Picture History of German and Dutch Passenger Ships

Two of the most active and distinguished ship-building countries of Europe during the 20th century were Germany and Holland, both of whose shipping lines experienced tremendous revivals in the first half of the century. Then, facing massive competition from airlines in the 1960s and '70s, the liners underwent a shift in trade and the modern age of cruising was born. This superbly illustrated volume documents that long line of great ships — from "floating palaces" such as the Imperator (1913) and the Vaterland (1914) to such luxurious cruise ships of the '80s and '90s as the Nieuw Amsterdam, Statendam, Bremen, and the new Deutschland. Here also are impressive photos of the German-built Bismarck, renamed the Majestic by the British after World War I; the Willem Ruys, with first-class quarters that were among the finest on the Dutch-Indonesian route; and the Rotterdam (1959), which brought new standards of luxury and comfort to the Atlantic trade with its 12 passenger decks, air-conditioned accommodations, and shopping arcades. Over 200 rare black-and-white illustrations offer views of ships at sea and in port as well as glimpses of elegant lounges, cocktail bars, staterooms, and dining rooms. Extensive captions provide data on tonnage, size, speed, and other characteristics. Sure to appeal to maritime historians and ship lovers, this comprehensive pictorial record will also thrill anyone captivated by sea travel.