The incomparable "EUGENIO C"

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"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

Comments

  1. Antonio SilvaDecember 14, 2011 at 3:00 PM

    I was on board of Eugenio C in 1975. What a beautiful ship in that time. I remenber too when she was in Ponta Delgada many day us Edinburgh Castle with engine problems and when she did her last trip as Red Boat II to India. In the book of Luis Miguel Correia "Azores Passenger Ships" there is a photo of Red Boat II in Ponta Delgada on her final trip in 2005.

    ReplyDelete
  2. VMFDecember 14, 2011 at 6:43 PM

    Hi Antonio, thanks for your comment

    I have seen Miguel's photo, what a sorrow state, sad really for such an incredible ship

    All the best

    ReplyDelete
  3. schatzieMarch 16, 2013 at 4:13 AM

    I worked on the Eugenio C. in the 80's. The staff on the boat were the rudest people I have ever met in my entire life. We were treated just a bit better than slaves. Backstabbing, cruelty and mismanagement was how things were done. There was a food borne illness that broke out while in Europe where hundreds were sick. I spent a week in the ship's hospital before the Dr. finally realized I was there. After losing 20 pounds in 10 days I planned on leaving. The staff captain planned on leaving me in Genoa, Italy and forgetting about me. I had to immediately hire an attorney where I learned Costa owed me thousands of dollars and could not just leave me in another country but was obligated to fly me home. Great ship - maybe - but was run by "Nazis!"

    ReplyDelete
  4. VMFMarch 16, 2013 at 5:10 AM

    Sorry to hear about your experience Schatzie

    ReplyDelete
  5. PuppyMay 8, 2013 at 7:34 AM

    I traveled on this wonderful ship in 1974 where I was very happy! I made a trip to USA including the Caribbean where I could meet wonderful islands, such as Puerto Rico - St. Thomas - Curaçao - Nassau - Bahamas etc. .. I will never forget the pizza at the midnight, a delight! Pools .. parties .. accommodation .. finally .. all the good and the best of the season .. ships today can be more sophisticated and modern but .. never overcome the class and charm des ship .. very sad to know that he had an end so unworthy and no longer hesitate .. anyway .. I was very happy in it yes! A hug !! Goodbye

    ReplyDelete
  6. PuppyMay 8, 2013 at 7:40 AM

    Ah !! I forgot to mention .. had a courtship with a very cool guy! He called Eduardo Barroca .. something very special! Anyway .. as already said .. was a unforgettable trip that I keep in bottom of my heart!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. PuppyMay 8, 2013 at 7:53 AM

      I traveled at the first class but I remember friends who traveled in lower class .. and saw that the accommodations were very good too .. I well remember a storm that we face and the ship responded bravely .. the crew was excellent providing all necessary care and .. at the end .. everything went well ..Ah !! I forgot to mention .. had a courtship with a very cool guy! He called Eduardo Barroca .. something very special! Anyway .. as already said .. was a unforgettable trip that I keep in bottom of my heart!
      Reply

      Delete
  7. VMFMay 8, 2013 at 10:13 AM

    thank you for the comment above, EUGENIO C was a beautiful ship

    ReplyDelete

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