SS Nieuw Amsterdam is regarded as one of the most beautiful ships to be built. She was launched by HRH Queen Wilhelmina on April 10, 1937 and was completed on March 21, 1938 being one of the most modern, contemporary liners of her day.

A massive operation began removing her war-time fittings, taking around 12 weeks she was then fully refitted, including rewiring and replacing many fittings including all the brass onboard. Some fourteen months later the refit had been completed and she had regained her original beauty. Now at 36,667 GRT, she recommenced her Trans-Atlantic service on October 29, 1947, with a complement of 552 first class, 426 cabin class, 209 tourist class.

In 1957, the companies' livery was updated as seen below, giving their ships a more modern look. Nieuw Amsterdam received a upgrade, which included her being fully air-conditioned. Externally she had her hull painted grey giving her cooler more modern look.