HOLLAND-AMERICA LINE

The turbine steamer, built in The Netherlands in 1951, started life as RYNDAM, a post World War II innovative liner with almost all her accomodation devoted to Tourist Class. Only 39 passengers were carried in an upper-deck area of the ship. The remainder of the liner's accomodation was set aside for 854 Tourist Class passengers. For 20 years the 15,015 gross ton RYNDAM was a regular caller at the Port of New York, arriving for the first time on July 25, 1951.

Rijndam arrives in New York City on her Maiden voyage

TSS Maasdam was handed over to HAL on August 10, 1952. Like her sister she was delivered early and departed for her maiden voyage more than a month earlier than planned. She departed on her maiden voyage from Rotterdam on August 11, to New York, sailing via Le Havre and Southampton calling at Montreal on the 20th. She continued to New York via the Cape Cod Canal; being one of the largest ships to transit the waterway. Maasdam arrived in New York on August 27th.

Maasdam and Rijndam at the Holland America Pier in New York

Designed as freighter’s the machinery planned for them remained, these comprised of two cross-compound General Electric steam turbines, which was built in 1945. They developed 8,500shp double-reduction geared to a single screw. Service speed was slow compared with other ships sailing at just 16.5 knots, the crossing from Britain to New York took eight days, however the daily fuel consumption was just 53 tons, making these ships exceptionally economic to operate.

Rijndam - Palm Court

All Tourist Class public rooms were located on Promenade Deck. The delightful Palm Court was located forward. This large room was decorated in light woods, masses of bamboo and greenery. Directly aft was the main lobby and stairwell, which led to the Card Room and Library, and the delightful American Bar. The Smoking Room located aft. The Dining Room was located amidships on 'A' Deck. Although the decor was attractive, the innovation of the décor was it gave this room a spacious feel.