Royal Interocean Lines
The Last Ocean Liners
The ships of this Dutch line rarely visited home, but instead operated some of the most exotic, far-ranging ocean liner services in the world. Their three largest liners, Boissevain, Ruys and Tegelberg, sailed two month journeys each way between three diverse continents. From the South American ports of Buenos Aires, Montevideo, Santos and Rio de Janeiro they crossed the South Atlantic to Africa calling at Cape Town, Durban and Mauritius, then continued across the Indian Ocean to the Far East to finally reach Singapore, Hong Kong, Kobe and Yokohama (Tokyo).
First class passengers aboard Boissevain, Ruys and Tegelberg enjoyed artistically designed public rooms, several suites with private verandas, spacious promenade and sports decks and a Lido cafe opening onto a tiled outdoor pool. The hardworking Royal Interocean Lines ocean liners accommodated all manner of travelers from the wealthy to tourists to migrant settlers and workers.
"Following the track of the ancient navigators, these new ships bring the world traveler to historically interesting islands of the Indian Ocean and the 'Golden Land' - South and East Africa."
Meanwhile, the sister ships Tjiluwah and Tjiwangi maintained Royal Interocean Lines' cruise-like line service from Australia to the Far East, much favored by wealthy Australians as a leisurely holiday. Despite their modest size they were two-class ships with all outside cabins.
First class passengers on Tjiluwah and Tjiwangi enjoyed a swimming pool on Boat Deck, social hall, bar and library on A-Deck, all of the 41 staterooms on B-Deck and dining room on C-Deck. Tourist class had a lounge on A-Deck, swimming pool on B-Deck and a bar, dining room and 47 cabins on C-Deck. In their holds they carried Australian wool to Japan and returned with clothing, textiles and small manufactured goods.
Sample minimum one-way fares from Buenos Aires to Cape Town: First class $448; from Cape Town to Yokohama: First class $672; from Buenos Aires to Yokohama: First class $1120; from Melbourne to Yokohama: First class $647; Tourist class $342; All fares are per person in U.S. dollars.
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