ssMaritime

With Reuben Goossens

Maritime Historian

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Universe Explorer

Ex Enchanted Seas, Queen of Bermuda, Canada Star, Liberte,

Volendam, Monarch Sun, Volendam, built as ss Brasil.

Please Note: The author wishes to thank the many contributors to this page, a tribute to a wonderful classic liner. Many photographs have been received from supporters of ssMaritime. For this reason I do not know some of the photographers concerned. Should you know the photographer/owner, please email me that I might provide full credit!

Introduction

S.S. Universe Explorer is a magnificent Classic Liner, although extensively rebuilt from the ship launched as the Brasil. During her 46 year history she has had ha varied life as can be seen by her many name changes above. During this time, she has served all her owners well, with the exception of a mishap in 1996, which saw one crewmember lost.

Universe Explorer is the last U.S. built steamship in operation, making her a true Classic Liner, a ship that has a close bond with the United States of America, one that should not be lost when her service finally concludes by 2010, when the new SOLAS (Safety Of Life At Sea) regulations come into effect.

A Grand History

SS Brasil seen on her maiden voyage in September 1958

Ingalls Shipbuilding Corporation in Pascagoula, Mississippi built the Universe Explorer as a combination passenger/cargo ship in 1958. Named the SS Brazil by its original owner, Moore-McCormack Lines, she sailed under U.S. registry. As built, she was 15,257 GRT, accommodated 557 passengers, with a cargo capacity of 315,000 cu. ft.

Brasil and her sister Argentina were popular all first class cruise ships with an excellent reputation.

Below are two Moore-McCormack Lines brochures 

She and her sister the Argentina were considered unique, as both had a dummy funnel with two stacks located aft of their superstructure. Brasil was an attractive looking ship, however in 1963 her superstructure changed dramatically when she was rebuilt by Bethlehem Baltimore, as another deck was built above the bridge adding additional accommodation. This rebuild changed her profile greatly, looking somewhat awkward and top heavy.

Brasil continued cruising until 1972, when Moore-McCormack decided to dispose of the two sisters.

Above Left: ss Brasil looking splendid in this ocean-going shot – Right: A souvenir plate

Brasil and her sister were purchased by Holland America Lines and were refurbished in Bremerhaven, Germany at Lloyd-Waft Shipyard. This saw the removal of her main mast, derricks, and two holds, making her an all passenger ship. Brasil was renamed Volendam and registering at 23,500 tons, with an increased passenger capacity of 739.

Holland America’s Volendam (front) and her sister the Veendam 

Having been purchased by Monarch Cruise Lines, she was renamed her Monarch Sun. However, Monarch Cruise Lines was taken over by HAL in 1978, and she was named Volendam once again.

Volendam

Holland America Lines finally sold the Volendam in 1985 to American Hawaii Cruises who renamed her Liberte. This and her next three owners would only operate her for a short period of time before selling her again.

In 1987, Banstead Shipping purchased her from Holland America Lines and renamed her Canada Star. However, just two years later, in 1989 she was purchased by Bermuda Star Line and renamed her Queen of Bermuda. In 1990 the Bermuda Star Line consolidated with Commodore Cruises and she was renamed once again, Enchanted Seas. In 1991 she was upgraded to SOLAS specifications, however, she was sold again in 1993 by the Brazil Caribbean Shipping Co, who did not rename her. They retained the Enchanted Seas until 1995. Further details below the photographs below.

Universe Explorer Mini photo Album

View the ship from every angle

Photo: Prof. Dennis F. Galletta

Her bow is a striking feature – Whereas her stern is a classic

Above: Two fine aerial views

In 1995, Azure Investments purchased the Enchanted Seas, renamed her Universe Explorer, and chartered her to New Commodore Cruise Lines. However, the ship was to be managed and operated by International Marine Carrier.

For her new role, she would have to undergo extensive modifications preparing her for her new role, which would see her operate a college program under the auspices of the University of Pittsburgh. The modification began in October 1995. In January, she departed on her first voyage as the Universe Explore, which was a regular cruise of the Caribbean for US holidaymakers. She departed in February for her first Education voyage. After another two education, voyages she undertook a cruise, seeing her filled with holidaymakers once again.

A magnificent view of a magnificent ship - Photo: Prof. Dennis F. Galletta

On July 23, 1996, the Universe Explorer departed Vancouver for an Alaskan cruise. Four days later on July 27, she suffered a fire in the ships laundry loosing five crewmembers that died from smoke inhalation. In addition, another 55 crew and 1 passenger were treated for injuries. Her extensive damage added up to US$1.5 million. She returned to Vancouver were she underwent extensive repairs.

Late in 2002, Universe Explorer was purchased by World Explorer Cruises. Today, she continues her education duties under the banner of “Semester at Sea.”

View a “Semester at Sea video at http://www.semesteratsea.pitt.edu/video/start.html

Universe Explorer is a comfortable and appealing ship, by today's standards she may be considered small, yet she has all the facilities of a super liner. However, unlike many of the mega ships in operation today, she is a friendly and an intimate ship, which has made her much sought after. Registered in Panama, Universe Explorer is 23,500 tons, 617 feet in length, 84 feet in breadth and has a draft of 28 feet, with an average cruising speed of 18 knots. She is fully air-conditioned and stabilised.

She accommodates up to 731 guests in 369 staterooms. Her eight decks feature a variety of public rooms including two restaurants, cocktail lounges, a main show lounge, fitness center, library, a computer center, spa, shop, medical facilities. Like all classic liners, she is blessed with an abundance of sheltered and open deck space.

Cruising Alaska

Cruising Alaska Relaxing on Boat Deck - Photo: Prof. Dennis F. Galletta

Comfortable accommodations

In April 2004, ssMaritime was informed that the ex Royal Olympia Cruises’ Olympia Explorer had been acquired and will take over Universe Explorer’s duties in the near future.

Library

Her traditional Promenade Deck

A visit to the Bridge - Photo: Prof. Dennis F. Galletta

Ship Information:

Tonnage: 23,500 tons

Speed: 18 Knots

Length: 617 feet

Beam: 84 feet

Draft: 28 feet

Passengers: 731

Crew: 300

Registry: Panama

Built: 1958 - United States

Above we see the Universe Explorer berthed alongside another Classic Liner SS OceanBreeze, built in 1954 as the Shaw Savill Lines Southern Cross.

Sadly, Universe Explorer has now been broken up. Another fine American Liner has been lost!

Also visit …

1… Cabin Plan

2… www.Moore-McCormack.com - The best Moore-McCormack Lines web page

3… http://media.homestore.com/A8RRVY2R-6.htm - Take a visual tour of Brasil’s sister, ss Argentina

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I trust you have enjoyed reading this page on two fine and much loved passenger cargo ships. If you have sailed on them 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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