If you’re looking for unusual accommodation in Rotterdam, why not sleep on a former cruise ship, the SS Rotterdam. This is a retired cruise ship of the Holland American Line, now permanently moored in Rotterdam.
Looking at the retro 1960s decor I can imagine a sea holiday with fine dining, dancing, smoky cigar lounges and women flaunting the latest fashion.
Ship tours
What I enjoyed most about our stay was the above and below deck tours. The tours are so comprehensive that we were advised (quite correctly) to do one a day as we were staying on the ship for two days.
In the engine room it is incredible to see all the machinery and room after room of pipes and levers and all things technical. A lot was needed to keep this ship moving!
The tours are suitable for adults and children and audio guides are available. A guide accompanies the group for the engine room tour and above deck the audio device will guide you to various points of interest.
Often the crew members stationed at various points on the tours are former employees of the SS Rotterdam when it was a working ship. They have so many stories about their time at sea and they love answering questions and talking to visitors.
Sunny deck
The splash pool on the deck is mainly for children but adults can also dip their feet into it. The view of Rotterdam’s skyline is beautiful and the restaurant serves delicious food.
SS Rotterdam trivia
- The SS Rotterdam is 228 metres long.
- While operational it was powered by steam (that’s what the “SS” stands for).
- She sailed for 41 years.
- Her maiden voyage was to New York and it took eight days.
- She is the largest passenger ship ever built in The Netherlands. (source: Vrienden van Stoomschip Rotterdam)
Look at this video of her maiden voyage. (Source: SS Rotterdam)
Good to know
If you’re travelling to Rotterdam by train, there is a bus which takes you directly to Katendrechtsehoofd where the SS Rotterdam is moored. Use the NS travel planner to plan your trip.
More unusual experiences in The Netherlands
Amsterdam is often a popular base for travellers when exploring the Netherlands. However, I recommend that you also explore De Beemster region in North Holland.
If you’ve slept on a former cruise ship, next on your list should be a retro wagon! In De Beemster you can sleep in a 1950s retro wagon – this is one of the most enchanting places I’ve ever stayed in. You can also visit nearby towns such as Monnickendam, where you can see the oldest carillon in the world.
If you decide to stay in Amsterdam, take a trip to Alphen aan den Rijn to the Avifauna Bird Park. This is the first dedicated bird park in the world.
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