KUNGSHOLM to SEA PRINCESS to VICTORIA:

P&O Cruises' MV VICTORIA departs Tampa on 26 February 2001. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2001.

In an expected, but nonetheless sobering announcement, P&O has revealed that their classic MV VICTORIA will be leaving their fleet in the fall of 2002. Maritime Matters has dedicated a suite of pages to this historic and beloved ship, the last built for Swedish American Line (SAL).

(Peter Knego collection)

A product of the John Brown and Company yard at Clydebank (number 728), the 27,670 gt KUNGSHOLM's keel was laid down in 1964. In April of the following year, she was launched, and in April of 1966, she entered SAL's transatlantic and cruise service.

The MV KUNGSHOLM is shown departing New York in this vintage SAL image. Peter Knego collection.

The fourth SAL ship to carry the name, KUNGSHOLM was named for the Kungsholmen (Kings Isle) sector of Stockholm where the City Hall is located. The twin screw 660 by 87 foot liner was built with two Gotaverken direct drive, slow speed diesels capable of 25,200 BHP for a service speed of 21 knots. On transatlantic voyages, her capacity was divided among 108 in first and 605 in tourist class with 37 interchangeable berths. However, for cruising, she carried a mere 450 passengers in one class. Her crew numbered 450.

The official SAL postcard view of KUNGHSOLM is a magnificent aerial view. The "three crown" blue and gold SAL logo is shown at right. Peter Knego collection .

Within her strikingly modern yet aestheticlly magnificent hull were many features that raised the bar for luxury, comfort, and safety. The fully air conditioned, stabilized KUNGSHOLM was the first SAL liner with a bulbous forefoot, sported twin five-bladed bronze and nickel screws (the first to utilize this alloy), and push-button controls of all essential safety and navigation equipment, including watertight doors.

This elevation gives a general overview of KUNGHSOLM's passenger decks. Peter Knego collection.

Her 62 foot radio mast was telescopic, the top half of which could be hydraulically lowered to allow passage underneath low bridges. Her four tenders had two-way telephone links with the bridge and most of her lifeboats featured motor-powered two-way radio equipment. The ship also had shallow and deep water echo sounders and no less than three separate telegraphs to communicate with the engine room.

The airy, wood-paneled Smoking Room was located on aft Veranda Deck, and is shown above. It was replaced with modular cabins in the 1978 refit. Peter Knego collection.

The Forward Cocktail Lounge was located just aft of the Library on the port side of Veranda (now R) Deck and is largely unchanged in its new incarnation as VICTORIA's Riviera Bar. Peter Knego collection.

Facing aft toward the screen, the KUNGSHOLM's handsome Auditorium is virtually "as built" aboard VICTORIA. It is located on forward R Deck and has since been renamed the Princess Theater. Peter Knego collection.

The lovely Entrance Hall, now called the Pursers Lobby, is much the same, save for new carpeting and ceiling frescoes. Peter Knego collection.

The forward portion of the KUNGSHOLM's dining room, shown in an aft-facing view, could be shut off via sliding panels from the aft section during her occasional two class transatlantic crossings. Today, it looks much the same, save for the chairs, which have been replaced with equally handsome units from the SS CANBERRA's Pacific Restaurant. Peter Knego collection.

The larger aft section of the dining room was just as lovely, as seen in this forward facing view. Peter Knego collection.

The spacious public rooms utilized a variety of paneling, from beechwood, rosewood, Oregon pine, and oak, to cherrywood. The artwork on board emphasized Swedish heritage and was commissioned by the nation's leading artists.

Please click here to continue to VICTORIA page two

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