MS NOORDAM* 1938 - 1963 &

MS WESTERDAM** 1946 - 1964

Build 1938*/1946**
10.726 grt*/12.149 grt**
18 knots.
148*/134** First class passengers.
 
The NOORDAM* was the first of 4 similar freight passenger liners,fore the direct service Rotterdam New York.
They where praised fore there service and interiors.
Decorated similar as the 36.000 grt flag ship NIEUW AMSTERDAM. There slower crossings attract mostly older travelers who wanted a more calm relaxing voyage. The NOORDAM became a troopship in WW2 she survived and she sailed till 1963.
 
The WESTERDAM** was still under construction when war came to The Netherlands. During the war work on here slowed down and finally stopped. The unfinished WESTERDAM was scuttled by the Dutch Resistance. Raised and bombed by the RAF sunk and raised again. The Resistance sunk here again and she was raised again by the Germans. Finally Resistance opened here seacocks to prevented the Germans to use here as a blockship in the Nieuwe Waterweg. After the war ended she was finally raised and sent back to here builders. Although similar faith here sister ZUIDERDAM also under construction was declared a total loss. The WESTERDAM was finished, and on June 28 she made here Maiden Voyage to New York and made HAL first Transat post war sailing. She sailed till 1964.

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