Wilde Adventures

ss Rotterdam Cruise: November 3 - November 10, 1984

The Life Boats aboard the ss Rotterdam were far different than those found on current Holland America Line ships. Except for the four tenders, they were open to the elements.

The Life Boat drill on our cruise was held on Sunday, November 4, 1984. The ship's Program for that day describes it as follows:

BOATDRILL AT 10:15 A.M.
At 10:15 a.m. the Captain requests your presence at a Compulsory Boatdrill! A record will be kept of your presence. All passengers with the exception of those with physical disabilities, must use the staircases, not the elevators, to their boat stations.
The green or red arrows will direct you to your lifeboats. It is not advisable to use elevators, since in case of an emergency, they may not be operational. Boat Stations will be found posted in your staterooms.
Bring lifebelts with you, wear warm clothing! According to American Maritime Law, all service on board during boatdrill will be stopped.