Grand Ballroom

Meeting Rooms

Executive Boardrooms

Promenade Deck

La Fontaine Room

Library Room

Smoking Room

Ss rotterdam on the map.

ss Rotterdam Hotel en Restaurants

Derde Katendrechtsehoofd 25, Feijenoord, 3072 AM Rotterdam, Netherlands – Great location - show map

Cleanliness

Value for money

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The room was very spacious and the water taxi platform at the hotel was extremely handy for transport into the city.

Very tasty and plentiful breakfast. Super friendly staff and a very nice approach for the children And all this in a very beautiful setting

Everything, the fact that it’s an old cruise liner. Staff all dressed in their uniforms was authentic. Rooms were great too

You stay on a real crusing ship! A biiiig one! And the staff is really professional and friendly! And the breakfast was great!

Me and my brother, 2 overnight stay in our mom's favorite ship... 💖

A very enjoyable and novel experience, staying on this old cruise ship. The staff were in uniform, there were pictures on the wall showing it's history. We were lucky and got a surprise upgrade, getting a cabin with portholes looking out over the water. The room was lovely with some period decor, but it was also very clean and comfortable. We'll certainly have happy memories of our stay there! The ship was a bit of a maze - we were given a map so had fun, but did still get a bit lost and confused at times.

Access by water taxi, fantastic trip around boat with its magnificent cocktail bars and grand history.

It’s a nice change in contrast to standard hotels, it was very clean, the rooms are classic but with all the necessary comfort, the elevator was quick, the staff is friendly

Everything was amazing! Very friendly stuff and awesome location!

I loved the old ship and its history the staff where very good to 1

ss Rotterdam Hotel en Restaurants Reserve now

Lock in a great price for ss Rotterdam Hotel en Restaurants - rated 8.2 by recent guests.

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• Private bathroom
• Key card access
• Daily housekeeping
• Non-smoking rooms
• Safety deposit box
• Luggage storage

Discover ss Rotterdam, a former Holland-America Line ship, presenting cozy accommodations by the harbor in the vibrant Katendrecht district. Boasting 2 restaurants with open kitchens, complimentary WiFi in public areas, and authentic ship cabins, it offers an extraordinary stay. The Ahoy events hall is conveniently less than 4 km away. Rooms at ss Rotterdam Hotel en Restaurants offer a blend of 50s-style design and modern comfort. Equipped with tea and coffee facilities, they feature free WiFi, a seating area, and a flat-screen TV. Indulge in the exquisite cuisine and elegant ambiance of the Club Room restaurant or opt for the modern Lido restaurant with a spacious terrace, serving an array of delightful light meals, some highlighting local ingredients. Relax with coffee and pie or savor cocktails and snacks at the Captains Lounge. For wine enthusiasts, the Ocean Wine Bar awaits. Uncover the ship's history with guided tours, and a complimentary shuttle conveniently transports guests to the Rijnhaven metro stop for easy access to Rotterdam's city center.

Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 8.8 for a two-person trip.

Distance in property description is calculated using © OpenStreetMap

• Parking on site
• Family rooms
• 2 restaurants
• Facilities for disabled guests
• Very good breakfast

Property highlights

Top location: Highly rated by recent guests (8.8)

Parking available at the hotel

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Availability

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Sustainability certification

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Hotel surroundings

Restaurants 2 restaurants on site.

• Open for Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner
• Ambiance Family friendly
• Open for Dinner
• Ambiance Modern • Romantic

Facilities of ss Rotterdam Hotel en Restaurants Great facilities! Review score, 8.2

• Toilet paper
• Wardrobe or closet
• Extra long beds (> 2 metres)
• Outdoor furniture
• Sun terrace
• Coffee machine
• Refrigerator
• Bicycle rental Additional charge
• Flat-screen TV
• Cable channels
• Coffee house on site
• Wine/champagne Additional charge
• Kid-friendly buffet
• Special diet menus (on request)
• Electric vehicle charging station
• Accessible parking
• Public transport tickets Additional charge
• Invoice provided
• Private check-in/check-out
• Concierge service
• ATM/cash machine on site
• Express check-in/check-out
• Baby safety gates
• Indoor play area
• Board games/puzzles
• Dry cleaning Additional charge
• Laundry Additional charge
• Fax/photocopying Additional charge
• Business centre
• Meeting/banquet facilities Additional charge
• Fire extinguishers
• CCTV outside property
• CCTV in common areas
• Smoke alarms
• Security alarm
• 24-hour security
• Shuttle service
• Shared lounge/TV area
• Non-smoking throughout
• Wake-up service
• Packed lunches
• Ironing facilities
• Emergency cord in bathroom
• Lower bathroom sink
• Higher level toilet
• Toilet with grab rails
• Wheelchair accessible
• Upper floors accessible by elevator
• Kids' pool

See availability House rules

Guests are required to show a photo identification and credit card upon check-in

Until 11:00

Cancellation/ prepayment

Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodation type. Please enter the dates of your stay and check the conditions of your required room.

Children and beds

Child policies

Children of any age are welcome.

Children 3 years and above will be charged as adults at this property.

To see correct prices and occupancy information, please add the number of children in your group and their ages to your search.

Cot and extra bed policies

Prices for cots are not included in the total price, and will have to be paid for separately during your stay.

The number of cots allowed is dependent on the option you choose. Please check your selected option for more information.

There are no extra beds available at this property.

All cots are subject to availability.

Age restriction

The minimum age for check-in is 18

Pets are not allowed.

When booking more than 9 rooms, different policies and additional supplements may apply.

Accepted payment methods

Cash ATM card ss Rotterdam Hotel en Restaurants accepts these cards and reserves the right to temporarily hold an amount prior to arrival.

The fine print Need-to-know information for guests at this property

Please note that the shuttle service is available according to a set schedule.

Please note that when booking for 9 rooms or more different policies apply.

Please note that only the superior room has room for an extra bed.

Guests are required to show a photo identification and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply.

In response to Coronavirus (COVID-19), additional safety and sanitation measures are in effect at this property.

Due to Coronavirus (COVID-19), this property is taking steps to help protect the safety of guests and staff. Certain services and amenities may be reduced or unavailable as a result.

FAQs about ss Rotterdam Hotel en Restaurants

How far is ss rotterdam hotel en restaurants from the centre of rotterdam.

ss Rotterdam Hotel en Restaurants is 1.6 miles from the centre of Rotterdam. All distances are measured in straight lines. Actual travel distances may vary.

What are the check-in and check-out times at ss Rotterdam Hotel en Restaurants?

Check-in at ss Rotterdam Hotel en Restaurants is from 15:00, and check-out is until 11:00.

How much does it cost to stay at ss Rotterdam Hotel en Restaurants?

The prices at ss Rotterdam Hotel en Restaurants may vary depending on your stay (e.g. dates you select, hotel's policy etc.). See the prices by entering your dates.

Does ss Rotterdam Hotel en Restaurants have a restaurant on site?

What type of room can i book at ss rotterdam hotel en restaurants, what is there to do at ss rotterdam hotel en restaurants.

• Bicycle rental

The best of Rotterdam

Attractions.

• Diergaarde Blijdorp
• Dutch Water Dreams

Conference centres

• Ahoy Rotterdam
• BCN Rotterdam
• Markthal Rotterdam

Golf courses

• Parkhaven Mini Golf

Institutions

• Erasmus University
• Plaswijckpark
• Cube Houses
• Wereldmuseum
• Tower of Numbers
• Erasmus Bridge
• Cruise Terminal Rotterdam
• The Court of the Prince
• Dordt in Stoom
• SS Rotterdam
• Tax and Customs Museum
• Museum Rotterdam '40 -'45 NOW

Popular areas

• European Walk of Fame

Shopping areas

• Woonmall Alexandrium
• Theater Zuidplein

Most popular cities

• Scheveningen
• Noordwijk aan Zee

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ss Rotterdam

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• Excellent 1,206
• Very Good 1,234
• Average 336
• Terrible 53
• All languages ( 2,944 )
• Dutch ( 2,033 )
• English ( 612 )
• French ( 139 )

" Tjere is no pool! They show photo's of the pool but it wasnt being used. Maybe it was too cold as it was April. "

" Simply avoid it "

" Also you have to pay for the car part Euro 15 per night "

" Might want to check whether the room (cabin) has a window (porthole). "

" Just book it! It’s a great experience. There was a Nespresso machine in the room & free tea offered. "

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SS ROTTERDAM $115 ($̶1̶5̶0̶) - Updated Reviews

ss Rotterdam

The Stoomschip Rotterdam is a four-star hotel and the largest ocean liner ever built in the Netherlands. As a former flagship of the Holland-America Line and cruise ship, the ss Rotterdam has sailed many oceans since 1959. The ship is now permanently moored in the Maashaven in Rotterdam, near Katendrecht. The history of the ship is tangible on board.

The hotel is located on board the former cruise ship, with 254 hotel rooms in three special themes: ‘Original’, ‘Manhattan’ and ‘Bahamas’. These illustrate the journeys made by the ss Rotterdam between the years 1959-2000. The rooms can be recognized by their design style from the fifties, with original elements.

But there is more to do on board, take one of the guided tours of the ship, get locked up in an escape room, or celebrate your (children’s) party!

Guests can enjoy the Club Room and Lido restaurants and the Oceans Bar and Captain Lounge bars. There are also 12 different authentic rooms and 29 meeting rooms for meetings. The ss Rotterdam is easily accessible by car or public transport. From metro Rijnhaven, bus 77 takes about 10 minutes. There is a spacious parking lot (paid) on the quay. You can also rent an (electric) bicycle at the ss Rotterdam.

Address & Contact

• 3e Katendrechtsehoofd 25
• 3072 AM ROTTERDAM
• Google maps
• https://ssrotterdam.nl
• E-mail: [email protected]
• Phone: 010 297 3090

Privacy overzicht

History of the ss Rotterdam

On 13 September, 1958, with a clearly spoken “I name you the Rotterdam and wish you a safe journey” Queen Juliana christened the new pride of the Dutch merchant fleet and sent the ship down the ways at the Rotterdam Drydock Company under the eyes of an enormous audience.

The launch of the ss Rotterdam on September 13 1958  picture J. Groeneveld

Just under a year later, on Thursday 3 September, 1959, The SS Rotterdam departed on her maiden voyage from Rotterdam to New York. Among the guests aboard was then-crown princess Beatrix. The ship was advertised with the slogan “The ship of tomorrow … today!” Over a period of nearly four years between the granting of the commission to construct the ship by the Rotterdam Drydock Company and transfer of the ship to the Holland-America Line, the largest passenger liner ever built in the Netherlands came into being. It featured a progressive design. Many noted architects and artists worked together on the interior arrangements and furnishing of the ship, making her a floating work of art.

The Rotterdam departed on her last transatlantic voyage from her home port in 1971. Since then the ship has been used exclusively for cruising, including dozens of world cruises. The ship remained remarkably up-to-date. Very few onboard spaces required conversion for cruising. The passengers kept coming, including many who traveled on the ship repeatedly.

The ss Rotterdam at Cape Town in about 1970  picture courtesy of Ian Shiffman

The ss Rotterdam visited New York regularly. On April 11 the ship left New York after completion of the world cruise (picture Klaas Krijnen)

On its way to Alaska the ship passed the Panamacanal:

The last drydock in October 1996:

In 1997 the ss Rotterdam sailed in Alaska for the last time:

In September 1997 the ss Rotterdam passed the Panama canal for the last time:

The SS Rotterdam sailed very successfully under the Dutch flag for the Holland-America Line for some 38 years. In 1997, after the Holland America Line became a subsidiary of Carnival Cruises, the ship was replaced with a new liner carrying the same name, but of a quite different order. The City of Rotterdam made vain attempts to bring the ship home to the Netherlands

Sailing as ss Rembrandt for Premier Cruises

In 1997 the ship was purchased by the American company Premier Cruises, which renamed her “Rembrandt”. Under this name, the ship visited her home terminal at the Wilhelminakade in Rotterdam for the first time in 27 years in October 1998.

Picture Hans Hoffmann

Unfortunately, Premier Cruises found itself in financial difficulties after just three years and was forced to take the former Rotterdam out of service. Since September 2000 the ship has been moored in Freeport in the Bahamas. For a long time, her future was uncertain. Various plans were put forward: to sail the ship on cruises using a time-share marketing model, or to moor her in Amsterdam as a floating hotel and cultural center. None of these plans came to fruition, and as the days passed, the very real possibility that the ship would be sold for scrap became ever more likely. In 2001 some friends of the ss Rotterdam founded the Steamship Rotterdam Foundation with the aim to save the ship from scrap.

In May 2003 the ss Rotterdam was bought by the ss Rotterdam B.V., part of the RDMconcern. The ship was saved from scrap!

On July 12, 2004, the ship arrived at the Cammell Laird yard in Gibraltar for asbestos clean-up and further works.

In September 2004 the s.s. Rotterdam BV was acquired by Port of Rotterdam, which company announced to sell the ship. On December 7, 2004, the s.s. Rotterdam BV went bankrupt. On December 16, 2004, Port of Rotterdam spreaded the news that final negotiations had been started with Hotel Cruiseship Operations 2 (HCO2), with the aim to use the ship as a hotel, restaurant and casino in the Maashaven. April 2005 HCO2 made clear they wanted to remove all the asbestos. Preparations made clear that it was to expensive to remove all the asbestos. On June 15 HCO2 ceased negotiations. Subsequently housing company Woonbron and informal investor Eurobalance decided to buy the ship and to found a new company “De (The) Rotterdam”. On June 30 2005 it was made public that this company will go for a asbestos-safe situation and for drydocking.

After dry-docking in Cadiz the vessel was towed to Gdansk with the intention to refurbish her there. But it never came to work there.

In the end the ship was partly refurbished in Wilhelmshaven, where she arrived on September 2 2006.

On August 4 2008 she came to Holland for the final part of the refurbishment.

Since February 15 2010 the Rotterdam is open for tours, congresses, meetings, shop and hotel and restaurant facilities. On September 13 2018 it was celebrated that the ss Rotterdam has been launched 60 years ago by Queen Juliana.

• Rondleidingen

Groepsrondleiding

• Kunst & Techniek

Combinatietickets

Collecting new memories

Rondleidingen op het ss Rotterdam

• Je bent hier:
• Ontdek het schip

Voor jong en oud

Beleef de rijke historie

Ontdek de rijke historie, alle weetjes en bijzondere verhalen uit ruim zestig jaar roemruchte stoomvaartgeschiedenis met één van de verschillende soorten rondleidingen.  Met de aantrekkelijke combinatietickets kun je een rondleiding boeken in combinatie met een attractiebezoek in Rotterdam. Lees hieronder meer over alle mogelijkheden aan boord van het ss Rotterdam!

Leerzaam en leuk!

Dagelijkse Rondleidingen

Er zijn verschillende rondleidingen aan boord van het ss Rotterdam. Je hebt keuze uit een rondleiding die je de prachtige, authentieke zalen, dekken, boeg en het stuurhuis laat zien of je kunt een rondleiding door de machinekamer doen. Uiteraard kun je deze ook met elkaar combineren. Bekijk ook onze maandelijkse rondleidingen  of de mogelijkheden voor  groepsrondleidingen .

Uitwaaien & Zwaaien

Vroeger werden passagiers uitbundig uitgezwaaid en feestelijk onthaald in Rotterdam en New York. Herbeleef deze sensatie met deze rondleiding. Middels een audiofoon wordt beschreven wat een groot cruiseschip allemaal in huis heeft en hoe het leven aan boord er vroeger uitzag. Bezoek de hooggelegen dekken, verken de boeg en de brug, neem een kijkje in het stuurhuis en spiek in de achterliggende ruimten.

– Dagelijks tussen 10:00 en 17:00 uur (laatste startmogelijkheid 15:30 uur). – Prijs: €12,95 (kind 4 t/m 12 jaar: €8,-) – Duur: ± 1,5 uur (op eigen tempo) – Ook geschikt voor rolstoelgebruikers (met een standaard breedte)

Stoom & Chroom

Ruim zestig jaar bevoer La Grande Dame de wereldzeeën. Nu is het in de machinekamer koud en stil, maar is het nog steeds een machtig gezicht om al die imposante machines bij elkaar te zien. Met een audiofoon en onder begeleiding van een shiphost leer je meer over het ingenieuze systeem van verdampers, ketels, turbines en generatoren die zorgden voor alle stoom, stroom en PK’s aan boord.

– Dagelijks tussen 10:00 en 17:00 uur (laatste startmogelijkheid 15:30 uur). – Reserveer je tijdslot uitsluitend aan boord! – Prijs: €12,95 (kind 4 t/m 12 jaar: €8,-) – Duur: ± 1 uur – Niet geschikt voor rolstoelgebruikers

Rotterdam Compleet

Moeilijk kiezen tussen de hooggelegen dekken en de machinekamer? Ga dan voor de complete rondleiding, die je o.a. naar het oude binnenzwembad, de sportdekken, de boeg, de brug, de bijzondere zalen (indien beschikbaar) en het ingenieus ontworpen trappenhuis leidt. Door middel van een audiofoon ontdek de sfeer van toen en zie je hoe het leven aan boord vroeger was.

– Dagelijks tussen 10:00 en 17:00 uur (laatste startmogelijkheid 14:30 uur). – Reserveer je tijdsluit voor de Stoom & Chroom tour uitsluitend aan boord. – De route naar de hooggelegen dekken is op eigen tempo – Prijs: €16,50 (kind 4 t/m 12 jaar: €10,-) – Duur: ± 2,5 uur, maar dit kan uitlopen – Niet geschikt voor rolstoelgebruikers

Rondleiding met een gids

Wil je met een groep een persoonlijke rondleiding door het schip? Deze kunnen we voor je op maat maken! Een gids begeleidt de groep (max. 20 deelnemers per rondleiding) en vertelt alle wetenswaardigheden en de leukste anekdotes over het schip. De groepsrondleiding kun je boeken in diverse talen.

Rondleiding voor kinderen

De Rondleiding Uitwaaien & Zwaaien is uitermate geschikt voor kinderen. Met Kapitein Kaap en zijn vrienden leren kids van alles over het schip. Beantwoord tijdens de rondleiding alle vragen en schrijf ze snel op in het Kapiteins Paspoort. Als je alles hebt ingevuld ontvang je een echt Kapiteins Diploma!

Voor echte kunst- of techniekliefhebbers!

Maandelijkse tours

Het schip heeft een lange en rijke historie, zowel op het gebied van kunst als op het gebied van techniek. Je krijgt een indrukwekkende presentatie van een deskundige over één van deze onderwerpen en je maakt een uitgebreide rondleiding over het schip. Tijdens deze tours word je ontvangen met koffie of thee en een lekkernij. Deze uitgebreide tours worden maandelijks georganiseerd en dien je vooraf te reserveren.

Mooie wandkleden, beelden, figuren, kunstzinnige glaswanden. Bewonder de diverse kunstwerken van o.a. Cuno van den Steene, Wally Elenbaas, Bram Roth, Geurt Brinkgreve en William Akkermans en hoor er van alles over van de gids. Wie waren de kunstenaars en architecten, welke materialen werden gebruikt en wat stellen de kunstwerken voor?

– Elke laatste zondag van de maand tussen 10:30 en 14:00 uur – Duur: ± 2,5 uur – Prijs: €20,75 – 10:30 ontvangst inclusief koffie of thee én een zoete lekkernij – Start tour 11:00 – Tour gaat door wanneer er tenminste 10 aanmeldingen zijn

Techniek onder de waterlijn tour

Stampend en sissend zetten de stoomturbines het machtige schip in beweging. De machinekamer is op volle toeren het pompend hart van het schip. Zeven verschillende ruimtes, zes meter onder de waterlijn en in totaal negentig meter lang. Tijdens de Techniek onder de waterlijn tour is dit alles te bewonderen en geeft een werktuigkundige een boeiende presentatie.

– Elke eerste zondag van de maand tussen 10:30 en 14:00 uur – Duur: ± 2,5 uur – Prijs: €20,75 – Inclusief ontvangst met koffie of thee én een zoete lekkernij – Tour gaat door wanneer er tenminste 10 aanmeldingen zijn

Voor een ultieme Rotterdam ervaring, kun je de Uitwaaien & Zwaaien rondleiding reserveren op het ss Rotterdam i.c.m. een ticket voor één van de leukste attracties in Rotterdam. Er zijn verschillende combinaties mogelijk.

Lees verder

SS Rotterdam

Foto: Iris van den Broek

Het Stoomschip Rotterdam is de grootste oceaanstomer ooit in Nederland gebouwd. Als voormalig vlaggenschip van de Holland-Amerika Lijn en cruiseschip heeft het ss Rotterdam sinds 1959 vele wereldzeeën bevaren. Nu ligt het schip permanent aangemeerd in de Maashaven in Rotterdam, bij Katendrecht.

In 1961 en in 1962 maakte de Rotterdam van februari tot april een cruise rondom de wereld. De reclame-slogan was 'around the world in eighty days'. De reis was geheel volgeboekt met vooral rijke Amerikanen. De reis ging van New York de Atlantische Oceaan over, de Middellandse Zee en het Suezkanaal door naar India. Vervolgens werden Taiwan, Hongkong en Yokohama aangedaan. Hierna volgde de grote oversteek naar Hawaï, vervolgens ging het via Californië en Mexico via het Panamakanaal weer terug naar New York.

Rondleidingen

Reis met één van de audiorondleidingen door het verleden en flaneer als een wereldreiziger over de dekken en door de stijlvolle zalen. Of daal met onze enthousiaste shiphosts of begeleiding af in de imposante machinekamer met haar glimmend chromen bedieningspanelen. Voor groepen verzorgen we graag een rondleiding op maat.

Aan boord is de historie van de de SS Rotterdam goed voelbaar. Het jaren ’50 interieur en de vele kunstwerken werden tussen 2005 en 2008 zoveel mogelijk teruggebracht in de oude glorie. De hotelkamers, restaurants en andere faciliteiten voldoen echter volledig aan de eisen van nu.

Het ss Rotterdam is een hotel, heeft restaurants, bars en een terras. Maar is ook een bijzondere evenementenlocatie, attractie en zelfs te gebruiken als trouwlocatie!

De algemene ruimten op het schip, zoals de restaurants, zijn vrij toegankelijk. Daarnaast biedt het ss Rotterdam diverse rondleidingen, zoals de Uitwaaien & Zwaaien Tour (1 uur) en de Rotterdam Compleet Tour (2 uur) inclusief audiofoon en extra uitleg door de shiphosts. De tours laten zien wat een groot cruiseschip allemaal in huis heeft en hoe het leven aan boord er vroeger uitzag. Met de Rotterdam Compleet Tour wordt er ook nog een kijkje genomen in de machinekamer.

Desgewenst wordt er koffie, brunch, lunch of hightea geserveerd.

Met een helder uitgesproken “ik geef u de naam Rotterdam en wens u behouden vaart”, doopte HM Koningin Juliana op 13 september 1958 de nieuwe trots van de Nederlandse koopvaardijvloot, waarna het stoomschip onder massale belangstelling van stapel liep bij de Rotterdamsche Droogdok Maatschappij (RDM).

Je hebt keuze uit een rondleiding met een gids of een audiofoon. Of je kunt kiezen voor een combinatie. Klink hieronder voor de verschillende mogelijkheden. Rondleidingen vinden dagelijks plaats. De laatste vertrektijd van een  ongeveer 1,5 uur durende rondleiding is 15:30 uur en de laatste vertrektijd van een 2,5 uur durende rondleiding is 14:00 uur. Bekijk ook onze maandelijkse rondleidingen  of de mogelijkheden voor groepsrondleidingen .

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Diergaarde Blijdorp

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Miniworld Rotterdam

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975 ft. length

114.8 ft. width

Ons nieuwste schip, de Rotterdam , biedt het beste van alles wat we doen: een voortreffelijke keuken, bekroonde service, prachtig ingerichte hutten en suites en entertainment van wereldklasse. Dans de hele avond in B.B. King’s Blues Club of herbeleef je favoriete rockklassiekers in de Rolling Stone Lounge. Ervaar de luxueuze Pinnacle-klasse van de Rotterdam en de prachtige details die ervoor zorgen dat onze gasten steeds weer terugkomen.

Verken de Rotterdam

Cruiseactiviteiten aan boord.

B.B. King’s Blues Club

ENTERTAINMENT

Onze all-star band komt uit Beale Street in Memphis en speelt elke avond klassieke R&B-hits.

Als je in de stemming bent om te bewegen, is het tijd voor livemuziek op je cruise. De B.B. King’s All Star Band komt rechtstreeks uit Beale Street in Memphis en creëert een rijk zuidelijk erfgoed van klassieke soul en rock & roll om je te laten dansen.

Billboard Onboard

Zing mee, test je muziekkennis of ga zitten en geniet van de tophits die elke avond de zaal vullen.

2 piano's - 60 jaar tophits - honderden liedjes.  Zing mee, test je muziekkennis of ontspan gewoon en geniet van de hits die elke avond de zaal vullen.

World Stage

World Stage biedt innovatieve shows aan tijdens de cruise en een led-scherm van twee verdiepingen met een scherp omhullend display.

World Stage, het grootste theater aan boord, verzorgt een verscheidenheid aan optredens, overdag en ’s avonds. Onze exclusieve EXC®-presentaties omvatten boeiende regionale verhalen van lokale experts, verteld door je Cruise & Travel Director. ’s Avonds staan Step One Dance Company, de vocale sensatie Cantaré, BBC Earth in Concert en meer op het podium.  Koningsdam, Nieuw Statendam  en  Rotterdam  brengen de World Stage-ervaring naar een hoger niveau door je te omringen in spectaculair zicht en geluid met een panoramisch ledscherm van twee verdiepingen.

Rolling Stone Lounge

Onze 7-koppige band brengt je het beste van rock, pop, country en meer.

Dans op je favoriete liedjes met een van de beste bands op zee. Van rock en pop tot country en meer, we bieden de perfecte playlist live, op elke cruise.

Winkelen aan boord

Geniet van een breed scala belastingvrije winkels aan boord.

Geniet van een ruim aanbod van belastingvrij winkelen in winkels met bekende merken zoals The Vault, Diamonds and Gemstones by Merabella, die de beste diamanten op zee aanbieden en die je door Effy worden aangeboden.

Fitness Center

Volg lessen in ons Fitness Center onder professionele begeleiding.

Neem een kijkje in ons Fitness Center, met professionele begeleiding, dat is uitgerust met de modernste cardio- en krachttrainingsapparaten. Probeer bijvoorbeeld een indoor cycling of Pilates-les, of train op je eigen tempo. U kunt ook sporten in de frisse lucht. Aan dek zijn basketbal- en volleybalvelden en twee verfrissende zwembaden (beschikbaar op bepaalde schepen). Voor sommige workshops wordt een kleine bijdrage gerekend.

Holland America Line Navigator

Personaliseer uw cruise-ervaring aan boord met ons gratis mobielvriendelijke hulpmiddel.

Personaliseer uw cruise-ervaring als u aan boord bent met onze gratis mobielvriendelijke tool. Plan uw dagelijkse activiteiten, bekijk en boek landexcursies, bekijk restaurantmenu's, maak dinerreserveringen, controleer uw rekening en meer. 

Actie in het casino

Het Casino biedt spellen op alle niveaus.

Het Casino op uw schip van Holland America Line heeft een breed assortiment spelopties. Of u nu de voorkeur geeft aan speelautomaten of blackjack of poker wilt uitproberen, onze dealers en medewerkers zijn beschikbaar om u gratis instructies te geven. En daarnaast bieden we verschillende spannende mogelijkheden voor toernooien. Het Casino is alleen op zee open.

Films aan boord

Geniet van nieuwe films in de bioscoop op geselecteerde schepen of in het comfort van je hut.

Iedere avond worden er nieuwe films vertoond in de bioscoop (op geselecteerde schepen) en het hele jaar door kunt u populaire klassiekers zien. Je kunt ook op elk moment films kijken in je hut of suite. En aan boord van de  Koningsdam, Nieuw Statendam  en  Rotterdam kun je je favoriete sterren in de openlucht zien op een gigantisch ledfilmscherm bij het Lido-zwembad.

Pickleball op zee

Geniet van gratis lessen, toernooien en banen met verbazingwekkend uitzicht op het bovendek.

Speel de snelst groeiende sport in de VS met Holland America Line, de exclusieve cruiserederijpartner van de Professional Pickleball Association. Al onze schepen hebben pickleball-banen met een prachtig uitzicht op het bovendek. De uitrusting en de banen zijn altijd beschikbaar voor een wedstrijd, zolang het weer het toelaat. Frequente pickler? Doe mee aan een pickleball-toernooi op zee en stel je dinkshot op de proef. Aarzelende amateur? Leer de basisbeginselen tijdens gratis beginnerslessen, vanaf het voorjaar van 2023. Herdenkingsstarterskits zijn binnenkort verkrijgbaar in onze winkels. Koop ze als cadeau voor enthousiaste spelers of als souvenirs, zodat je altijd terug kunt kijken op je pickleball-cruiseherinneringen.

Er zijn allerlei activiteiten voor kinderen van 3 tot 17 jaar oud. Registratie vereist voor kinderen jonger dan 13.

Holland America Line’s jeugdactiviteiten-programma Kids Club biedt een verscheidenheid aan entertainment voor kinderen en jongeren van 3 tot en met 17, onder het toezicht van voltijds, professioneel getraind personeel. Ze krijgen de kans om samen met andere kinderen van hun leeftijd deel te nemen aan kunst-, handenarbeid- en sportactiviteiten, videogamewedstrijden, speurtochten, uitdagende teamspelen en themafeestjes. Opmerking: Kids Club wordt niet aangeboden op cruises van 25 dagen of langer, inclusief alle legendarische en Grand Voyages. We bieden een selectie aan kinderactiviteiten tijdens deze langere reizen voor alle kinderen aan boord.

Dinerervaringen tijdens je cruise

Our flagship dining experience is a welcoming and sophisticated setting for an exquisite breakfast, lunch or superb multicourse dinner.

For an elegant breakfast, leisurely lunch or unforgettable multi-course dinner, The Dining Room is your destination. Behind the scenes, our Culinary Council,® an elite team of seven world-renowned chefs,  and our talented onboard executive chefs have worked to bring each dish to perfection. For dinner, choose from classics such as Boneless Lamb Loin en Croute, Rosemary Roasted Chicken, as well as regionally inspired cuisine and artfully prepared vegetarian dishes. 

Pinnacle Grill

Het ultieme steakhouse op zee, met een uitzonderlijk menu van Prime steaks, visgerechten en wijn.

Pinnacle Grill is het ultieme steakhouse op zee, waar een uitzonderlijk menu en een onberispelijke service zorgen voor een van de lekkerste maaltijden waar je ooit van zult genieten. Op het verfijnde menu staat een selectie van 28-dagen wet-aged USDA Prime steaks, die zorgvuldig geselecteerd zijn om de beste kwaliteit te garanderen, evenals klassieke steakhousegerechten en innovatieve recepten van de James Beard Award-winnende chef-kok en lid van de Culinary Council®, David Burke. Elk gerecht is voortreffelijk bereid, mooi opgediend en aangevuld met een uitgebreide collectie bekroonde wijnen. Hier is je maaltijd een evenement op zich, een feest van lekker eten en een triomf van smaak.

*Maaltijden in Pinnacle Grill zijn voor de helft van de prijs voor kinderen van 12 jaar of jonger, of gratis als ze van het kindermenu bestellen.

Canaletto is een ontspannen omgeving met een authentieke Italiaanse keuken waarvan het best samen kan worden genoten.

In Italië is er niets belangrijker dan samenkomen om van lekker eten te genieten. Dit is de inspiratie voor ons Italiaanse restaurant aan boord, Canaletto. Geniet van geweldige Italiaanse klassiekers zoals de gesmoorde kip Cacciatore al Forno, Branzino ai Ferri of ravioli met knoflookgarnalen. En als toetje tiramisu, cannoli alla Siciliana, gelato en nog veel meer. Inclusief dagelijks versbereide pasta. Buon appetito!

Maaltijden bij Canaletto zijn voor de helft van de prijs voor kinderen van 12 jaar of jonger, of gratis als ze van het kindermenu bestellen.

Ontdek tradities uit Zuidoost-Azië, China en Japan met gerechten die geprezen worden door Condé Nast Traveler en die niet onder doen voor de beste restaurants aan land.

Tamarind, dat geprezen wordt door Condé Nast Traveller voor zijn gerechten “die de beste restaurants op het land evenaren”, is de perfecte plek om de culinaire tradities van Zuidoost-Azië, China en Japan te verkennen. Het menu, welke hulde brengt aan de elementen water, hout, vuur en aarde, wordt gekenmerkt door exotische gerechten zoals in de wok geschroeide kreeft, barramundi (Aziatische zeebaars) in bananenblad en sushi, met gekoelde of verwarmde sake. En probeer ook onze sushi-specialiteiten die in samenwerking met het lid van de Culinary Council en chef-kok in het bereiden van sushi, Andy Matsuda, gemaakt worden.

Maaltijden in Tamarind zijn voor de helft van de prijs voor kinderen van 12 jaar of jonger, of gratis als ze van het kindermenu bestellen.

Rudi’s Sel de Mer

De bekroonde, levendige brasserie van chef-kok Rudi Sodamin steekt klassieke Franse specialiteiten en visgerechten in een modern jasje.

Rudi’s Sel de Mer, vernoemd naar chef-kok Rudi Sodamin, is een intieme brasserie met klassieke Franse gerechten die opnieuw zijn vormgegeven met eigentijdse flair. Op het menu staan hele Noordzeetong meunière met geschaafd roze Himalayaans zeezout, oester op de halve schelp, fruits de mer, en gebakken branzino met zoutkorst, alsmede favorieten zoals biefstuk met frieten, eendcassoulet en coq au vin. Eindig je maaltijd met een klassiek dessert en verfijnde Franse kazen.  

Maaltijden in Sel de Mer zijn voor de helft van de prijs voor kinderen van 12 jaar of jonger, of gratis als ze van het kindermenu bestellen.

Het restaurant Rudi’s Sel de Mer is te vinden op de schepen  Rotterdam ,  Koningsdam  en  Nieuw Statendam en op de andere schepen is het menu van Rudi’s Sel de Mer op bepaalde avonden beschikbaar in Pinnacle Grill.

Lido Market

Lido Market is een informele, moderne marktplaats en biedt het breedste assortiment aan gerechten aan boord voor ontbijt, lunch, diner en een snack in de late avond.

U verkent een wereld van intrigerende culinaire mogelijkheden in de Lido Market. Op een steenworp afstand van het Lido-zwembad biedt deze moderne markt een samengestelde selectie van heerlijke opties die u onderweg kunt gebruiken of op bestelling kunt laten maken: Broodplank (Breadboard), met vers gebakken brood en gebakjes; Wilde oogst (Wild Harvest), met een overvloedige selectie vullende salades; Hoeve (Homestead), met prettige klassiekers; Verre landen (Distant Lands), met wereldwijde gerechten; Zoete inval (Sweet spot), voor ijscreaties en desserts; Braadpan (Roasting Pan), met de hand gesneden vlees, vis en andere stevige voorgerechten; Opkikker (Perk), vers gebrouwen drankjes en gekoeld sap; Dorst lessen (Quench), premium koffie, bier, wijn en frisdrank; Opstaan (Rise), hartige quiche, croissants en sandwiches en meer.

New York Pizza

Our poolside pizzeria has fresh Italian salads and authentic thin-crust personal pizzas with savory toppings.

At New York Pizza, choose from a variety of scrumptious, 9-inch, thin-crust pies. Named for New York’s famed five boroughs, our signature pizzas are made to order and topped with only the finest ingredients. Enjoy your pizza by day while overlooking the Lido pool, and into the night. This venue is New York Deli & Pizza on  Koningsdam ,  Rotterdam  and  Nieuw Statendam , offering made-to-order deli sandwiches in addition to pizza.

Gelegen in Tamarind biedt Nami Sushi smakelijke sushi en Aziatische sterke drank.

Nami Sushi biedt een verleidelijk aanbod van de zelfgemaakte sushi-rollen. Kies uit dergelijke heerlijke creaties als Tempura Lobster Roll met tempura van krab met zachte schaal; Dragon Roll met tempura van garnalen, unagi-saus en avocado; Tsutsumi Roll met snapper, groene olijven, kappertjes en avocado; Futomoki Roll met krab, yamagobo, avocado en komkommer; Volcano Roll met sesamgemarineerde zalm en Thaise chili; Nigiri-sushi met tonijn, zalm en ebi-garnaal; en meer. Het woord ‘nami’, van oorsprong Japans, betekent ‘golf’ en is een eerbetoon aan het uitzicht op de oceaan waarvan u zult genieten tijdens uw diner met de verste, lekkerste en meest creatieve sushi op zee.

Programmavoordelen Club Orange

Club Orange biedt een extra niveau van luxe bij Holland America met uitgebreide dinermenu’s, speciale evenementen en voorrangstoegang. Meer informatie over Club Orange.

Bekijk de  volledige voordelen van Club Orange  (pdf)

Word lid van Club Orange en ervaar een nieuw niveau van luxe, van voorrang bij het inchecken en ontschepen tot eersteklas dinervoorzieningen. Tot de voordelen van Club Orange behoren een gratis hutupgrade, een speciaal evenement gekozen door de kapitein en voorrang bij het inchecken en ontschepen. Lees verder voor een volledige lijst met Club Orange-voordelen.

Neem  contact met ons op  voor prijzen en beschikbaarheid van Club Orange of om je in te schrijven.

Suites en hutten

Kies je hut of type suite en hutcategorie uit de beschikbare opties.

• Dagelijkse housekeeping
• Gratis 24-uursroomservice
• Elemis Aromapure zeep, lotion, shampoo
• Luxueuze badjassen
• Royale bergruimte
• Vers fruit op verzoek
• Schoenpoetsservice
• Tv met films op aanvraag, programmeren

Deze comfortabele hutten bevatten twee bedden die kunnen worden omgevormd tot een queensize bed - ons karakteristieke Mariner's Dream™-bed met luxueuze Euro-Top-matrassen, hoogwaardige massagedouchekoppen en tal van voorzieningen.

• Make-upspiegels en föhns

Deze ruime hutten bevatten onder meer twee bedden die kunnen worden omgevormd tot een queensize bed - ons karakteristieke Mariner's Dream™-bed met luxueuze Euro-Top-matrassen, hoogwaardige massagedouchekoppen, tal van voorzieningen en uitzicht op de oceaan.

Deze hutten worden overspoeld met licht door kamerhoge ramen die uitkijken op een privéveranda en omvatten een zithoek, twee bedden die kunnen worden omgevormd naar één queensize bed - ons kenmerkende Mariner's Dream™-bed met luxueuze Euro-Top-matrassen en een douche met hoogwaardige massagedouchekoppen.

Vista Suite

• Verrekijker

Deze met licht overspoelde comfortabele suites bevatten een veranda, ramen van de vloer tot het plafond en een comfortabele zithoek. Ze bevatten twee bedden die kunnen worden omgevormd tot een queensize bed, ons karakteristieke Mariner’s Dream™-bed met luxueuze Euro-Top-matrassen, plus een douche, minibar en koelkast.

Signature Suite

Deze grote, comfortabele suites bevatten een ruime zithoek met kamerhoge ramen die uitkijken op een privéveranda, twee bedden die kunnen worden omgevormd tot een kingsize bed - ons karakteristieke Mariner's Dream™-bed met luxueuze Euro-Top-matrassen, en een opklapbed.

Neptune Suite

• Premium badjassen, slippers
• Verse bloemen
• One-Touch conciërgeservice
• Jacuzzi (afhankelijk van de suite)
• Koffiezetapparaat/espressomachine in de suite
• Gratis wasservice
• Hors d'oeuvres voorafgaand aan het diner geserveerd in de suite
• Welkomstglas mousserende wijn
• Instappen met prioriteit voor aanleghavens, prioriteit bij dineren en zitplaatsen, speciale ontschepingsservice
• Op verzoek middagtheeservice in de suite
• Exclusieve draagtas

Deze ruime suites hebben ramen van de vloer tot het plafond met uitzicht op een privéveranda en worden overspoeld met licht. Ze omvatten een grote zithoek en twee bedden die kunnen worden omgevormd tot een kingsize bed, ons karakteristieke Mariner's Dream™-bed met luxueuze Euro-Top-matrassen. De badkamer bevat een dubbele wastafel, grote jacuzzi met douche en extra douchecabine. Faciliteiten omvatten het gebruik van de exclusieve Neptune Lounge, een privéconciërge en allerlei gratis diensten.

• Pdf alle dekken
• Toegankelijkheidsroutes (pdf)

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Looking back at the old memories

The history of the ss Rotterdam

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The long and rich history of ‘La Grande Dame’

The legendary former flagship of the Holland America Line, 228 metres long, 28 metres wide, 51 metres high, rich in history and renowned for its cultural-historical value, the ss Rotterdam. On the website of Vrienden van Stoomschip Rotterdam you can read all about its history. Below an overview.

1956 – 1959

Exciting times, exciting furniture

For many people, crossing the Atlantic Ocean to America means a journey to the new world. However, sailing over the Atlantic Ocean is not always a pleasure. The sea is rough and the climate is unpredictable. The HAL therefore makes specific demands on the design of its newest ship. A gracefully shaped hull and a sharp, high bow should further improve seaworthiness and speed compared to her predecessors. The machine installation will be relocated and the ship will have two modern chimneys next to each other. Where other ships traditionally have a chimney, there will now be a large deckhouse. This creates the striking, streamlined profile of the ss Rotterdam. The design may seem controversial at the time, but on later ships this layout is often copied. The HAL attaches at least as much value to the interior. The shipping company attracts well-known architects and artists for this. The renowned interior designer Van Tienhoven, for example, will be responsible for important parts of the ship’s interior, which must be both luxurious and functional. He sketches exciting furniture for that time and uses modern materials such as plastic, ceramics and aluminium. Together with well-known Dutch artists he creates a coherent whole in which arts and crafts play a major role.

13 September 1958

Royal christen

With a silver axe Queen Juliana cuts through the thread from which a champagne bottle dangles and speaks the historical words: ‘I hereby name you the Rotterdam and I wish you a safe voyage’. The tens of thousands of spectators standing on both sides of the Nieuwe Maas are admiring, clapping and cheering at the half-finished ship.

3 September 1959

A year later, on 3 September 1959, the construction was completed and the graceful ship could begin her first voyage. Some people have to get used to the striking appearance of the ship. They find the two slender chimneys, instead of the traditional smoking chimney in the middle, a bit too modern at first. With her 38,645 gross registered tonnage, the ss Rotterdam is the flagship of the Holland America Line and of the Dutch merchant shipping, one of the top ten large passenger ships.

Destination: New York. That day the quay is full of heavy suitcases and huge trucks full of fourage. Not without reason: in eight days no less than 31,000 eggs, 4,000 heads of lettuce, 2,000 kilos of butter and 10,000 kilos of beef go through it. Expectantly, the twelve hundred passengers and special guests board the truck. Ashore, the stragglers point to the ever-decreasing stature on one of the decks. Crown Princess Beatrix sails along! Once arrived in New York, water spray tugboats sail towards the ship, a festive welcome!

1959 – 1971

Cruising in opulence

In this relatively quiet period the ss Rotterdam not only makes transatlantic crossings, but also cruises. The crew is already used to the fact that in all ports a large crowd of admirers is waiting for the ship. Not so strange, with her 228 meters length the ss Rotterdam makes an enormous impression.

Always first class

Flying is a relatively cheap and much faster way to cross the ocean. This means the end of liner shipping to New York. Also the ss Rotterdam makes its last crossing. With melancholy the passengers go ashore in New York. One more time they look back, will they ever see the ship that appeals so much to the imagination? The answer is yes! Because the ss Rotterdam continues to sail as a cruise ship. This is thanks to the then HAL director De Monchy. With his foresight, he had a monumental staircase installed with sliding panels during construction. During the transatlantic crossings the panels divided the decks into two classes. As a result, the first-class and the tourist class passengers travelled separately from each other. The ingenious thing about the panels is that they can also be opened so that only one class remains. As a result, the ss Rotterdam is rapidly turning into a cruise ship without separation of classes. After a number of smaller structural alterations, the ss Rotterdam is ready for its next career: five-star cruises to distant, exotic places. As popular as ever.

Early 90′

The ss Rotterdam as maritime icon

The international requirements for cruise ships have now been tightened. The ss Rotterdam also no longer meets all safety requirements. The HAL, in the hands of the American Carnival Cruise Line since 1988, considers a renovation to be too expensive. The shipping company prefers to continue with much more modern cruise ships, but without the nostalgic atmosphere and glamour of a ship like the ss Rotterdam. The ship has become an icon in the shipping world.

‘Rotterdam’ will become ‘Rembrandt’

The ship was acquired in 1997 by the US-based cruise company Premier Cruises, a company that envisioned a market for operating older second-hand ships with steam turbines.

The company rechristened the vessel Rembrandt with a view to maintaining the Dutch identity and loyal clients. Premier Cruises, however, unexpectedly encountered financial problems in 2000 and was declared bankrupt at the request of a US investment bank. The Rembrandt was moored in Freeport, the Bahamas.

Stormy weather

The economy is declining. Premier Cruises is going bankrupt. The Rembrandt, however popular she is, is no longer allowed to sail and is chained indefinitely in the port of Freeport in the Bahamas. And then it is quiet for a while.

The ship changed ownership again in 2005: housing corporation Woonbron, in cooperation with Albeda College acquired the ship. In that year the Rotterdam was towed to nearby Cadiz on the south coast of Spain, where work was carried out on the hull, the structure and parts of the decks. The process of refurbishing and renovating several hundred cabins was then carried out in 2006 in Gdansk, Poland and in the North German port city Wilhelmshaven.

2005 – 2008

Big and compelling

For the various phases of renovation, the ship undertakes one more voyage. After years of lying still, the ss Rotterdam can no longer sail itself. Therefore the ship is transported by tugboats from Gibraltar to Cadiz and then to Gdansk and Wilhelmshaven. On the way the ss Rotterdam gets back its old shape bit by bit. A grey hull, which is provided with the characteristic golden-yellow trim and the original name appears again on the bow and stern. The fantastic interior, the works of art, the salons and the furniture everything is brought back to its old state and glory as much as possible. A number of tapestries are even completely rewoven. Also the huge mural in the Grand Ballroom will be restored. A gigantic job. At the same time, a team of designers is preparing the ship for modern times with atmospheric restaurants, larger and modernly equipped hotel rooms, a car park and entrance buildings at the 3rd Katendrechtsehoofd. Everything is being prepared for a return with allure.

4 August 2008

Yesterday becomes today, today becomes tomorrow.

The day has finally arrived. After nearly fifty years, ss Rotterdam is making her way into the port in grand and majestic fashion. La Grande Dame is back! The quays extending from Hoek van Holland are lined with crowds of people eager to watch this final voyage live. All her wanderings have finally come to an end as ss Rotterdam arrives at its final destination at one of the most beautiful places she could ever imagine – on Katendrecht in Rotterdam! Yesterday becomes today and today becomes tomorrow. ss Rotterdam opens to the public on 15 February 2010 and instantly becomes one of the city’s most popular places!

15 February 2010

A new purpose.

The ship was towed into and moored on the quay of the Derde Katendrechtsehoofd in Rotterdam. After further renovations and modifications, the ship was opened to the public on 15 February 2010.

12 June 2013

Westcord hotels proud owner.

On 12 June 2013 the ss Rotterdam was officially transferred to WestCord Hotels, a Dutch family business with 15 beautiful hotels in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Delft, Leeuwarden, Garderen, Raalte and on the Wadden Islands Vlieland, Terschelling and Ameland. With great pride WestCord Hotels has added the ss Rotterdam as the new 14th pearl to the WestCord hotel group.

ss Rotterdam and Hotel New York reunited!

Since the takeover of the ss Rotterdam by WestCord Hotels, the two Rotterdam icons have been together again after years: the ss Rotterdam former flagship of the Holland Amerika Lijn (HAL)  and Hotel New York former head office of the HAL. Both hotels are within walking distance of each other and were once part of the rich and 140 year long history of the Holland America Line!

December 2013

The new Captains Lounge

The former New York shop has been transformed into the Captains Lounge! The permanent interior design partner of WestCord Hotels, ESTIDA, designed and realised the spectacular bar for the ship. Guests are now welcome to enjoy a snack or drink in the Captains Lounge.

24 November 2014

Moor directly to the ship!

The new pontoon is open! From November 2014, boats can moor at the pontoon and guests can enter the ship immediately via the B-deck. The Watertaxi Rotterdam will also moor at the new pontoon. Visitors of the ss Rotterdam no longer have to go to the pontoon at the back of the ship.

1 January 2015

One ship, one organization

As of 1 January 2015, WestCord Hotels has taken over the Meetings & Events department. In addition to the hotel and restaurants, this branch of the ss Rotterdam also belongs to the hotel chain. Because all facets of the ship now fall under one organisation, all parts of your programme can be optimally coordinated with each other.

December 2016

Green Key Gold

In December 2016 the ss Rotterdam obtained the Golden Green Key. WestCord Hotels is proactively committed to doing more for the environment than legislation and regulations require. Currently, 12 WestCord Hotels have obtained the Green Key certificate, including the ss Rotterdam.

1 March 2017

Lido become Lido Grill! 

From the 1st of March the Lido became a grill restaurant where the dishes are prepared on the new KOPA charcoal oven. Chef Raymon Rademaker has put together a new menu with an extensive choice of delicious grill dishes, including a new selection of specialty beers for surprising taste combinations.

10 April 2017

Start of the water bus

In addition to the water taxi, the ss Rotterdam has also had a good connection to the water bus since 10 April 2017. This waterbus arrives at the pontoon next to the ship and makes it possible to sail further distances, to Kinderdijk for example!

14 November 2019

Opening of the Ocean Wine Bar

Wines, wines, it can’t be missing in these times and the ss Rotterdam is also participating. On the 14th of November the Ocean Wine Bar will be opened. You can enjoy a good glass of wine, but there are also two High Wine packages to book. Are you going for the High Wine or the High Wine Exclusive? Cheers!

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Cruise Ship Odyssey

Ss rotterdam v (1959) – holland america cruises.

• June 19, 2023

On Oct 27th 1955, the Holland America Line (HAL) placed an order  at the Rotterdamse Droogdok Maatschappij, a shipyard in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, which mainly repaired and overhauled ships as its core business. However, occasionally the yard also built vessels completely from scratch.

HAL had had plans for a running mate and eventually a successor to the  Nieuw Amsterdam   as soon as this vessel was delivered in 1938. At first HAL’s own design department came up with several very streamlined design studies all of which had a strong resemblance to the  Nieuw Amsterdam . Even a model with three funnels was produced (in the end the  Rotterdam  would have no funnels at all!). HAL contacted the RDM and together a design emerged of a graceful vessel with a pronounced sheer. The ship had to be able to carry passengers in two classes on its Transatlantic voyages from Roterdam to  New York and switch to one class when cruising.  So differences between the two classes when she would sail in liner service had to be minimal.

As mentioned already, the new HAL flagship would have no funnel. Midships,  a structure was built on her top deck which showed a resemblance to a funnel, but in reality it was used as a bar. Instead of the old fashioned funnel, twin uptakes were placed aft.

Four men played a key role in the overall design of the ship: head of the design department of the HAL mr. Van Veen, mr. van Engelen who was HAL’s leading architect, mr. Stapel head engineer of the RDM-yard and HAL president mr. de Monchy who had  a keen interest in the new ship’s interiors.

In 1952 HAL had begun serious negotiations with RDM and the first designs were completed. This was an on and off process which was interrupted when RDM’s competitor the Wilton Feyneoord shipyard presented HAL a design of a 20.000GRT passenger vessel which would cost half as much as the planned successor of the  Nieuw Amsterdam  would.

In 1954 the HAL and the RDM resumed the design phase of the new HAL flagship

Finally, on Dec. 15th 1956 construction of the ship was started.  During an official ceremony the first two sections were placed on the slipway. Work on yard no. 300 had actually begun. It took 21 months to build the vessel. The empty hull of the ship was heated in several places  so workers could continue working on the ship throughout the winter. Two elevators could carry workers and material to a height of 30m. On the ships bottom a railroad was built to carry heavy machinery parts and electrical equipment to its desired location in the vessel.

After 21 months the ship was ready to be launched and HRH the Queen of the Netherlands Juliana christened her on Sept. 13 1958. It was a  sunny day and 60,000 spectators watched the ship slide into the river Maas. The Queen named her  Rotterdam  and the bottle of Champagne smashed against her bows.

Now the next stage of fitting out started. Her interiors started to take shape,: over 1400 people worked onboard. The  Rotterdam  was docked in the brand new RDM drydock on Dec 9 th  for “the finishing touch”  and on July 11 th  she left Rotterdam for her first trials. She sailed from Rotterdam via Hook of Holland for her first sea trials, and also to IJmuiden twice. She performed very well and proved to be a stable ship with excellent seagoing qualities. Her  second trials took place from 1 to 6 August 1959, this time with 800 guests a board, most of them shipyard workers and subcontractors.

After having passed thes trials successfully she returned to dock 9 for a short visit snd some final work was carried out there.Then, the big day arrived, the  Rotterdam  was ready to start her career as a liner/ cruiseship. She left the port of Rotterdam with Queen Juliana en Prince Bernard onboard and at sea, the RDM officially handed the  Rotterdam  over to her proud owners, the HAL. The Queen and Prince inspected the vessel and they turned out to be very interested in the artwork which could be found all over the ship.

The maiden voyage of the  Rotterdam  started on Sept 3 rd  1959 when she left the Wilhelminakade for Le Havre, after which she would proceed to Southampton and then to her final destination New York.

On board was Princess Beatrix, eldest daughter of Queen Juliana. She disembarked before docking at the port of New York, switching to a Dutch naval vessel, HMS Gelderland. The crown princess attended several formal activities, like meetings with Dwight Eisenhower, president of the United States and Nelson Rockefeller, the Governor of the State of New York.

Rotterdam ‘s first cruise took place from December 11 1959 until January 29 1960. During this circumnavigation of South America, a voyage of 15.100  nautical miles, almost 6 million litres of fuel was needed for the journey. Prices started form $1395 for an inside cabin on B-deck.

During the  first years of her career, the  Rotterdam   cruised in between her transatlantic  liner service between Rotterdam and New York.

In 1961,  Rotterdam  left New York for her first world cruise during which she would call at twenty ports. It was a great success and she would make  almost annually world cruises for the HAL during her 38 year career with the company.

In 1964,  Rotterdam  was rebuilt and upgraded for the first time, several cabins were added on the spot where the childrens play room used to be which was relocated. From 1966 she spent the entire winter cruising while her fleetmate  Nieuw Amsterdam  stayed on the Noth Atlantic service. In 1968 HAL shifted its operations even more to cruising and a refit of  Rotterdam  was announced after which she would only sail as a one class cruise ship. She had a specially constructed main stairtower where sliding panels could be closed to separate the two classes. HAL president mr. de Monchy had seen this feature in a French castle where two stairtowers both fitted in eachother intertwined like two corkscrews so one could descend the stairs while not meeting those climbing the stairs. This came in handy when the mistress of the Count had to leave the castle silently….

So the panels in  Rotterdam ‘s stairtower were opened permanently now and the vessel was one-class from now on. Further more, the Café de la Paix was transformed in a lido Café, a less formal place where cruise passengers could have lunch, breakfast and afternoon tea/coffe. All cabins receieved private facilities in the refit while the total number of passengers was lowered from 1.456 to 1009. Her fleetmate  Statendam   also sailed as a full-time cruise ship from 1969 onwards.  Nieuw Amsterdam  would remain on the North Atlantic for another two years before she too was returned for permanent use in cruise service.

In 1971 HAL changed their funnel colours from yellow with a green-white-green band to orange with a new emblem: three streamlined waves: two blue and a white one. It was was painted on Rotterdam’s  “dummy-funnel” mid ships.

That same year  Rotterdam  left its homeport of Rotterdam foregood, she would never call there again while sailing for the HAL. In the passenger department 350 Indonesian crew members were introduced, and it took a lot of effort to keep onboard service on the same level with all these alterations.  A conflict between the new crew members and the HAL management caused the cancellation of an entire cruise.

In 1973 the  Rotterdam  was in the large da Silva-dock in Lisbon for routine maintenance and a switch of her hull colors from dove-grey to dark blue when one of the walls of the dock collapsed. As the manholes of the ship were all open she was at risk to be flooded and sink or capsize in the dock.  Luckily yard personnel was in control of the rapidly rising water level just in time.

1973 was an eventful year for the HAL: two new ships were introduced, the former Moore Mc Cormack liners  Argentina  and  Brasil  entered service as  Veendam  and  Volendam   respectively (as a coincidence, both vessels had the same dummy type of funnel as  Rotterdam  had), The  Nieuw Amsterdam  was retired and sent to the scrap yard after several attempts to save her as a museum or floating hotel failed. Finally the name of the company was changed to Holland America Cruises,.

During a world cruise in 1976, She escaped disaster when she was struck by a 100 ft. wave off the Coast of Marocco. It caused a list of 35 degrees but  Rotterdam  uprighted herself. She was turned around 90 degrees when the wave hit her. A few passengers were injured and a lot of furniture was damaged but she could continue her world voyage.

In 1983 HAL adopted a new logo: the sailing vessel Halve Maen with the impressive bows of a modern cruise liner. It was introduced on the brand new Nieuw Amsterdam 2. The name of the company was changed back to Holland America Line. In 1985  Rotterdam  was refitted again, public spaces and cabins were upgraded.

Suddenly in 1989 HAL was sold to the US Company Carnival Cruise Line from Miami. Carnival sent the  Rotterdam  that same year to a ship yard in Portland, Oregon where she was overhauled once again. Bow thrusters were fitted in the process, so she could dock without the help of tugs in the future.

Subsequently, she settled into a pattern of cruises in the  Caribbean and Alaska. Occaisionally she would circumnavigate South America.

In 1997, Carnival Cruise Line came to the conclusion that the ageing  Rotterdam  didn’t fit in her fleet of modern cruise liners anymore, although she still had a fiercely loyal following. Her farewell cruise was announced which ended on sept 30 th  in Fort Lauderdale.

At once she was acquired by Premier Cruises, a company that owned a fleet of elderly classic vessels all kept in immaculate condition. To the relief of the  Rotterdam  fans, they kept the classic interiors of the ship exactly as they were in her HAL-days. They renamed her  Rembrandt , relating to her Dutch heritage. So she embarked on a new career after she had been upgraded to meet new SOLAS (Safety of Life At Sea) regulations. After 27 years,  Rembrandt  visited her former homeport of Rotterdam again during one of her European cruises. In 2000, Premier Cruises announced plans to rename all of their vessels  Big Red Boat I to IV , they would be painted bright red and sail out of several US ports both on the East and West coast. Premier was engulfed in protests as all  Rembrandt  fans strongly objected against this plan. As far as  Rembrandt  was concerned, the plan was hastily abandoned, for their other ships it was carried out.

On Sept. 13 th  2000 Premier Cruises suddenly declared bankruptcy, as poor marketing, old ships which needed frequent repairs (and passenger refunds for lost sailings) and a series of mishaps had forced the company deeply into the red.  Rembrandt  was laid up in Freeport, Bahama’s  and it seemed she would end up in the scrapyard soon…….

Luckily she was saved. In her country of birth, the Netherlands, several business men tried to acquire her for use as a static hotel in Amsterdam but this scheme was abandoned as there was no suitable berth available to dock her permanently.

In may 2003,  Rembrandt  was bought by a Dutch industrial, Mr. Van den Nieuwenhuizen who was the owner of Rotterdamse Droogdok Maatschappij (Rotterdam Drydock Cy), the yard which had built her in 1959.

The port of Rotterdam authority granted a loan so she could be acquired. Mr. van den Nieuwenhuizen had plans for the ship as a museum and hotel at his RDM yard. The city of Rotterdam wanted to have the ship at another location where she would be more in the town centre and finally came up with a location where she could be bertherd permanently, Katendrecht.

She was  prepared for a long tow to Gibraltar and she left Freeport in June 2004. She had been in lay up now for almost 4 years and the warm and damp climate had taken its toll. It took 24 days to tow her to Gibraltar. She arrived at the Cammel Laird yard, where asbestos was removed or sealed. This took until April 2005. During her stay at Gibraltar,  Rembrandt  was renamed  Rotterdam  again.

Meanwhile, in August 2004, the RDM (Mr. van den Nieuwenhuizen) and the Port of Rotterdam Authority had a serious dispute concerning a loan from the Port to the RDM. One of the port officers had declared the port of Rotterdam would guarantee this loan. However the authortities were not  notified hereof. Now the Port of Rotterdam Authority found itself in a difficult position.  The RDM had now placed  Rotterdam  in a subsidiary firm they now wanted to liquidate. Ultimately, the Port ofRotterdam took over he vessel until she would be sold to new owners.

In June 2005, housing corporation Woonbron and investment company Eurobalance issued a  peress statement in which they announced they had acquired the ship. The ship would be used as a hotel, museum and pupils of the Albeda college would be able to do their internship aboard to laern professions like welder, painter or even administratibve jobs. The hotel department would be used mainly for those who had to stay in Rotterdam for longer periods because of business or study (exchange programs).

Rotterdam   was now taken to the port of Cadiz at the end of 2005 where she was repainted in her old dove grey HAL colours. After a stay of three months she was towed to Gdansk, Poland, to be completely refiited to her former glory and have the asbestos still onboard in large plastic bags removed. However, Polish authorities did not want the asbestos taken off the ship for environmental reasons and after a long dispute, in August 2006 the  ss Rotterdam  sailed to Wilhelmshaven, Germany where the asbestos was removed and her refit completed.

In the Netherlands, housing corporation Woonbron had lost so much money on the ship, appr. 160 million euro’s that the Dutch Government stepped in. Woonbron was forced to sell the ship to the highest bidder and it was feared the  Rotterdam  would be lost to the Netherlands after all.

She arrived in her former homeport Rotterdam in August 2008 and opened to the public in February 2010.

Finally a buyer was found when Westcord hotels, a Dutch hotel chain acquired the ship for 30 million euro in 2012. The  Rotterdam  proved to be a success, often her hotel rooms are booked to capacity and she is regularly used for all kinds of festivities. In the mean time, the volunteers of the  ss Rotterdam foundation   work hard to restore the ship to her former glory, exactly as she was delivered in 1959 by the yard who built her, the Rotterdam Drydock Company.

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