65 years ago on January 28 1961 the ss Rotterdam departed from New York for her first world cruise. Sailing through the Mediterranean to among other destinations India, Hongkong, Hawaï and Los Angeles she arrived back in New York after 77 days on April 14 1961. 28 world cruises should follow including the last one in 1997.
Like every year our volunteers produced a bright Christmas star between the smokestacks. A tradition continues.
Pictures taken by Jan van Pijkeren
Picture taken by Cor Salij
Our volunteers at work, preparing the star. Pictures taken by Klaas Krijnen
WestCord Hotels / ss Rotterdam ordered new carpet for the Smoking Room on Upper-Promenade deck. After 16 years of intensive use it had to be replaced. The original pattern designed by architect Carel Wirtz has succesfully been reproduced.
Picture by Ton Lenselink
Former engineer Roel Valbracht came for the second time from Canada to Rotterdam to show his love for the ss Rotterdam. With his friends Ronald Aker, Arnold Eisma and Lenze Vondeling he painted several equipments in the evaporator room, generator room and main engine room in the right colours.
Roel at work. Picture Ronald Aker
Pictures Klaas Krijnen
During the seventies Holland America Line presented several jazz cruises. On a cold Saturday, probably December 7 1974, the ss Rotterdam left New York with among others Count Basie, Lionel Hampton, Sarah Vaughan, Cannonball Adderley and Joe Williams on a 7-day jazz cruise. Enjoy the wonderful documentary Jazz Ship
Today August 20 66 years ago Her Majesty Queen Juliana hoisted the flag of Holland America Line during the official trials at sea. December 14 1956 the keel was laid at the Rotterdam Drydock Company. September 3 1959 the ss Rotterdam started her maiden voyage from Rotterdam to New York.
