Visiting a 1959 steamship!

Last weekend I received an invite to go to an instagram meeting in the ss Rotterdam!

The ss Rotterdam is a steamship that was built in the 1959 and was one of the last transatlantic ocean liners built before air travel went main stream. It was operated by the Holland America Line and was a popular choice for passengers looking to travel between Europe and the United States. The ship was known for its luxurious amenities and elegant decor, and it was a favorite among royalty and celebrities.

At this time, the ss Rotterdam was one of the most advanced ships roaming the oceans and was equipped with the latest technology and featuring spacious staterooms, multiple dining options, and a variety of entertainment options. The ship was also known for its beautiful Art Deco design, which was a popular architectural style of the time.

One of the most famous stories about the ss Rotterdam involves Queen Juliana of the Netherlands, who traveled on the ship several times. During one of her trips, the queen was so impressed with the ship's amenities that she requested to have a private suite built for her on board. The Holland America Line complied, and the queen's suite became one of the most luxurious on the ship.

Despite its popularity, the ss Rotterdam eventually faced competition from newer, faster ships and the rise of air travel. In the 1970s, the ship was retired from transatlantic service and was used for cruising in the Caribbean. In 1997, the ss Rotterdam was retired from service and was sold to a company in the Netherlands, where it was converted into a floating hotel and museum. Today, the ss Rotterdam is a popular tourist attraction in the Netherlands, offering visitors a glimpse into the golden age of ocean liners

This first part of this blog is about the engine room! We spent 2 hours down below the waterline in the hull of the ship trying to photograph it's beauty!

The ss Rotterdam is a steam turbine vessel that was originally powered by four steam turbines and four boilers. These engines were capable of producing a total of 40,000 horsepower, which allowed the ship to reach speeds of up to 22 knots. The steam turbines were manufactured by the De Schelde shipyard in the Netherlands, while the boilers were produced by the Amsterdamsche Machinefabriek.

In 1986, the ss Rotterdam underwent a major refit that included the conversion of its propulsion system to diesel-electric. The ship was fitted with two 9-cylinder diesel engines and two 6-cylinder diesel engines, all of which were manufactured by the Akasaka Diesels Company. These engines were connected to electric generators, which supplied power to the ship's propulsion system.

The ss Rotterdam also has two bow thrusters and two stern thrusers, which are used to maneuver the ship in tight spaces or to assist with docking. These thrusters are powered by electric motors, which are supplied with power from the ship's generators.

But it was just so pretty to see this place! I loved it down there!

Here some details of engine parts and some arty-farty pictures!
I hoped you enjoyed this post!