From the late 1940's to the end of the 1960's, "The Grand Manner" of Matson Line was an unparalleled experience at sea.

Matson's key to post war success was in not emulating the opulence of the 1930's salons shown on the previous page, but in remodeling its ships to reflect the most modern and comfortable standards of the day. A combination of new safety regulations and changing tastes brought about a simplistic, utilitarian decorative look aboard all post war US passenger ships. The Matson liners added a Polynesian sensibility to this formula, incorporating bamboo, cane, tiki art, and Hawaiian-themed murals.

The MATSONIA/LURLINE's main lounge was located in the forward portion of midships Promenade Deck. It was the only dual level passenger space aboard the ship, and perhaps the most elegant. It survives today aboard BELOFIN-1, although it was eventually restyled into a casino with glitzy 1980's decor. The large tiki art (seen in the background) was moved to the forward dining room, and the small ceramic fixtures were moved to a lobby outside the aft dining room.

In the pre-Surgeon General era of cigarettes, cocktails, and 1950's/1960's glamor, life aboard the Maston ships was a gala affair. Passengers dressed to the nines to meet the captain during lavish cocktail parties set to a backrop of a churning modern ocean liner and the deep blue sea.

The MATSONIA/LURLINE's Ballroom overlooked the ship's pool area and fantail, and was later expanded aft by the Chandris architects when she became BRITANIS. Here, dancing and parties were the pastime, interspersed with an occasional lecture or scheduled entertainment. This was before the era of Vegas-style revues and glitzy production line shows.

The Marine Veranda was located on aft Upper Deck, away from the line up of public rooms that stretched across Promenade Deck, just above. Adjoining the pool, its aft end was an expanse of full length windows that provided a good deal of light to brighten up an already cheery space furnished with cane chairs and mosaic-topped cocktail tables.

A latter day Matson brochure states: "Perhaps one of the grandest luxuries of this life at sea is Matson's famous cuisine. Master chefs dedicate their talents to creating a dazzling array of tempting dishes around the clock. From vichyssoise to baked alaska, chateaubriand to baked kangaroo tail; from a delicious breakfast served in your stateroom to the splendor of the Captain's Dinner..."

The ship's two lanais were among the finest staterooms afloat. They survive today in mostly original Matson appointments. The brochure description reads as follows:
"The ultimate in luxury living at sea! The spacious bedroom has comfortable twin beds, a large vanity, radio and individually controlled air-conditioning. The separate lanai sitting room is ideal for quiet relaxation or entertaining friends -- floor to ceiling windows present a panoramic view of the sea. Private tub bath, shower and toilet adjoin the convenient dressing room."

A standard outside room looked like this and is described in 1960's literature as follows: "Has twin beds, private shower and toilet. Some have additional upper pullman to accommodate third person. Many connect with inside rooms. Individually-controlled air conditioning." Most of these cabins still exist today.