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S.S. REMBRANDT (ex ROTTERDAM)
Published September 2000
Click here for ROTTERDAM -- Saved, 2008
SS REMBRANDT at Port Canaveral, 6 February, 2000. Photo by and copyright Peter Knego
Save Our Ship of State REMBRANDT by Peter Knego
Not So Humble Heritage
Arguably the most magnificent and well-preserved vintage liner in existance, Premier Cruise's 37,783 gross ton SS REMBRANDT has changed little from her origins as Holland America Line's (HAL) fifth ROTTERDAM. Launched by Queen Juliana in a gala ceremony on September 13, 1958, and completed the following summer, the ROTTERDAM was the last great Dutch "ship of state", employing the finest artisans from Holland in her construction and fitting out process. The 749 by 93.8 foot ship commenced her maiden voyage from Rotterdam to New York on 3 September 1959 and was at first considered controversial, if ungainly, for her aft-situated twin uptakes. In the ensuing years, this look became the norm with major passenger ships, and she made the transition from trend-setting newcomer to "grand dame" of the seas. ROTTERDAM was powered by geared De Schelde turbines that produce an SHP of 38,500 to drive twin screws at a service speed of 21.5 knots.
SS ROTTERDAM in original livery. Photo and copyright Ian Schiffman.
Trendsetter Becomes "Grande Dame"
HAL designed the ship for both transatlantic travel and cruising, and ROTTERDAM was able to survive the advent of the jumbo jet admirably, switching to full-time cruising in 1969. Aside from her aft-situated machinery, the ship was innovative in her layout, which originally accommodated 665 first class and 801 tourist class passengers in separate, but nearly equal, quarters. A singular secret stairwell (inspired by that of the Chateau Chambord) cleverly served both classes, each of which had a full deck of public rooms and equivalent dining rooms. On her early cruises, she became one class by the mere opening up of her stairwell, offering all passengers the full run of the ship without a noticeable distinction between the two class levels.
Fortunately, her owners did little to alter the ship's original configuration and decor over the years (with the exception of her Lido Cafe in place of the Cafe de la Paix, some minor changes to the forward Promenade Deck level, and a slight expansion of her after decks). Twin domed dining rooms, a grand ballroom with a sweeping staircase, fine woodwork , ceramic art, murals, and polished brass distinguished ROTTERDAM from the newbuilds that followed, and she attained a distinct and loyal following.
Premier To The Rescue:
When (now Carnival-owned) Holland America Line announced the vessel's retirement due to stringent new SOLAS regulations in 1997, a wave of grief befell most ship enthusiasts. Following HAL's claim that bringing the ship up to the new standards would cost upwards of $40 million and severely impact ROTTERDAM's vintage charm, it was at first believed she would become a floating hotel in the City of Rotterdam. When this deal collapsed, she was purchased by Premier Cruises, renamed REMBRANDT, and refitted for a fraction of the purported cost to add emergency track lighting and enclose her main staircase.
Steaming Red?
Although Premier skillfully maintained the ship's "ocean liner" character, classic ship aficionados were horrified to learn of plans to convert the REMBRANDT into the BIG RED BOAT IV for Los Angeles-based three and four day party cruises. While no specifics were given as to what interior alterations would be made, the idea of turning this masterpiece of sea-going art and architecture into a "party boat" is one that needed to be strongly reconsidered. Delft ceramics, mythological tapestries, grand staircases, fine wood paneling, stained glass, solid brass, and leather upholstery from another, more graceful era would go unappreciated and possibly even abused by a clientele that wants little to do with her elegant heritage.
REMBRANDT could be marketed toward a middle to upscale clientele who appreciate finer, vintage travel. She was built to cross the seas and would excel at adventure cruising on itineraries similar to the excellent programs offered by Orient Lines and many of the European-based companies such as Hapag Lloyd and Peter Deilmann.
UPDATE:
ROTTERDAM Saved! in 2008
August 4, 2008: SS ROTTERDAM, makes her historic arrival in Rotterdam. Photo copyright Klaas Krijnen.
Click here for ROTTERDAM -- Saved, 2008
The following pages provide a "tour" of REMBRANDT as she was in 2000.
Click here for REMBRANDT Tour: Outer Deck Tour Page
Click here for REMBRANDT Tour: Inner Tour Page
