Painting by Martinus Schouman back to the ss Rotterdam

Today Captain Victor Stoica of the ms Borealis handed over the original painting of Martinus Schouman to the chairman of our foundation. The painting came from the ss Rotterdam V where it decorated the captains dayroom since 1959. When the ss Rotterdam left the fleet of Holland America Line in 1997 the painting was transfered to the ms Rotterdam VI. In 2020 Fred Olsen Cruise Lines bought the ship and gave her the name of Borealis. Mr. Fred Olsen sr. has agreed that the painting should be brought back to its original place on the ss Rotterdam. We are very grateful to him and to captain Victor Stoica and his staff to give us the opportunity to bring the painting back to the ss Rotterdam. We also thank captain Albert Schoonderbeek who realized in cooperation with our foundation the return of the painting.

Het Zonneschip restored

The artwork Het Zonneschip (The Sunship) of the artist Willem Akkermans is an eye catcher in the Skyroom on Bridge deck of the ss Rotterdam. Through the years parts of the metal wires have disappeared. Our volunteers Henk Salij and Ton Lenselink have restored the metal wires carefully.

Picture Henk Salij

A Caribbean cruise in 1984 on the ss Rotterdam

In November 1984 Mr and Mrs George Wilde made a cruise in the Caribbean on the ss Rotterdam. They documented their cruise perfectly on a website that presents an extensive impression of life on board the ss Rotterdam in the eighties. We really appreciate all the work they have done and their courtesy to share it with us. Please visit the website: Wilde Adventures

 

65 years ago the keel was laid

65 years go, on December 14 1956, the keel of the ss Rotterdam was laid at the Rotterdam Drydock Company. In fact the first two sections of the ship, then known as yard number 300, were placed on the slope.

Volunteers at work on the ss Rotterdam

Our volunteers are up and coming on the ss Rotterdam. After working on the restoration of the wooden artwork in the Queens lounge they continued to arrange the original drawings of the ship and preparing the traditional Christmas star between the smoke stacks. An authentic toolbox of a ships carpenter has been donated to us. We have given it a place in the museum on C deck in the former laundry. Our electricien mounted a spotlight above it.

Pictures made by Klaas Krijnen