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With Reuben Goossens

Maritime Historian, Cruise‘n’Ship Reviewer, Author & Lecturer

Site Index

Located below the Introduction

You will note, that my extensive feature on the “worlds oldest motor passenger ship” the MV Doulos, ex MS Franca C, SS Roma, SS Medina built in 1914 is now located on my new site, www.ssmaritime.net. She was officially handed over to her new owners in Singapore on March 18, 2010 and has been renamed “Doulos Phos.”

Also visit: OTHER MARITIME & CRUISE LINKS and our MARITIME ART pages – Then the “SAVE THE CLASSIC LINERS CAMPAIGN”

Many new ships have been added in recent times, thus I trust that you will enjoy the many maritime riches that are to be found on ssMaritime.com, and that you will return frequently! However, I as I have now retired and will not be adding anything new! I have now covered a grand total of over 500 liners, be they the great Trans Atlantic liners, to the humble converted C3 class converted migrant liners, or Passenger Cargo liner, they all have a place in history. All these ships are from many countries, Britain, the Netherlands, France, USA, Germany, Scandinavia, Greece, Italy, Portugal, Australia and New Zealand as well as from other lands! I trust that you will enjoy reading the countless pages that are online!

Best wishes.

Reuben Goossens.

Site Index

Please Note: In a number of cases a ship may well have had various names during its lifetime and I may have, or in some cases not have placed all these names on this index. Although I am constantly attempting to correct this, but sadly due to restrictions and because to the extensive list of ships I have covered, let alone my other maritime and cruise sites, I may have missed a few. Thus, should you happen to note a ship that has a missing link due to having another name and it is not listed, it may well be under its original name as built or under its most famous name, which may not be the one as built.

Reuben Goossens

Two special Links of interest!

SOLAS 2010 … Safety Of Life At Sea - Many have enquired regarding the new regulations that come in force in 2008 / 2010, will mean the decline of so many fine classic ships that are still with us today. This page contains the details of some of the new regulations but obviously not everything.

BLUE RIBAND … A complete listing of all Blue Riband record holders, Commencing with the 1937 built steel hulled steamship SS Sirus in 1938, to the great SS United States achieved her great feat in July 1952 and she is still afloat today and has recently been obtained by the SS United States Conservancy. Also visit our Save The Classic Liners Campaign page for all the Big U’s details and campaign and how you can join!

QE2 Hotel … NEW – February 2013: The ex Grand Dame of the Sea, Cunard’s MS Queen Elizabeth 2 – QE2 has been laid up in Dubai since November 26, 2008, however, now she has a new and a bright future elsewhere! This new page has the full details as of this date and will be continuously be updated. There are a good selection of photographs, as well as those of the new QE2 floating hotel as she will be when she opens in, it is said in January 2014.

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Ships on this INDEX are listed in alphabetical order

Please some ships operated under various names, many are listed, but some may not be, thus check!

MV Achille Lauro … Built as the Royal Rotterdam Lloyd Liner Willem Ruys that became the much loved but ill-fated Flotta Lauro’s Achille Lauro

MV Africa ... One of a series of Lloyd Triestino yacht like liners. She and her sister Europa operated the Italy / Africa service from 1952 to 1976.

MV Akdeniz … This is the very last classic Turkish passenger liner afloat and still in use, but as an University accommodation ship and conference centre. Read her amazing history as well of that of her sister and similar, but smaller ships built around the same time in the mid 1950’s. Also ready about another Turkish vessel built in Italy in 1952 and she also will soon be in need of saving - MS Pasabahce.

SS Alferdoss … This feature covers this remarkable ship in all her guises, but most notably her days as the SS America and SS Australis

MS Aleksandr Pushkin … NEW - She was the second of the five Soviet Ivan Franco or “Poet” Class liners to be built and they were the most remarkable ships indeed, sailing the Atlantic for a while, but ended cruising for most of their days with CTC Lines.

SS America … This feature covers this remarkable ship in all her guises, but most notably her days as the SS America and SS Australis

SS American Star … This feature covers this remarkable ship in all her guises, but most notably her days as the SS America and SS Australis

MS Ancerville ... This revolutionary designed ship was launched by the French president Mr. Charles de Gaulle, who even used her as his private yacht. She operated between France and West Africa, as well as cruise duties. Later she was sold to become the popular Chinese cruise ship MS Minghua, and she was based in Australia for a number of years, today she is a popular land locked hotel in China.

MS Angelina Lauro MS Oranje was the last Netherland Line liner to be built. She was sold, together with the Willem Ruys, to Achille Lauro Lines. She was rebuilt and renamed Angelina Lauro

MS Anking … One of two 1950 built China Navigation Company’s 6,000 GRT passenger/cargo liners that had a varied career, be it on the Australian, Asia or pilgrim services. Her sister MS Anshun is listed below.

MV Anselm … Built as the Belgium passenger cargo liner Baudouinville, which was sold to Booth Line to become the Anselm, she was transferred to Blue Star Line to became the Iberia Star. However, within two years she became the popular MV Australasia sailing Downunder between Fremantle Western Australia and Singapore between 1965 and 1972.

MS Anshun … One of two 1950 built China Navigation Company’s 6,000 GRT passenger/cargo liners that had a varied career, be it on the Australian, Asia or pilgrim services. Her sister MS Anking is listed above.

SS Argentina … The Moore-McCormack liner and sister to the SS Brasil. She had a varied career, including time as a Holland America cruise ship the Veendam.

SS Argentina Star … One of the last four Blue Star Combination-Passenger Liners

SS Artza … Zim Israel Navigation’s fourth liner

MS Atalante … Built as the French liner Tahitian, she cruised until November 1, 2004 and was laid up and is currently laid up and for sale

SS Athenic I … One of three fine White Star / Shaw Savill liners built in 1902/03

SS Athenic … The second of the Shaw Savill & Albion Passengers-Cargo Liners

SS Atlantic … Built as Matson Lines Malolo, later renamed Matsonia and sold to Home Lines who renamed her Atlantic and later Queen Frederica before being sold to Chandris Lines

SS Atlantic … Built as the 9,214 GRT C4 type cargo ship SS Badger Mariner to be rebuilt as the Atlantic for American Banner Lines, later operating for American Export Lines. In due course she became the SS Universe Campus then SS Universe. This is her story. This ship is not to be confused with the ship above.

SS Atlantis … Atlantis was built in 1944 as a P2 “General” class transport named, USS General W.P. Richardson. In 1956, the famed American President Lines President Roosevelt after she had a massive US$ 10 million reconstruction in Seattle. Thereafter she had a varied career as a liner and a cruise ship and ended her days as the Ocean Explorer I.

MS Augustus … Launched in November 1950, she was the second of two distinctive liners to be built for Italia Lines who needed to rebuild their fleet after losing a number of ships during WWII. Her sister Giulio Cesare preceded her by six months. This feature has been completely rewritten in October 2011, due to the Augustus having been sold to Indian breakers in September 2011. There are new pages and many new photographs!

MS Aurelia … Built as a passenger freighter, Huascaran, she was rebuilt to became a popular migrant and later a Chandris cruise ship

SS Ausonia … One of the few ships to have had a number of owners yet having retained her original name until 2005 when it was changed to “Ivory.” Then in 2006 sailing for Golden Sun Cruises out of Piraeus she was renamed “Aegean two” and continues to cruise the Mediterranean/Adriatica as she has done since the day she was been built 50 years ago.

MS Australia … NEW - The Australia was the first of the three fine Lloyd Triestino Passenger Cargo liners, which were the very first new built for the company after WWII. As History proved, these three ships enjoyed great success for a decade. This feature covers all three ships history, as well as their refit and partial rebuild in 1958. Then came a big change of direction for them in 1963 until the end of their days in 1977. There is a separate page containing an original 1951 cabin plan, as well as sections of plans that are relevant to the 1958 changes.

MV Australasia … Built as the Belgium passenger cargo liner Baudouinville, which was sold and transferred with name changes a number of times. She became a popular liner Downunder sailing between Fremantle Western Australia and Singapore between 1965 and 1972.

SS Australis … This feature covers this remarkable ship in all her guises, but most notably her days as the SS America and SS Australis

TSS Awatea … This is the story of New Zealand’s, and what would become the greatest and finest ever Trans-Tasman Express Liners ever to be built The Union Steam Ship Company TSS Awatea! She was a super fast ship and a record breaker between the UK and New Zealand and across the Tasman Sea, as well as being a superbly designed ship externally and internally she was befitting more as a luxury Trans Atlantic liner. This was the ultimate ship indeed! However, she would only operate a short few years in commercial service as World War II would bring a tragic end to this supremely beautiful liner, which will never be forgotten by countless Australian’s, New Zealander’s, Canadian’s and soldiers from many parts of the world!

SS Azure Seas … Built as the Shaw Savill Liner SS Southern Cross she revolutionised ship design forever! Follow her history, from a Shaw Savill Albion Liner to her three incarnations as a Cruise Ship, SS Calypso, Azure Seas and OceanBreeze. This is a 20-page feature, containing almost one hundred photographs

MV Baragoola … I am well aware that the MV Baragoola may not fit my criteria as a “classic liner”, however, I believe with all my heart that this superb historic 1922 built vessel, which I have supported online for quite some time needs to be restored and retained for the future! Also visit “Save The Classic Liners Campaign” page.

MV Baudouinville … Built in Belgium in 1950 as a passenger cargo liner and later became a Booth Line ship, then transferred to Blue Star Line and ended her days as the popular MV Australasia.

SS Big Red Boat II … Once one of the great Linea C Italian Liners. She was sold to become SS Big Red Boat II. She was renamed Big Red for her final voyage to Alang

RMS Bloemfontein Castle … Built in 1950 for the Union Castle Line, she was the first one class liner for the company. She was sold to become the Chandris Liner RHMS Patris.

SS Bore/Borea … The fine small two funnelled ship, the SS Bore was built in 1960 and became famed for being the very last steam passenger ship to be built in Scandinavia. Today she sails on as the gleaming white cruise ship the MS Kristina Regina.

SS Brasil … The 1958 liner built for the Moore-McCormack SS Brasil, one of the last ever American steamships to be built. She went on to sail under many owners and concluded her days as the much loved Universe Explorer and ended her career in 2004 whe she was broken up in India.

SS Brasil Star … One of the last four Blue Star Combination-Passenger Liners

RHMS Britanis … Built as the Matson Line SS Monterey in 1931, then renamed Matsonia, then Lurline, finally purchased and rebuilt by Chandris for their round the World service to New Zealand and Australia as the RHMS Britanis. She had a long and fruitful life of 69 long years, and she ended her career 50 miles off the coast from Cape Town named Belofin-1 registered in Panama.

RMS Britannic … NEW … From the three great White Star Line Olympic Class Liners built, it was only the RMS Olympic that ended up to have a long and a successful life, even having serving as a trooper during WWI. Yet, she and the Britannic tend to be the forgotten ships, which is due to the great tragedy that sadly befell the Titanic on April 14, 1912 that overshadowed both these two liners. However, sadly the HMHS Britannic never served as a passenger liner, only as a hospital ship during the war and she sadly became a casualty of war within a year. This feature contains some excellent images that reveals a great deal about the great RMS Olympic, from her conception, the maiden voyage as a hospital ship in 1915, to her final voyage less than a year later.

TSMV Bulolo … A fine Burns Philp all first class passenger cargo liner trading between Australia and Papua New Guinea. This ship had a remarkable World War II record and prior to D-Day, HRH King George VI stood on her Bridge and took the salute from the passing invasion ships.

SS Calypso … Built as the Shaw Savill Liner SS Southern Cross she revolutionised ship design forever! Follow her history, from a Shaw Savill Albion Liner to her three incarnations as a Cruise Ship, SS Calypso, Azure Seas and OceanBreeze. This is a 20-page feature, containing almost one hundred photographs.

SS Canada Star … The ship with many names, such as, SS Universe Explorer, Enchanted Seas, Queen of Bermuda, Island Sun, Liberte, Volendam, Monarch Sun, Volendam, built as the Moore-McCormack liner SS Brasil.

SS Canberra … 1997 Voyage Report - Looking back at P&O’s one of the author’s favourites, known as the “Great White Whale”

MV Cape Don … I am well aware that this ship may not fit the criteria as a “classic liner”, however, I believe with all my heart that this superb small ship is a unique all Australian ship that should and must be retained at all costs! Also visit “Save The Classic Liners Campaign” page.

MS Cap San Diego … This ship was the very last of a series of six super luxury Hamburg Sud passenger cargo ships. She was constructed and completed in 1961 by the Deutsche Werft AG in Hamburg for the German company Hamburg South America Line and operated for just over 20 years on the Germany – South America service. Whilst all her sisters have now long gone, she remains with us to this day; this feature will reveal her amazing story in detail! Also online are the other - Five “Cap San” White Swan Sisters.

RMS Carinthia … The third of Cunard’s “Saxonia Class Liners” – RMS Saxonia, Ivernia, Carinthia and Sylvania

SS Caronia & Olympic … These two notable liners are on another site operated by Brian Hawley. It features a fine history of both ships, combined with many excellent images

SS Caronia Time-Line … Charting the Career of Cunard’s “Green Goddess” - RMS Caronia. This item is also located on another site

SS Castle Bianco … Three of the early Sitmar migrant ships

TV Castle Felice … Sitmar Line

SS Castle Verde … Sitmar Line

MS Centaur … This fine combination operated the popular Blue Funnel Line Fremantle to Singapore service from 1964 to 1982.

SS Ceramic … The third of the Shaw Savill & Albion Passengers-Cargo Liners

MS Changsha … The first of two first class passenger-cargo liners operating between Australia, Hong Kong and Japan from the early 1950’s. Both had an interesting career and were greatly loved ships with a massive following. Their unique and quaint style and exterior traditional design was much loved by ship lovers, and still is to this day!

MS City of Andros ... See MS San Giorgio or Royal Star

MS City of Exeter … Ellerman Lines Cargo-Passenger Liner

MS City of York … Ellerman Lines Cargo-Passenger Liner

SS Corsair IV This is one of the more unusual ships on ssmaritime.com, a ship that was built as a private super luxury yacht that also served for the US Navy in WW1 and then became the world’s first super luxurious all first class cruise ship. This is not a story of a liner, but a remarkable and a very different ship!

SS Constitution … One of two great liners built for the American Export Lines, sailing from the USA to Italy. Later they became much loved cruise ships, sailing under American Hawaii Cruises.

SS Corinthic I … One of three first White Star / Shaw Savill liners built in 1902/03

SS Corinthic … The first of the Corinthic Class series for Shaw Savill & Albion Line

MS Dalmacija … Two delightful Yugoslavian ships, the MS Dalmacija and her sister the Istra were built in 1965 for Jadrolinija Cruises. The Dalmacija continued cruising until 1997 for Adriatic Cruises which went broke in 2009, when she was sold to the breakers.

SS Del Mar … Three luxuriously appointed American passenger cargo ships, which introduced a brand new fashion in maritime design. They had tall twin smoke uptakes placed just behind their huge squat style dummy funnel. They operated for twenty five years for Delta Line on the South America service.

SS Del Norte … As per SS Del Mar.

SS Del Sud … As per SS Del Mar.

MS Devonshire … She was the last of a quartet of troop and education cruise ships, to be built between 1936 to 1938 and she was operated by the Bibby Line. Later she was sold to British India Line and was renamed Devonia.

SS Diemerdyk … The first or two fine Holland America Trans-Atlantic passenger Cargo liners.

MS Dilwara … British India’s MS Dilwara was the first of a quartet of troop, and education cruise ships, to be built between 1936 to 1938. Eventually she was sold to become the popular MS Kuala Lumpur, both a first class cruise ship and a part time Pilgrim liner from Malaysia.

SS Dinteldyk … The second of the Holland America Trans-Atlantic passenger Cargo liners.

MS City of Durban … The following three ships are part of the famous Ellerman Lines Cargo-Passenger Liners

QSMV Dominion Monarch … This gracious Shaw Savill Liner that is the largest Liner of its kind ever to be built

SS Doric … The Homes Lines SS Doric was built as Zim Lines largest ever liner SS Shalom and she was sold to the German Atlantic Line late in 1967 to become the SS Hanseatic. In 1973 she was sold again to Home lines to become the much loved SS Doric. However, she was sold in 1981 to become the Royal Odyssey with Royal Cruise Line. Just seven years later she was purchased by Regency Cruises and she was renamed once more to become the Regent Sun.

MV Doulos … MV Doulos the world’s most remarkable passenger ship, which was built 94 ago (1914), yet she continues in full time active duties sailing the world. Please Note: This feature is now located on my NEW site ssmaritime.net. A link on the bottom of the page will bring you back to this index.

TSS Dover … The Dover was the very last British Rail steamship passenger/car ferry to be built and she has had a good and long life and is currently awaiting restoration in the UK, which ssMaritime fully supports!

MS Dunera … She was the second of a quartet of troop and education cruise ships, to be built between 1936 to 1938.

MS Dunnottar Castle … Built in 1936 for Union Castle Line’s Dunnottar Castle. This graceful liner has a remarkable history. After her Union Castle days, she was rebuilt to become a magnificent luxury cruise ship MS Victoria for Incres Lines. Later the Chandris The Victoria, and finally Louis Cruises Princessa Victoria. She was broken up as Victoria I, having had 68 successful years of service

MS Eastern Queen … The first of two ships ordered by Cie de Nav Fraissinet et Cyprien Fabre, Marseilles, sailing from Marseilles to the Congo, later transferred to Nouvelle Cie de Paquebots and eventually sold to the Philippine President Lines to become the President. Later she was named Eastern Queen serving between Fremantle Australia and Indonesia and Singapore and completed her days in Bangladesh as a passenger ship, troop ship, and finally a stationary military barracks. She was a fine ship with an interesting thirty three year history

SS Ellinis … ex Matson Line Lurline, became a Chandris Lines favourite

SS Emerald … An American built luxury liner for Grace Lines, named SS Santa Rosa in 1958. She offered all first class accommodations for the privileged few and operated between New York and South America as well as the Caribbean. Sold in and rebuilt in 1990/91 she was transformed into a new style of ship that looked nothing like her old self, but a new modern cruise ship, first named the Regent Rainbow then The Emerald until laid up due to SOLAS 2010. This is her and her sisters, Santa Paula’s story and is most interesting reading! There is a special Photo Page also containing a Cabin Plan of the Emerald online.

SS Emerald Seas … Emerald Seas was built in 1944 as a P2 “General” class transport named, USS General W.P. Richardson. In 1956, the famed American President Lines President Roosevelt after she had a massive US$ 10 million reconstruction in Seattle. Thereafter she had a varied career as a liner and a cruise ship and ended her days as the Ocean Explorer I.

TSMV Empress of Australia … This revolutionary Australian built ship was at one time she was the largest ship of her kind in the world. Eventually she was rebuilt into a luxury cruise ship but had an unhappy demise.

RMS Empress of Britain … This fine Canadian Pacific Liner and an elegant Survivor from the Fifties … by Barry Evetts. She sailed on for many years as the Topaz, but was eventually broken up.

RMS Empress of Canada … The last Canadian Pacific Liner that was sold to become Carnival’s first cruise ship the SS Mardi Gras, later to become the Apollo & Apollon.

RMS Empress of England … This Canadian Pacific Liner was built between the two ships above she served with the company from 1957 to 1970 and was sold to Shaw Savil who required a cruise ship. See SS Ocean Monarch!

SS Enchanted Seas … The ship with many names such as, SS Universe Explorer, Queen of Bermuda, Canada Star, Island Sun, Liberte, Volendam, Monarch Sun, Volendam, built as the Moore-McCormack liner SS Brasil.

MS Eros … Built in 1964 she was the second of the trio of Greek Island cruising car ferries. Later she became the famed MTS Jason of the Sun Lines, which together with Epirotiki Lines eventually merged to become Royal Olympic Cruises. She was then named Ocean Odyssey, but broken up in 2010.

MS Ettrick … She was the third of a quartet of troop, education and cruise ships, to be built between 1936 to 1938. She served for P&O Lines, but sadly she did have a tragic end during World War II.

SS Eugenio C … She was once one of the great Linea C Italian Liners. She was sold to become SS Big Red Boat II. She was renamed Big Red for her final voyage to Alang

MV Europa ... One of a series of Lloyd Triestino yacht like liners. She and her sister Africa operated the Italy / Africa service from 1952 to 1976.

TSS Fair Princess … This feature covers all four of the “Saxonia Class Liners.” But highlights the ex Sitmar/Princess Cruises/P&O, Fair Princess. Also see her Photo Album. Fair Princess was sold in 2001 to become TSS China Sea Discovery an Asian casino cruise ship a venture that failed miserably, she was laid-up in Taiwan until 2005 when sold for breaking up.. There is a remarkable story relating to her final days, including a strange incident, as told by the ships captain

TSS Fairstar … The Bibby Line Troopship TSS Oxfordshire, became the popular Sitmar liner TSS Fairstar. Fairstar was to be the last ship to serve as a migrant liner on the Australia New Zealand run, after which she became a popular cruise ship, for Sitmar and later P&O. This features covers both the Oxfordshire and Fairstar

MS Fairsea (I) … Another of the early sitmar ships

SS Fairsky (I) … Fairsky was the second last Sitmar migrant Liner, Fairstar being the last

TSS Fedor Shalyapin … One of the four Saxonia Class Liners. She was built as the Ivernia, and was later renamed Franconia. Later she became a popular Russian (FESCO) Cruise Ship.

MS Flaminia … An early Cogedar Migrant ship

SS Flavia … The Cunard Liner that received the most remarkable rebuild in maritime history

MS Franca C ... The luxury Italian cruise ship MS Franca C was originally built in 1914 in the USA as a steam ship and a freighter the SS Medina. Later converted as a basic migrant ship SS Roma, which also made a single voyage to Australia, although be it a disastrous one for her then owners. However, she continues in full time active duties sailing the world as the Christian Bookship MV Doulos. Please Note: This feature is now located on my NEW site ssmaritime.net. A link on the bottom of the page will bring you back to this index.

SS France … The great SS France/Norway, currently named Blue Lady has had a long and good career. Her future has been decided by the Indian courts and she is being broken up. Enter our now finalised “Save the SS France-Norway Campaign” page and read details of how NCL have been fined well over US$14 million for negligence of maintenance and operation of the ships boilers and thus causing the deaths and injury of their crew on SS Norway on that fateful day of the explosion. The ship could be a great Hotel today, but this rotten company, then owned by the Malaysian/Chinese Casino Genting come Star Cruises, ensured that she would be broken up and they did everything in their power that she left port having said that she would be repaired where she was going and that she would be used, when the truth was, and we have the documents, that she was bound for scrap at all times! NCL / NCL America can not be trusted, They promised to save the SS Independence and the SS United States IF the US Government gave NCL an American flagged cruise company. They have it and they built a fleet of GERMAN ships. SS Independence has been sold to an Indian and could well be scrapped. SS United States lay’s rotting away in Philadelphia, and NCL is loosing clientele, crew morale and thus money faster that water flows over a waterfall!

Also visit: SS Norway Timeline – MAY 2003 to May 2008.

SS Francis Drake … An all first class passenger/cargo liner that operated 63 day voyages between Australia and Japan.

SS/MS Funchal ... This fine 1961 built Portuguese passenger liner was rebuilt as a superb cruise ship and she remains in much of her original form and continues to sail the world. On ssMaritime you will find that there are a good number of other excellent Portuguese liners featured such as the sisters ships Santa Maria and Vera Cruz and the largest and most glamorous Portuguese liner ever the TS Infante Dom Henrique and the delightful TS Principe Perfeito, which is also featured on the Infante page. Check the index! Please Note: The Funchal feature was completely updated on May 17, 2011, with additional copy and photographs.

SS Galilah … Zim Israel Navigation’s third liner

SS Galileo … One of the two Lloyd Triestino Passenger Liners, which were the last to be built for the company

MS General Mangin … The first of two ships ordered by Cie de Nav Fraissinet et Cyprien Fabre, Marseilles, sailing from Marseilles to the Congo, later transferred to Nouvelle Cie de Paquebots and eventually sold to the Philippine President Lines to become the President. Later she was named Eastern Queen serving between Fremantle Australia and Indonesia and Singapore and completed her days in Bangladesh as a passenger ship, troop ship, and finally a stationary military barracks. She was a fine ship with an interesting thirty three year history!

SS George Anson … An all first class passenger/cargo liner that operated 63 day voyages between Australia and Japan.

MS Giulio Cesare … Launched in May 1950, she was the first of two Italia Lines liners to be built to build after WWII. Her sister Augustus followed six months later. The link shown starts with the MS Augustus, but these pages have been completely rewritten with many new photos. This is a direct link to MS Giulio Cesare.

SS Gothic … The last (forth) of the Shaw Savill & Albion Passengers-Cargo Liners – Royal Yacht in 1952/53

SS Groote Beer … One of three US Victory freighters converted by the Dutch Government as troopers then rebuilt them as emigrant ships, operating to North America, Australia and New Zealand

TN Hamburg … TS Hamburg was a ship that had one of the most unusual funnels ever seen on any ship! It sort of looked like if there was a flying saucer hovering just over top of it, and that (as well as her spacious interiors) why she was called “The Space Ship.”

SS Hanseatic … The SS Hanseatic was built as Zim Lines largest ever liner SS Shalom. She was sold to the German Atlantic Line late in 1967 to become the SS Hanseatic. In 1973 she became the Home SS Doric but was sold in 1981 to be renamed Royal Odyssey with Royal Cruise Line. Just seven years later she was purchased by Regency Cruises and she was renamed once more to become the Regent Sun.

MV Hikawa Maru … Completed in 1930, Hikawa Muru is the last of the Japanese NYK Lines trans-Pacific liners. She is permanently berthed at Yokohama as a tourist attraction. Read her story.

MS Hizbul Bahr … The first of two ships ordered by Cie de Nav Fraissinet et Cyprien Fabre, Marseilles, sailing from Marseilles to the Congo, later transferred to Nouvelle Cie de Paquebots and eventually sold to the Philippine President Lines to become the President. Later she was named Eastern Queen serving between Fremantle Australia and Indonesia and Singapore and completed her days in Bangladesh as a passenger ship the Hizbul Bahr, troop ship, and finally a stationary military barracks named the Shaheed Salahuddin. She was a fine ship with an interesting thirty three year history!

SS Homeric (2) She was built as the SS Mariposa, the first of a trio of Matson liners known as the “White Fleet.” She was Launched in 1931, and delivered in 1932. She was a successful ship indeed as well as being the fastest ship on the Pacific! She was sold to become the Home Lines Homeric (2) in 1954 and was completely rebuilt in Trieste Italy into a luxurious liner and cruise ship. Americans adored her and she sailed as the Darling of the United States until 1973!

SS Hubert … Built for Booth Line as the passenger cargo liner Hubert for the Lisbon Amazon service. She was charted to an inhouse company and operated by Austasia Line between Australia and Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia named SS Malaysia.

SS Iberia … The forth new built ship after WWII, first Himalaya, second Chusan, third, Arcadia and fourth the Iberia. She was also known as the much troubled ship having had accidents and engine troubles, but, yet she was greatly loved by her passengers, including the author!

MV Iberia Star … Built as the Belgium passenger cargo liner Baudouinville, which was sold to Booth Line and transferred to Blue Star Line to became the Iberia Star. However, within two years she became the popular MV Australasia sailing Downunder between Fremantle Western Australia and Singapore between 1965 and 1972.

SS Independence … One of two great liners built for the American Export Lines, sailing from the USA to Italy. Later they became much loved cruise ships, sailing under American Hawaii Cruises. She is now lost.

TS Infante Dom Henrique … TS Infante Dom Henrique was Portugal’s largest liner and certainly the biggest of her type to be built. She was ordered by Cia Colonial, Lisbon in December 1957 and was built in Belgium. Follow the career of this superb ultra modern liner of her day, for sadly not that many remember the great days of the Portuguese passenger fleet and the fine ships they had including thye superb 19,393-ton TS Principe Perfeito. On this site there are a good number of other Portuguese liners featured such as the sisters ships Santa Maria and Vera Cruz and the delightful SS, now the MV Funchal (still sailing in 2011), just to mention a few. Check the index!

SS Ionic II … One of three fine White Star / Shaw Savill liners built in 1902/03

SS Island Sun … The ship with many names, such as, SS Universe Explorer, Enchanted Seas, Queen of Bermuda, Canada Star, Liberte, Volendam, Monarch Sun, Volendam, built as the Moore-McCormack liner SS Brasil.

SS Israel … A Zim Israel Navigation liner.

MS Istra … Two delightful Yugoslavian ships, MS Istra and her sister the Dalmacija were built in 1965 for Jadrolinija Cruises. The Istra continued cruising until 1993, then under other names including her current name since 2000 the MV Arion for Classic International Cruises.

MS Italia ... This is the complete story of a delightful ultramodern looking ship completed in August 1967, the 12,219-Ton MS Italia, a ship with a long and a good life. She had a number of names, such as the Ocean Princess, Sea Prince, Princesa Oceanica, Sapphire and finally the Aspire.

MS Ivan Franco … NEW - This superb ship was the very first of the five Soviet Ivan Franco or “Poet” Class liners to be built and they were the most remarkable ships indeed. She sailed the Atlantic for a while, but ended cruising for most of their days with CTC Lines.

MS Jagersfontein … One of the Holland Africa Combination-Passenger Liner

MTS Jason … Built as the MTS Eros in 1964 she was the second of the trio of Greek Island cruising car ferries. Later she became the much loved Jason of the Sun Lines, which together with Epirotiki Lines eventually merged to become Royal Olympic Cruises. She was then named Ocean Odyssey and operated in her latter years in the Indian Ocean, but was finally broken up in 2010.

MV Jean Mermoz ... The 1957 built Jean Mermoz had an interesting career as a liner until she commenced full time cruise duties in 1970 as the Mermoz and later the Louis Cruises MV Serenade

SS Jerusalem 1 … Zim Israel Navigation’s first Trans Atlantic liner

SS Jerusalem (2) … Zim Israel Navigation’s first passenger liner

MS Johan van Oldenbarnevelt … A fine Dutch Ship that had what we may call the impossible name. Netherland Lines Johan van Oldenbarnevelt became lovingly known as “JVO.” Sold to become a Greek cruise ship the Lakonia

RMS Kaisar I Hind … The Kaisar I Hind – a P&O liner that was built in 1914 especially for the London to India service.

TSMV Kanimbla … Australia’s largest and finest coastal liner and became famed for a notable Naval career between 1939 and 1949 having been in some amazing invasions and situations, but came out unscathed. Returned to coastal duties but was sold to become the cruise ship Oriental Queen in 1961.

SS Kedma … Zim Israel Navigation’s first passenger liner.

MS Klipfontein … A Sister of the MS Jagersfontein & Oranjefontein.

MV Kota Singapura & Bali … The ex Royal Interocean Lines MV Tjiwangi was sold to a Singaporean Company in January 1972. She operated cruises from Fremantle to Asia. Her identical sister MV Tjiluwah joined her later in the year and she was renamed MV Kota Bali.

MS Kristina Regina … The fine small two funnelled built as the SS Bore in 1960 became famed for being the very last steamship to be built in Scandinavia. Today she sails on as a fine and gleaming white cruise ship sailing many exotic ports.

MS Kuala Lumpur … The China Navigation Co first class cruise ship and Pilgrim ship, the MS Kuala Lumpur, which was built as the British India Lines MS Dilwara. She is a much loved ship and has a long and a respectable history!

MS Kungsholm III … The 1952 built Swedish-America liner and much loved cruise ship. Later she became the Norddeutscher/Hapag-Lloyd to become the famed Europa. After 25 successful years she was sold to become Costa’s ill-fated Columbus C.

MS Kungsholm IV … The last Swedish-America Line ship built in 1966, sold to become the P&O/Princess Sea Princess, Victoria, later the Mona Lisa, Oceanic II, and 2010 as the Mona Lisa again. She is now in danger of being broken up unless she is saved from doom!

SS La Gaurdia … La Gaurdia was built in 1944 as a P2 “General” class transport named, USS General W.P. Richardson. In 1956, the famed American President Lines President Roosevelt after she had a massive US$ 10 million reconstruction in Seattle. Thereafter she had a varied career as a liner and a cruise ship and ended her days as the Ocean Explorer I.

MS Lakonia … Built as the great and popular Dutch liner MS Johan van Oldenbarnevelt she was sold to become the Greek Line cruise ship the Lakonia, which suffered a tragic end.

SS Leilani … Lailani was built in 1944 as a P2 “General” class transport named, USS General W.P. Richardson. In 1956, the famed American President Lines President Roosevelt after she had a massive US$ 10 million reconstruction in Seattle. Thereafter she had a varied career as a liner and a cruise ship and ended her days as the Ocean Explorer I.

SS Liberte … The ship with many names, such as, SS Universe Explorer, Enchanted Seas, Queen of Bermuda, Canada Star, Island Sun, Volendam, Monarch Sun, Volendam, built as the Moore-McCormack liner SS Brasil.

RMS Llanstephan Castle … Union Castle Mail Steamship Company built two new liners in 1914. Llanstephan served in both WW1 & WW2, and operated the round Africa route during her commercial service

RMS Llandovery Castle … Llandovery came to an infamous and tragic end in WW1.

SS Lurline ... This fine Matson Liner that sailed to and from the USA to New Zealand and Australia and later the Hawaii service was eventually sold to become a Chandris Lines favourite - the RHMS Ellinis.

SS Lurline-2 … Built as Matson’s SS Monterey in 1931, but she was later renamed Matsonia (not the Malolo), then after the Lurline was sold to become the Greek Ellinis she was renamed Lurline. Finally she was purchased and rebuilt by Chandris for their round the World service to New Zealand and Australia as the RHMS Britanis. She had a long and fruitful life of 69 long years, and she ended her career 50 miles off the coast from Cape Town named Belofin-1 registered in Panama.

TSS Maasdam … One of Holland America’s famed “Economy Twins.” Sold in 1968 to become the Polish Liner Stefan Batory.

MV Madagascar ... Built as a German ferry she was rebuilt in 1966 as Sun Lines small luxury cruise ship Stella Maris. Later she became MV Viking Bordeaux and MV Madagascar. She was broken up in 2008.

SS Maheno … This triple screw Union Steam Ship Company of New Zealand liners built in 1905 sailed a total of 35 years and served both the Trans Tasman and Trans Pacific services, but she also played a significant role during WWI as a Hospital ship for 5 years and did an amazing job, especially as she arrived at Gallipoli under heavy fire! Amazingly you can come to Australia and see this ship today! Read this feature and discover how and why?

SS Malaita I … Included on the MS Bulolo page, this is the story of the 1893 steamer that was purchased by Burns Philip in 1905 for service between Papua New Guinea and Australia.

MS Malaita II … The second Malaita also saw war service and was torpedoed, but survived and managed to crawl back to Australia. She continued in commercial service with Burns Philp on the Papua New Guinea service until 1965, but thereafter she sailed on for another six years.

SS Malaysia … She was operated by Austasia Line between Australia and Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia. But was built for Booth Line as the passenger cargo liner SS Hubert for the Lisbon Amazon service.

SS Malolo … One of Matson Lines luxurious Liners, sailing from San Francisco to Hawaii.

TSMV Manoora … The Adelaide Steamship Companies famed coastal liner. She also had a notable Naval career during World War II and thankfully came out unscathed. She returned to coastal duties but was sold to become an Indonesian pilgrim ship in 1961.

TSMV Manunda … This is Manoora’s older running mate, and her civil and wartime details have been included on the Manoora feature.

SS Marama … NEW - One of the older Union Steam Ship Company of New Zealand liners from 1907 that operated both the Trans Tasman and Trans Pacific services, as well as New Zealand coastal and South Pacific Cruises in her later days. She played a significant role during WWI as a Hospital ship for 5 years and did a remarkable job!

SS Marathon … NEW - The superb Aberdeen Line SS Marathon and her sister the SS Miltiades were the very last kind of ships built of their kind in 1903 & 1904! They were something unique and these are the true classic liners that sailed between England to Australia and back pampering their First Class passengers in sheer luxury, and their Third Class passengers in excellent comforts!

SS Marconi … One of the two Lloyd Triestino Passenger Liners, which were the last to be built for the company

SS Mariposa (2) She was the first of a trio of Matson liners to be known as the “White Fleet.” She was Launched in 1931, and delivered in 1932. She was a successful ship indeed as well as being the fastest ship on the Pacific! She was sold to become the Home Lines Homeric (2) in 1954.

SS Mariposa (3) … One of two fine 1956 Matson Lines ships that plied the South Pacific from 1957 to 1978. Mariposa was sold to China after a long lay up to become the Jin Jiung.

SS Matsonia … SS Malolo was renamed Matsonia in 1937

SS Matsonia … Built as Matson’s SS Monterey in 1931, but she was later renamed Matsonia (not the Malolo), then Lurline, finally purchased and rebuilt by Chandris for their round the World service to New Zealand and Australia as the RHMS Britanis. She had a long and fruitful life of 69 long years, and she ended her career 50 miles off the coast from Cape Town named Belofin-1 registered in Panama.

MV Matua … I worked for the Union Steamship Company in the early sixties and obviously spent a great deal of time on both the MV Matua and the newer MV Tofua. However, there was something about this little “homely” ship that attracted so many annual passengers for a round voyage to the Pacific Islands on the famed “Banana Boat.” Many New Zealander’s and Australian’s will fondly remember this little gem of a ship!

TN Maxim Gorkiy … Built as the TN Hamburg, she was a ship that had one of the most unusual funnels ever seen on any ship! It sort of looked like if there was a flying saucer hovering just over top of it, and that (as well as her spacious interiors) why she was called “The Space Ship.” Sold to the Soviets she became a popular cruise ship and sailed on countless world voyages.

RMS Media … RMS Media was delivered to Cunard in August 1947 and being the very first new Trans Atlantic liner to be built after the World War II to operate on the Liverpool to New York service. In 1961 she was sold and received the most comprehensive rebuilding of any ship ever to become the TS Flavia for the Italian Cogedar Line.

SS Medina … Built in 1914 in the USA as a freighter then sold to be converted as a basic migrant/passenger ship the SS Roma, and was used for the Roman Catholic Holy Year to ferry Pilgrims to Rome. In 1950 she also made a single voyage to Australia, although it was a disastrous one for her then owners. She then became the famed luxury Italian cruise ship MS Franca C and continues to this day in active duties sailing the world as the Christian Book ship, the MV Doulos. Please Note: This feature is located on my NEW site ssmaritime.net. A link on the bottom of each page can bring you back to this index.

T/n Michelangelo … With her sister Raffaello, these twins were the ultimate of Italian shipbuilding. Yet, although much loved by passengers, movie star and Royalty, they only served for 10 years and ended up as sad military barracks in Persia/Iran.

MS Mikhail Lermontov … NEW - This was the very fifth and last of the five Soviet Ivan Franco or “Poet” Class liners to be built and although she operated on cruises for most of her days. Later CTC Lines had her under charter a great deal. However, this magnificent ship ended her days with a tragedy in the Marlborough Sounds, New Zealand during a cruise in 1986 and she sank after hitting a rock. All passengers and all but one crew members were saved.

SS Miltiades … NEW - The superb Aberdeen Line SS Miltiades and her sister the SS Marathon were the very last kind of ships built of their kind in 1903 & 1904! They were something unique and these are the true classic liners that sailed between England to Australia and back pampering their First Class passengers in sheer luxury, and their Third Class passengers in excellent comforts!

MS Minghua ... The revolutionary designed MS Minghua was originally built as the French liner and cruise ship MS Ancerville, which was launched by the French president Charles de Gaulle, who even used her as his private yacht. She operated between France and West Africa, as well as a cruising. But she was sold to become the popular Chinese cruise ship MS Minghua, and she spent a number of years cruising out of Australia. Today she is a popular land locked hotel in China.

MS Moledet … Zim Israel Navigation’s last liner.

MV Mona Lisa … The last Swedish-America Line ship built in 1966, sold to become the P&O/Princess Sea Princess, Victoria, later the Mona Lisa, Oceanic II, and 2010 as the Mona Lisa again. She is now in danger of being broken up unless she is saved from doom!

SS Monarch Sun … The ship with many names, such as, SS Universe Explorer, Enchanted Seas, Queen of Bermuda, Canada Star, Island Sun, Liberte, Volendam, built as the Moore-McCormack liner SS Brasil.

TSS Monowai … Union Steam Ship Co’s was built as the P&O liner SS Razmak and in due course became the long serving New Zealand Trans Tasman liner.

MV Moonta … The popular Adelaide Steamship Company passenger and cargo ship, that sailed along the coast of South Australia. Later she became a Greek cruise ship, however she is the only Australia passenger ship that remains to this day in France as a land locked tourist attraction and casino!

SS Monterey … Built as Matson’s SS Monterey in 1931, but she was later renamed Matsonia, then Lurline, finally purchased and rebuilt by Chandris for their round the World service to New Zealand and Australia as the RHMS Britanis. She had a long and fruitful life of 69 long years, and she ended her career 50 miles off the coast from Cape Town named Belofin-1 registered in Panama.

SS Monterey … Sister to the Mariposa (3). She plied the South Pacific from 1957 to 1978. After a long lay up she was purchased by Starlauro which eventually became the popular MSC Cruises. Monterey, the last Matson Liner, had a good long life. She was beached at Alang India in November 2006 to be broken up.

SS Negbah … Zim Israel Navigation’s second liner.

MS Nelly … A migrant ship to Canada, Australia & New Zealand was built as a C3 class freighter - includes a photo album.

MS Neptunia … NEW - The Neptunia was the last of the three fine Lloyd Triestino Passenger Cargo liners being first new built after WWII. As History proved, she enjoyed great success for many years. This feature covers all the three ships history, as well as their rebuild in 1958, and a change of direction in 1963 until the end of their days in 1977. An original 1951 cabin plan is included, as well as sections of plans that are relevant to the 1958 changes. The cabin plan is on a separate page.

SS Nieuw Amsterdam … SS Nieuw Amsterdam, with her long sleek lines, is regarded to this day as one of the most beautiful liners ever built. Her stunning silhouette attests she was a perfectly balanced passenger liner. Her elegant lines were highlighted by her black hull (later painted grey), as well as her two perfectly proportioned funnels and two tall masts.

SS Nieuw Holland … One of the two 1928 KPM sisters sailing between Malaya and Australia.

MS Nieuw Holland … As the Randfontein, she was the last of the Holland Africa Line Passenger Cargo Liners. She was later sold to Royal Interocean Lines and renamed Nieuw Holland.

SS Nieuw Zeeland … One of the two 1928 KPM sisters, sunk during the war by a submarine.

SS Noga … This feature covers this remarkable ship in all her guises, but most notably her days as the SS America and SS Australis.

SS Norway … The great SS France/Norway, currently named Blue Lady has had a long and good career. Her future has been decided by the Indian courts and she is being broken up. Enter our now finalised “Save the SS France-Norway Campaign” page and read details of how NCL have been fined well over US$14 million for negligence of maintenance and operation of the ships boilers and thus causing the deaths and injury of their crew on SS Norway on that fateful day of the explosion. The ship could be a great Hotel today, but this rotten company, then owned by the Malaysian/Chinese Casino Genting come Star Cruises, ensured that she would be broken up and they did everything in their power that she left port having said that she would be repaired where she was going and that she would be used, when the truth was, and we have the documents, that she was bound for scrap at all times! NCL / NCL America can not be trusted, They promised to save the SS Independence and the SS United States IF the US Government gave NCL an American flagged cruise company. They have it and they built a fleet of GERMAN ships. SS Independence has been sold to an Indian and could well be scrapped. SS United States lay’s rotting away in Philadelphia, and NCL is loosing clientele, crew morale and thus money faster that water flows over a waterfall!

SS Ocean Breeze … Built as the Shaw Savill Liner SS Southern Cross she revolutionised ship design forever! Follow her history, from a Shaw Savill Albion Liner to her three incarnations as a Cruise Ship, SS Calypso, Azure Seas and OceanBreeze. This is a 20-page feature, containing almost one hundred photographs. OceanBreeze Cabin Plan and Deck by deck description.

SS Ocean Explorer I … Ocean Explorer I was built in 1944 as a P2 “General” class transport named, USS General W.P. Richardson. In 1956, the famed American President Lines President Roosevelt after she had a massive US$ 10 million reconstruction in Seattle. Thereafter she had a varied career as a liner and a cruise ship.

MS Ocean Islander ... Built in 1956 as the Adriatica Line’s San Giorgio, she later became the City of Andros, Ocean Islander, and is currently the delightful MS Royal Star operated by the Swiss-owned “African Safari Club,” cruising the Indian Ocean to the “Paradise Islands” of the Indian Ocean. She was sold to become the PV Ocean Mist.

PV Ocean Mist ... Built in 1956 as the Adriatica Line’s San Giorgio, she later became the City of Andros, Ocean Islander, and is currently the delightful MS Royal Star operated by the Swiss-owned “African Safari Club,” cruising the Indian Ocean to the “Paradise Islands” of the Indian Ocean. She was sold to become the PV Ocean Mist.

SS Ocean Monarch … Shaw Savill Line obtained the Empress of England in 1970 for the use as a cruise ship and occasional line voyager. She served with them for just five years, but she made a massive imprint Down Under as she was much loved by both the Australian and New Zealand passengers, but the British had little to no time for her. She was a greatly troubled and a very costly ship for the company, so much so that she brought down Shaw Savill’s Passenger shipping division!

MS Ocean Odyssey … Built as the MTS Eros in 1964 she was the second of the trio of Greek Island cruising car ferries. Later she became the much loved Jason of the Sun Lines, which together with Epirotiki Lines eventually merged to become Royal Olympic Cruises. She was then named Ocean Odyssey and operated in her latter years in the Indian Ocean, but was finally broken up in 2010.

MV Ocean Princess ... This is the complete story of a delightful ultramodern looking ship completed in August 1967, the 12,219-Ton MS Italia, a ship with a long and a good life. She had a number of names, such as the Ocean Princess, Sea Prince, Princesa Oceanica, Sapphire and finally the Aspire.

MS Oceania … NEW - The Oceania was the second of the three fine Lloyd Triestino Passenger Cargo liners being first new built after WWII. As History proved, all three ships enjoyed great success for many years. This feature covers these ships history, as well as their rebuild in 1958, and a change of direction in 1963 until the end of their days in 1977. An original 1951 cabin plan is included, as well as sections of plans that are relevant to the 1958 changes. The cabin plan is on a separate page.

SS Oceanic … Cruising: The Grand Home Lines SS Oceanic continues cruising to this day. Enjoy her story, from a liner to a StarShip and a Big Red Boat. Today she is operated by the Spanish Cruise Line, Pullmantur Cruises. She will be placed on the market until 2005.

MV Oceanic II … The last Swedish-America Line ship built in 1966, sold to become the P&O/Princess Sea Princess, Victoria, later the Mona Lisa, Oceanic II, and 2010 as the Mona Lisa again. She is now in danger of being broken up unless she is saved from doom!

TSS Olympia … As the Olympia, she was the first new build for the Greek Line. This magnificent ship is still in active service as the Imperial Majesty Cruise Line MS Regal Empress.

RMS Olympic … NEW … From the three great White Star Line Olympic Class Liners built, it was only the RMS Olympic that ended up to have a long and a successful life, even having serving as a trooper during WWI. Yet, she tends to be the forgotten ship, which is due to the great tragedy that sadly befell the Titanic on April 14, 1912 that overshadowed both the Olympic and even her younger sister the HMHS Britannic, which never served as a passenger liner, only as a hospital ship during the war and she sadly became a casualty of war within a year. This two page feature contains countless images that reveals a great deal about the great RMS Olympic, from her conception, the maiden voyage in 1911, to her final breaking up in 1937. There is also a feature on the HMHS Britannic online!

MS Ondina … Here is an amazing story, but amazingly not about a passenger ship, which is most unusual for this site, but a Dutch tanker owned by Royal Dutch Shell. This ship became famous during WWII when it had to battle two Japanese Armed Merchant Cruisers off the Western Australian Coast. These ships were the Aikoku Maru and Hokoku Maru and what happened is amazing reading! The author now own one of the Ondina’s ships bells, and it is shown on the page, together with some interesting photographs!

MS Oranje … MS Oranje was the last Netherland Line liner to be built. She was sold, together with the Willem Ruys, to Achille Lauro Lines. She was rebuilt and renamed, Angelina Lauro.

MS Oranjefontein … One of the Holland Africa Combination-Passenger Liner.

RMS Orcades … Orient Lines first new liner built after World War Two. This feature also has a separate photo page.

SS Oriana … Orient Lines last new build achieved a great following, and she has remained with us as a static exhibition, until 2004. Also see the excellent page that covers - Oriana - The Birth of a Liner.

SS Oriana Part Two … This page covers ss Oriana located in the resort city of Dalian China. This page includes details and photographs the damage causes to Oriana’s during a storm on July, 17, 2004, as well as photographs taken during her demolition in China.

SS Oriana The Birth of a Liner … A photographic journey of Oriana’s building, launching, fitting out, her sea trials and maiden voyage to Australia and New Zealand.

MS Oriental Queen … She was built as Australia’s largest and finest coastal liner and became famed for a notable Naval career between 1939 and 1949 having been in some amazing invasions and situations, but came out unscathed. Returned to coastal duties but was sold to become the Japanese cruise ship Oriental Queen in 1961.

RMS Orion … One of Australia’s most loved Orient Line ships.

SS Oronsay … Oronsay completed in 1951 was the second Orient Line ship built after World War II, her earlier sister Orcades was built in 1948.

SS Paraguay Star … One of four Ellerman Lines fine Cargo-Passenger Liners

RMS Parthia … Parthia was completed and delivered in April 1948 and departed on her maiden voyage from Liverpool to New York on April 10. She and her sister RMS Media were built to operate on the Liverpool to New York service. In 1962 she was obtained by the New Zealand Shipping Company and renamed SS Remuera, and later she became the SS Aramac.

MS Pasabahce … This is a remarkable 1955 Italian built Turkish all steel ferry and it is now in need of saving! She is the oldest, largest and fastest Turkish ferry still sailing and is in need of an assured future! Read her story here. This is the second Turkish ship on ssmaritime as the other is the last passenger liner still afloat the 1955 built classic MV Akdeniz.

RHMS Patris … Built as Union Castles RMS Bloemfontein Castle, she became the first Chandris liner to operate the migrant service between Greece and Australia, under the banner of the Greek Australia Line.

RMS Pendennis Castle ... Remembering another fine Union-Castle liner.

MS Polynesie ... This little ship was much loved by Australians. Messageries Maritimes operated the 36 passenger Polynesie between Sydney and Noumea, with calls at Port Vila and Espiritu Santo.

MS Port Elizabeth … One of four Ellerman Lines fine Cargo-Passenger Liners.

MS Port Melbourne … See MS Port Sydney below …

MS Port Sydney … Port Lines Port Sydney and her sister Port Melbourne were 10,000 GRT refrigerated freighters built in 1955 for the UK, New Zealand Australia mainly to transport meat. They also accommodated 12 passengers in relative style. 15 years later they were rebuilt into major cruise ships and both operate to this day. This is the story of just one of these remarkable ships!

MS President … The first of two ships ordered by Cie de Nav Fraissinet et Cyprien Fabre, Marseilles, sailing from Marseilles to the Congo, later transferred to Nouvelle Cie de Paquebots and eventually sold to the Philippine President Lines to become the President. Later she was named Eastern Queen serving between Fremantle Australia and Indonesia and Singapore and completed her days in Bangladesh as a passenger ship, troop ship, and finally a stationary military barracks. She was a fine ship with an interesting thirty three year history.

Princesa Isabel … NEW - A superb Brazilian liner completed in 1962. Later she was sold to become the famed cruise ship the Marco Polo based in Australia cruising the South Pacific and to Asian ports. Later she had her memorable days as the Epirotiki Lines MTS Odysseus.

Princesa Leopoldina … NEW - This is the identical sister ship to the Princesa Isabel just above, a liner that later became the popular Asian cruise ship the Coral Princess that sailed for twenty years. Then until 2000 she was a gambling ship until she was broken up. A superb story and history of fine two sister ships!!

MV Princesa Oceanica ... This is the complete story of a delightful ultramodern looking ship completed in August 1967, the 12,219-Ton MS Italia, a ship with a long and a good life. She had a number of names, such as the Ocean Princess, Sea Prince, Princesa Oceanica, Sapphire and finally the Aspire.

MS Princesa Victoria … Built in 1936 for Union Castle Line’s Dunnottar castle. This graceful liner has a remarkable history.

RMS Queen Elizabeth … NEW - This is the Grand Dame Queen Elizabeth of 1939, which commenced her illustrious career as a troopship and served her country valiantly for six years, and then finally in October 1946 departed on her official Maiden Voyage for Cunard White Star Line. This multi page covers more than just her history, but also many photographs of her exteriors and interiors covering her from the building stages to the very end. Also her interiors from the early days to after the refurbishments and so much more, including her days as the SS Seawise University!

RHMS Queen Frederica … Built as Matson Lines Malolo, later renamed Matsonia, sold to become Homes Lines Atlantic, renamed Queen Frederica before Chandris purchased her.

RMS Queen Mary … The true Queen of the sea. Fortunately she will remain with us for many years to come as the Hotel Queen Mary at Long Beach California.

SS Queen of Bermuda … The ship with many names, such as, SS Universe Explorer, Enchanted Seas, Canada Star, Island Sun, Liberte, Volendam, Monarch Sun, Volendam, built as the Moore-McCormack liner SS Brasil.

T/n Raffaello … With her sister Michelangelo, these twins were the ultimate of Italian shipbuilding. Yet, although much loved by passengers, movie star and Royalty, they only served for 10 years and ended up as sad military barracks in Persia/Iran.

MS Randfontein … One of the Holland Africa Combination-Passenger Liner.

MS Rangitane (1) … The following seven ships belong to the New Zealand Shipping Company – New pages added.

MS Rangitane (2) … New Zealand Shipping Company.

MS Rangitata (2) … New Zealand Shipping Company.

MS Rangitiki … New Zealand Shipping Company.

MS Rangitoto … New Zealand Shipping Company.

SS Razmak … The P&O liner that became the famed and long serving - Union Steam Ship Co’s of New Zealand - Trans Tasman liner.

SS Regal Sun … Regency Cruises SS Regent Sun was built as Zim Lines largest ever liner SS Shalom and she was sold to the German Atlantic Line late in 1967 to become the SS Hanseatic. In 1973 she was sold again to Home lines to become the SS Doric. However, she was sold in 1981 to become the Royal Odyssey with Royal Cruise Line. Just seven years later in 1988 she was purchased by Regency Cruises and she was renamed once more to become the Regent Sun, but was laid up in Freeport in 1999.

SS Rembrandt … Sold to the now defunct Premier Cruise Line; she was built as the Holland America Liner SS Rotterdam which is currently undergoing a complete refit in order for her to return to her home port of Rotterdam to become a hotel and a tourist attraction.

SS Remuera (2) … New Zealand Shipping Company.

MS Ruahine (3) … New Zealand Shipping Company.

SS Roma (1951)… One of two popular Flotta Lauro liners on the Genoa/Naples, Australian service.

SS Roma (1914)... SS Roma was originally built in 1914 in the USA as a steam ship and a freighter the SS Medina. When sold she was converted as a basic migrant ship SS Roma, and was used for the Roman Catholic Holy Year to ferry Pilgrims to Rome. In 1950 SS Roma made a single voyage to Australia from Bremerhaven to Newcastle, although it was a disastrous one for her then owners. Later she became the famed luxury Italian cruise ship MS Franca C and she continues to this day in active duties sailing the world as the Christian Book ship named the MV Doulos. Please Note: This feature is now located on my NEW site ssmaritime.net. A link on the bottom of the page will bring you back to this index on ssmaritime.com.

SS Rotterdam V … Holland America Lines Rotterdam V has been saved from the breakers, and is now permanently moored in her homeport.

SS Royal Odyssey … Royal Cruise Lines Royal Odyssey was built as Zim Lines largest ever liner SS Shalom and she was sold to the German Atlantic Line late in 1967 to become the SS Hanseatic. In 1973 she was sold again to Home lines to become the SS Doric. However, she was sold in 1981 to become the Royal Odyssey with Royal Cruise Line. Just seven years later in 1988 she was purchased by Regency Cruises and she was renamed once more to become the Regent Sun.

MV Royal Pacific … Built as the revolutionary Australian TSMV Empress of Australia a passenger car ferry between the mainland and Tasmania and was at one time the largest ship of her kind in the world. Eventually she was rebuilt into a luxury Greek cruise ship but tragically had an unhappy demise as the Royal Pacific.

MV Royal Star ... This modern looking ship was built in 1956 as the Adriatica Line’s MS San Giorgio, she later became the City of Andros, Ocean Islander, and is currently the delightful MS Royal Star operated by the Swiss-owned “African Safari Club,” cruising the Indian Ocean to the “Paradise Islands” of the Indian Ocean. She was sold to become the PV Ocean Mist.

TSS Ryndam … One of Holland America’s famed “Economy Twins.” Sold in 1972 to become the Atlas. Thereafter: Pride of Mississippi, Pride of Galveston and Copa Casino.

SS Saarbrucken … The Norddeutscher Lloyd liner SS Saarbrucken was built in 1923, but in 1935 she became the Italian liner SS Toscania and became a regular visitor to Egypt, Africa and Australia.

MS San Giorgio ... Built in 1956 as the Adriatica Line’s San Giorgio, she later became the City of Andros, Ocean Islander, and is currently the delightful MS Royal Star operated by the Swiss-owned “African Safari Club,” cruising the Indian Ocean to the “Paradise Islands” of the Indian Ocean. She was sold to become the PV Ocean Mist.

MS Santa Ines & Teresa … German luxury passenger cargo sister ships built in 1952 and 1953, which were revolutionary and offered the ultimate in luxury fist class accommodation and facilities for their guests! These were the foref=runners to the famous six “Can San” series of ships, which are also featured on this site!

MS San Marco … Sister ship to the MS San Giorgio, and she like her sister was vastly modernised to become a cruise ship and sailed into the 1990’s having been renamed twice.

SS Santa Paula - Santa Rosa ... These 1958 built Hamburg Sud liners liners, the Santa Paula and Santa Rosa were the 3rd and the last to carry these great names. One of these two is still sailing today. Do you know her current name? This article will reveal all.

TS Santa Maria - Vera Cruz … Two superb luxury Portuguese 20,000-ton passenger liners built in 1953 and 1953. Both had remarkable careers and Santa Maria is famed for her infamous hijack. However, the Portuguese did have a superb passenger record and it is worth remembering!

MS Santa Ursala ... She is the first of four 1951 built Hamburg Sud passenger cargo liners offering luxury accommodations for 28 passengers o the Germany South American service. Her sisters are the … Santa Catarina, Santa Elena & Santa Isabel and all are featured.

MV Sapphire ... This is the complete story of a delightful ultramodern looking ship completed in August 1967, the 12,219-Ton MS Italia, a ship with a long and a good life. She had a number of names, such as the Ocean Princess, Sea Prince, Princesa Oceanica, Sapphire and finally the Aspire.

SS Sapphire Seas … Sapphire Seas was built in 1944 as a P2 “General” class transport named, USS General W.P. Richardson. In 1956, the famed American President Lines President Roosevelt after she had a massive US$ 10 million reconstruction in Seattle. Thereafter she had a varied career as a liner and a cruise ship and ended her days as the Ocean Explorer I.

N.S. Savannah … The nuclear-powered passenger cargo ship that carried 60 passengers in all first class luxury accommodations, but did so for less than three years. Then operating as a tragic cargo ship she was out of service just under ten years after her maiden voyage in 1962 and was laid up by 1971. A magnificent ship to look at but a financial failure in every respect and she was plagued by countless design faults!

MV Sea Princess … The last Swedish-America Line ship built in 1966, sold to become the P&O/Princess Sea Princess, Victoria, later the Mona Lisa, Oceanic II, and 2010 as the Mona Lisa again. She is now in danger of being broken up unless she is saved from doom!

SS Seawise University … NEW - Read about the tragedy that was the Seawise University. There is no doubt that the great Chinese Ship Owner Mr. C.Y. Tung, who over the years obtained many fine liners and operated them all successfully, would have operated the ex RMS Queen Elizabeth with equal success! But, it was not to be. The Queen Elizabeth feature covers this story extensively!

MV Serenade ... The 1957 built French liner Jean Mermoz had an interesting career as a liner until she commenced full time cruise duties in 1970 as the as the Mermoz and later the Louis Cruises MV Serenade.

MS Seven Seas … A migrant ship to Canada, Australia & New Zealand was built as a C3 class freighter - includes a photo album.

SS Shalom … Zim Israel Navigation largest Trans Atlantic liner. Sold to become: SS Hanseatic, Doric, Royal Odyssey, Regent Sun.

MS Shota Rustaveli … NEW - This very popular ship was the fourth of the five Soviet Ivan Franco or “Poet” Class liners to be built and they were the most remarkable ships indeed. Her life was spent as a full time cruise ship as well with CTC Lines sailing to New Zealand and Australia.

MS Sibajak … Royal Rotterdam Lloyd’s small liner, was specially built for the Indonesian service, but in her later years she became a migrant ship to Australia & New Zealand.

MS Skaubryn … A unique little Norwegian emigrant ship that mostly sailed on the Australian migrant run.

SS Southern Cross … The ship that revolutionised ship design forever! Follow her history, from a Shaw Savill Albion Liner to her final incarnation as the Cruise Ship, ss OceanBreeze. This is a 20-page feature, containing almost one hundred photographs. OceanBreeze Cabin Plan and Deck by deck description.

SS Statendam … In 1957 Holland America Line had completed its revolutionary passenger liner the 24,294-ton SS Statendam that offered Tourist Class passengers the full length of the ship that was by far more glamorous and luxurious than ever before and with just 84 passengers in the ultra luxurious First class, located on Boat Deck. She became one of the most popular cruise ships and Holland America’s very first world cruiser!

SS Stella Maris I … Built as a warship and later converted into a luxury Greek cruise ship that started what became one of the greatest and most popular cruise lines - Sun Line, which offered the ultimate in luxury for many years until its demise due to a merger in 1997 when several Greek cruise companies merged to become Royal Olympia Cruises, which spelt the end for all lines concerned!

MV Stella Maris II ... Built as a German ferry she was rebuilt in 1966 as Sun Lines small luxury cruise ship Stella Maris. Later she became MV Viking Bordeaux and MV Madagascar. This ship was broken up in 2008.

MS Stockholm IV … The mini Swedish America 1948 built Trans-Atlantic Liner, that is more famed for sinking the Andrea Doria than for her own career, which was not a great success to say the least. She did well as a East German Trade Union cruise ship, then as a refugee accommodation ship. Only when rebuilt into a cruise ship in 1994 did she become greatly loved by both her owners and passengers and today (2008) at 60 years of age, she happily sails on as the MV Athena.

RMS Strathaird … Second of the famous “Straths” sisters. Strathaird became known to be the first P&O ship to enter the Australian cruise market on December 23, 1932.

SS Sydney … One of two popular Flotta Lauro liners on the Genoa/Naples, Australian service.

MS Taiyuan … The second of a pair of first class passenger-cargo liners operating between Australia, Hong Kong and Japan from the early 1950’s. Both had an interesting career and were greatly loved ships with a massive following. Their unique and quaint style and exterior traditional design was much loved by ship lovers, and still is to this day!

MS Taras Shevchenko … NEW - She was the third of the five Soviet Ivan Franco or “Poet” Class liners to be built and they were the most remarkable ships indeed. Like the Shota Rustaveli, her days were also spent as a full time cruise ship, and was operated by CTC Lines sailing to New Zealand and Australia.

SS Theodor Herzl … A Zim Israel Navigation liner.

MS The Victoria … Built in 1936 for Union Castle Line’s Dunnottar Castle. This graceful liner has a remarkable history. After her Union Castle days, she was rebuilt to become a magnificent luxury cruise ship MS Victoria for Incres Lines. Later the Chandris The Victoria, and finally Louis Cruises Princessa Victoria.

MV Thysville … Built in Belgium in 1950 as the passenger cargo liner Baudouinville but she was renamed Thysville in 1957 as a new larger Baudouinville had been built. Later she became a Booth Line ship, then transferred to Blue Star Line and ended her days as the popular MV Australasia.

MS Tjiwangi … Royal Interocean Lines small liners, known as the “Elegant White Yachts” in the sixties. Also see the Memorabilia page.

MS Tjiluwah … The second of the pair was built in 1950.

MV Tofua … I worked for the Union Steamship Company in the early sixties and obviously spent a great deal of time on both the MV Tofua and the newer MV Matua. This was the newer of the two and the last ever USSC Pacific Passenger ship to be built. Tofua was a very popular ship and attracted regular passengers who would opt for a round voyage. She was known as the Happy Ship!

SS The Topaz … An Elegant Survivor from the Fifties … by Barry Evetts.

SS Toscana … The Lloyd Triestino Liner that was originally the Norddeucher Lloyd SS Saarbrucken built 1923, but in 1935 she became the Italian liner SS Toscana and became a regular visitor to Egypt, Africa and Australia.

SS United States … The greatest of all American ship is sadly laid up in Philadelphia and rusting away. Yet, we dare to hope she has a future, but not with Star Cruises/NCL, now they already have NCL America Cruises, flying the US flag. Also visit “Save The Classic Liners Campaign” page.

SS Universe … See next listing for Universe Campus.

SS Universe Campus … Built as the 9,214 GRT C4 type cargo ship SS Badger Mariner to be rebuilt as the SS Atlantic for American Banner Lines, later operating for American Export Lines. In due course she became the SS Universe Campus then, SS Universe. This is her story. Not to be confused with the ex Matson Line ship Malolo that was later renamed Atlantic.

SS Universe Explorer … The ship with many names, however she ended her days gloriously as the SS Universe Explorer. Previous names: Enchanted Seas, Queen of Bermuda, Canada Star, Island Sun, Liberte, Volendam, Monarch Sun, Volendam, built as the Moore-McCormack liner SS Brasil.

SS Uruguay Star … One of the last four Blue Star Combination-Passenger Liners.

SS Veendam … The 1958 Moore-McCormack liner and sister to the SS Brasil. She had a varied career, including time as a Holland America cruise ship the Veendam. Her demise came in 2003 when she was sold and broken up in India.

SS Vera Cruz - TS Santa Maria Two superb luxury Portuguese 20,000-ton passenger liners built in 1953 and 1953. Both had remarkable careers and Santa Maria is famed for her infamous hijack. However, the Portuguese did have a superb passenger record and it is worth remembering!

MS Victoria … Updated - 2013: Built in 1936 for Union Castle Line’s RMS Dunnottar Castle. This graceful liner has a remarkable history. After her Union Castle days, she was rebuilt to become a magnificent luxury cruise ship MS Victoria for Incres Lines. Later the Chandris The Victoria, and finally Louis Cruises Princesa Victoria.

MV Victoria … The last Swedish-America Line ship built in 1966, sold to become the P&O/Princess Sea Princess, Victoria, later the Mona Lisa, Oceanic II, and 2010 as the Mona Lisa again. She is now in danger of being broken up unless she is saved from doom!

MV Viking Bordeaux ... Built as a German ferry she was rebuilt in 1966 as Sun Lines small luxury cruise ship Stella Maris. Later she became Viking Bordeaux and currently is MV Madagascar. She was broken up in 2008.

SS Volendam … The ship with many names, such as, SS Universe Explorer, Enchanted Seas, Queen of Bermuda, Canada Star, Island Sun, Liberte, Monarch Sun, built as the Moore-McCormack liner SS Brasil.

TSMV Wanganella … The luxurious two class Huddart Parker Ltd, “Express Trans Tasman” liner that was originally built for the Royal Mail/Elder Dempster Lines West Africa service, but was never delivered due to financial delivery. She was obtained as a bargain for Australia and served her country well both in peacetime and during WW2 as a hospital ship. This is a fine three page feature.

SS Waterman … One of three US Victory freighters converted by the Dutch Government as troopers then rebuilt them as emigrant ships, operating to North America, Australia and New Zealand.

RMS Windsor Castle … Sadly, this great Liner sailed for Alang in India, renamed Rita. Upon arrival, she was beached and being broken up.

MS Willem Ruys … Part One - The famed Royal Rotterdam Lloyd Liner – Part Two Flotta Lauro’s Achille Lauro.

MV Yaohua ... China’s largest ever passenger ship was built in 1967 by the famed Chantiers de l’Atlantique and became a popular cruise ship by American’s and others. She cruised along the coast of China to Hong Kong as well as being the only ship allowed to sail of the Yangtze River. This magnificently built ship was finally converted to become a hotel in China and remains with us to this day!

SS Zion … A Zim Israel Navigation liner.

SS Zuiderkruis … One of three US Victory freighters converted by the Dutch Government as troopers then rebuilt them as emigrant ships, operating to North America, Australia and New Zealand.

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Special Interest Pages

MARITIME LINKS … Visit our main LINKS page, which has many worthwhile links.

Eleusis Bay … Two Photographic pages of cruise ships laid up in Eleusis. Photographs were taken by the late Captain Yiorgos (George) Graikos, between June 2003 and February 2004.

MARITIME ART … Art by well known artists from around the world.

Also visit the new “Classic Ocean Voyages” pages

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Other Links - Maritime & Cruise Sites

www.nautiques.net … The worlds best online maritime artefact dealer by far! Reuben Goossens.

ssMaritime.net … The author’s second ssMaritime site that features the worl’s oldest motor passenger ship, the MV Doulos. She is without doubt the world’s most remarkable ship built in 1914 yet she ended her active duties sailing the world on December 31, 2009 and was sold on March 18 to a Singaporean buyer who will convert her for the use her as a hotel in Singapore named “Doulos Phos.”

Cruise-Australia … The author’s main cruise site offering many ship and cruise reviews.

MaritimeMatters … A great Maritime site by Martin Cox and Peter Knego – News, features, maritime memorabilia shop and so much more!

Dutch Cruise Site … Harm Brink of the Netherlands has an excellent cruise site in Dutch and English and has a complete listing of all cruise companies, accompanied by excellent photographs. HIGHLY recommended!

Maritime Memories … On this site you will discover details of Fred Claessen’s life both as a crewmember as well as a passenger on liners and cruise ships during his life. On Maritime Memories you will find his recollections in text, images as well as in videos.

Save The Classic Liners … The long running “Save the Classic Liners Campaign” the author founded in 1995 continues, but in a new format and on its own site

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Maritime Memorabilia

Nautiques.net was founded in 1984, and they have one of the finest collections of maritime items available, be it from brochures, deck plans, labels, postcards, crockery to furniture. Best still, prices are extremely affordable, and often they are far better than what is available on Ebay, mind you, I have found that they have items that just do not show up on Ebay! Nautiques.net is operated by Don Leavitt and he has more than 3,000 items of ocean liner and steamship antiques and collectibles spanning the last century available at any one time! You can browse through their site, which has hundreds of shipping lines listed from around the world. If you are looking for a rare item then contact Don Leavitt direct at dml@nautiques.net. Nautiques will ship worldwide - www.nautiques.net.

Please Note: The above is not a paid advertisement, it is just that I personally recommend Nautiques.net having had superb service and some fine goods from them over the years, all items I have obtained I have paid for. But, the price was right and the goods and service have been superb. Most of these can be seen on the various pages throughout this site! I decided to share it with you as a favour as I am so often asked about memorabilia and where can I obtain this and that! Reuben Goossens.

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RMS Queen Mary

When in Long Beach USA visit and stay overnight on the once great

To enter “The Queen Mary” site - click the logo above or visit

www.queenmary.com

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Who is the Author of ssMaritime?

Commenced in the passenger Shipping Industry in May 1960

ssMaritime.com & ssMaritime.net

Where the ships of the past make history & the 1914 built MV Doulos Story

Also visit my …

“Save The Classic Liners Campaign” page

Photographs on ssmaritime and associate pages are by the author or from the author’s private collection. In addition there are some images that have been provided by Shipping Companies and private photographers or collectors. Credit is given to all contributors. However, there are some photographs provided to me without details regarding the photographer/owner concerned. I hereby invite if owners of these images would be so kind to make them-selves known to me in order that due credit may be given. I know what it is like, I have seen a multitude of my own photographs on other sites, yet these individuals either refuse to provide credit or remove them when asked, knowing full well that there is no legal comeback when it comes to the net. However, let us show these charlatans up and do the right thing at all times and give credit where credit is due!

This notice covers all pages, although, and I have done my 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!

ssMaritime is owned and © Copyright by Reuben Goossens - All Rights Reserved