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 a two-month journey each way between three diverse continents, from Yokohama (Tokyo) and Kobe, Hong Kong, Jakarta and Singapore onward across the Indian Ocean to Durban and Cape Town, then across the South Atlantic to Rio de Janeiro, Santos, Montevideo and Buenos Aires.

"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."

First class passengers 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 sister-ships Tjiluwah and Tjiwangi maintained a cruise-like line service from Australia to the Orient, much favored by wealthy Australians for a leisurely holiday. Despite their modest size, they sported a swimming pool for each class. In their holds they carried Australian wool to Japan and returned with clothing, textiles and small manufactured goods.

Royal Interocean Lines Interchange Sailing Schedules