Three Dutch “Victory” Ships

SS Zuiderkruis - SS Groote Beer - SS Waterman

Photo Album

A fine artist impression SS Groote Beer – This was an official postcard

I am sure that here will be many who have sailed on these ships and will be able to look back to their days onboard. I know that they were certainly the most stable ships at sea, and many horror stories have been told over the years. I trust you will enjoy this page, and if you have anything to add, you are more than welcome to email me link on the main page - see bottom of page.

SS Waterman

The Dutch Government purchased these three Victory ships and were placed various services without much alterations. Before their extensive rebuilding in 1951, these three ships were austere to say the least, as the three SS Waterman items reveal. However, after their rebuilding in 195q, they were remarkably improved as the SS Groote Beer Photographs shown down the page prove.

We should understand that all three ships were almost identical as far as their interiors were concerned, and having visited all three of them, I would not have known which ship I was on whilst on board as the lounges and public spaces were identical. Thus, although I may have some of the images under various ships, please take them as being relevant for all three ships. However, please note, these ships did have various refits during their years, thus there were various changes over the years!

The Main Lounge

A corner of the writing room

A corner of the Dinning Room

A typical 6 or 8 Berth Cabin as found on all three ships

SS Zuiderkruis prepares to depart

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SS Groote Beer

The SS Groote Beer seen in Sydney Australia late 1950

From the author’s private collection

SS Groote Beer, as with the other two ships were greatly improved. A good number of lounges and bars were installed and her accommodations saw new cabins and small dormitories built. Externally these ships changed remarkably. One deck was added and the bridge was placed on top, but far forward. Spacious sport and sunbathing decks were added aft. As can be seen below, the lounges, dining room and cabins remained basic. I personally remember my many visits to these ships (I was employed by Dutch Mails in Wellington New Zealand) these ships were well maintained and her public rooms were quite cheerful. Generally passengers tended to be happy with their surroundings and pleased with the service and food onboard. These three ships were simple but offered that distinctive Dutch atmosphere.