ss Rotterdam

ss Rotterdam: the Grande Dame of the seas

The ss Rotterdam is one of the most famous ships in the Netherlands and one of the great symbols of Rotterdam’s maritime history.

Built by the Rotterdamsche Droogdok Maatschappij (RDM), it was the largest passenger liner ever built in the Netherlands and began its career as the flagship of the Holland America Line in 1959.

At 228 metres long, 28 metres wide and 51 metres high, the ship has a gross registered tonnage of 38,645 tonnes. The letters “ss” stand for steamship, or stoomschip in Dutch.

Affectionately known as La Grande Dame, today the ship is permanently moored in Katendrecht and operates as a hotel, restaurant, event venue and tourist attraction.

From Rotterdam to New York

Queen Juliana christened the ss Rotterdam on 13 September 1958, and the ship began its maiden voyage on 3 September 1959, sailing from Rotterdam to New York.

During its early years, the ship combined transatlantic crossings between Europe and New York with cruises to other destinations.

The growing popularity of air travel gradually reduced the importance of regular transatlantic passenger services. In 1971, the ss Rotterdam made its final transatlantic crossing as a liner and subsequently continued its career as a cruise ship.

The return of the ss Rotterdam

In 1997, the ship was acquired by Premier Cruises and renamed Rembrandt. After the company went bankrupt in 2000, the ship remained out of service for several years.

A long process then began to bring the historic ship back to Rotterdam. Following extensive restoration and renovation work carried out at several European ports, the ss Rotterdam finally returned to its home city on 4 August 2008.

Thousands of people watched its return as the historic ocean liner sailed to its new permanent home in Katendrecht.

After the renovation was completed, the ship opened to the public on 15 February 2010. Since 2013, it has been owned by WestCord Hotels.

Visiting the ss Rotterdam

You do not need to stay at the hotel to experience the ss Rotterdam. General access to the ship is free, so you can go aboard for a drink, enjoy a meal in one of its restaurants or explore some of the public areas.

Several tours are available for visitors who want to discover the historic parts of the ship, including its original lounges, decks, bow and bridge. It is also possible to take a tour of the engine room or combine different tours to learn more about the history of the ship.

These tours offer a fascinating insight into what it was like to travel aboard one of the great ocean liners of the mid-20th century.

Hotel, restaurants and maritime heritage

Today, the ss Rotterdam is home to a four-star hotel with 254 rooms, decorated with references to the style of the 1950s and the destinations that played a part in the ship’s history.

It also has restaurants such as Lido Grill and Club Room, bars, terraces, numerous meeting and event spaces and different historic areas that still preserve the atmosphere of the original ship.

Much of the ship’s appeal lies in its interiors. Lounges, staircases, furniture and numerous works of art still provide a glimpse of the design and luxury associated with the golden age of ocean liners.

The historical importance of the ss Rotterdam lies not only in the ship itself, but also in the preservation of its remarkable mid-20th-century interior.

ss Rotterdam: practical information

Other monuments in Rotterdam

Bibliotheek | Groot Handelsgebouw | Hoofdpostkantoor | Hotel New York | Kubuswoningen | Schielandshuis | Sint-Laurenskerk | Stadhuis | Van Nelle | Watertoren | Witte Huis