Southampton - Rome

VICTORIA Finale Day One
October 22: P & O's 1966-built classic cruise ship VICTORIA (ex KUNGSHOLM, SEA PRINCESS) sailed from the port of Southampton for the last time on Tuesday, October 22. Over the years, VICTORIA has built up a fiercely loyal group of admirers who are sad to see her go. At 5pm, the 28,800-ton vessel departed from 105 berth at the Mayflower Terminal in the Western Docks. She headed for the Mediterranean on a one way 11-day voyage ending in Civitavecchia (Rome). Fireworks, fireboat sprays and a storm of confetti delighted the over 700 passengers sailing on the sold out final voyage. Torrential rains abated and overcast clouds cleared revealing blue skies and a large rainbow for a few minutes as VICTORIA sounded her whistle in salute of the port which has long been her home. One passenger watched her departure from the quayside as he arrived too late to embark. 84-year-old, Hans Breitow had flown from Stockholm, Sweden, but arrived at Southampton Docks too late. He will fly on Gibraltar, her first port of call, to join the cruise. One man who did make the trip is MaritimeMatters writer Peter Knego, who flew from his home near Los Angeles for the farewell cruise. For Peter Knego's tour of VICTORIA on maritimematters, click here.

VICTORIA Finale Day Two
October 23: VICTORIA sailed into the English Channel and a Force 9 gale the previous night after disembarking the pilot at 19:30. In Force 6 seas, she passes BLACK WATCH in the AM hours in the Bay of Biscay. At approximately 13:30, she and the northbound ORIANA draw close for a final pass at a combined speed of forty knots. VICTORIA's passengers line her port rails as ORIANA dips her ensign as the two ships salute eachother. Meanwhile, on the starboard side of VICTORIA in the misty distance, CARONIA cuts through the choppy seas.

VICTORIA Finale Day Three
October 24: Force 7 winds as VICTORIA continues south along the coasts of Spain and Portugal. At 18:40 passed Cabo de Roca (westernmost point of mainland Europe), 19:00 passed Lisbon.

VICTORIA Finale Day Four
October 25: Force 2/3 winds. Gibraltar arrival delayed three hours until 11:10 AM due to prior rough seas. Ferry HOLGER DANSKE of 1961 spotted at anchor near breakwater immediately northwest of downtown Gibraltar, perhaps awaiting tow to the breakers. 18:00 VICTORIA gala sailing with streamers, shoreside band, passengers lining starboard rails with mini Union Jacks, balloons released from aft pool. Millpond seas as VICTORIA rounds "The Rock" with glowing orange sunset at her stern.

VICTORIA Finale Day Five
October 26: No winds today as VICTORIA passes Almeria at 6:00 on her final sea day. Late AM, Celebrity's CONSTELLATION seen off the port side heading south toward Gibraltar. Pass Alicante at 16:00 on port side.

VICTORIA Finale Day Six
October 27: Arrive Barcelona at 8:00, tie up alongside World Trade Center. SEAWIND CROWN (ex INFANTE DOM HENRIQUE, VASCO DA GAMA) at outer harbor awaiting auction scheduled for 13 November. SUNBIRD (ex SONG OF AMERICA) in dry dock. NOORDAM and SPLENDOUR OF THE SEAS berthed at outer terminus. 18:13 lines freed and VICTORIA sets course for Menorca.

VICTORIA Finale Day Seven
October 28: 7:56 AM, VICTORIA ties up alongside Muelle Commercial, Port Mahon, Menorca. 1961-built KRISTINA REGINA (ex BORE) berthed at navy base across the basin. VICTORIA sets sail at 17:43. Crew of KRISTINA REGINA lines up on deck to sing Finnish national anthem as VICTORIA pulls away in salute to the former KUNGSHOLM on her final voyage as P&O's VICTORIA. Salute not acknowledged from the British ship. Clear La Mona Fortress and disembark pilot at 18:12 with course set for Toulon.

VICTORIA Finale Day Eight
October 29: 7:54 AM tie up alongside Quai Fournel, Toulon. 18:03, lines cast, VICTORIA departs for Ajaccio. VICTORIA Finale Day Nine
October 30: 8:05 fast alongside Jetee des Capucins, Ajaccio, Corsica. Ferry NAPOLEON BONAPARTE and cruise ship THE EMERALD (former SANTA ROSA) in port. THE EMERALD departs at 13:00 looking resplendent in the afternoon light. 18:03, last line off as VICTORIA departs Ajaccio.

VICTORIA Finale Day Ten
October 31: 3:00 entered Gulf of Genoa, anchoring in Santa Margherita at 07:27. 18:00 final tender secured. 23:24, anchors up as VICTORIA sails for Livorno.

VICTORIA Finale Day Eleven
November 1: 7:37, VICTORIA alongside at Livorno, Berth 46/47. NOORDAM and two Moby Line ferries in port. Huge fireworks tribute from adjacent breakwater to celebrate VICTORIA's final night in active service. 19:00 all lines cast as VICTORIA departs. More balloons released from aft pool. Final night on board with "VIva Victoria" revue celebrating the three lives of VICTORIA (KUNGSHOLM, SEA PRINCESS, VICTORIA).

VICTORIA Finale Day Twelve (Final)
November 2: 4:00, VICTORIA alongside at Berth 12B, Civitavecchia. WIND STAR at stern. Passengers and entertainment staff disembarked and coached to Ciampino airport for flights back to UK. VICTORIA to sail for Genoa at 18:00 with some staff and crew to pack items to be removed at Genoa. Conversion to MONA LISA to begin.

For Peter Knego's tour of VICTORIA on maritimematters, click here for page one.