One of the finest vintage passenger ships left in service, Royal Olympic Cruises' SS STELLA SOLARIS set new standards when she entered service for Sun Lines in 1973. Because of her amenities, excellent maintenance, and warm ambiance, the SOLARIS continues to succeed in an era dominated by boxy, balconied 3000 passenger "mega ships".

Few might realize that the sleek STELLA SOLARIS is the sole survivor of a trio of combination passenger cargo liners built for now-defunct Messageries Maritimes' Marseilles to Yokohama service.

The 13,217 gross ton CAMBODGE entered service in July of 1953, following the VIET NAM of 1952, and was later joined by the LAOS in 1954. The three handsome ships carried 117 first class, 110 tourist class, and 314 third (cabin) class passengers and were driven by Parsons geared turbines that powered their twin screws at a service speed of 21 knots.

The three ships sailed from Marseilles via the Suez Canal to Colombo, Singapore, Saigon, Manila, Hong Kong, and Kobe to Yokohama. Their first class accommodation was lavish and in many respects typical of French liners of the day but also incorporated an Asiatic flair with red lacquers, amber velvets, and various murals and soft fittings that represented the lands they visited.

First class occupied the lion's share of the passenger space in the coveted central portion of the ship while tourist class was given the aft areas and cabin class (which consisted of mostly dormitory style accommodation) took the forward decks. One large pool served the pampered first class passengers, overlooking the aft hold areas and tourist class.

The passenger accommodation started at the second highest level of the superstructure with F Deck (just below Bridge level). Most of this area was devoted to officers' accommodation, but the aft/starboard corner housed the Children's Playroom. Within its pale blue pallete, renderings by Camille Hillaire depicted the works of La Fontaine.

E Deck was devoted entirely to first class, beginning at the forward portion of the superstructure with the stunning Drawing Room. With a panorama of windows that overlooked the bow, its extra height and glass paneled ceiling rivaled even the Atlantic liners of the time. Murals by Souverbie represented Italian Comedy figures and the grill overlooking the forward stair tower was fashioned by Raymond Subes.

Immediately aft of the Drawing Room on the port side, the Hall opened out onto the sheltered promenade. With its stark surfaces, vases by Luc Lanel, and appliques, it was decidedly Southern Asian in style.

The starboard side of E Deck continued aft from the Drawing Room via a vestibule to the remarkable Bar. Here a frescoed ceiling presided over full length windows and panels of leather and wood.

The port side E Deck complement of the Bar continued aft of the Hall with the lavish Writing Room. Here, an exotic formica mural of the gardens and chateaux of Ile De France by Camille Hillaire served as a backdrop to card games and those, perhaps, with a wistful message for a distant loved one.

The Smoking Room rounded out the first class public rooms on E Deck. A bit art deco and very French "colonial" in atmosphere, it opened up on either side to the promenades and aft to the lido. Bas-relief images of maritime deities by Francoise Bizette served as prime focal points.

Click here to continue Maritime Matters' tour of SS STELLA SOLARIS in her original configuration as Messageries Maritimes' CAMBODGE.