CRUISE SHIPS AND LINERS

Cruise Ship "COSTA VICTORIA"

2012-02-29T04:39:00.000-08:00

"COSTA VICTORIA" was built in Germany by BREMER VULKAN and delivered to her owner and operator, COSTA CRUISES in 1996, the ship is Italian registered. "COSTA VICTORIA" has beautiful interiors specially designed to reflect the Spirit of Italy, amongst other facilities the ship features a Pompei Spa and a Planetarium Atrium, this cruise ship was extensively refurbished in 2004, COSTA VICTORIA has a top speed of 23 knots, capacity for 1897 passengers and a GRT of 75.973. Photo of the ship at Barcelona in 2004, the year she underwent a massive refit

"COSTA ALLEGRA" on tow

2012-02-28T01:24:00.000-08:00

Following a fire in the Generators room on board Cruise Ship " COSTA ALLEGRA " which prevented the ship from power, COSTA ALLEGRA which has been adrift, has recently been taken on tow by a French Fishing Trawler, in the meantime enough power has been restored at least to keep lights on and also for cooking facilities. The plan is to tow the Cruise Ship to Desroches, part of the Seychelles, two tugs are due to arrive shortly and relieve the Fishing Vessel from her duty. 636 passengers and 413 crew members are on board "COSTA ALLEGRA", in the meantime concern over pirates operating in the area have been calmed by the presence of nine members of the Italian Navy's anti-pirate unit. "COSTA ALLEGRA" was built as a container ship, the ANNIE JOHNSON in 1969 by WARTSILA Shipyards in Finland, she was purchased by COSTA in 1990 who completely converted the cargo vessel to a full-time cruise ship, the works took place at the Italian Shipyard of T. MARIOTTI at Genoa, she entered service in 1992. Photo of the ship at Barcelona in 2000

Intimate photos of passenger ships, new chapter

2012-02-27T03:20:00.001-08:00

Another chapter of "Intimate Photos of Passenger Ships". All the readers and followers of this Blog know by now that I simply adore to spend time photographing ships and trying to get intimate with them, there's a few more examples of that in this post. ALBATROS in Lisbon in 2008, AURORA at Southampton in 2004, QUEEN ELIZABETH in Lisbon 2011, CROWN PRINCESS at Liverpool 2011, ORIANA at Calshot 2011 and AIDABLU in Liverpool, also last year. I want to share these moments with you, hope you enjoy it as much as I do

Intimate photos of passenger ships

2012-02-24T07:49:00.000-08:00

Following my great passion for detailed photos of ships, three examples for the record in this post, the amazing QE2's prow captured at Southampton in May of 1995, the handsome mast of the ship during a call at the French Port of Le Havre in June of 1996 and the funnel of the H A L cruise ship "NOORDAM" taken in Barcelona in 2000

"SAGA SAPPHIRE" inaugural cruise

2012-02-22T07:00:00.000-08:00

The latest addition to SAGA CRUISES, the 1981 built "SAGA SAPPHIRE" is starting her maiden voyage with SAGA on the 26th of March 2012, the ship will set sail from Southampton on a 23 nights voyage. "SAGA SAPPHIRE" was built in Germany by BREMEN VULKAN as the EUROPA, she was quite possibly the most sophisticated ship at sea when new. The ship is undergoing a refit before starting her new life with SAGA CRUISES a company focusing on traditional classic cruising. Images, the ship with the new SAGA livery, taken from SAGA's webpage, the full itinerary for her maiden cruise and in Lisbon during the 80's, a delightful passenger ship.

CMV commemorates 100 years of the sinking of the TITANIC

2012-02-21T06:43:00.000-08:00

CRUISE AND MARITIME VOYAGES is promoting a cruise to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the sinking of the TITANIC. Departing from Tilbury on the 10th of April MARCO POLO will cruise for seven nights visiting Cherbourg, Cobh, Belfast and Liverpool, the 1965 built ship will also cruise off the Head of Kinsale where the LUSITANIA was sunk. Aboard the ship lectures will take place to celebrate Britain's Maritime Heritage. This promises to be an unforgettable experience, MARCO POLO is a special ship a former liner, the ALEXANDR PUSHKIN that was rebuilt for cruising in 1993 but still retains her classic profile with amazing well preserved teak decks, for all details please visit CMV official website www.cruiseandmaritime.com. Photos above MARCO POLO at Funchal by Joao Abreu

SS "AUSONIA" a ship of sheer beauty

2012-02-19T02:20:00.000-08:00

This post is a tribute to a remarkably beautiful passenger liner, the "AUSONIA". Built by CANTIERI RIUNITI DEL ADRIATICO in 1957, she was owned and operated by ADRIATICA LINES on the Trieste-Egypt-Lebanon service until 1978, "AUSONIA" was as built 11.875 GRT, propelled by steam turbines with a top speed of 25 knots. In 1978 she was sold to ITALIA CROCIERI INTERNAZIONALI, her passenger capacity was increased from 520 to 690 passengers during the conversion process for full time cruising, but kept the same name until 1998 when she was again sold, this time to LOUIS CRUISE LINES, she was renamed IVORY. The ship changed owners again in 2005, operated by GOLDEN STAR CRUISES she was sailing as the AEGEAN TWO. The old "AUSONIA" was withdrawn from service in 2009, she was eventually sold for scrapping in 2010 renamed WINNER 5 for the voyage to Alang in India. When she was sold for scrapping she was together with SS OCEANIC of 1965, still with us, the last Italian Liners still in service and according to many World known Maritime Historians and passengers alike she was in immaculate general condition but did not fulfil the 2010 SOLAS regulations, she was not lucky, like FUNCHAL for instance, so we were deprived from this amazing ship, one of the very few proper passenger ships still in operation. Images one and three, postcards from my private collection, "AUSONIA" and AEGEAN TWO, middle photo the ship in Barcelona in 1991 during another cruise for I.C.I.

"BOUDICCA"'s funnel inspired on QE2's

2012-02-18T05:01:00.000-08:00

Reading the SHIPS MONTHLY Magazine March issue, it was interesting to note that the author of the ships review, writing about the cruise ship "BOUDICCA" describes the design of the ship as being inspired on QE2's, namely the funnel, it's a very positive account of this beautiful classic ship, worth reading without question, the author ends his comments by saying "FRED OLSEN refer to BOUDICCA as a truly world class ship, a sentiment with which I entirely concur". Have a look for yourself. Photo of "BOUDICCA"'s funnel by Joao Abreu and the ship captured at Portimao last July

MARCH issue of SHIPS MONTHLY magazine

2012-02-18T04:19:00.000-08:00

Don't miss the March issue of this splendid magazine, special focus on the cruise ship "BOUDICCA" and part 1 of TITANIC 100 YEARS REMEMBERED

"DISCOVERY" and "MSC FANTASIA" at Funchal in 2010

2012-02-17T01:34:00.000-08:00

Further to my previous post,I have chosen to publish this photo from Joao Abreu once again, to illustrate the meaning of MARITIME MEMORIES when they state that "DISCOVERY" is an intimate ship taking 650 guests instead of 5000 and visits to destinations "off the beaten track", meaning of course "DISCOVERY" can call certain ports not suitable for a ship the size of the MSC FANTASIA, the photo is a remarkable account, a true testimony of past and present Ship Building. Both ships provide unforgettable cruising experiences, all depends of course what each one of us is looking for during a sea voyage.

MV "DISCOVERY", There are a lot of ships out there, but there's only one DISCOVERY

2012-02-16T03:24:00.003-08:00

There's a lot of ships out there, but there is only one "DISCOVERY" that's how MARITIME MEMORIES describes the ship they use for the classic sea voyages. Again to use their own words " this is an intimate ship with capacity for 650 passengers not 5000 and a vessel that visits smaller "off the beaten track" destinations ".

"DISCOVERY" was built in 1972, she has been operated by VOYAGES OF DISCOVERY since 2002, the ship is registered at Bermuda. Photos here included, shows the ship as the "ISLAND PRINCESS" in August of 1997 at Dover and at Funchal in 2010, photo by Joao Abreu

MARITIME MEMORIES voyage to Russia, this May

2012-02-16T02:39:00.002-08:00

MARITIME MEMORIES will set sail this May from Portsmouth on the 11th for a 16 days voyage to St Petersburg, this will be a very special occasion for all participating on this event as MARITIME MEMORIES pays tribute to all those who served on the WW2 "Arctic Convoys". Every voyage organised by MM is a remarkable opportunity to celebrate classic sea voyages with great style, with the unique ambiance of days long gone, but this one promises to be one of a lifetime experience with "DISCOVERY" stopping at St Petersburg for three days with local authorities particulary committed to participate on the celebrations. The ship chosen once again by MM is the beautiful "DISCOVERY" seen here at Funchal, photo taken by Joao Abreu, keen contributor to this blog, top image, MARITIME MEMORIES logo, For all information on this wonderful trip please click link on post below

Voyage to St. Petersburg - Maritime Memories

2012-02-16T02:15:00.000-08:00

Voyage to St. Petersburg - Maritime Memories:

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Portraits of former P & O liners

2012-02-15T03:58:00.000-08:00

Pictures of former P & O liners on exhibition on board P & O FERRIES "PRIDE OF BURGUNDY", the "UGANDA" of 1952 and "ROYAL PRINCESS" of 1984. Photos taken on the 13th February 2012

M.V. "FUNCHAL" in 1986

2012-02-14T03:39:00.000-08:00

Another post about the iconic beautiful passenger ship "FUNCHAL", built in 1961 the ship has been in service for a remarkable five decades and undergoing a refit that will certainly keep her active for many years to come. Photos included show the ship during a cruise to Spain and Morocco back in 1986, my first voyage on the vessel, she was acquired in 1985 by Arcalia Shipping Company later to become CLASSIC INTERNATIONAL CRUISES, owners and operators of "FUNCHAL" to this day, she was given a yellow and blue striped funnel and was the first ship of the Company, she has an exciting future ahead, it's such a pleasure and unique experience to be able to see this elegant passenger ship still around, certainly for me an admirer and follower of the ship for over four decades, it is with great pleasure that I am sharing with the readers of this blog some of my most increadible moments as a ships enthusiast. "FUNCHAL" at Malaga and Tangier in September 1986

M S "CAROUSEL"

2012-02-11T08:25:00.000-08:00

Built in 1971 as the NORDIC PRINCE by WARTSILA in Finland, the ship was operated by Royal Caribbean and had a GRT of 18.346, she was 169 meters long with a top speed of 22 knots. In 1980 the ship was lengthened by 26 meters, the GRT was increased to 23.149 GRT. In 1995 the vessel was sold to AIRTOURS SUN CRUISES and renamed "CAROUSEL", before entering service in May, the sky lounge around her funnel was removed, 1995 was the year I have sailed on the ship for a Mediterranean Cruise, it was a fantastic trip, I have great memories of the ship, she looked in great condition at the time and was indeed a very attractive mid-size passenger ship. Photos included in this posts shows the ship at Palma Maiorca, ready for sea, cruising the Mediterranean, at anchor in Cannes and Elba

Remembering the month of April in Funchal's port

2012-02-10T06:07:00.000-08:00

We portuguese have a saying regarding the month of April, "Abril, águas mil", in english meaning April, thousand rains and the ship enthusiasts associate that to cruise ship activity during April in the port of Funchal, "Abril, navios mil", April, thousand cruise ships".

Busy morning sceane in Funchal with cruise ships THOMSON DREAM and LE LEVANT underway and the french navy auxiluary ship MONGE out in the bay. 05/04/2011

It has the reputation of one of the busiest months of the year alongside November as regarding to this activity. Eastbound positional cruising, mainly from the Americas, which tend to occur in the refered season, is the responsible factor for this high peek of calls. Cruise ships take advantage of Madeira's strategical location on transatlantic crossings to the Med, to refuel and to stop in these long voyages allowing their passengers to strench their legs after so many days at sea.

Three, four or even more cruise liners are frequently seen simoultaniously in Funchal in April, sometimes the harbour size isn't enough to accommodate so many visitors, as it is visible in these images.
With so many ships in port, it's inevitable that a few of them are newcomers, inaugural calls if you prefer, always a special event for the port's history.

Needless to say, at the current time of the year, where cruise ship activity in Funchal is made by the regular Winter calls, we, ship enthusiasts, are very excited for this upcoming April, that promises an impressive number of 50 calls, as sheduled by the port authorities.

Imagens taken in Funchal during the past month of April in 2011. © João Abreu.

Remembering the "SUNDREAM"

2012-02-10T00:07:00.000-08:00

This post takes us back to 1997, the "SUNDREAM" is seen secured for sea ready for another departure from Barcelona. The ship was built in 1970 by WARTSILA in Finland as the "SONG OF NORWAY" to Royal Caribbean, she was 18416 GRT with a top speed of 22 knots, the vessel was lengthened by 24 meters in 1978, the GRT was increased to 23005 GRT. In 1996 the ship was sold to AIRTOURS SUN CRUISES and was renamed "SUNDREAM", she is still around operated by INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING PARTNERS under the name of "GEMINI" but facing uncertain times with the ship being reported for sale or charter

"THE AZUR" at Barcelona

2012-02-08T12:38:00.000-08:00

One of my favourite ships of all time, the former P & O Southern Ferries "EAGLE" seen here in Barcelona during a cruise in 2000 as "THE AZUR", she was built in 1971 and is still sailing, it seems yesterday that I have sailed on the ship for the first time in 1974, she was almost brand new and for a young boy like me passionate about ships, she was the best passenger ship in the world, one thing is for sure she was beautiful and one of a kind

"COSTA MEDITERRANEA" leaving Lisbon

2012-02-08T07:40:00.000-08:00

Seen here departing Lisbon in June of 2004 is the "COSTA MEDITERRANEA", the ship was built in 2003 and has a GRT of 85.600

"OCEAN COUNTESS" the first cruise ship to depart from the new Pier Head Terminal

2012-02-03T07:58:00.000-08:00

If everything goes to plan "OCEAN COUNTESS" will be the first cruise ship to depart on a cruise from the Pier Head Terminal on the 29th of May 2012. Photos of the ship taken in Madeira by Joao Abreu

LIVERPOOL Cruise Ships Terminal wins turnaround approval

2012-02-03T07:42:00.000-08:00

Amazing news today for the UK cruise Industry and particulary for the city of LIVERPOOL, within three months "Liverpool Cruise Terminal" will be able to cater for turnaround voyages, so passengers will be able to start and finish their cruises to and from Liverpool, a new planning application will be put over the next few weeks to build a secure baggage and customs facility. Please click link on post below to read the detailed news. Photo of "VISION OF THE SEAS" when the ship visited Liverpool last year on the 16th June 2011

Liverpool cruise liner terminal wins turnaround approval after council agrees to pay back grant cash - Liverpool News - News - Liverpool Daily Post

2012-02-03T07:33:00.000-08:00

Liverpool cruise liner terminal wins turnaround approval after council agrees to pay back grant cash - Liverpool News - News - Liverpool Daily Post:

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Getting intimate with ships

2012-01-31T05:59:00.000-08:00

When I have the opportunity, I just adore spending time watching the routine operations surrounding the day to day life of ships, getting intimate with them, few photos taken last year during the "ARCADIA's" visit to the city of Liverpool, 26th August 2011

AZORES PASSENGER SHIPS

2012-01-29T11:19:00.000-08:00

AZORES PASSENGER SHIPS by Maritime Historian and Photographer Luis Miguel Correia is a marvellous and moving job, the whole book is beautifully written, absorbing and educational, it's a terrific account of the ships of the past and present visiting the Portuguese Islands of the Azores, packed full of detail, the author is to be congratulated, a must for all ships enthusiasts and anyone with an interest in Maritime History.

Exclusive photos of WILLEM RUYS, originals of the ROTTERDAMSCHE LLOYD MUSEUM

2012-01-27T01:41:00.000-08:00

"WILLEM RUYS" becomes ACHILLE LAURO is by far the most visited post on this blog, so I felt the need of doing another one dedicated to this great ship, a favourite of mine, in order to create something different I have chosen to publish some photos of the aftermath of the collision with "ORANGE" in January 1953, all photos copyright Rotterdamsche Lloyd Museum. A big thank you once again to the museum, without their co-operation this post would not be possible

P & O SHIP "CATHAY"

2012-01-24T22:50:00.000-08:00

Built in 1957 for COMPAGNIE MARITIME BELGE as the BAUDOUINVILLE she was sold to P & O in 1961 to operate from the UK to the Far East, she was sold to CHINA OCEAN SHIPPING in 1978. The 14.000 GRT ship was sold for scrap in 1996, beautiful postcard kindly sent by my friend Antonio Silva

CRISTOFORO COLOMBO, one of the nicest ships ever built

2012-01-22T14:05:00.000-08:00

This post is dedicated to all the Italian followers of this blog. This past week saw an unprecedented number of pageviews from Italy, I was really pleased to notice that the post "WILLEM RUYS BECOMES ACHILLE LAURO" is the most popular post of this blog, leading by far all the posts related to the COSTA CONCORDIA's tragedy, so despite the relevance of the tragic events which obviously dominated the news not just in Italy but around the world, there is an obvious interest on Italian passenger liners and this is reassuring for me, I do believe that the most beautiful liners came out of Italy, this is why I have chosen CRISTOFORO COLOMBO for many the most elegant liner ever built as a testimony of appreciation to the great nation that Italy was and still is as far as shipping and ship building is concerned, so thank you to all my Italian followers, I will endeavour to carry on with the best possible work on this blog. Postcards of my collection

PRINCESS DANAE - 2012 World Cruise

2012-01-19T05:44:00.000-08:00

The 17,000 GT and 570 passenger PRINCESS DANAE has begun recently out of Marseilles a round the world cruise with the duration of 127 nights. The portuguese flagged cruise ship is currently chartered for the french market by the touristic operator Notre Temps.
Therefore PRINCESS DANAE visited Funchal this week on a westbound transatlantic to the Caribbean before making her way to the Pacific passing the Panama canal first.
Hard to believe but the ship's lower structure is at sea since the mid 50's, when she was built by Harland & Wolf shipyards and started operations as a refrigerated cargo ship named PORT MELBOURNE.
She was eventualy converted for passanger shipping and went through different changes before being purchased by portuguese owned Arcalia Shipping, nowadays knowned as Classic International Cruises.

Photographs taken at Funchal on the ship's call in New Year's Day. On the right side image, we can notice her previous name camouflaged with a roll of new paiting and her current designation.

CRUISE CRITIC UK, the best UK site on cruising

2012-01-18T02:07:00.000-08:00

Join the best site, in my opinion, dedicated to cruising and cruise ships in the UK www.cruisecritic.co.uk

Concordia Update: Five More Bodies Recovered from Wreck; Nationalities of Missing Confirmed - Costa Cruises

2012-01-18T02:00:00.000-08:00

Concordia Update: Five More Bodies Recovered from Wreck; Nationalities of Missing Confirmed - Costa Cruises:

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COSTA CONCORDIA, what happened

2012-01-16T12:14:00.000-08:00

Please click link on post below, excellent report from the BBC about the accident

BBC News - Costa Concordia: What happened

2012-01-16T12:10:00.000-08:00

BBC News - Costa Concordia: What happened:

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COSTA CONCORDIA, the search for survivors resumed

2012-01-16T09:40:00.000-08:00

With better weather conditions, the search for missing people resumed, still 15 people unaccounted, there were fears as well that with the worsening of weather conditions the ship might sink even further, slipping from her rocky resting place, in the meantime worries of an environmental disaster is also a priority for the authorities

COSTA CONCORDIA "OFF COURSE"

2012-01-16T09:23:00.000-08:00

Please click link on post below for latest news on COSTA CONCORDIA, source BBC World News

BBC News - Cruise liner growth 'set to continue'

2012-01-16T09:17:00.000-08:00

BBC News - Cruise liner growth 'set to continue':

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COSTA CONCORDIA disaster and the challenges ahead for the Cruising Industry

2012-01-15T11:07:00.000-08:00

Five people have now died on the COSTA CONCORDIA and 15 are still missing, so unfortunately the number is likely to increase, an official enquiry of the causes of this dramatic accident, the worst with a cruise ship is under way but is likely to take months until we know the reasons behind this disaster. The pictures of the stricken massive COSTA CONCORDIA lying helpless on her starboard side is sending shock waves through the Cruising Industry, the past decade saw a dramatic increase in the number of new built cruise ships and customers, in the UK alone 1.7 million people decided to take a cruise for their holidays, this accident is unlikely to put off regular cruisers, the industry's fear should concentrate on " new cruisers " a vital sector for the growth of the industry. Any form of travel carries risk and travelling by sea, even on these mega cruise ships is no exception. Taking a cruise is without a doubt the safest and more secure holiday and accidents like this were unheard of, the death toll and injuries, regrettable as it is, are on this accident relatively small, the ship carried over 4200 people on board. Ships today are equipped with the most sophisticated navigational features and are extremely safe and stable despite the non-stoppable increase on Gross Tonnage

Captain of COSTA CONCORDIA arrested

2012-01-14T12:21:00.000-08:00

The captain of "COSTA CONCORDIA" was arrested by prosecutors, please click link on post below for the latest news on this tragedy

Police arrest Italian captain of cruise ship that ran aground, killing 3 - CNN.com

2012-01-14T12:18:00.000-08:00

Police arrest Italian captain of cruise ship that ran aground, killing 3 - CNN.com:

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Latest on COSTA CONCORDIA

2012-01-14T06:09:00.000-08:00

Apparently at least still 50 people missing after the tragic accident with COSTA CONCORDIA last night, latest news confirm 3 dead and 14 injured but with so many people missing these figures are likely to increase, the accident happened just off the Tuscan Island of Giglio, investigations will take place to try and find out why this new ship, not slightly new as per some recent reports, the ship was built in 2006 and is equipped with the latest technology ran aground. Photo taken from the internet

COSTA CONCORDIA runs aground in Italy

2012-01-14T01:19:00.001-08:00

The new COSTA CONCORDIA built in 2006 and operated by COSTA CRUISES run aground last night, three hours after leaving the port of Civitavecchia, three people are reported dead and others missing, read all about it here www.huffingtonpost.co.uk. Photo included taken from the internet

QM2 visits Funchal on her World Cruise

2012-01-13T12:49:00.000-08:00

The QM2 made yet another visit to Madeira today, from Southampton on her first port of call of the 2012 World Cruise.
In this first leg of the 108 night grand journey, the Cunarder is southbound towards the Cape of Good Hope. Afterwars she's due to visit several other destinations in Australia, Far East, India, Midle East, Suez Canal and the Med.
It was almost eight years ago, on the 15th January 2004 that the QM2 made her inaugural in Funchal, first port of call on her maiden voyage.
And what a great event it was, as a crowd of locals, myself among them, wake up very early to witness the largest cruise ship in the World at the time making it's way in the bay.
A special date to remember in my ships enthusiastic life forever.Text & Photos: João Abreu-Funchal.

GRANDEST OCEAN LINER EVER BUILT IS 8 YEARS OLD TODAY

2012-01-12T08:37:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday QM2, STILL THE ONLY WAY TO CROSS. Photos 5 and 6 by Joao Abreu

SS "LEONARDO DA VINCI" a remarkable liner with a short career

2012-01-11T09:44:00.000-08:00

The SS "LEONARDO DA VINCI" was an ocean liner built by ANSALDO SHIPYARDS at Genoa in 1960, the ship was intended as a replacement for the ill-fated ANDREA DORIA to operate on the North Atlantic run with ITALIAN LINE, she was as built 33.340 GRT and had a top speed of 25.5 knots. The ship left on her maiden voyage on the 30th June 1960 from Genoa to New York, she was kept on this service until 1965 when the new superliners MICHELANGELO and RAFFAELLO entered service, LEONARDO was then used on cruising in the MED, CARIBBEAN, SOUTH and NORTH AMERICA, after the withdrawal of the new superliners from service on the North Atlantic due to lack of passengers LEONARDO was back on the transtlantic service, but only for a brief spell, she went back to cruising until 1978 when she arrived at La Spezia in Italy to be laid up, she caught fire in 1980 and was considered a total loss, she was finally scrapped in 1982, a brief career for such a beautiful ship, she was not a lucky vessel unfortunately, she has never properly been converted to full time cruising, so never very profitable. Images of my private collection

"FUNCHAL" seen from the "Monument of the Discoveries" in Lisbon

2012-01-09T01:28:00.000-08:00

The cruise ship "FUNCHAL" is seen here from the "Monument of the Discoveries" in Lisbon monitored by Henry the Navigator, a monument built on the edge of the river Tagus, where ships, very different ships, departed to explore and trade, photos 1989

"GALILEO GALILEI" the first super liner for LLOYD TRIESTIO

2012-01-08T03:36:00.000-08:00

"GALILEO GALILEI" was built for the Australian immigrant route in 1963 by CANTIERI RIUNITI in Italy, she was when built 27.888 GRT and cruised at 24 knots, however her 44.000 shp turbines could take her to speeds over 27 knots, she started her maiden voyage in March and was joined on this route later the same year by her sister ship "GUGLIELMO MARCONI", they were two of the most elegant ships at sea. "GALILEO" had a capacity for 1750 passengers, the ship served Lloyd Triestino until 1979, a brief period laid up followed until she was converted to full time cruising in 1980 when she started her new role with ITALIA CROCIERI a new career that never achieved success, the ship served until 1999, CHANDRIS, CELEBRITY CRUISES, when her tonnage was increased to 30.440 GRT and finally SUN CRUISES between 1997 and 1999 when she was lost at sea due to fire that started in her engine room. Images from my private collection, the Lloyd Triestino years

Postcard of the "GUGLIELMO MARCONI" in 1976

2012-01-05T09:09:00.000-08:00

Postcard and brochure images, 1st class lounge and dining room on board SS GUGLIELMO MARCONI" in 1976, the year I have sailed on this incredible ship, all from my private collection, the ship's postcard is an artist impression with the ship with ITALIAN LINE colours, but the actual image is still from her LLOYD TRIESTINO days

Memories of a cruise to the Fyords on "SPLENDOUR OF THE SEAS"

2012-01-04T02:22:00.000-08:00

This post is a souvenir of a trip that a friend of mine did to the FYORDS in NORWAY in 1998 on board the "SPLENDOUR OF THE SEAS". I have met David a couple of years earlier and because of my passion for passenger ships he decided to send me these photos, which really pleased me. So here it is the new, at the time, "SPLENDOUR OF THE SEAS", images of the ship at FRAM and inside, I have not been on board this beautiful cruise ship, but certainly a lot has changed since then

My top three cruise ships sailing the seven seas

2012-01-03T04:07:00.000-08:00

QUEEN MARY 2, AURORA and ORIANA are in this order my favourite ships sailing the Word's Oceans at the moment, I haven't seen the ORIANA after her recent refit where some changes took place with the addition of a "duck tail" but I am still hoping she can keep the bronze medal, ships like the SAGA RUBY, ARCADIA, QUEEN VICTORIA are knocking on ORIANA's door desperate for that third place, I will let you know soon and my top ten will be published some time this year

Recommended books and website for SS "CANBERRA"

2012-01-02T06:55:00.000-08:00

There are of course many books about "CANBERRA", the two above are recommended, very enjoyable reading with beautiful photos of this great liner, first by Neil McCart and second by William H Miller and Luis Miguel Correia, also for the online community of this amazing liner, strongly recommended www.sscanberra.com

P & O CRUISES advertising the last year in service for "CANBERRA"

2012-01-02T06:42:00.000-08:00

Two images taken from P & O CRUISES brochure in 1997 promoting last year in service of "CANBERRA" and company's postcard

SS "CANBERRA", the Great White Whale

2012-01-02T05:26:00.000-08:00

The first posts of 2012 are about SS "CANBERRA" one of my all time favourites. The story of CANBERRA started in 1956 when P & O asked British Shipbuilders to tender for a new liner to be operated between the UK and AUSTRALIA, it was later that year that P & O announced that HARLAND & WOLFF would build the new ship, the keel was laid in 1957 and she was lanched in 1960, CANBERRA started her maiden voyage on the 2sd of June 1961, she was 45.270 GRT and had a top speed of over 29 knots. Later when the ship was full time employed on cruising the top speed was reduced to 23.5 knots, for many CANBERRA's finest hour was when she served on the Falklands conflict where she was sent to the heart of the conflict, she was by then nicknamed the "Great White Whale". After returning from the Falklands she resumed cruising and served P & O until 1997 when she was withdrawn from service, much to the despair of her legion of loyal followers, she was a British favourite with a reputation almost impossible to match, I have never sailed on CANBERRA never even been on board, but I have seen and photographed her in many occasions and will never forget her, my fondest memory of the vessel was in 1995 when I went to Southampton to see the brand new ORIANA, I was very pleased with the new ship but she was completely overshadowed by the amazing CANBERRA's profile when she skipped her moorings half an hour later. She left unnoticed in October of 1997 to Gadani Beach in Pakistan to be scrapped under her own steam a sad but dignified ending for such a unique and beautiful liner. Photos of CANBERRA in Lisbon during the eighties

SS "ROTTERDAM" and MS "PACIFIC" two ships in need of better luck for 2012

2011-12-31T08:29:00.000-08:00

This is the last post of 2011, for next year would like to wish better luck for two very beautiful passenger ships, the iconic "ROTTERDAM" of 1959 at the moment moored at her home port of Rotterdam and open to the public for tours, accommodation and restaurant, the ship is up for sale despite receiving more than 500.000 visitors during the first year of her new role and the "PACIFIC" former "SEA VENTURE" of 1971 and "PACIFIC PRINCESS" of 1975 famous for her role on the TV series "THE LOVE BOAT", the ship has been laid up at Genoa for a long time facing a very uncertain future, so good luck for 2012 for these two very nice passenger ships.

The end of the line for "INFANTE DOM HENRIQUE"

2011-12-30T10:02:00.000-08:00

This is the final post dedicated to the former Portuguese Liner "INFANTE DOM HENRIQUE". In 1991 the then "VASCO DA GAMA" was chartered by SEAWIND CRUISE LINES and renamed "SEAWIND CROWN" despite been renamed she kept the former name on her bow until 1995 when she was officially bought by SEAWIND, in 1997 the ship was given a ridiculous dark blue livery which never suited the ship by then operated by PREMIER CRUISES, the ship was chartered in 1999 to PULLMANTUR for a series of cruises, PREMIER went into financial turmoil and the ship was arrested for payment of debts when she arrived at Barcelona at the end of another cruise in 2000, she was later secured and seized becoming a dead ship, laid up at barcelona until 2003 when she was sold to Indian breakers by the Barcelona Port Authority, she left the Catalonian port in December 2003 under the name Barcelona, a sad end for such a beautiful liner, another one of my youth and one I will cherish forever

"INFANTE DOM HENRIQUE" becomes cruise ship "VASCO DA GAMA"

2011-12-30T09:14:00.000-08:00

Further to the previous post, the neglected "INFANTE DOM HENRIQUE" was purchased in 1986 by Mr George Potamianos for cruising under his TRANS WORLD CRUISING, a Panamanian registered company, the ship was released from her basin at Sines and moved to Lisbon where she arrived early 1988 and I was there to greet her, she then went to Greece to begin her long process of being converted into full time cruising ship, she was in the meantime renamed "VASCO DA GAMA" a name carefully chosen by her new owner to comply with ship's tradition and heritage, she began her new role in 1989, when she returned to service she looked like a new ship and never looked more attractive in my opinion, shame the cargo masts had to be removed but apart from that she looked amazing

the beautiful portuguese liner "INFANTE DOM HENRIQUE"

2011-12-30T03:10:00.000-08:00

"INFANTE DOM HENRIQUE" was built for the Portuguese COMPANHIA COLONIAL NAVEGACAO in 1961 by Belgium shipyards COCKERILL, she left for her maiden voyage on the 21st September 1961, she was operated by CCN on the Lisbon to Angola, South Africa and Mozambique route, she was as built 23145 GRT and had a cruising speed of 20 to 21 knots propelled by steam turbines. After the Portuguese former colonies were granted independence and of course the advent of the jumbo jet, the ship was laid up in Lisbon in 1976 and she remained there until 1977 when she left for Sines in Southern Portugal to serve as an Hotel Accommodation, this was really a period of exile for the ship as the real goals where never achieved and she was kept in a poor state been completely negleted, I visited the ship a few times when she was there, one of them in 1985 with Luis Miguel Correia who is responsible for the last picture, INFANTE was bought in 1986 by George Potamianos and was to be converted into a cruise ship and become the "VASCO DA GAMA"

SOUTHAMPTON REMEMBERS THE "TITANIC" IN 2012

2011-12-29T03:43:00.000-08:00

Southampton of course will remember and pay homage to the TITANIC next year to mark 100 years of the sinking of the WHITE STAR liner, please visit www.visit-southampton.co.uk for all information and programme

QUEEN MARY 2 was back at Funchal this year

2011-12-28T11:58:00.000-08:00

CUNARD flagship, the splendid QM2 was back at Funchal this year on the 2sd of November, the ship called Madeira on her maiden voyage in 2004 and was back later in the year, since then she has not been to the beautiful Island. Photos taken by Joao Abreu

MS "FUNCHAL" a vintage ship with charm and character

2011-12-28T00:34:00.000-08:00

After finishing yesterday's post about Maritime-Memories voyage to St Petersburg, I have been thinking about the very few liners and cruise ships that today can provide their passengers a unique cruising experience, there's not a lot of them today unfortunately but one that still captures my imagination and motivates me to go back on board as soon as possible is the Portuguese registered "FUNCHAL". Built in 1961, so over fifty years old now, this passenger ship is a well balanced rounded lines vessel with real wooden decks that can offer her loyal followers as well as first time cruisers a unique travelling experience, its interiors has lots of fine woodwork and despite her age she has been kept very much updated with regular refurbishments. So to recapture what it was like to travel in an ocean liner of the past and avoid large resort ships and crowds this is a ship to consider. FUNCHAL has been in Lisbon since September 2010 undergoing a massive refit that would bring a new lease of life to the vessel for years to come. To book a cruise and for further information how to sail on FUNCHAL please visit,www.uk.cic-cruises.com She is due back during 2012

Maritime Memories voyage to St Petersburg in 2012

2011-12-27T12:20:00.000-08:00

Maritime Memories has organised for 2012 a voyage to St Petersburg, once again the ship to be used is the 1972 built "DISCOVERY", a great opportunity for repeat passengers to share their experiences of travelling by sea during the heyday of the ocean liners and for new ones to marvel with the unique ambiance that this small and intimate ship can provide, this is very good value for money and there's no need to fly, this is a Portsmouth round trip cruise, please visit for all information www.maritime-memories.co.uk Photos included by Joao Abreu

Portuguese liners "SANTA MARIA" and "VERA CRUZ"

2011-12-23T07:38:00.000-08:00

My real passion for ships and particularity passenger liners started when I was five years old and saw "SANTA MARIA" for the first time in Lisbon, after that first glimpse of the ship my father took me on various occasions to the port of Lisbon to admire "SANTA MARIA" and her sister ship the 1952 built "VERA CRUZ", a member of my family went a few years later to Africa on "VERA CRUZ" to serve in what was known then as the Colonial War. "SANTA MARIA" was built in Belgium by JOHN COCKERILL and delivered to COLONIAL NAVIGATION COMPANY in 1953, she was 21.357 GRT and had a top speed of 23 knots, the vessel became world news when in 1961 was abducted by members of a group known as DRIL which was opposition to the Antonio Salazar government, this episode marks the first political kidnapping of an ocean liner in modern history. "SANTA MARIA" and "VERA CRUZ" ended their days prematurely in 1973 when they were scrapped, a sad ending for two wonderful ships with such a great potential to be converted for cruising.

Photos used in this post copyright Luis Miguel Correia

BLACK WATCH at Funchal

2011-12-21T15:53:00.000-08:00

The 1972 finnish built BLACK WATCH was considered one of the modern liners of her time, truly avand garde in numerous ways when launched by Royal Viking Line. Along with her two sisterships delivered the following years, she was one of the most luxurious passenger ships in the world.
Today in Funchal we were able to contemplate BLACK WATCH's fine lines, that have gracefully sailed into the modern cruising sceane, on yet another visit to Madeira this time westbound to the Caribbean sea where she will spend both Christmas and New Years celebrations.

Celebrate the New Year on board QE2

2011-12-19T10:13:00.000-08:00

Since arrival at Dubai in 2008 the legendary QE2 is going to be opened to the public for the New Year party. the majority of tickets are invitations, but there will be some tickets available for the general public, please visit Rob Lightbody's website for further information on www.theqe2story.com or contact info@geventm.com or contact telephone number + 971 4 4331719. What a way to start 2012, tickets are priced at £500 or £1000 with unlimited food and drink. Photo bought on board the QE2 in 1996

QE2 visit to Liverpool in 1990

2011-12-19T02:40:00.000-08:00

CUNARD legendary QE2 visited the city of Liverpool for the first time in 1990, included in this post stamps issued to commemorate the event as well as Merseyside Maritime Museum postcard

Lisbon on the world's route

2011-12-17T01:34:00.000-08:00

LISBON ON THE WORLD'S ROUTE is a fantastic book by Maritime Historian and photographer Luis Miguel Correia. The book is a terrific account of passenger shipping history including old transatlantic liners, former Portuguese great passenger ships and the new state of the art cruise ships, Lisbon is a beautiful natural harbour recognized worldwide for its beauty so the photos on display are just beautiful, Luis Miguel Correia apart from being an amazing photographer understands and knows ships in a way that very few can, he knows exactly how to get the very best of them so this book is highly recommended. For further details on this and other books by LMC please visit http://lmcshipsandthesea.blogspot.com

"COSTA ALLEGRA" and "COSTA RIVIERA"

2011-12-17T01:08:00.000-08:00

Two ships that ended up with COSTA CRUISES with completely different backgrounds. The "COSTA ALLEGRA" was built as a container ship for the Swedish REDERI AB NORDSTJERNAN in 1969 named ANNIE JOHNSON, she was bought by COSTA in 1991 and after being fully converted into cruising started one year later her new role. "COSTA RIVIERA" was the former GUGLIELMO MARCONI built in 1963 for LLOYD TRIESTINO and purchased by COSTA in 1983, the ship was completely robbed of her graceful profile but served COSTA CRUISES for a number of years, she was scrapped in 2002. Top image, ALLEGRA at Barcelona in 2000, postcard of the fabulous G. MARCONI with Lloyd Triestino livery and a photo of the converted COSTA RIVIERA at Piraeus in 1996

ASTOR at Funchal

2011-12-15T13:49:00.000-08:00

An interesting looking ship the ASTOR seen berthed today, 15th December 2011 in Funchal, Madeira.
She was built in the 80's as a sister ship to the former ASTOR the current SAGA PEARL II, but unlike her predecessor, this new cruise liner was faster and had better amenities especially conceived for the Capetown-Southampton route.
After the plans were abandoned by Safmarine, ASTOR started operating for a german company, a service that would last for only eighteen months.Next she was sold for soviet interests as the FEDOR DOSTOIEVSKY and was later renamed again with her orginal name. After some charters she ended up in Transocean and in 2006 the ship was purchased by the Premicon group of Munich, maintaining the charter with her present operators.
In the previous year she was refited in Bremerhaven where additional cabins were added, some with balcony placed onto the ship's bow slightly changing her original profile.

The incomparable "EUGENIO C"

2011-12-14T12:20:00.000-08:00

"EUGENIO C" was ordered by COSTA (LINEA C at the time) to CANTIERI RIUNITI in 1963, her keel was laid in 1964 and delivered to her owners for the Genoa to South America service in 1966, she was 32.750 GRT and cruised at 27 knots, she was a very fast ship indeed, I have seen the "EUGENIO C" many times in Lisbon in the 70's and 80's and once at Liverpool as the EDINBURGH CASTLE, she is one of my all time favourites, she was scrapped in 2005 without any dignity in very poor state, miserable to watch the photos of her last years laid up and in service as the BIG RED BOAT II, what a name for a ship with such prestige elegance and tradition, I've scrapped those days from her history, for me she will always be remembered as the postcards above show and of course my living memories

COSTA "ENRICO C"

2011-12-14T05:48:00.000-08:00

"ENRICO C" was built by Swan Hunter in the UK in 1951 as the PROVENCE for SGTM a French company, curious to note that the vessel was built in the UK because the French yards were so busy rebuiding their merchant navy after World War II that shipyards coudn't cope, the ship was purchased by COSTA in 1965. She was scrapped in 2001. Postcards from my private collection, a Christmas and new year message on the first image used for the festivities in 1977

P & O CRUISES "VICTORIA"

2011-12-13T03:52:00.000-08:00

We travel back in time, to the year of 1998 when these photos were taken in Southampton with the "VICTORIA" docking at the end of another cruise for P & O CRUISES. The ship was built in the UK, sadly a thing of the past, by JOHN BROWN at Clydebank in 1966 to SWEDISH AMERICA as the beautiful "KUNGSHOLM", she was bought by P & O in 1979 and after a major refit which destroyed her graceful lines renamed as the "SEA PRINCESS", she was used at the UK, Australian and USA markets where she was given PRINCESS CRUISES colours until eventually returned to P & O and renamed "VICTORIA" in 1998, last image, postcard of my private collection, not as elegant as the KUNGSHOLM but still a beautiful ship with a legion of followers due to her intimate and cozy interiors

"WILLEM RUYS" becomes "ACHILLE LAURO"

2011-12-12T12:36:00.000-08:00

In 1964 the "WILLEM RUYS" was sold to FLOTTA LAURO, today MSC CRUISES and was renamed "ACHILLE LAURO", the ship went into a massive reconversion but kept her beautiful lines, she was a regular caller to Lisbon as a result I have great memories of this fantastic vessel, she is also a ship of my youth, "ACHILLE LAURO" became even more famous because of the 1985 hijacking, she was lost by fire in 1994 on the 2sd of December, the same day she started her maiden voyage back in 1947.

Photos copyright of Royal Rotterdam Lloyd Museum, except first image, postcard of my private collection www.krlmuseum.nl

ROYAL ROTTERDAM LLOYD "WILLEM RUYS"

2011-12-12T03:09:00.000-08:00

this post is about a very special liner, the "WILLEM RUYS". Built in 1947 for ROYAL ROTTERDAM LLOYD by "DE SCHELDE" Shipbuilding, the "WILLEM RUYS" departed on her maiden voyage on the 2sd December 1947, she was the flagship of RRL and was operated on the Dutch East Indies service, where she became a very popular fixture, she was as built 21.119 GRT and had a top speed of 22 knots, propelled by diesel engines, soon the number of passengers were to decrease due to Dutch Indies independence from the Netherlands in 1949, she was sold in 1964 to FLOTTA LAURO and renamed ACHILLE LAURO

This opposite photo is a remarkable account of a landing card issued by the Port of Lisbon in 1964 during one of the last voyages of the ship as the "WILLEM RUYS"

All photos included in this post are copyright of the Royal Rotterdam Lloyd Museum

Visit the "SOUTHAMPTON OCEAN LINER EXPERIENCE"

2011-12-12T01:11:00.000-08:00

Not to be missed www.oceanlinerexperience.co.uk

the end of the line for MS "AUGUSTUS"

2011-12-10T03:47:00.000-08:00

I've recently heard about the beaching of former ITALIAN LINE beauty "AUGUSTUS" at Alang in India, which marks the end of a long career for this Italian liner, one of the ships of my youth. "AUGUSTUS" is one of my special ships I went on board the vessel a couple of times in Lisbon in 1975 when she was a regular visitor, at the time on the Italian to South America route, I know we can't compare former liners with cruise ships today but these old liners had an incomparable atmosphere, we could feel the excitement of their passengers on these long voyages, the days of the only way to cross were no longer there, but regular transatlantic services were still in place and I feel very honoured to have lived those days. "AUGUSTUS" was built by CANTIERI RIUNITI DEL ADRIATICO in 1952, the ship departed for her maiden voyage on the 19th November 1952, she was 27.090 GRT and her diesel engines could propel the ship to a maximum of 23.5 knots, she was sold by ITALIAN LINE in 1976, eventually she became the Manila Hotel based "PHILIPPINES" until recently finally being sold to scrap, postcards above of my private collection, the ship at Alang and a postcard of "AUGUSTUS" sister ship "GIULIO CESARE" scrapped in 1973

"COSTA ROMANTICA" undergoing a massive refurbishment

2011-12-09T01:04:00.000-08:00

Built by FINCANTIERI and delivered to COSTA CRUISES in 1993 the 53000 GRT "COSTA ROMANTICA" is at the moment at Genoa undergoing a massive refit, two new half decks will be added to the ship which will increase the GRT to 56.000. Even the name of the vessel will be changed to "COSTA NEOROMANTICA", the return of the ship to service is scheduled to February 2012. Photo of the ship in Barcelona in 2000 and an artistic impression of things to come, I quite like the new design actually but let's wait and see for the real thing

LIBERTY OF THE SEAS departing BARCELONA

2011-12-08T11:36:00.000-08:00

One of the largest cruise ships in the world departing one of the most famous cities in the world, photos taken last October 2011 from the famous "GOLONDRINAS" the cruise boats that take tourists to a tour of the port

QUEEN MARY 2 back at Southampton yesterday

2011-12-08T01:44:00.000-08:00

CUNARD flagship was back from Hamburg yesterday, after her refit, sadly no longer a British Registered ship, photos of this great liner still in dry dock at Hamburg

MV "SWITZERLAND"

2011-12-07T09:05:00.000-08:00

Very old photo of the cruise ship "SWITZERLAND" docked in Barcelona, summer of 1999, the ship was built in the UK at Swan Hunter as the PORT SYDNEY in 1955, she has 14167 GRT

MSC CRUISES, the fourth largest cruise group in the world

2011-12-06T01:44:00.000-08:00

Carrying 1.2 million passengers every year MSC CRUISES is today the fourth largest cruise group in the world, with the introduction of MSC DIVINA at the moment under construction at Saint-Nazaire due to debut in May 2012, the company will have a fleet of 12 cruise ships.Included in this post, photos of MSC MELODY flagship of the company since 1997 until the introduction of MSC LIRICA in 2003, the first purpose built cruise ship for MSC CRUISES, MSC SPLENDIDA at Barcelona same as the MELODY and the MSC DIVINA under construction at STX in France, interesting to note that MSC MELODY is a 35.143 GRT built in 1982, a classic nowadays and the MSC DIVINA, to become the new flagship will have a GRT of 140.000, MELODY in the summer of 2000 and SPLENDIDA and DIVINA earlier this year

THOMSON CELEBRATION departing Lisbon in 2006

2011-12-05T10:10:00.000-08:00

Seen here leaving Lisbon during the summer of 2006 is the 1984 built THOMSON CELEBRATION, the ship was built in France by CHANTIERS DE L'ATLANTIQUE as the NOORDAM for H A L, the vessel is still owned by the Dutch operator but has been on charter to THOMSON CRUISES since 2005, she has 33.930 GRT and capacity for 1200 passengers, a classic now.

TITANIC THE MOVIE IN 3D

2011-12-04T01:50:00.000-08:00

Coming to a cinema near you on the 6th of April 2012 is the TITANIC MOVIE IN 3D, another opportunity to wonder with this great movie, all very special of course, 2012 marks the 100th Anniversary of the sinking of the ship, shame the movie doesn't debut on the 10th of April to coincide with the start of the maiden voyage of "TITANIC"

MS "ADONIA" at Portimao

2011-12-03T03:22:00.000-08:00

Seen here at Portimao in the Algarve is the MS "ADONIA" latest addition to the P & O CRUISES fleet during her maiden call to this Portuguese port on the 23rd of August 2011. The ship was built in 2001 for RENAISSANCE CRUISES as the R EIGHT at CHANTIERS DE L'ATLANTIQUE. "ADONIA" joined P&O CRUISES fleet this May and was christened by Dame Shirley Bassey, she is 30.277 GRT and cruises at an average speed of 18 knots. Photos sent by Antonio Silva author of the excellent PORTIMAOCRUISES.BLOGSPOT.COM, one of my must follow blogs, please visit for cruise ship visits to this well known Portuguese Port, working hard at the present to increase the number of calls in the near future, well worth it

MARINA of Oceania Cruises leaving Funchal

2011-12-01T01:53:00.001-08:00

The 65,000 GT and 1,258 passenger cappacity MARINA leaving Funchal in the afternoon of 30th November for a westbound transatlantic crossing.This brand new cruise liner was delivered to Oceania Cruises early this year and she will be joined next year by a sister ship, the RIVIERA. Both represent a whole new concept in the luxury cruise market, being by far larger than other similiar styled cruise ships.

SS "UGANDA" is 60 years old in 2012

2011-11-25T09:56:00.000-08:00

The SS "UGANDA" was such an exceptional ship, to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the launch of the ship in 2012, THE SS UGANDA TRUST is organizing a few events, please visit and follow the extraordinary work of this UK Registered Charity on www.ssuganda.co.uk

SS "ANDREA DORIA" of 1953

2011-11-25T09:37:00.000-08:00

We travel way back in time on this post, to be precise to 1953 when ITALIAN LINE produced this brochure to promote the launch of their new ship, the "ANDREA DORIA" built and delivered by ANSALDO SHIPYARDS at Genoa in 1953, the ship was 29.083 GRT and cruised at 23 knots from Europe to North America. Images taken from brochure, my private collection

"BALMORAL" is the ship to recreate TITANIC voyage

2011-11-24T00:16:00.000-08:00

Cruise ship "BALMORAL" at Calshot earlier this year

TITANIC MEMORIAL CRUISE

2011-11-23T23:32:00.000-08:00

2012 marks 100 years of the sinking of RMS "TITANIC", several events will take place around the world to remember, those who lost their lives, the ship and the Edwardian page in History, for further information please visit www.titanicmemorialcruise.co.uk

SS "GUGLIELMO MARCONI" during a world cruise

2011-11-23T10:15:00.000-08:00

SS "GUGLIELMO MARCONI" during a 1973 World Cruise, the voyage would take about 80 days and were epic journeys with the most amazing ports of call, the vessel would steam at an average speed of 24 knots, she was the flagship of LLOYD TRIESTINO, when I sailed on the ship three years later, by then operated by ITALIAN LINE on the European, South America route, she was sailing at an average speed of 21.5 knots, I remember there was no vibration at all anywhere on the ship, she was really smooth and negotiated heavy seas with extreme comfort.

SS"GUGLIELMO MARCONI" at Genova in 1973

2011-11-22T11:07:00.000-08:00

Seen here at Genoa in 1973 is the amazing "GUGLIELMO MARCONI", she was at the time operated on round the world voyages by LLOYD TRIESTINO, three years later I was so priviledged to have sailed on this incredible liner, a trip I will never forget, image taken from a FINMARE magazine in 1973

HAL cruise ships leaving Funchal

2011-11-22T03:50:00.000-08:00

Holland America Line's fleetmates NOORDAM and ROTTERDAM seen leaving Funchal inbound the Caribbean Sea on the 3rd and 13th November 2011 respectively.
It's clearly visible the "fighting" of these ships with the strong waves that from once in a while affects Funchal's bay.

MISSING "EAGLE" of 1971

2011-11-21T13:05:00.000-08:00

One last post about EAGLE, two photo records, the way she looked brand new in the early seventies in Lisbon, photo by my long time Friend LUIS MIGUEL CORREIA, my favourite photo of the ship and the way she looks today, promotional postcard by current operators MANO CRUISES as ROYAL IRIS

MS "EAGLE" of 1971

2011-11-21T12:52:00.000-08:00

EAGLE was built in 1971 by DUBIGEON-NORMANDIE shipyards and delivered to P & O Southern Ferries on the 18th of May, she departed on her maiden voyage two days later to Lisbon, she was 11.600 GRT with capacity for 750 passengers and 200 cars, she was Diesel propelled with a total of 20.400 bhp, the vessel had a top speed of 23.3 knots, but would normally cruise at 20/21 knots. She was by todays standards a very small ship, but ships were measured in a different way those days, I have sailed a couple of times on the ship and she was far from being small, she offered huge amounts of open decks with a beautiful wrap-around promenade, also on sun deck, there was a beautiful appointed Panoramic Bar with amazing sea views. She was the first ship I cruised so she will always have a special place in my heart snd she was beautiful. Brochures and postcards of my private collection

"THE AZUR" at Barcelona in 2000

2011-11-21T00:08:00.000-08:00

As a follow up of the previous post, "THE AZUR" was sold in 1994 by CHANDRIS to FESTIVAL CRUISES, the ship is seen here during a cruise in Barcelona, summer of 2000

"AZUR" in Lisbon in 1987

2011-11-20T05:23:00.000-08:00

In 1987, "AZUR", former P & O Southern Ferries EAGLE spent some time in Lisbon, during the process she was sold by PAQUET CRUISES to CHANDRIS and was renamed THE AZUR, before departing the Portuguese Capital the ship went for an overhaul refit at the local World famous LISNAVE shipyard, the ship is seen here first as the AZUR laid up and then coming out of dry dock, the funnels all white, they were still to be painted, the traditional CHANDRIS blue

"MARCO POLO" at Barcelona in 2000

2011-11-20T03:06:00.000-08:00

Seen here in the summer of 2000 is the 1965 built "MARCO POLO", the ship was operated at the time by ORIENT LINES, she is the former soviet liner ALEXANDR PUSHKIN and remains a fine lady to this day with a devoted legion of repeat customers

ORIANA arrived at Blohm & Voss, Hamburg, for a major refit

2011-11-18T01:19:00.000-08:00

P & O CRUISES "ORIANA" arrived this wednesday at Hamburg for a major refit, a conversion to adult only cruising, this is for me one of the most antecipated refits of the last few years because major modifications will incur, which regrettably might alter the appearance of this classic ship, she was built in 1995 with a view to retain CANBERRA´s ambiance, her first master Commodore Ian Gibb was appointed because of his connection with the much-loved CANBERRA, she was for a few years the bench-mark against which all other cruise ships would be measured, she epitomizes the best the nineties could offer in terms of ship building, a ship designed with long sea voyages in mind, stable, sleek, powerful and fast, the fastest for 25 years. Few photos taken along the years, the likes of which we might not see again

SS "CANBERRA" 2012 Crew reunion

2011-11-17T04:03:00.000-08:00

Members of the crew of former P & O cruise-liner "CANBERRA" are organizing a crew get together in Southampton next year, the event yet to be named will take place in August or September, to register or for further details and information please visit SSCANBERRA.COM or go to the Canberra Reunion Facebook Page. Two photos of this amazing ship in Lisbon in the 80´s

CUNARD QUEENS together at Southampton next year for the first time

2011-11-16T03:31:00.000-08:00

5th of June 2012 is a date to remember and pencil in your diary, for the first time the three new cunarders will be together at Southampton, it promises to be a fantastic event

Cruise ship "JULES VERNE" at Barcelona in 2007

2011-11-16T02:49:00.000-08:00

Seen here in July 2007 is the cruise ship "JULES VERNE", the ship was built in Spain by UNION NAVALE DE LEVANTE in 1990, she is 15.271 GRT has capacity for 550 passengers and normally cruises at 17 knots

"SPIRIT OF LONDON" of 1972

2011-11-15T01:42:00.000-08:00

"SPIRIT OF LONDON" was built in 1972, the ship was originally ordered in 1970 by NORWEGIAN CARIBBEAN LINE to CANTIERI NAVALI DEL TIRRENO as the SEAWARD, the company was met with financial dificulties and was taken over by the IRI GROUP who cancelled the building of the vessel, following troubled times the unfinished hull of the ship was sold to P & O who resumed the building and eventually finished the ship as the "SPIRIT OF LONDON", she was just over 17000 GRT and had capacity for 700 passengers, she was withdrawn from service in 2008 as the FLAMENCO and after a period of two years laid up, the ship was scrapped at Alang in 2010 as the FLAMENCO-1. Postcard of my private collection