Published October 19, 2003. All images and text copyright Peter Knego 2003 (unless otherwise noted).

Page Two: EMPRESS OF BRITAIN Tourist Class

Most ship aficionados would agree that the three post war EMPRESSES were far superior to their Canadian route Cunard rivals, the SAXONIA quartet (SAXONIA, IVERNIA, CARINTHIA, and SYLVANIA). They were larger, better sea boats and more luxuriously fitted. Fully air conditioned and with more open decks, they also lent themselves better to cruising during the winter months. Here is a look at EMPRESS OF BRITAIN's tourist class public rooms and accommodation:

Tourist class occupied the aft 2/3 of Promenade Deck and was spanned on either side by glass-enclosed promenades. This view is facing aft along the starboard portion of the tourist class promenade. Peter Knego collection.

The tourist class Smoking Room was immediately aft of the vestibule dividing first from tourist class on Promenade Deck. It stretched from the center portion of the ship to the port side and is shown here facing aft. Peter Knego collection.

Adjoining the tourist class Smoking Room on the starboard side, the Cocktail Bar, shown facing forward, was a savvy, sophisticated hideaway. Peter Knego collection.

The tourist class Lounge followed, occupying the midships portion of Promenade Deck immediately aft of the Smoking Room and Cocktail Bar. It is shown here facing aft. Peter Knego collection.

On the starboard side aft of the Lounge, the tourist class Library (shown facing forward) hugged the inboard portion of the promenade. A Writing Room (not shown) occupied the corresponding space on the port side. Peter Knego collection.

The Cinema, with its extra ceiling height, was sandwiched between the Library and Writing Room in the far aft section of Promenade Deck. It is shown here facing forward. Peter Knego collection.

The tourist class Children's Playroom was located on aft/starboard B Deck. It is shown here facing aft. Peter Knego collection.

The tourist class Restaurant spanned the width of the ship along aft C Deck. It is shown in the above image facing aft toward the fine brass-framed entry doors. Peter Knego collection.

The EMPRESS OF BRITAIN's galley was located in between the first and tourist class Restaurants on C Deck, serving both rooms via revolving doors. Peter Knego collection.

Three examples of tourist class cabins aboard the EMPRESS OF BRITAIN. Many had their own facilities and all were clean and comfortable. Peter Knego collection.

When the EMPRESS OF BRITAIN began sailing in 1956, the transatlantic liner was nearing the end of it its heyday, and by the mid 60's, the demand for three ships on the less popular Canadian route was waning. Canadian Pacific's long utilized advertising term "Go Empress" began to take on a new meaning for the eldest of the venerable company's post war trio!

An aerial view of the EMPRESS OF ENGLAND at sea. Peter Knego collection.

Lets divert to recount THE TOPAZ' near twin's far less enduring career. The first and only EMPRESS OF ENGLAND was built by Vickers-Armstrongs at Newcastle and was slightly larger than the BRITAIN, measuring 25,585 gross.

An aerial post card view of Shaw Savill's unlucky OCEAN MONARCH. Peter Knego collection.

She sailed happily for CPR until 1970, when she was sold to Shaw Savill Line for U.K.-to-Australia line voyages and cruise service as the OCEAN MONARCH. Following a multimillion dollar refit, and an increase in tonnage to 25,971, the now one class liner carried 1,372 passengers. Disastrous mechanical breakdowns and the fuel crisis crossed her new career, and she was sent to Taiwanese breakers in mid 1975.

Please click for page three: From British EMPRESS To QUEEN Of The Greeks

[THE TOPAZ page one]   [THE TOPAZ page three]   [THE TOPAZ page four]   [THE TOPAZ page five]   [THE TOPAZ page six]   [THE TOPAZ page seven]

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