DSME operates floating hotel in Oman

A ship built as a Swedish America Line transatlantic liner has become a luxury floating hotel. Now the Veronica Duqm, the ship is owned and operated by DSME (Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering) Oman LLC; operators of Oman Drydock Company (ODC). Originally named the Kungsholm, the vessel was launched in 1965, and was built by John Brown & Company, Clydebank, Scotland.

Unusually for a passenger ship at the time, especially one built as a trans-Atlantic liner, she was fitted with slow-speed two stroke diesel engines. The two Swedish built Götaverken nine cylinder engines had a combined output of 25,200 SHP, delivering a service speed of 21 knots Since then the ship has undergone many name changes and alterations, including one that saw it shorn of its forward stack when in service with P&O Cruises.

As a hotel, Veronica offers over 200 guest rooms in four categories: luxury, deluxe, standard and serviced residences.

Entertainment facilities include sports bar, multi-cuisine restaurants, karaoke rooms, swimming pool, lounges, business center, library, theater, a shopping arcade, hospital, gym, and salon.

Its website says the hotel “will be an ideal destination for ship repair companies because of its entertainment facilities available onboard,” which, says the website, include a beer bar.

February 26,  2012