Along with Michael Masino, I was taken by launch from a jetty at Petrola in Eleusis Bay by her captain and representatives of her owners to the MARIANNA 9's fleetmate MARGARITA L, which was anchored alongside on the morning of 14 December 1998. Before boarding, however, we rounded the stern of the larger MARGARITA and came alongside MARIANNA's raked and graceful bow, continuing aft in a full circle until we reached the other ship's landing (see MARGARITA L page). Photo by and copyright Peter Knego.

While documenting the towering upper portions of the MARGARITA L, many fine views of the MARIANNA 9's terraced superstructure were evident. Perhaps the most striking is this one, taken from the top of the MARGARITA L's radio mast. With the silver winter waters of Eleusis Bay and the rocky silhouette of Salamis Island as a backdrop, the MARIANNA 9 is just one of hundreds of out of work vessels in this anchorage. In ancient times, Eleusis was a holy place and beheld as the gateway to the underworld. Indeed, for many of the ships in its midst, it is still that. Photo by and copyright Peter Knego.

On the following morning, 15 December, we had our chance to visit MARIANNA 9, beginning in the usual fashion with the uppermost deck and working down and aft before capturing the interiors. Strong gusts of wind and intermittent bouts with freezing rain did not make for the best photographic conditions, but we carried on with the assistance of one of the ship's watchmen, Michalek. Hailing from St. Petersburg, he told us in broken English how he felt she was in the best condition of all the Latsis vessels. The usual superficial damage to decks and bulkheads from years of layup notwithstanding, I must admit that I was surprised to see the ship looking so well. This image is facing aft from forward B Deck toward the rounded superstructure, which is somewhat reminiscent of the stylish 1950's built Italian liners ANDREA DORIA and CRISTOFORO COLOMBO. Photo by and copyright Peter Knego.

Continuing aft, the forward portion of midships B Deck is glass-enclosed, leading to wonderful sheltered promenades which were typical of "blue water" liners such as the PRINCIPE PERFEITO and her fleetmates. Just above, a similar pair of promenades spans A Deck, although they are completely open, save for the intermittent shade provided by the lifeboats. This view is facing aft along the starboard side. Photo by and copyright Peter Knego.

The after portion of A Deck houses the former First Class swimming pool. This view is facing forward toward the al fresco bar area, the Bridge Deck (just above), and the funnel, which is eclipsed by a recently added satellite dome. Photo by and copyright Peter Knego.

As seen in this port-facing view, the MARIANNA 9's Wheelhouse was built at the tail end of the British shipbuilding heyday, when such spaces were paneled in warm, rich woods. However, the fittings and instruments appear to be made of enameled steel and not brass, like many ships built in the years before 1961. Photo by and copyright Peter Knego.

Arguably the most elegant room aboard the MARIANNA 9, the First Class Lounge occupies the forward portion of B Deck and is lined by a forward expanse of windows that look out over the observation area and bow. Elegant white beveled pillars and wood-trimmed balustrades break the room into intimate alcoves. White settes and sofas are draped in protective sheets, while a grand piano with a stuffed bird of prey preside over the starboard/forward portion of the room. This view is facing starboard from forward. Photo by and copyright Peter Knego.

The lobby just aft of the First Class Lounge is richly paneled in a variety of beautiful dark burled woods. This view is facing port. Photo by and copyright Peter Knego.

Just aft of the lobby on the starboard side, the First Class Writing Room (shown in an aft-facing view) is fitted out with more fine wood paneling. The glass cabinet, recessed ceiling, and large brass-trimmed windows add to the old world atmosphere, which is only minutely "anachronized" by two electric typewriters and a copy machine. In the background, the open door leads to an office which was converted from one of the ship's First Class cabins. Photo by and copyright Peter Knego.

The First Class Salon is the next public room on B Deck, following a court of elegant cabins and some suites with separate sitting areas. This room is also replete with beautiful wood paneling, although most of the furnishings have been stowed. The starboard side is separated into a gallery by a windowed wooden bulkhead which is in the background of this starboard/aft-facing view. Photo by and copyright Peter Knego.

The aft portions of B and C Deck contain the MARIANNA 9's former Tourist Class public rooms, which are seemingly spartan without furnishings and the dark paneling of the First Class salons. This image is facing forward along the starboard portion of the C Deck Lounge, where the remaining seating is gathered in "cinema" fashion. The chairs, themselves, are wood-framed and trimmed in beige leather in an early 1960's style. Photo by and copyright Peter Knego.

We moved forward to the crescent-shaped Tourist Class Entrance on C Deck, which with its checkerboard linoleum decking and midships purser's office is shown in a port-facing view. Photo by and copyright Peter Knego.

Just below the utilitarian First Class Entrance on C Deck, the First Class Restaurant is, itself, rather spartan. Plain linoleum decking, a nondescript entry in the aft portion, and bare eggshell-colored paneling are slightly compensated for with a backlit recessed ceiling. A line of portholes on either side allow a small portion of daylight into this serene space, which is still a pleasant departure from the neon and chrome-lined restaurants aboard many of today's ships. This is a starboard-facing view under the room's central and largest "dome". Photo by and copyright Peter Knego.

We crossed aft through the Galley to the Tourist Class Dining Room with its fixed rows of tables. The port portion, shown here in a forward-facing view is the larger of the two halves of the room and is separated from the starboard side by a blue and white formica-paneled bulkhead. Photo by and copyright Peter Knego.

The accommodation on MARIANNA 9 ranges from the finest First Class suites with separate sitting areas to small but functional Tourist Class cabins without facilities. The sitting room portion of Suite L is shown here in a port-facing view. This cabin and several others of its ilk are sandwiched between the public rooms on B Deck. Photo by and copyright Peter Knego.

Cabin #5 on starboard B Deck is a standard First Class room with private facilities. Photo by and copyright Peter Knego.

C Deck Cabin #104 is a standard Tourist Class outside upper/lower. Although it does not come with a private w/c, it does have a sink and a porthole. Bathing rooms and toilets are, of course, nearby. Photo by and copyright Peter Knego.

With our time nearly up aboard the MARIANNA 9, we quickly descended to the engine room for a cursory glance at her machinery. Although one boiler apparently needs work, everything else was in fine, immaculate order! This image is facing forward from the top platform (where in the distance the ship's original Swan Hunter builder's plate is still affixed). Photo by and copyright Peter Knego. While the former PRINCIPE PERFEITO has spent the greater portion of her last years out of the limelight, her owners have provided her with excellent care. With a small budget and a little imagination, it would feasible to see this handsome ship back in cruise or hotel service.

Peter knego 1999