Next stop: Gibraltar! (26-5-2004)
The end of the three and a half year lay-up period in Freeport is nearing! If all goes as planned, the voyage under tow across the Atlantic will commence
already on the 15th of june. The Barendrecht-based company MCS International Marine Services has been awarded the contract; a tug is already on its way to Freeport.

The destination of this voyage, which will take about three weeks, is the Camell Laird yard at Gibraltar. At least the steel work and the necessary measures regarding asbestos will be carried out there, before the ship will commence her final journey: the one towards her home port! The schedule for this historical event hasn't yet been settled.

Onno

[ 05-26-2004: Message edited by: Onno ]

Only sorry that I will not be in the region to have a look at her or shoot a photo of the ship under tow. But should be no problem for Gibraltar residents. Through this narrow strait she must come...

I am curious here. In the pre-balcony days, we traveled in "porthole" cabins on most ships..with the exception of the tropical balconies on the MM fleet. The portholes were fitted with "deadlights", large heavy metal covers which could be placed over the portholes in heavy weather. Sometimes they were hinged, sometimes they were stowed under the lower berths. They were "activated" by the cabin stewards, obviously on command by the bridge, and were affixed with large, no-nonsnse fittings.

As a "vessel of a certain age," I assume Rembrandt has such fittings. Would these be sufficient to protect the portholes, or would welding be required?

[ 05-27-2004: Message edited by: Cambodge ]

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Originally posted by Cambodge:
[QUOTE] In the mean time, preparation work is in progress in Freeport, such as plating in the numerous portholes and securing all loose stock. [QUOTE]

As a "vessel of a certain age," I assume Rembrandt has such fittings. Would these be sufficient to protect the portholes, or would welding be required?

[ 05-27-2004: Message edited by: Cambodge ]

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A few weeks ago we had a meeting at RDM and we were told all porthole plating would be welded. This will be done with all portholes up till maindeck.

Regards,

However, with the prospect of the Rotterdam's preservation in the Netherlands a real possibility (I won't truely believe it until she is at her permanent berth, open to the public), her sinking on route would be a real tragedy.

I've been on her twice and she is stunning, inside and out.

It REALLY bugs me when people will chain themselves to some old building to save it from demolition, but will hardly bat an eye at the demise of a floating masterpiece.

May the seas and winds be calm for a safe passage, Rotterdam.

Cambodge,
what were these Tropical Balconies like on the Messageries Maritimes fleet? Were they only on Cambodge and her sisters or also on the Madagascar run (Lesseps, Laborde...) and the Pacific run (Calédonien and Tahitien)? Were there many of these?

I believe they were on some of the other MM ships, but I am not sure. Give me little time after the US Memorial Day Holiday, and I will attempt to find some photos for you. I believe ships on the South American run had them, Pasteur and others, but I am not sure.

I assume that only Far East run and South American run ships had cabins with balcony or terrace.

Far East run : Cambodge, Laos and Viet-Nam.

*Luxe: Cabine de luxe à 2 lits avec balcon, salle de bains, w-C.

*Grade << B >>:Cabines extérieures à 2 couchettes avec balcon, douche, bains, w-C.

South American run : Charles Tellier, Laennec and Louis Lumière.

*Luxe: Cabines de luxe à 2 lits, salon avec divan-lit, terrasse, vestiaire, bain, w-C.

Below are best available cabins on each ships

Madagascar run : Ferdinard de Lesseps, Jean Laborde, La Bourdonnais and Pierre Loti.

*Luxe: Cabines de luxe à 2 lits avec salle de bain, w-C.,

Pacific run : Calédonien, Tahitien,

*Grade << B >>: Cabines << Studio >> à couchetes avec bain, w-C.,

and Océanien

*Grade << B >>: Cabines à air cndiditionné à 2/3 couchetes avec bain, w-C.

I can't say about Pasteur's cabins because my MM's tariff was isseued on Jan 1966.

[ 06-01-2004: Message edited by: Ocean Liners ]

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Originally posted by Thomas Whalen:
What is to become of the S/S Rembrandt.
A floating hotel, or will she make regularly scheduled voyages?

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She will become a hotel, restaurant in here old homeport and birthplace Rotterdam the Netherlands. She's bought by here building yard the Rotterdam Drydock Company Rotterdam the Netherlands. They have the full suport of the city councill of Rotterdam and the people of Rotterdam.

To look fore more information:
Steamship Rotterdam Faundation
This is the URL to the Englisch section of the site.

[ 06-06-2004: Message edited by: Maasdam ]

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Originally posted by lasuvidaboy:
Just visited Steamship Rotterdam site. The photos taken this year of her show just how much wear the Caribbean weather has taken on her exterior. Her interiors look so incredible, all they seem to need is a good cleaning.

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That indeed has to be done.
Anyway, if the tug is not delayed, the voyage to Europe will start in a week's time. It is scheduled for 15 June !!!

Regards,

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Originally posted by Maasdam:

For more information:
Steamship Rotterdam Foundation

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Just for your information: The image shown is an artist impression made by mr. Leon Beesemer, vice-chairman of the Steamship Rotterdam Foundation.

Will the Lido buffet be converted back to the decor of the Cafe de la Paix?

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Originally posted by desirod7:
Willem,

Will the Lido buffet be converted back to the decor of the Cafe de la Paix?

It was such a graceful room which the Lido is not.

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