MARITIME MATTERS Ocean liner history and cruise ship news
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OceanBreeze, ex Southern Cross, Calypso, Calypso 1, Azure Seas.
OceanBreeze comes in to her own
OceanBreeze, photo and copyright Peter Knego
OCEANBREEZE was sent back to Panama Canal and Caribbean cruise service for Premier Cruises, Inc. until early 1999. At that time, Ramada-owned Imperial Majesty Cruise Lines was formed, offering two night sailings on a year-round basis from Ft. Lauderdale to Nassau. Premier chartered the ship to the new outfit, which kept OCEANBREEZE's basic blue and gold livery, replacing Premier's stylized ocean liner funnel logo with a small white crown. The "Premier Cruises" lettering on the aft flanks of her hull gave way to "Imperial Majesty," but otherwise little had changed with the popular ship. She was still manned by Premier's friendly crew and quickly earned high marks for the quality of her service and cuisine. Much as the venerable ship gained a loyal following on the West coast as AZURE SEAS twenty years prior, the OCEANBREEZE was soon sailing with capacity loads.
Imperial Majesty purchased OCEANBREEZE outright, and is possibly looking at a second ship to join her in the near future.
OCEANBREEZE is shown at the top of the page at Nassau on February 9, 2000
OceanBreeze, at Nassau February 9, 2000. Photo and copyright Peter Knego
Let's step aboard OCEANBREEZE and have a look at her from top to bottom, beginning with the deck areas. Externally, she is a gracious lady with nuances and curves that are sorely missing in the prefabricated hulls and boxy, yet space-efficient superstructures of more modern ships. The above view is looking aft over her midships Sun Deck, retaining most of its SOUTHERN CROSS Games Deck features, but with the addition of a pool in the aft extension and a Jacuzzi in the foreground. Most of the decking throughout the ship is solid teak and is kept in immaculate condition by the crew.
OceanBreeze, Photo and copyright Peter Knego
Bridge Deck is the ship's uppermost passenger level. It begins with the observation deck that was created in the first AZURE SEAS refit with the installation of the casino on the deck below. Glass screens forward and on either side help shelter sunbathers from winds while the ship is at sea. The above view is facing aft toward the classic superstructure, which houses the wheelhouse and officers' quarters.
OceanBreeze, Photo and copyright Peter Knego
Continuing aft on this level, the Sun Deck extends nearly all the way to the OCEANBREEZE's funnel. The above image is facing forward from the heated pool toward the officers' housing, which pleasingly meshes with the aft slope of the ship's radio mast. P&O's CANBERRA of 1961 offered a similar, if more modern, interpretation of this architectural theme. Just aft and starboard a spiral staircase leads down to Boat Deck.
OceanBreeze, Photo and copyright Peter Knego
Boat Deck begins with the block of suites and meeting rooms, continuing aft along either side of the Sun Deck with wide, open promenades that extend to and wrap around the base of the funnel. The view above is looking aft along the starboard side, where lifeboats and shuffleboard courts recall the best in postwar British marine architecture. Just forward of the funnel, the outdoor Cafe St. Tropez (not shown) is served by a small bar in semi-sheltered surroundings.
OceanBreeze, Photo and copyright Peter Knego
The beautifully tended covered promenades flank the corresponding space on the Promenade Deck, just below. Wide enough for traditional deck chairs and strolling, these finite walkways are a favorite feature of the OCEANBREEZE and have been unaltered since the ship slid down the ways at Harland and Wolff 46 years ago. The image above shows the port promenade in a forward-facing view.
OceanBreeze, Photo and copyright Peter Knego
Meanwhile, just below on Atlantis Deck, narrower, longer promenades surround the accommodation. From here, the sea with its sights, scents, and alluring sounds is close by. Note the sheer in the above image, taken facing aft along the port side. Even here, the decking is impeccably maintained.
OceanBreeze, Photo and copyright Peter Knego
While the wheelhouse (shown here facing port) is equipped with all the latest nautical equipment, its original brass fixtures are still functional. A great deal of pride is taken in keeping the binnacles, telegraphs, and even the wheel beautifully polished. The varnished wood paneling and thick, slightly sloped back windows are quite a departure from the stark computer consoles and angled tinted glass panes of today's newbuilds.
CONTINUE FOR A LOOK AT OCEANBREEZE's PUBLIC ROOMS AND VARIOUS CABIN ACCOMMODATIONS Click Here For Next page