ssMaritime.com & ssMaritime.net

With Reuben Goossens

Maritime Historian

Memories of the JVO

MS Johan van Oldenbarnevelt

Chapter Six

Goodbye JVO

The final voyage of the JVO from Wellington New Zealand - 30 January 1963

Sadly, by mid 1962, due to the fall of passenger numbers and the companies ever increasing cargo interests, it was decided that her services would be terminated. She sailed her final round the world voyage departing Amsterdam Saturday 30 June 1962. Then, on Saturday 29 September, she departed her homeport of Amsterdam for the last time. She arrived in Wellington New Zealand on Friday November 9, 1962. The next day, JVO's master, Captain Klingen presented the ships bell to a local school, the Upper Hutt College signalling the upcoming end of the JVO, before she headed back to Europe to become a Greek Cruise ship. One of the schools pupils sang a song composed for this special occasion, entitled "The JVO Bell." A group of pupils were invited to visit the ship and before leaving, they sang "The JVO Bell" song once more in honour of this fine vessel. Sadly, on the author’s last investigation, the ships bell was removed and has since been lost. Someone in New Zealand must have it. If you its whereabouts, please email the author via the email link at the bottom of the page.

Above: The Bell is Handed over

Many have asked, “Why was the bell given to Wellington and not any other port?” Over the years the JVO had become a Wellington icon and the crew felt very much at home in this beautiful harbour city. Well-known ships band, the Mimmo Bruno Orchestra, even recorded their album here. Wellington had become the ships 2^nd homeport.

Whilst in Wellington, she was contracted to serve as a as means of transport and floating hotel for New Zealanders attending the 7th Commonwealth Games to be held in Perth. She departed Wellington on the 10^th and sailed via Sydney and Melbourne, arriving in Fremanthe Perth on November 21. Astern of the JVO was another Dutch ship, the "Groote Beer."

JVO arrives in Fremantle

Above: JVO in Fremantle for the 1962 7th Commonwealth Games

She departed Fremantle and sailed via Melbourne to Sydney, arriving on December 9. On that day she commenced her final series of four Trans Tasman cruises.

Then on Wednesday, 30 January 1963 came the moment when Johan van Oldenbarnevelt departed Wellington for the last time. It was bright warm, slightly overcast afternoon as thousands lined the shore to watch this fine lady depart. Obviously, the author was among the multitudes taking photographs of this poignant event. A deep sense of emotion swept over the crowd as a dear friend, our JVO, sailed out of sight. She crossed the Tasman packed with past passengers, all having booked to have the privilege of being able to sail on this grand old lady for the very last time as the JVO.

30 January 1963 - the JVO departs Wellington NZ for the last time

Photographs by the author

The author's last photograph of the Johan van Oldenbarnevelt

On her final voyage from Wellington direct to Sydney saw passengers sharing their experiences on JVO with each other. There were many joyful events on board as she crossed the Tasman, but at the same time, many felt a deep sadness inside. The crew did all in their power to make the voyage memorable and according to all accounts, it was! Johan van Oldenbarnevelt arrived in Sydney on Sunday the 3^rd of February 1963 ending her thirty three-year career. As she docked many Sydney-siders had come to witness her arrival. Later that day she was decommissioned by the Netherland Line and departed late in the afternoon with a crew, but without passengers. Like in Wellington, many stood quietly, watching her final departure. All sought the best vantage points along the shores of Sydney Harbour, including Sydney Heads. As she passed Sydney Heads, she headed north to a secret destination. We now know that she sailed via Singapore, Aden, Suez, Port Said, to Genoa, where she arrived on 7March 1963.

The motor ship Johan van Oldenbarnevelt, our JVO, had touched all who sailed on her as well as those that had come to know her by sight as she visited our shores for twelve and a half years.

Chapter 7 - Cruise Ship TSMS Lakonia

JVO Index

Chapters with an * were recently updated

Introduction Remembering the JVO

Chapter 1 The New Pride of the Netherlands

Chapter 2 JVO the Trooper

Chapter 3 A New Service

Chapter 4 New Lease of Life *

Chapter 5 JVO the Cruise Ship *

Chapter 6 Goodbye JVO *

Chapter 7 Cruise Ship TSMS Lakonia

Chapter 8 Lakonia's Final Voyage *This Chapter has 17 new photographs and stories – Dec 2009

Chapter 9 The End is Near

Chapter 10 Conclusion *

Passenger stories

Page One Boelen Family – The night the JVO almost went down

Page Two Laszlo Pal – A Voyage to Canada (online soon)

Page Three William Hamlyn – 1945 Royal Signalman’s voyage home from wartime duties

Who is the Author of ssMaritime?

If you have enjoyed this article, and you feel you might have something of interest to add, be it a story or some photographs, I would appreciate hearing from you.

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This notice covers all pages, although, we have done our best to ensure that all photographs are duly credited and that this notice is displaced on each page, that is, when a page is updated!

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