ssMaritime
With Reuben Goossens
Maritime Historian
When I decided to add a page
to ssMaritime featuring the
Photograph by Mr Albert Cerrachio of
Above is a unique photograph of
Voyage Report
As
my taxi approached the wharf, memories flooded back to the day I first saw the
mighty
A fine view looking aft to her superstructure & bridge
(Photo © Peter
Knego)
Soon,
I was exploring a very different
Having
been given a major refurbishment after her brave Tour of Duty in the
Meridian Lounge and Bar
The
quietly glamorous Meridian Lounge forward on Promenade Deck proudly boasts a
grand piano in the centre of the lounge. Centre forward the famed marble
staircase reached up to the fabulous Crows Nest three decks up on Games deck.
This staircase is the forerunner of the modern atriums found on most modern
cruise ships.
Forward
of the Meridian Lounge is the superbly Century Bar with its fine wood clad
walls. This bar featured two of the best barmen I have encountered in many
years. Both Andrew and Peter quickly came to know passengers by name and they
added to the experience of a great ocean voyage through their friendliness,
humour and superb service.
Ocean Room
The
Ocean Room (ex William Fawcett Lounge) had a feel of quiet
opulence and many hours were spent here enjoying a variety of entertainment.
The Pursers Office and several shops are located between the Meridian Lounge
and the Ocean Room.
Cricketers Tavern
Just
aft on the port side is the ever-popular Cricketers Tavern. This room to my
delight was mostly unchanged from the day she was built, retaining that much
loved feeling. The only obvious change being the lush leather upholstery.
Neptune’s
Nightclub
Aft,
on Promenade Deck, the old Peacock Room had become
One
deck up, aft on B Deck is the Alice Springs Lounge and Bar. Floor to ceiling
windows face out to one of the ships three swimming pools. This room has a
casual atmosphere, whilst providing fine ocean views over the stern. The rest
of this deck is occupied with accommodations.
Cinema
Amidships
is the Cinema, which is unaltered from the day
she was built except for seating having been recovered with new fabrics. The
cinema was also used for lectures and Church services, etc.
Crow’s
Nest
The
most forward Lounge on Games Deck is Crows Nest. This room features sweeping
forward and side windows, affording splendid views of the bow. This room is the
shining crown of SS Canberra. Fittings in this room, as in all public rooms
were superbly maintained, and featured many plants as well as fresh flowers.
Located
between Crow’s Nest and the Bonito Club, is the Stadium Theatre (one
a sports deck) where the ships regular production show are featured. Sadly views were
restricted somewhat from various vantage points due to the posts scattered
around the room.
Bonito Club
Adjoining
the original first class Swimming Pool, is the memorable Bonito Night Club, a
room full of charm featuring that much talked about “sprung dance
floor.” With tables set with white linen tablecloths and fine china,
morning coffee is served daily, both in the Bonito Club and the Ocean Lounge,.
Pool
Amidships
is the multi level decks that surround the original First Class Swimming Pool,
with a Bar located forward Port side. One of the great joys
in the morning, whilst lazing away in the sun a steward in a perfectly white
jacket would come around and offer an ice cream.
Island Room
One
Deck up, on Games deck we find Island Room, which is a favourite with many,
especially early in the morning as tea, coffee and pastries are available before
Breakfast. On the starboard side of the room is a bar. At night, the room turns
into a lively Disco.
With
ample seating both inside and on the adjoining glass enclosed areas, Buffets
are served for both breakfast and lunch, as well as
the occasional lunchtime BBQ’s.
Forward
of the Island Room on the Port side is the Children’s Play Room, which
offered the young ones with a fine cruise experience, whilst meeting many new
friends. Aft is the Lido Pool, overlooking the stern.
Dinning Rooms
Both
the Pacific and the Atlantic Restaurants have retained much of its original look,
with the exception of new soft furnishings and new light fittings. Both
Restaurants are decorative and inviting. Food is always a highlight of any
ocean voyage, and
The Atlantic Restaurant
was originally the Tourist Class dinning room
That’s
Entertainment
Entertainment
on board is vast and has something to please even the fussiest. Here is an
example of a single night’s programme. A Classical performance or a
Cabaret would be featured in the Ocean Lounge, whilst a vibrant production show
such as the “Abba Gold Show” would be presented in the Neptune
Lounge. Those who desired a quieter evening with a drink would head for the
Meridian Lounge and Century Bar were the ships pianist would play the grand
piano. Each evening prior dinner, a pianist would also play pre-dinner music in
Crows Nest. During the World Voyage, entertainers would board in different
ports, ensuring a variety of musicians during the 80-day voyage. During our
voyage a brilliant Harpist boarded, who played soothing tunes. Each evening a
number of bands played in various of lounges,
providing music for all tastes. For those who enjoyed dancing the night away,
headed for the Disco in the Island Room, which offered a great time for all and
no one left disappointed! One of my highlights onboard was the Stadium Theatre
Company's production of shortened production of “Les Miserables,”
which just happens to be my favourite show. it was a pleasure to experience on
the night before arriving home in
A
short note: Having enjoyed a 42 night cruise on Oriana in 2005, and a 19 night
cruise on
Reuben
Goossens (1996)
In Conclusion
on Friday 10th October at 2100hrs, under the command
of Captain Mike Carr SS Canberra slipped away from 38/9 berth and headed for
the Pakistani breakers. On October 28 she anchored off
Thus
the great SS Canberra is now long gone, but, there are countless thousands who
will live with the wonderful memories of days spent on this Grand Dame of P&O. We need to realise
that ship designs change, just like cars, fashions and home designs! Even
though the modern cruise ship, do not have the long sleek elegant lines of
Having
said that, P&O Cruises remains very British and passengers still receive a
cruise experience of a relatively high standard. Since the demise of
Images
below are of
Canberra
Canberra returning from her “Farewell Cruise” in Southampton
General
Specifications
Overall Length … 820’
Beam … 102’
Draught … 32’6”
Gross registered Tonnage … 44,807 tons
Service Speed … 27.5 knots
Propulsion … Turbo-electric
– twin screw
Number of Decks … 9
Passenger capacity … 2,238 total
(556
First class)
(1,716
Tourist class)
1,641
whilst cruising
Crew … 960
800
whilst cruising
Cargo capacity … 150,00cu ft
Go to … Part One: Images
of
Part
Two: Further photographs of venues mentioned in the report above
***************************************************
I trust you have enjoyed reading about this loved
passenger liner. If you have sailed on her I would like to hear from you, and
if you have any photographs I would greatly appreciate some, especially those
of the interiors and out on deck. Email Me!
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By Kosta Specis & Hun-Eng Tan
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PLEASE NOTE: I receive hundreds of
requests for Passenger/Crew Lists and Sailing Schedules. I hereby wish
to advise that I am unable to assist due to time restrains and as most shipping
companies have long gone these lists/schedules are no longer available. I regret to advise that any request for
these will no longer be answered regardless of the circumstances presented!
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