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VICTORIA R Deck to A Deck Tour:
The VICTORIA's builder's plate is mounted at the base of her
rounded superstructure.
Photo by and copyright Peter Knego 2001.
R Deck is the level just below Lido Deck and contains the lion's share of the VICTORIA's public rooms. It begins with a hatch area that is out of access to passengers, where her original John Brown and Company builder's plate is still proudly mounted.
The Princess Theater is little altered from the KUNGSHOLM's
Auditorium, and is shown in a starboard facing view.
Photo and copyright
Peter Knego 2001.
The dedicated passenger space on R Deck (formerly KUNGSHOLM's Veranda Deck) begins with the Princess Theater, which is forward and center, with its original squared off seats and recessed ceiling dome.
This dramatically backlit sculpture of the early Swedish "Estate" of Clergy is located in the aft/port corner of the Princess Theater. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2001.
In each corner one of the four metal sculptures representing the four classes or "Estates" (Nobility, Clergymen, Burghers, and Peasantry) of the pre-1866 Swedish Parliament were originally from the KUNGSHOLM of 1953 and still have their descriptive name plaques.
Gently sheered, this lovely wood paneled room is every bit a traditional ocean liner haven with its picture windows and period furnishing. The panes on the inboard side once looked into The Auditorium, but their wooden shutters are now permanently sealed. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2001.
On the port side, R Deck begins with the lovely library with its traditional furnishing and wood veneers.
The Riviera Bar is a beautiful wood paneled gallery boasting picture windows, plush seating, and a leather trimmed bar. This Photo, by and copyright Peter Knego 2001, is facing aft.
R Deck continues on the port side with the Riviera Bar, which sports full length windows, and more lavish paneling. It provides access to the International Lounge via a passageway aft. The starboard side is a shopping gallery with brass and glass display cases, which was once a card room, Veranda, and a smaller shopping center.
The International Lounge spans the width of the ship and is shown here facing aft from the port side. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2001.
The International Lounge, formerly the Main Lounge, was extensively rebuilt by P&O to accommodate the latest in seagoing stage technology and comfortable seating. The brass balustrades and some paneling remain from the KUNGSHOLM era.
The International Bar adjoins the International Lounge and was originally the KUNGSHOLM's Shore Excursion Office. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2001.
In its aft/starboard corner is the inviting International Bar, which looks out to sea. The wood paneled midships foyer follows aft, sporting a handsome inlaid wood panel of medieval Swedish life. Beyond the midships foyer, cabins have replaced the KUNGSHOLM's Veranda Lounge, Cocktail Lounge, and Smoking Room.
Unlike the squared-off blank facades of most newer ships, the "face" of the VICTORIA is graceful and beautifully curved. This view is facing aft from the focsle area on forward A Deck. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2001.
The next passenger level, A Deck (formerly the KUNGSHOLM's Upper Deck), begins at the focsle, which is a crew and mooring area.
The well-polished bell is traditionally found on every ship's focsle. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2001.
Passenger accommodation begins within the superstructure and stretches aft. Here, the former KUNGSHOLM's beautifully paneled cabins and passageways lead to the midships Purser's Lobby.
This port-facing view of the Purser's Lobby captures only a fraction of its true charm and beauty. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2001.
The Purser's Lobby features brass accents, frosted glass panes, and deep wood paneling. The Purser's Office is forward, while on either side vestibules can be used for embarkation or disembarkation. The midships stairs follow just aft before the accommodation continues to the fantail.
The VICTORIA's A Deck fantail is shown facing forward.
Photo and
copyright Peter Knego 2001.
The popular teak covered A Deck fantail contains coit and shuffleboard courts.
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