The Rembrandt has been rescued from certain doom. She is to be renamed Rotterdam once again and will returned to her homeport. The Rotterdam Drydock Company has purchased her with the intention to restore the Rotterdam to her original condition, including that famed grey hull and use her as a cultural venue / hotel and conference facility in her home port.
8 May 2004: The City of Rotterdam has officially granted a berth for ss Rotterdam, where she will make her home, after she has been full restored. Read full details on our Rotterdam Page. Link below.
26 May 2004: The end of the three and a half year lay-up period in Freeport is nearing! If all goes as planned, the voyage under tow across the Atlantic will commence on 15 June. The Barendrecht-based company MCS International Marine Services has been awarded the contract.
June 17: SS Rembrandt, ex Rotterdam, departed Freeport, Bahamas, where she has been laid up for almost four years. Her crossing the Atlantic to Gibraltar is under tow by the tug Englishman. She is due to arrive at the Camell Laird Yard on July 10, for renovations. She is expected to be dry-docked later in the year, where she will be restored to her original glory for her new role as a Hotel. She is expected to commence her new role in September of 2005. SS Rotterdam will remain as a shinning example of Dutch Maritime craftsmanship!
Universe Explorer
Universe Explorer is the last U.S. built steamship in operation, making her a true Classic Liner, a ship that has a close bond with the United States of America.
23 June 2004: Universe Explorer is currently moored in the middle of Hong Kong Harbour surrounded by container ships. We have been advised that her stern Hong Kong painted on it, rather than Panama. However, her operator assures us that she will remain Panamanian.
25 June 2004: Having emailed World Explorer Cruises, their automated response contained the following message – “World Explorer Cruises, the operator for education ‘Voyages of Discovery, Learning and Adventure since 1978’ to Alaska and Central America. We are pleased to announce that we have now successfully acquired ss Universe Explorer back to re launch our education cruises starting from the winter of 2004 after the vessel completes her annual survey and upgrading. In addition to Alaska and Central America, we will be adding new itineraries to other destinations.”
We have now been advised that she will receive a refit and works on her boilers in Hong Kong. She is expected to commence cruising in December
Seawise Foundation is the despondent owner of the Universe Explorer and they will operate her until 2009. That is the best news yet!
26 June 2004: Serenade commenced cruising for Louis Cruises today. She will be operating 2 and 3 night cruises to Egypt and Rhodes until 11 October 2004.
The 13,691 GRT Serenade was built in 1956 as the Jean Mermoz.
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