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.
Yearly archives: 2018
126 posts
1927 – 2006 / A truly unique vessel, the Stella Polaris was constructed purely with cruising in mind. Offering an exclusive experience, she quickly became a legend in her field and would enjoy a long, distinguished career. After a few decades as a stationary ship in Japan, she was unfortunately lost when she sank while under tow in 2006.
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.
1927 – 1940 / As one of the last ships built with reciprocating engines in conjunction with an auxiliary turbine, the second Laurentic was an intermediate White Star liner built to fill gaps in the interwar years. When World War II broke out, she was refitted as an armed merchant cruiser, and in that guise she was torpedoed and sunk in 1940.
1927 – 1945 / As the largest and fastest liner on the South American run, this German liner saw great success during her early years. She remained stationary during World War II, and was tragically bombed in 1945 while packed full with prisoners transferred from concentration camps. More than 5,000 lives were lost.
1928 – 1965 / Also known as Italia / As Swedish-American Line’s second newbuild, the Kungsholm offered both crossings and cruisings up until the outbreak of World War II, when she was requisitioned and used as an American troopship. After the war, her career continued under a new name with Home Lines.
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.