The next level, Sun Deck, began forward of the bridge superstructure and contained a 22 by 18 foot pool and a small paddling pool for children. These were protected by glass screens and a small playroom on the forward port side. Today, this area is occupied by OCEANBREEZE's deluxe suites and a small cinema. A recreation room continued aft of here, while a small infant's playroom (now OCEANBREEZE's Pacific Lounge) was located on the starboard side. Amidships, the theater balcony would later give way to the Casino.

Southern Cross, Forward Lounge, Peter Knego collection

"Comfort with utility" was the theme of SOUTHERN CROSS' decor. As she would be spending the greater part of her time in tropical waters, it was decided against oppressive heavy opulence. "Airiness with a sense of homeliness" would prevail, as seen in the above image, which is a starboard facing view of the forward lounge. With windows on three sides, it gave the illusion of being circular from its position on forward Lounge Deck. Satin finish steel pillars gave the impression of a room within the room, which was dominated by an oval hand-crafted rug in ivory and burgundy tones. Pastel pinks, blues, and whites were used in the fabrics while the decking was covered in blue and black "Ruboleum." Sandblasted and etched glass panels up forward depicted Australian and New Zealand birds and the ceiling lighting was augmented from bowls of wood that were aligned in the form of the Southern Cross constellation.

Southern Cross, Library, Peter Knego collection

Aft and starboard of the forward lounge, there was a small library, shown above facing aft. It was separated from the lounge by a curved screen of white sycamore and ornamented glass. Its soft furnishings were comprised of long blue window curtains in printed satin, gray and white carpeting, and chairs upholstered in ivory hide. White sycamore bookcases amid coral pink paneling held three thousand books "to suit all tastes." The writing room, in the corresponding space on the port side, was paneled in Copaifera wood and decorated in shades of soft gray and red.

Southern Cross, Smoking Room, Peter Knego collection

Sheltered promenades continued aft on either side (perfectly preserved to this day), while the enclosed public spaces began with an entry hall. The smoking room, above, followed, utilizing bay windows to facilitate a circular motif. It was paneled in silver-gray elm veneers (cut from the piles of London's old Waterloo Bridge) and walnut. The circular ceiling had recessed lighting that was stepped into a small dome, incorporating a ventilation and sprinkler system. In the aft starboard corner, a bar served the space, while the other three corners boasted murals of the arms of Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa rendered in oil by William Morris. The tables had reversible black Formica tops for cards and the banquette seating was in red Vaumol Hide.

Southern Cross, Cinema, Peter Knego collection

Another lobby followed on Lounge Deck, leading to the 96 by 44 foot Cinema Lounge, with its balcony and 17 foot ceiling. It served as both a lounge and cinema as well as a concert and dancing venue. Raised side platforms flanked the dance floor on either side while a large stage was placed aft, complete with footlights and battens. The screen was also displayed here when movies were shown from twin 16 millimeter arc-lamp projectors. Miss Doris Zinkeisen designed the curtains and the room was paneled in English cherrywood with embossed green hide accents. It is shown facing aft in the above view.

Southern Cross, Tavern, Peter Knego collection

The tavern follows aft of another vestibule, opening out onto the stern deck by large sliding doors on either side that flanked the funnel casing. The 30 foot long bar occupied the port side, while the starboard side offered tall windows that looked out onto the sea. "Bohemian" in character, the walls were paneled in green and white Perstorp plastic sporting a contemporary design while face-to-face settees placed around narrow tables were lit by wrought iron lamps set on low screens.

Southern Cross, Forward Dining Room, Peter Knego collection

Accommodation and a fully encircling passageway occupied the Promenade Deck (another gracious amenity thankfully with the ship today), just below, while the main entrance foyer and more accommodation was housed on Main Deck. Saloon Deck contained two dining rooms, the forward and larger of which is shown in the above image. In the forward restaurant, Perspex panels depicted birds, butterflies, and moths in a design by Dr. Arthur Fleischman. In lieu of windows, frameless glass panels were etched with flowers of Britain and her Commonwealth sister nations. In both rooms, there were limewood relief carvings by Howard Bate representing the sporting life of Australia and New Zealand.

Southern Cross, Pool, Peter Knego collection

More accommodation occupied A and B Decks, while on the lowest passenger level, aptly named Lower Deck, the SOUTHERN CROSS' indoor pool could be found. The basin measured 22 by 33 feet and was lined with tiles in shades of dove gray and red. Non-slip tiles formed the sidewalk spectator area while teakwood tables and chairs were provided within its green marbled plastic perimeter. A brightly colored glass mosaic mural graced the forward bulkhead.

Southern Cross, six berth cabin, Peter Knego collection

The cabins were painted in blue or cream colors, and those without windows or portholes were fitted with circular lights that were switched on at 7:00 AM, increasing with intensity to mimic the rising sun. All were provided with hot and cold running water, while the more expensive accommodation came with private w/c and shower or bath. Wardrobes were provided and berths were designed for space under the beds for traveling cases. The six berth cabin shown above was typical of immigrant accommodation for the day.

Southern Cross, single cabin, Peter Knego collection

One of the single berth cabins is shown in the above image. With its brass window (as opposed to a porthole) it was likely located on Promenade Deck.

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