by Theodore W. Scull
The STATENDAM of 1957 represented a much enlarged version of the earlier RYNDAM and MAASDAM yet retaining the very large tourist class and a relatively small first class. She would also be the precursor to the ROTTERDAM of 1959.
Completed at Wilton-Fijenoord NV, Schiedam, Netherlands and entered service in January 1957. 24,294 gross tons; length 642 feet; beam 79 feet; draft 26.1 feet. Passengers: 84 First Class and 867 Tourist Class, later all one class. Crew 437. In 1982 renamed RHAPSODY and managed by Paquet Cruises.
The STATENDAM docked at Pier 40 North River in New York, Spring 1974.
STATENDAM passing the Statue of Liberty July 2, 1977.
June 30, 1979 departing for Bermuda.
Another view of the same sailing from Pier 40.
The liner in mid-river enroute to Bermuda.
STATENDAM on May 10, 1980 passing mid-town Manhattan.
November 8, 1980, just prior to her final New York departure
STATENDAM is shown docked at Pier 40 North River.
REGENT STAR
1986 sold to Antonios Lelakis, renamed REGENT STAR for Regency Cruises. Geared turbines replaced by diesel engines. Regency declared bankruptcy in 1995 and ship laid up near Piraeus, Greece, later as SEA HARMONY. Sold for scrap and delivered spring 2004.
A selection of photographs of REGENT STAR taken on July 8, 1990.
REGENT STAR docked at the New York City Passenger Ship Terminal
with NORDIC PRINCE and MERIDIAN.
REGENT STAR loading stores.
Dick Sandstrom and Ted Scull.
REGENT STAR outbound.
Another view of the ship in the North River.
A final view of the former STATENDAM sailing from New York.
The STATENDAM of 1993 Completed at Fincantieri, Italy and entered service in January 1993. 55,451 gross tons; length 719.4 feet; beam 101 feet; draft 24.6 feet; 1,266 passengers double occupancy and 557 crew. She was the first of a new class that includes MAASDAM (Dec 1993), RYNDAM (Nov 1994) and VEENDAM (May 1996). The next few ships that followed were similar but larger. Note the blank forward part of the superstructure below the bridge, behind which is the ship’s show lounge.
The new STATENDAM arriving at New York for the first time on April 16, 1993.
Another view of the new STATENDAM arriving at New York.
The new STATENDAM turning into the New York City Passenger Ship Terminal.
(All phtographs by the author.)