The SS Rotterdam

Water and ships are well known to Rotterdam with its large harbor and one of the best-known ships of the city is the SS Rotterdam, an after war passenger ship. The ship was used for the Holland-America Line (HAL) between 1959 and 2000. Currently it’s completely renovated and is permanently docked as a multifunctional centrum at the 3e Katendrechtse Hoofd in the Maashaven in Rotterdam.

The original plans for the ship were made before the second world war. Back in the day the HAL was still very popular, and they needed a ‘running mate’, but because of the war the plans were canceled and altered in the 50’s.

The design used in the 50’s was based on the knowledge that the HAL wouldn’t last forever. Like more designs of the city, this was again a groundbreaking design in the world of ships. The ship consisted of two classes, which were divided horizontally by walls that could easily be moved. Instead of a traditional chimney the boat got two modern smoke canals, and a streamlined profile. This would be the model for later cruise ship designs.  

Nowadays the ship is property of Westcord Hotels, which also owner of Hotel New York. Just like Hotel New York is there much to do at the ship! For example, there is a large part of the ship you can visit without entrance fee, which makes it accessible to just visit for a drink. In the summer is the Lido terrace opened, where you can lie in a beach chair near the swimming pool, enjoying your drink in the sunshine.

If the weather doesn’t allow that, or you feel more for a fancy dinner, you can also try the 4 different restaurant spaces that have a variety of dinner possibilities, high teas, Friday afternoon drinks or lunch! Next to that you can also visit the ship with an electronic tour, that tells you everything about the history of the ship. Would you love to experience even more? You can also stay the night in one of the 254 suites.

Would you love to live in Rotterdam? Take a look at our website Domica Rotterdam.