On September 13 it was 60 years ago that Queen Juliana christened and launched the ss Rotterdam at the Rotterdam Drydock Company (RDM).
picture RDM
picture J.Groeneveld
picture RDM
picture J. Wijdenes
picture J. Groeneveld
picture J. Wijdenes
picture made by Hans Hoffmann
On August 29, two weeks before the launch, the construction of the ss Rotterdam was far advanced. The first picture shows the forward deck that is almost ready. Behind it the construction of the superstructure can be seen up to the Sundeck. The spare anchor is already on its place. In front of the bow the platform is being constructed where Queen Juliana will christen and launch the ship on September 13 1958.
The second picture shows the temporarily covered Promenadedeck, were the teak deck is being laid around the outside swimming pool. On the Upper-Promenadedeck men can be seen around the shaft to the engine room, situated next to the Ritz Carlton lounge.
During the official trials on August 20 1959 Queen Juliana hoisted the flag of the Holland America Line on the ss Rotterdam. With this symbolic act the ss Rotterdam was handed over by the Rotterdam Drydock Company to Holland America Line. With courtesy of Holland America Line the halyard is still on board, near the spot on the first class sports deck where the Queen hoisted the houseflag .
On August 4 it is 10 years ago that the ss Rotterdam came back to her birthplace. She came from Wilhelmshaven where the ship was renovated during two years. Even so it took 18 months before the renovation was finished in Rotterdam. Picture: Klaas Krijnen
At the end of July 1958 the superstructure was ready up to the level of the Sundeck. The anchor machinery is being placed and the breakwater is ready. Work is being done on the top of the shafts to the two forward holds.
The second picture shows the temporarily roof over the Promenadedeck, to prepare for the laying of the teak deck on what is now the Lidodeck. The aft end of the Upper-Promenadedeck, Boatdeck and Sundeck can clearly be seen.
