TRAVELOcean liner photo tours: The historic SS RotterdamThe former Holland America liner and cruise ship Rotterdam is now a floating hotel and museum in its namesake port of Rotterdam, Holland. Aside from the Queen Mary in Long Beach and the Hikawa Maru in Yokohama, there are very few ocean liners that have been preserved.Peter KnegoThe fifth Holland America Line ship to sport the name Rotterdam was launched by Queen Juliana of the Netherlands on 14 September 1958 and completed in 1959 as a two class transatlantic liner and off-season cruise shipPeter KnegoBuilt by the Rotterdam Drydock Company, the Rotterdam measures 38,650 gross tons and is 748 feet long by 94 feet wide. It was originally designed to carry 647 first class and 809 tourist class passengers on crossings and 1,456 passengers for oneclass cruising.Peter KnegoThe Rotterdam was built in an era when ships were designed with gracious curves. Its hull plating was fused together with rivets versus the welded, computer-rendered ships of today.Peter KnegoThe Rotterdam was one of the first major passenger ships with the engines-aft configuration that is now commonplace today. It was also controversial for its futuristic “goal post” funnel uptakes versus a traditional-looking stack.Peter KnegoRotterdam had an entire deck devoted to first class public spaces and another deck dedicated to tourist class spaces. This is the first class Ambassador Lounge in its heyday.Peter Knego CollectionAs a Dutch “Ship of State”, Rotterdam was designed by Holland's top marine architects and fitted out by the finest artisans of the time, largely under the guidance of interior designer J.A. Van Tienhoven. One of the most beautiful rooms was the double deck, first class Ritz Carlton LoungePeter Knego CollectionRotterdam had wonderful tiered afterdecks that terraced down to an outdoor pool and lido on the stern. This area was especially popular during the ship's warm weather cruises.Peter Knego CollectionRotterdam had two nearly identical, supremely elegant dining rooms for both first and tourist class that were interchangeable during the ship's cruising season. This is the tourist class La Fontaine Dining Room.Peter Knego CollectionBuilt decades before balconies became the norm on passenger ships, Rotterdam nonetheless had a wide variety of staterooms, including spacious suites with living rooms and separate bedrooms.Peter Knego CollectionEven the Rotterdam's tourist class staterooms had all of the creature comforts of the day, which included private bathrooms and individually controlled air conditioning.Peter Knego CollectionFrom 1969 onwards, the Rotterdam was used as a full time cruise ship. Shortly thereafter, its livery changed from a dove gray hull with green boot topping to Holland America's new midnight blue hull with red boot topping.Peter KnegoDuring most of its career, the Rotterdam made an annual world cruise. The ship had an extremely loyal following throughout its service with Holland America Line and was nicknamed “The Grand Dame” in its latter years.Peter KnegoIn 1997, Holland America's parent company Carnival Corporation decided to sell the ship instead of paying for renovations to make it compliant with stringent new SOLAS (Safety Of Life At Sea) laws.Peter KnegoIn late 1997, Premier Cruises purchased and renamed the ship Rembrandt, making all the necessary SOLAS amendments so that it could remain in cruise service. Externally, little was changed other than the addition of a gold band on the hull and black paint topping the funnels.Peter KnegoIn 2000, Premier Cruises collapsed and the Rembrandt was laid up at Freeport along with the line's other ships, most of which were eventually sold off for scrap. After a major campaign was launched to save the former Rotterdam, the ship was bought by its builders, the Rotterdam Drydock Company, and plans were made for its return to Holland.Peter KnegoAfter a long and complex series of sales, escalating budgets and years of refurbishment, the Rotterdam finally returned to Holland in 2008. In February of 2010, it was opened to the public and in 2013, sold to Dutch hotel conglomerate WestCord, who now operate the ship.Peter KnegoMr. Klaas Krijnen is largely responsible for the salvation of the Rotterdam, having worked tirelessly with the Rotterdam's various owners via his SS Rotterdam Foundation, which was created in 2001 to assist with maintenance and preservation efforts as well as to raise public awareness about the ship's rich history.Peter KnegoAfter its arrival in Rotterdam, the Rotterdam's tenders were sold to a local Dutch family who now operate them on cruises around the port of Rotterdam.Peter KnegoThe Rotterdam is moored in the Katendrecht district of Rotterdam where a large parking lot and a series of gangways were built for access to the ship. There is also a private shuttle and regular bus service to the Metro, making the ship readily accessible from all parts of Rotterdam.Peter KnegoRestored to its original gray hulled livery, the Rotterdam looks as magnificent as ever in its new function as a hotel, museum and convention center.Peter KnegoRotterdam has numerous deck areas that are very much unchanged from when the ship entered service in 1959. This is a view facing forward over the former first class games deck from the midships observation platform.Peter KnegoThis view shows the former tourist class games area and the ship's iconic “goal post” funnels.Peter KnegoLocated on Bridge Deck, the former first class games area now sports an oversized chess board.Peter KnegoThis is a vintage “in service” view of the same space.Peter Knego CollectionThe tourist class games area on Sun Deck has several shuffleboard courts.Peter KnegoEarlier this year, the teak decking on the aft lido was completely refurbished, hence the temporary awning.Peter KnegoThis is the lido after the refurbishing. The Lido Bar is open to the public for no admission charge and is especially popular in summer months where guests have an excellent view of Rotterdam. The pool is now a wading pool.Klaas KrijnenRotterdam has a traditional teak boat deck with wide terraces to accommodate deck chairs.Peter KnegoVisitors touring the Rotterdam have access to the ship's long fo'c'sle, where there is a fantastic view of the beautifully sculpted superstructure.Peter KnegoGuests enter the ship in the Reception area on Main Deck, which has changed little since the ship's cruising era.Peter KnegoJust forward of the Reception area is the Coffee Lobby, an elegant lounge and bar that was carved out of former cabin accommodation. Vintage furnishings and artwork give the space an authentic feel.Peter KnegoThe Rotterdam has an ingenious double staircase which was used to give first and tourist class access to their specific sections of the ship. Beautiful stained glass panels by Willem Akkermans separate the two sets of stairs and span six decks.Peter KnegoThe Akkermans panels depict the elements, beginning on the lowest level with the ocean floor and ending at the top of the stairs with the cosmos (shown).Peter KnegoHotel guests have free access to a limited area of the ship, including the Lynbaan shopping area on Promenade Deck.Peter KnegoA glass-enclosed promenade on the starboard side of Promenade Deck connects the Lynbaan shops with the Club Room restaurant, the Lido Cafe and the Lido Bar at the stern.Peter KnegoNow an elegant restaurant, the Club Room is the former tourist class Club Room. It became the Casino during the Rotterdam's latter day cruise service.Peter KnegoNicknamed “The Goblins”, wool tapestries designed by Gisele van Waterschoot van der Gracht depicting Greek mythological characters are located in each corner of the Club Room.Peter KnegoThe Lido Cafe has been completely rebuilt for the Rotterdam's current role and features a new coffee bar and buffet counter.Peter KnegoOriginal wooden furnishings from other parts of the ship have recently been refurbished and put back into service in the Lido Cafe.Peter KnegoThis is a tuna sandwich made fresh-to-order in the Lido Cafe.Peter KnegoAnother space accessible to hotel guests is the Experience Center on LowerPeter KnegoThe Ocean Bar is a wonderful space on the port side of Promenade Deck with full length windows that now overlook the city of Rotterdam. Its ceiling has scale-like surfacing and a light fixture that resembles a fish eye.Peter KnegoThis is a vintage image of the Ocean Bar.Peter Knego CollectionWhen the Rotterdam was rebuilt for its current role, huge portions of the passenger and staff accommodation were transformed into convention space and meeting rooms. This is the Executive Club on Sun Deck, which is surrounded by Executive Boardrooms.Peter KnegoExecutive Boardrooms have replaced the officer's accommodation on Sun Deck.Peter KnegoPassenger cabins in the forward portion of Main Deck have been converted into a series of meeting rooms named for destinations the Rotterdam visited during its long sea-going career.Peter KnegoIn order to access other parts of the ship, tickets must be purchased for a choice of self-guided tours. One tour provides access to the ship's wheelhouse where former officers volunteer as tour guides.Peter KnegoDirectly aft of the wheelhouse and chart room on Bridge Deck is the Communication and Navigation Center, which has original navigation gear on display.Peter KnegoThe captain's quarters (shown) and a number of officers? cabins have been preserved as part of the tour.Peter KnegoAnother tour that can be combined with the Bridge tour is the engine room, which has largely been untouched since it was permanently shut down in 2000. The Rotterdam was driven by steam turbines that propelled twin screws at a 21.5 knot service speed.Peter KnegoThis is the main engine control panel. In addition to the engine and boiler rooms, the steering gear, machine shop and laundry are included in the tour.Peter KnegoLike most transatlantic liners, the Rotterdam featured an “all weather” indoor pool which is one of the very last spaces waiting to be refurbished.Peter KnegoDuring the ship's crossings, the indoor pool was open to first and tourist class at different times of day.Peter Knego CollectionAt the top of the ship on Bridge Deck, the Sky Room was originally a first class lounge that has since been converted into a meeting room.Peter KnegoThe Sky Room's decorative focal point is an abstract painting by Willem Akkermans depicting the sun being transported by an Egyptian papyrus boat.Peter KnegoThe Sun Room is located on Sun Deck, overlooking the former tourist class games deck. Originally a small lounge, it was the gymnasium during the Rotterdam's latter cruising era and is now a meeting room.Peter KnegoA fully encircling promenade surrounds the former first class public spaces on Upper Promenade Deck. The forward portion is glass-enclosed for protection from the elements.Peter KnegoThe balcony level of the Theater begins the suite of former first class public rooms on Upper Promenade Deck. Once one of the largest theaters at sea, it was used as a showroom during the ship's latter cruising career.Peter KnegoThis is how the Theater originally appeared. The fixed seating was removed in the most recent conversion to make the space more functional for large meetings and exhibitions.Peter Knego CollectionThe lower level of the Theater was originally used by tourist class passengers and fronts a full deck of tourist class public rooms on Promenade Deck.Peter KnegoAt the entrance to the Theater on Promenade Deck, there is a magnificent Delft porcelain sculpture called “Life” by Dick Elffers.Peter KnegoDirectly aft of the Theater on Upper Promenade Deck, the Ambassador Lounge is a fantastic former first class space rich in details, from its serrated ceiling fixture to the inlaid compass rose-patterned marquetry dancefloor and hand-blown light fixtures.Peter KnegoThe Ambassador Lounge dancefloor is flanked by “Birds” (shown) and “Fish”, a pair of abstract paintings conceived by renowned Dutch artist Hans Hierck.Peter KnegoA wide central passage continues aft on Upper Promenade Deck to the former first class Smoking Room.Peter KnegoOh the port side of Upper Promenade Deck, the former first class Library has windows that look out onto the promenade. The Library and the Card Room on the starboard side are now used as meeting rooms.Peter KnegoThe main focal point of the first class Library is a painting by Mrs. N. Boyhus depicting a fisherman returning home as his wife prepares their meal.Peter KnegoThe former first class Smoking Room is a stunning space with an angular ceiling of wood and leather, cabinets with bronze reliefs of tobacco leaves and settees on either side that can be flipped out for a view of the sea or inwards to face the center of the room.Peter KnegoThis is a vintage view of the Smoking Room. When the Rotterdam was most recently refurbished, the ship was stripped to the steel framework for asbestos removal. Most of the public spaces, including the Smoking Room, were carefully reconstructed, panel by panel.Peter Knego CollectionA bronze relief of smokers from around the world by Ms. Everdeen Henny graces a wooden screen in the Smoking Room, which is used today for private functions.Peter KnegoThe double deck Grand Ballroom was originally called the Ritz-Carlton. Among its many vintage features are a bronze dancefloor that simulates swirls of sand on the ocean floor and a massive mural of the Aegean Sea by Cuno van den Steene.Peter KnegoThis is a view of the Grand Ballroom's balcony, which opens onto a terrace directly aft.Peter KnegoSmall painted metal tubes in the Grand Ballroom's ceiling recess give the impression of bubbles when seen from below.Peter KnegoMore original features in the Grand Ballroom that contribute to its oceanic theme include a sea serpent that is “chasing” fish up the bronze balustrade.Peter KnegoAt the top of the balustrade, an angler's net awaits the fish that are fleeing the serpent on the lower level of the Grand Ballroom.Peter KnegoDirectly aft of the lower level of the Theater, the former tourist class Queens Lounge spans the entire width of Promenade Deck.Peter KnegoThis is a vintage view of the Queens Lounge from the Rotterdam's early transatlantic heyday.Peter Knego CollectionA wonderful curved wooden marquetry panel depicting the sun, sea, fishing boats and nets is the centerpiece of the Queen's Lounge.Peter KnegoThe Rotterdam is filled with priceless original artworks, including a series of bronze statues depicting characters from The Tempest, which are situated in alcoves near the landings of the forward stairtower.Peter KnegoIn the heart of the ship on B Deck, the Odyssey, now a meeting room, was the Rotterdam's first class dining room. The double deck space has a dome with Delft ceramic moons and stars in its ceiling.Peter KnegoAll four bulkheads in the Odyssey feature Delft porcelain reliefs by Nico Nagler depicting scenes from Homer's Odyssey.Peter KnegoDirectly aft of the Odyssey, the similarly appointed and proportioned La Fontaine was the tourist class dining room but because the Rotterdam was also built for one class cruising, it was every bit as luxurious as the Odyssey.Peter KnegoThe detailing in the La Fontaine is exquisite, with Delft ceiling tiles illuminated by anodized aluminum sconces. The Delft porcelain reliefs by Nico Nagler depict the children's fairy tales by Jean de la Fontaine.Peter KnegoNearly all of the Rotterdam's staterooms were demolished and replaced with standard sized hotel rooms in three different color schemes. This is an “original” cabin with red soft fittings. While the surrounds are new, the fittings and furniture are vintage S.S. Rotterdam.Peter KnegoFor comparison, this is an actual Rotterdam cabin as built.Peter Knego CollectionThis is an inboard-facing view of an “Original” Superior Room. All of the chairs and furnishings were reupholstered and refinished for the Rotterdam's current role.Peter KnegoThis is a “Manhattan” Superior Room with black and white soft fittings in tribute to the Rotterdam's western transatlantic terminus.Peter Knego“Bahamas” Superior Rooms have a tropical color scheme in honor of the Rotterdam's years of tropical cruise service.Peter KnegoOther categories include interior Single and Double Rooms and Family Rooms. All hotel rooms have brand new bathrooms with new plumbing and fixtures.Peter KnegoWestCord Hotels provide shampoo, shower gel and moisturizer in all hotel rooms.Peter KnegoAll hotel rooms have Nespresso machines with a selection of complimentary espressos. Wifi is available at no extra charge throughout the ship.Peter KnegoDeluxe Rooms are larger than standard staterooms and have original artworks and/ or etched mirrors and marquetry panels in addition to all the standard features.Peter KnegoSeveral officers' staterooms have been converted into the Rotterdam's most lavish hotel rooms, the Executive Rooms. The former chief officer's cabin has windows overlooking the bow, a separate bedroom and a sitting area with an original painting.Peter KnegoThe last of its kind, the Rotterdam provides its guests with the rare opportunity to see what life was like on a mid-20th Century “Ship of State”. For more information, contact: www.ssrotterdam.com and www.ssrotterdam.net.Peter Knego