ssMaritime

With Reuben Goossens

Maritime Historian

Memories of the JVO

MS Johan van Oldenbarnevelt

Chapter Five

JVO the Cruise Ship

The author, living in Wellington New Zealand during the early sixties, had been employed with. Russell and Sommers, being the General Sales Agents of the Netherland Line and Royal Rotterdam Lloyd as an office boy. During this time, many happy hours were spent on the JVO, as well as the Oranje and Willem Ruys and many other ships, whenever they were in port. In December 1961, then employed with the Union Steamship Co of New Zealand, as a junior supply officer; I had the opportunity to enjoy a Christmas and New Year Cruise on the JVO. Only New Zealander’s enjoyed both celebrations on this one cruise, as from Australia, the Christmas, and the New Years cruise, were two separate cruises. Those commencing their cruise in New Zealand enjoyed both events on the one cruise.

Flag of the Netherland Line (Dutch mails)

Upon arrival at Queens Wharf on 20 December 1961, the JVO looked in a holiday mood, with flags strung out from bow to stern and a Christmas tree placed high on the forward mast. Being the traditional days of shipping, the band played out on promenade deck, adding to the excitement and festivities. Thousands of colourful streamers linked the ship to those down on the wharf. Then suddenly, three long blasts on the ship whistle, as we departed Wellington commencing two wonderful weeks aboard JVO.

We sailed north to New Zealand’s largest city, Auckland. There, berthed at the next pier, was the Huddart Parker Trans Tasman liner Wanganella. This two-funnelled ship with the traditional black hull looked so old. Yet, this ship was several years younger than the more modern looking JVO. After a delightful day in Auckland, we crossed the Tasman for a day in a very hot Melbourne. Finally to Sydney for my first visit to the big smoke. All were up early to witness the ships arrival into the harbour. The Sydney Opera House was still a concrete building site, but we could see the sails going up. The ship docked at Wooloomooloo. All Kiwis enjoyed the city and most took the lift to the top of Sydney's highest building, AMP building at Circular quay. The author moved to live in Sydney December 1994 for five years.

A very Dutch welcome onboard!

Life on the JVO was full of excitement as many were experiencing their first cruise ever. Some had travelled on ships in the past, mainly as migrants to Australia and New Zealand, but cruising was certainly a new experience. Both the service and cuisine was of much higher standard than most had experienced on their migrant voyages. Meals were a daily highlight with a variety of culinary events. The cruise staff would add delightful touches, like having souvenir flags of the ship printed with the evening’s menu on one side. These were a gift, one for every passenger. Each day presented itself with a new surprise.

Boat Deck Port looking aft

Ocean Bar on Lounge deck – starboard/forward

All nine hundred passengers enjoyed JVO’s many lounges and bars. Especially the Old World grandeur, of the fine timbered Smoking Room, the Writing Room, and the Grand Social Music Room., also called the Statesman Lounge.

For a more casual time, and a drink, there was the bright and modern Ocean Bar located on the forward (glass-enclosed) promenade. This venue proved to be popular day and night.

Smoking Room Forward Lounge deck

Reading and Writing Room forward Port Side

The Statesman Lounge - previously the Music Saloon

Left: The Author receiving his Christmas gift in the Statesman’s Lounge Dec 1961

The Pilsander Lounge left above, and bar further aft right above, originally the second-class main lounge, was also well frequented, being the more casual of the interior lounges on promenade deck.Mid ships on Promenade deck was the Cinemacome third dance venue. The Christmas Eve Ball was held here with passengers receiving a gift. These gifts consisted of Dutch chocolates and a small Delft Blue clog or a wall tile. This room was decorated with all the usual Christmas trinkets including a fully lit Christmas tree.

Each evening, the nightclub, Neptune’s Tavern, on Upper Deck was a huge success. The pianist or band would play for entertainment and dancing. New Years Eve was spent in this club, and together with many revellers, we joyfully ushered in the New Year. On this warm and calm night, the ship stopped just before midnight. Then at the end of the countdown to midnight, the ships' whistles loudly announced to all and sundry that 1962 had arrived.

Neptune’s Tavern with aft Veranda

The popular Mimmo Bruno Orchestra provided music. Mimmo a pianist and vocalist was well supported by his wife Speranza a songster of note, and a trio consisting of bass player, violinist and drummer. Another vocalist and pianist on board completed the musical entertainment. Mimmo Bruno became so popular with Kiwis and Australians they recorded an album at the HMV Studios whilst in Wellington in 1962. It became a top seller on board and throughout New Zealand. The LP cover featured a large colour photograph of the fabulous JVO. The author has retained his copy to this day. Certainly modern ships provide a superior variety of entertainments, but JVO for her day was a happy ship, providing all the usual on board activities, and was enjoyed by all.

Forward Lounge Deck had the option for open air, or glass enclosed deck space. Aft of the Cinema Lounge, decks were open

A pool was placed into the aft Hold. Forward of which was the Soda Fountain

Soda Fountain and aft Decks