The S.S. Prinzessin Victoria Luise was a passenger ship of the Hamburg-America Line of some 4,409 gross register tons (GRT). She is credited with having been the first purpose-built cruise ship. Launched on 29 June 1900, she served with HAPAG until 16 December 1906.
The S.S. Prinzessin Victoria Luise left on her maiden voyage on January 5, 1901 from Hamburg, stopping at Boulogne, Plymouth, and finally reaching New York on January 17.
She departed New York to the West Indies for her first cruise on 26 January. In February she reached the harbor of Curaçao with 200 passengers on board.
The ship was painted all white with two masts, one fore and one aft, and two tall, slim funnels amidships. She had a rounded stern and a richly decorated clipper bow, with bowsprit, ending in a figurehead of the German princess Victoria Luise.
Curaçao was a regular port of call after February 1901 until 16 December 1906, when the ship was accidentally grounded off Jamaica
In Curaçao the passengers would get a specially printed booklet with handy information about the island. Recommended attractions for the visitors were Hato Plantation, where the owner would give guided tours, and a hunting trip to Groot St. Joris. Renting a vehicle was set for $2 per hour. An English speaking guide would cost $5 per day.
The first cruise ships visiting Curaçao moored at the Kleine Werf (Small Wharf) in the St. Annabaai.
Publication: “Olie als Water,” van Soest.
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