S.S. Rotterdam research and artwork

Majestic bow of the SS Rotterdam, a towering structure designed to brave the fiercest Atlantic storms, yet embodying the timeless elegance of 1950s craftsmanship.

The SS Rotterdam, launched in 1958, was an ocean liner built by the Rotterdam Drydock Company for the Holland-America Line. Known as the "Grande Dame," she was designed for both transatlantic crossings and luxury cruises. After her maiden voyage in 1959, the ship served as a symbol of Dutch maritime excellence, transitioning over time to focus on global cruises as air travel became more popular.

Retired in 1997, she was later preserved and restored in Rotterdam, where she now serves as a museum, hotel, and event space, celebrating her rich history and the city's maritime heritage.

Check out this video of the ss ROTTERDAM launching.

Her hull is mostly clean weld lines, though her bow and stern does have rivets, also the upperpart of the superstructure is surprisingly full with rivets.

The aluminium is one of the reasons she could carry a rather tall superstructure. the setting sun nicely reveals the rivets, here's a close up of the "funnel".

One of my favorite spots on the ssRotterdam

The very front of the boat deck.

It's a cozy nook, sheltered from the elements yet still outside. This area is a bit of a dead-end, so not many visitors wander here, giving it the feel of a private promenade. Last time we stayed onboard, we had the cabin on the right side, visible in the photo. Before bed, we enjoyed the beautiful Rotterdam skyline from this very spot.

Curiosity got the better of me, when I see a little door I need to open it ...and what did I find? ss Rotterdam's port navigation light. The light still functions, though its purpose is now for decoration only.

I’d like to turn things inside out.

As a model builder, I’m fascinated by the inner and outer shapes created by the hull and the frames it's made out of. As an example, I have the following two photos of the SS Rotterdam. The first photo was taken from inside the crew’s corridor on the port side of C-Deck, looking toward the bow of the ship. The second photo shows the mirrored outer shape on the starboard side. Although it's essentially one shape, the experience from each side is totally different.

x marks the spot I took the photo from.

One year, the ship had a special passenger

Apparently, a bird (though I couldn’t tell which type). It decided that the old lamp cone on the aft king post was the perfect spot to build a cozy nest for itself. It looked kind of wacky!

The fine art print

My all-time favorite ocean liner, the S.S. Rotterdam, is now available as an ultra-definition art print! Test print checked out and approved! 

I have loved diving into all the little details. I meticulously checked archive material and reviewed my own photoshoots of the ship. I'm thrilled with the result, and the prints look amazing!

Check my webshop at https://onnozone.etsy.com

The book

A couple of years back, I studied several (of the many) concept designs that eventually evolved into the ss ROTTERDAM as we know her. I fascinating visual study which was published in Nico Guns book "sdtss ROTTERDAM ontwerpen & plannen part 1B" read "Design evolution ss Rotterdam" post

If you are interested in the book, you can get your copy at: https://www.bol.com/be/nl/p/ss-rotterdam-deel-i-b-ontwerpen-en-plannen/9300000124898964/

In the category of “what might have been”

The SS Rotterdam with a conventional funnel offers a fascinating glimpse into history.

This concept dates back to 1955 when the basic proportions, volumes, and profile outline of the SS Rotterdam were already in place. However, the most noticeable difference is the absence of the iconic, far-aft slender uptakes that became a signature of the ship. In their place, a traditional funnel was originally planned. Not long after, Holland America Line made the bold decision to break with tradition, opting instead for what was then a futuristic design—a decision that earned the SS Rotterdam the status of a “funnel-less ship.” Personally, I’m glad they chose a different approach. While it was intriguing to explore this historical design study, the far-aft, "fat" funnel would have disrupted the overall balance of her elegant profile. More of my studies can be read and seen in the “Rotterdam ontwerpen & plannen deel 1B” by Nico Guns which features an amazing cover art of this concept design by maritime artist Stephen Card. For my Patreon members and those interested, here's the direct lik to my article. https://www.patreon.com/posts/what-might-have-109906255

Fun little study.

Two generations of Holland America Line ships, both built at the R.D.M. shipyard and captured from a similar distance and angle. A nice opportunity to compare the ships side by side and it shows the rapid progress ship design made after the second world war.

Should the need arise... I can always compare the models I made of the grand ladies (both in scale 1:600). If you are attentive reader you will notice that on the first photo I did accidentially switched the aft funnel with the forward funnel. They are actually loose and when I took them out of the storage box I accidentally reversed them. Second photo shows the correct arangment.

Continuing the inspiring journey with the SS Rotterdam

Here’s a pencil drawing I created of the grand lady herself. I used a unique 'stretched out' technique, similar to those mesmerizing 3D sidewalk drawings. From just the right angle, it transforms into a 3D illusion instead of a flat sketch. Drawing it was a real brain teaser.

On the left is the illusion. On the right is how the drawing really looks. 

Just hanging around, sketching my favorite muse.

Same angle, different decade.

To all my incredible supporters, thank you so much for your continued love and support—it means the world to me and helps me keep creating amazing content for you all! 💖  Your support helps me do what I love, and I couldn't do it without you!  www.patreon.com/Onnozone

Also check out my post "A Tribute to the ss Rotterdam 💚🤍💚"