S.S. REMBRANDT (ex ROTTERDAM)

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 13 September 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.

UPDATES: by Martin Cox

Plug Pulled
At midnight September 13, 2000 the finacial plug was pulled on Florida based Premier Cruise Line, owners of REMBRANDT. Her Captain was ordered to return to Halifax, Canada, tie up and off load passengers. More than 1,000 passengers were stranded in Halifax as REMBRANDT, SEABREEZE and BIG RED BOAT II all docked there. REMBRANDT was placed under arrest by the Sheriff's Department in Halifax as was SEABREEZE. Satisfying her warrant REMBRANDT sailed with crew only for lay up in Freeport, Bahamas. REMBRANDT arrived Frreport September 21, where she will remain in lay up awaiting sale.

REMBRANDT/ROTTERDAM Foundation Formed
May 1, 2001: In a grass-roots effort to save defunct Premier Cruises' SS REMBRANDT, a foundation is being established by five ship enthusiasts in The Netherlands to help raise awareness and stimulate local interest in the liner. They hope to explore the field of cultural subsidies and get commercial parties interested in bringing the former Holland America Line flagship "home" to either Rotterdam or Amsterdam for static use. They have no intent to purchase the ship, themselves. She has adapted with the changing cruise industry over the years and has thus seen very little alteration from her original configuration, making her one of the most well-preserved of the few classic liners still afloat.

Cruiseshares Shares Some Bad News
March 5, 2002: Following a well-publicized announcement about the acquisition of the SS REMBRANDT (ex ROTTERDAM) and an ambitious sailing schedule for the ship beginning in mid-2002, Cruiseshares has now backed off their plans and she remains on the sales lists. Late last year, Cruiseshares, which was offering time-share units on the ship (and which had previously tried the same with the extremely derelict former SS STATENDAM, currently laid up in Greece as SEA HARMONY), had flipflopped over what the ship would be called, at one time suggesting the name GRANDE DAME. It was no secret that REMBRANDT, currently laid up at Freeport, has a limited active future due to increasingly strict SOLAS regulations due in 2010, but Cruiseshares cited this as the reason they backed out of the deal.

Amsterdam or Rotterdam?
July 17, 2002: Interest in the REMBRANDT was growing in the city of Rotterdam. Two members of the city-council, H. Maronier (Leefbaar Rotterdam) and M. Kneepkens (Stadspartij Rotterdam) made an attempt to get the ship back into her old home port. The Court of the Mayor and Aldermen replied to requests that there will be no municipal investment in the ship. At this moment it does not seem very likely that the ship will return to Rotterdam. In the mean time, preparations for mooring her in Amsterdam are continuing. However, no "go ahead" has been given.

New York Officials Eye Laid Up Ships
November 21, 2002: New York City's commissioner of homeless services flew to Freeport, Bahamas to inspect several retired ships. To combat an increase in homelessness as winter approaches, the city was looking at the possibility of converting the ships into shelters. New York City is bound by law to provide shelter for the homeless, and is considering a number of options. The ships remaining in lay up at Freeport are BIG RED BOAT II (ex EUGENIO C., EUGENIO COSTA, EDINBURGH CASTLE), BIG RED BOAT III, (ex TRANSVAAL CASTLE, S.A. VAAL, FESTIVALE, ISLAND BREEZE) and REMBRANDT (ex ROTTERDAM).

Rotterdam to Rotterdam?
February 14, 2003: Negotiations between the municipality of Rotterdam, the investors needed to purchase the ship and the developers of the high-rise appartment blocks on the Wilhelmina Pier continue. Following a powerful speech by K. Krijnen, chairman of the Steamship Rotterdam Foundation, to the city council a tdebate about this subject continued for more than 45 minutes. ss Rotterdam proved to be very much "alive" among the members of the council, across all political lines. Main issue was finding a berth in the Rijnhaven. 1800 signatures and SOS e-mails were gathered insupport of the project.

ROTTERDAM Sold
May 1, 2003: Great news from the Steamship Rotterdam Foundation, the Rotterdam Drydock Company purchased the REMBRANDT with the Rotterdam Port Authority providing credit facilities.

Delegation Visit to Bahamas
February 1, 2004: A delegation of members of the Steamship Rotterdam Foundation visited the ex-ROTTERDAM in Freeport, Grand Bahama. They reported that he ship's overall condition to be reasonable, both the hull and the superstructure appear to be sound. However, the condition of many exterior details (rails and stairs for example) showed that maintenance wasneeded soon. The sumptuous interiors were in a surprisingly good shape. The public spaces are completely intact, including the artworks. An "Owner's Representative" was living permanently on board the ship, with 13 Cubans crew members performing some maintenance tasks. The drydock period and renovation works, the licensees to operate the ship and the final berth in Rotterdam are being negotiatiated. Although no decisions have been made yet, Mr. van Sluis, Alderman for Rotterdam's port affairs, said on TV that the ship will be in Rotterdam before the summer of 2005.

Rotterdam Drydock Company in financial hot water
April 14, 2004; RDM applied for suspension of payment for four of its sub-divisions. The division, specially established to carry out the Rotterdam project, ss Rotterdam BV, will not be affected.

Rotterdam finds her berth
April 28, 2004: The Steamship Rotterdam Foundation was pleased to announce that the Rotterdam court of Mayor and Aldermen made a determination over the future berth for ex ROTTERDAM. The chosen location will be the Rivierkwartier ("River Quarter"), the west part of Katendrecht at the entrance of the Maashaven. The "head of Katendrecht" offers an impressive scenery. The ship will be visible from a great distance, thus serving as a real landmark for the city. Transport to and from the site will require attention.

Lay up coming to an end
May 26, 2004: After three and a half years laid up in Freeport the ex ROTTERDAM's last transatlantic voyage will commence mid-June. The Barendrecht-based company MCS International Marine Services was awarded the contract; an ocean-going tug is already on its way to Freeport. Preparation for the one way transatlantic voyage, such as plating in the numerous portholes and securing all loose items is taking place. The ship bound for the the Cammell Laird yard at Gibraltar.

REMBRANDT At The Rock
June 17, 2004: Under tow from tug ENGLISHMAN, REMBRANDT departs Freeport for Gibraltar, she is expected to arrive July 10.

REMBRANDT At The Rock
July 12, 2004: REMBRANDT (ex ROTTERDAM) arrived at Gibraltar. She berthed at the main wharf at Cammell Laird (Gibraltar) Ltd. after her journey from lengthy lay up in The Bahamas. Towed by the tug ENGLISHMAN. According to the Steamship Rotterdam Foundation: "From now until early next year the s.s. Rotterdam will be restored and repainted with her original grey hull. She will probably make her final voyage to Rotterdam in April 2005." http://www.ssrotterdam.net/

The following pages provide a "tour" of REMBRANDT as she is today.

Click here for REMBRANDT Tour: Outer Deck Tour Page

Click here for REMBRANDT Tour: Inner Tour Page

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