MARITIME MATTERS Ocean liner history and cruise ship news
[Home] [Table of Contents] [Shipping Mall] [Index of ships]
[VICTORIA page one] [VICTORIA page two] [VICTORIA page four] [VICTORIA page five] [VICTORIA page six]
VICTORIA Tour from Bridge to Forward Lido Deck:
The VICTORIA's wheelhouse is shown here facing port. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2001.
Along with Maritime Matters Master, Martin Cox and local enthusiast Don Martin, I spent a most enjoyable day documenting VICTORIA during her 26 February 2001 visit to Tampa, Florida. The ship's friendly officers and crew extended their hospitality to us, and even allowed a tour of the wheelhouse, which boasts much of the original KUNGSHOLM equipment in addition to recent augmentations. There is a definite sense of pride and understanding of the ship's heritage, and it would appear that loyal passengers will not be alone in missing the VICTORIA when she leaves P&O to become the German-based MONA LISA.
This view is facing aft from the port bridge wing toward VICTORIA's immaculate superstructure. Photo and copyright Peter Knego.
The teak decking was beautifully tended on VICTORIA as we made our rounds of the outside areas, beginning at Bridge Deck and working downwards.
As seen from aft Bridge Deck, the VICTORIA's midships pool is in a protected well surrounded by terraced sun decks and presided over by the buff funnel. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2001.
The midships pool is invitingly stepped down from the sunning terraces at the base of her towering funnel.
Aft Sun Deck is shown in a forward-facing view from the starboard side. Photo and copyright and shadow Peter Knego 2001.
The VICTORIA's uppermost passenger level, Sun Deck, is divided into three distinct areas. The forward portion is a rounded observation area that overlooks the bow just beneath the wheelhouse. The midships section surrounds the central Lido Pool, while the aft portion contains a small Golf simulator and a generous sunning area.
The Carib pool on aft Lido Deck is shown in this view from Sun Deck. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2001.
The Starlight Lounge is terraced forward and offers vistas over the ships bow. This is a port facing view. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2001.
This is an aft facing view showing the lower level of the Starlight Lounge with its dance floor and bar. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2001.
The next level, Lido Deck, is the highest passenger deck with enclosed spaces. The Starlight Lounge fronts Lido Deck, offering a forward-facing view from its terraced observation area, and still has its dark paneling and original Scandinavian wooden furnishing.
The Starboard Annexe is shown in a forward facing view. Popular for cards and games, it is also where the ship's port plaques are displayed. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2001.
The Port Annexe is shown here facing aft. Both annexes peer into the Starlight Lounge via brass decorative "portholes" that date to the KUNGSHOLM era. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2001.
The port and starboard annexes on either side of the Starlight Lounge have original wicker furnishing and more luxuriant paneling.
The forward Lido Deck foyer is shown in this starboard-facing view. Its paneling and character evoke the ship's liner heritage. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2001.
The forward stairtower descends from the foyer just aft of the Starlight Lounge and annexes, and is resplendent in rich wood paneling, warm lighting, and paintings of former P&O liners.
Please click here to continue VICTORIA tour page four[VICTORIA page one] [VICTORIA page two] [VICTORIA page four] [VICTORIA page five] [VICTORIA page six]