This is the story behind the legendary ocean liner the s.s. Rotterdam V of the Holland America Line. Although she started her career in 1959 her plannings date back to 1938. The new ship would become the companion of the s.s. Nieuw Amsterdam II. The new Rotterdam would be bigger and more impressive. Her appearance would be similar to the Nieuw Amsterdam a futuristic streamlined design with smoothed forms, curves and lines, there was even the idea of a ship with three funnels like her contemporary the Normandie. (Two of these concept models are in the care of the Maritime Museum Rotterdam.) Even though the ideas looked successful it would be a long time before her construction began. The second world war had ended and after the destruction of the Statendam III during the bombardment of the city Rotterdam the ideas of the s.s. Rotterdam V where picked up again. By this time ship design had drastically improved and the pre-war concepts had become obsolete. The New Rotterdam would become one of the first ships without funnels. She has the resemblance of a yacht and is the largest passenger liner ever to be build in the Netherlands. After a long and reliable career the Holland America Line soled her to the late Premier Cruises. For a couple of years her future was uncertain, but the efforts of the Steamship Rotterdam Foundation to get her back to the Netherlands to save her for the Dutch Industrial heritage has paid off. The Rotterdam Drydock Company (RDM) who initially build the ship announced they have purchased the Rotterdam V. After the ss Rotterdam V has returned home a two year restoration will be conducted by the RDM. Recently the City council of Rotterdam picked a permanent spot to berth the Rotterdam V. She will be positioned at the head of Katendrecht which is a fitting surrounding for the grand lady to sparkle once again. It is a big step in the right direction!

For more information on the ss Rotterdam V, her future berth location and the Steamship Rotterdam Foundation see the links below.