MV SCANDINAVIA at Izu, Japan, 18 December, 1995. Photo by and copyright Peter Knego.
MV SCANDINAVIA
The legendary 1927-built 5,209 gross ton MV SCANDINAVIA still sports the name STELLA POLARIS on her clipper-like bow. She was built to accommodate a mere 150 passengers in one class and was powered by Gotaverken BW diesels that drove twin screws at a service speed of 15 knots. The one-time deluxe cruise ship for the ultra rich sailed for Bergen Line prior to World War Two, when she was requisitioned by the Germans for use as an officers’ accommodation ship. Restored, she was transferred to Swedish-owned Clipper Line in 1949, sailing on long and exclusive “millionaire’s cruises” until being retired in October of 1969. Her new Japanese owners renamed her SCANDINAVIA and sailed her from Lisbon to her present moorings at Mitohama, Japan. The 416 by 51 foot liner’s sumptuous accommodations have since been utilized as a hotel ship and restaurant in the quaint fishing village some two hours via train and cab south of Tokyo. On 31 March, 1999, the hotel accommodations were closed, but the restaurant remains open and tours are still offered. Vintage Passenger Ship Roundup index