Specifics of the "Caronia"/"Caribia"
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Keel laid February 1946 in Liverpool, England
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34,000 tons
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715 feet long
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Christened Oct. 30, 1947, launched by Her Royal Highness
Princess Elizabeth.
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91 feet wide, ten decks, 15 public rooms
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874 passengers.
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Largest passenger liner built since WWII
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First British passenger liner specifically designed
and built for year-round cruising.
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Almost all staterooms "outside" with portholes.
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570 electric clocks, 700 telephones, 600 connected
to the world.
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The usual hairdressing saloons were available besides
a cafe, observation lounge, cocktail bars, writing and smoking rooms, a
library, theater, gymnasium, two garden lounges and a swimming pool.
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Exterior of the "Caronia" offered an indication of
Cunard's wish for a deviation from tradition. Instead of the familiar black,
white and red, four shades of green were chosen to set her apart from other
liners of her time, none of which had any green on their hulls. The lettering
of her name on the bow and stern was cast in bright chromium instead
of brass.
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Cruises cost $3500 per person for double stateroom
and $9500 for suites on the main deck. In 1950 she undertook an odyssey
called the African Cruise which was featured in a "Life" magazine article,
and in 1951 visited five continents, 30 ports and sailed 32,000 miles in
111 days for her "Around the World" cruise. Later she sailed north on the
North Cape Cruise.
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