1922 – 1940 / Also known as Bismarck / Originally built as the final and largest ship of HAPAG’s pre-WWI trio, she never saw service as a German ship. Awarded to White Star after the war, she became their flagship Majestic.
Daniel Othfors
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1923 – 1956 / An intermediate Cunarder without the flair of her larger fleetmates, the second Franconia entered service in the years between the world wars. She served with distinction in both peace and war, before being sent to the breakers in 1956.
1924 – 1962 / Also known as Empress of Australia (II) and Venezuela / Built as a smaller, less glamorous ship of the French Line, De Grasse was captured by Germany during WWII. Returned to her original owners after the war, she was later sold to Canadian-Pacific Line. Her final years was spent as an Italian ship on the South American run.
1925 – 1966 / Also known as Berlin / The first ship built for the Swedish-American Line, the Gripsholm was also the first motor ship on the North Atlantic run. She helped cement the company’s reputation on the high seas, but was eventually sold and enjoyed a second life as a German liner.
1927 – 1959 / Ushering in a new era, Île de France catapulted to stardom when she introduced Art Deco on the North Atlantic in 1927. Showcasing all the best France had to offer, she was a ship of state in every sense of the word.
1930 – 1962 / Also known as Liberté / Also a Blue Riband champion, the Europa enjoyed a longer career than her sister Bremen. After World War II, she was handed over to the French and became the much-loved Liberté. In this guise, she sailed into the 60s.
1930 – 1938 / Although a less glamorous ship of the French Line, the Lafayette was still known for her comfort and modern design. Unfortunately, her career was cut short by fire in 1938.
1930 – 1960 / White Star modernised their fleet with the third Britannic, the first British motor ship on the North Atlantic. After trooping duties during World War II, she had a prosperous post-war career, and she is noteworthy for being the last remaining liner of the White Star Line at the time of her retirement.