Rotterdam & QM2

[CAP]

Queen Mary 2 berthes at the old Holland America Line terminal in Rotterdam.  The old HAL offices remain but have been converted into hotel and conference facilities.  The SS Rotterdam is berthed a couple of docks up, which is a shame as there appears to be room for her next to the terminal and therefore closer to the new ships.

On QM2's last departure the two ships exchanged salutes. 

Rotterdam certainly looks in very good shape although closer inspection may reveal otherwise

[Rob Lightbody]

I visited SS Rotterdam on Thursday from Queen Mary 2.  A fascinating contrast, and SS Rotterdam is very definitely the more beautiful ship!

SS Rotterdam was busy with more than one business conference taking place, and people enjoying lunch and tours on board.

A new bridge makes it very easy to visit SS Rotterdam from the cruise terminal - a pleasant walk away.  What was sad was that absolutely no mention was made on board QM2 (in the info-sheets about Rotterdam in the daily programme) about the possibility of visiting this classic liner, which was visible from Queen Mary 2.

As we left, SS Rotterdam had crowds on her aft decks to watch QM2 glide past.  SS Rotterdam whistled 3 times, but QM2 did not respond.  She then whistled once more, but still silence from QM2 - it was very disappointing.


Queen Mary 2 hiding behind Hotel New York by Rob Lightbody, on Flickr


Queen Mary 2 Rotterdam by Rob Lightbody, on Flickr


Queen Mary 2 seen from SS Rotterdam by Rob Lightbody, on Flickr


Queen Mary 2 seen from SS Rotterdam by Rob Lightbody, on Flickr


SS Rotterdam by Rob Lightbody, on Flickr


SS Rotterdam by Rob Lightbody, on Flickr


SS Rotterdam by Rob Lightbody, on Flickr


View of SS Rotterdam from Queen Mary 2 by Rob Lightbody, on Flickr


View of SS Rotterdam from Queen Mary 2 by Rob Lightbody, on Flickr


Queen Mary 2 - Panorama of Rotterdam including SS Rotterdam by Rob Lightbody, on Flickr


View of SS Rotterdam from Queen Mary 2 by Rob Lightbody, on Flickr


View of SS Rotterdam from Queen Mary 2 by Rob Lightbody, on Flickr

[rough crossing]

Excellent pictures Rob. Sad we did not get chance to get down but Rotterdam is on the list of places to stay when on our next trip to Holland.  I agree with the silence as we slipped out of Rotterdam, there is nothing more magical than ships saluting one another.  It was great to bump into you on board and hope you enjoyed your trip.

[Rob Lightbody]

Excellent pictures Rob. Sad we did not get chance to get down but Rotterdam is on the list of places to stay when on our next trip to Holland.  I agree with the silence as we slipped out of Rotterdam, there is nothing more magical than ships saluting one another.  It was great to bump into you on board and hope you enjoyed your trip.

Sorry you didn't make it, she was just a 20 minute walk away, and free to go aboard!!