Preservation on a "Titanic" scale

[Klinger]

Ok well, actually smaller then the Titanic, measuring at 31,000 tons and 748 feet long.

According to Maritime Matters, the SS Rotterdam is scheduled to finally open to the public
on February 15, 2010.

This classic ship has a long story. Built in 1959, she was the "Ship of State" for the
Netherlands. Her long sailing carrier ended in 2000 when Premier Cruises ceased
operations. She was laid up in the Bahamas for some time, before being bought for
conversion into a floating hotel and tourist attraction. Now, 10 years after her
retirement from active service, the Rotterdam is docked in Rotterdam and will finally,
after many delays, open to the public.

He interiors were left intact over the years, but had to be disassembled to remove toxic
materials, and then put back into place. She is a true representation of what it was like
to sail on an ocean liner in the 1960's and I recommend that everyone within distance take
the time to visit and support the amazing efforts of her owners to save a piece of history.

The ship contains authentic hotel room, a museum dedicated to the ships heritage and
history, and if I remember correctly, apartments as well (won't swear to that one).

For interior pictures, see the link below
http://www.aadhoogesteger.nl/bezoekssrotterdam/bezssrd271209pagina1.html

Story can be followed on Maritime Matters
http://maritimematters.com/shipnews.html

 

[JCitron]

That's cool, Klinger. I would think that once it's offically opened this month, that the ship will become not just a museum and a tourist attraction, but also perhaps a conference center, or even a concert center. Given the number of grand pianos, including one or two that look like stage-sized concert grands, this would be a perfect venue for recitals, both chamber music as well as larger works and shows.

John