Most often when one ventures away from home, the choice of accommodations is usually hotels, air bnbs etc. These options were also available to my family but if we can find unique lodgings, we tend to opt for that. There was nothing more unique than our stay on the SS Rotterdam.
the SS Rotterdam at night
The SS Rotterdam is also called the Grande Dame. She was once the flagship of the Holland America Line - which sailed from Rotterdam to New York City. It was launched in 1958 by the Dutch queen Juliana, who was also on the maiden voyage.
the ship approaching New York City
It became a cruise ship in 1971 and took its last voyage in 1997. Thereafter, the ship changed owners a few times and had an uncertain future. Finally, it became a hotel in 2010 and it is moored in the Maashaven, Rotterdam.
It is certainly a treat, that this beautiful Grande Dame was not relegated to the scrap heap. It was restored and maintained to its former glory and it is absolutely gorgeous inside. The interior of the ship is in 1950's style and also a nautical theme (which seems logical).
stairwell with underwater theme
Hotel guest and visitors can discover most of the ship's interior by themselves. However, it is best to take a tour as not all areas are accessible. There could be many event ocurring such as weddings, afternoon teas, escape rooms or conferences.
a conference room
Whilst wondering around, one can step back in time in this historic hotel. As you can imagine - there are many beautiful spaces
dining room
with fixtures from the period.
Most areas have a view which provides a nice contrast of the old (inside the ship) and the new (through the windows).
This colourful social area has the original dance floor and there is special acoustics in this room. The chairs were designed with spaces in them, to accommodate the wide skirts of dresses of the era.
the dance area with special acoustic, dance floor and chairs
The same area from a different angle, shows off the stylish ceiling.
By the adjacent bar area, there are knee pads for those sitting on the high stools.
The same is true here as well but in a different style. This is the Ocean Wine Bar - the ceiling represents the fins of fishes.
Here is a closer look.
The attention to detail throughout the ship is amazing.
There are fishes "swimming" by this stairwell
or "caught" in fish nets.
The ceiling with its round shapes is reminiscent of bubbles in the ocean.
Let's truly go back in time via this photo of the Tropical Bar in 1959 (with a glare because it is behind glass).
It looks the same today.
The beautiful Library
is across from the Card or games room which has a glass wall with colourful "fish tails".
In the hallway and by windows close by were these "uniquely designed couches". They have moveable back rests which facilitate that guests can either sit next to each other or opposite directions.
This glass ornament of sea creatures and insects stand proudly at the entrance to the Smoking Room. The brightly coloured carpet continues the fish tail theme.
The ceiling of this room is looks like a Japanese screen divider. It adds to the ambiance of this space whilst being functional, as the wood used absorbs smoke.
From these "uniquely designed couches", one can enjoy the scenery inside the Smoking Room or the breath-taking views by the port or Rotterdam's skyline.
There are different types of cabin/rooms on board the ship. This was ours. It was more spacious than imagined - with its simple but classic style and amenities.
Breakfast is served in the Lido Breakfast area.
It leads to the outdoor Lido Grill restaurant on the deck. The swimming pool present seemed to be used only by children.
The Grand Dame was certainly no ordinary hotel. The gorgeous setting on this beautiful ship with the 50's interior designed, the ambience and service, created not only a perfect hotel experience but also a very interesting and extra special visit.
All photos are my own - taken with my iPhone SE2020