Updated, September 2005: The SS RITA (former WINDSOR CASTLE, MARGARITA L) is currently being demolished at Alang, India.

MARGARITA L./ WINDSOR CASTLE tour by Peter Knego, page 2 of 3

Maritime Matters' contributing editor, Peter Knego continues his tour of MARGARITA L//WINDSOR CASTLE laid up at Eleusis outside of Piraeus, Greece.

The mighty starboard Wheelhouse telegraph has been set to "FINISHED WITH ENGINES" for far too long. Hopefully, there will be a future for this still useful and remarkably well preserved liner. A number of prospects are possible, from a refurbishment as a cruise ship to use as a floating hotel, or, as a last and most regrettable option, the ship breakers. Photo by and copyright Peter Knego.

It was not until we returned to the ship on the following morning that we were able to see the MARGARITA L's magnificent, but heretofore locked First Class Lounge. After the standby watchman retrieved the key from its hiding place, he then turned on all the lights. We next slid the heavy protective curtains aside to allow the gray daylight to filter in, and were literally transported back to a more glorious time. With its extra ceiling height, recessed lighting, stepped-up forward platform, and intimate side alcoves, it was once the ultimate in British post war luxury. Beveled pillars, heavy, stuffed sofas and chairs, wooden tables, a wrought iron railing, and large brass-trimmed picture windows. This view is facing starboard along the forward portion of the room. Just aft is the large recessed dancefloor, which leads out to the First Class Foyer and more public spaces along either side. Photo by and copyright Peter Knego.

Just aft along the starboard side of the ship, the remarkably unchanged First Class Drawing Room is a particularly handsome space with its original wooden period furnishings, faux fireplace and ornate marble mantel, crystal and brass chandeliers, long row of windows, and Louis XIV style gilt-trimmed door molding (which was typical of early 1960's decor). A passage just inboard of the room leads aft to the circular First Class Card Room and the rectangular Library on the way to the First Class Lido, which spans the full width of the ship. Photo by and copyright Peter Knego.

Meanwhile, on the port side of the Promenade Deck, the First Class Smoke Room was largely devoid of its furnishings. Just beyond the arch toward the right side of this forward-facing view is an intimate leather-trimmed service bar. The grand chandelier, concealed lighting, and arch-trimmed alcove on the port side are surviving elements of traditional Union Castle elegance. Photo by and copyright Peter Knego.

Occupying the aftermost portion of the First Class Promenade Deck, the spacious Lido is not one of the ship's most elegantly appointed spaces. Nonetheless, the high ceilings, large windows and mirrors make it a lively, bright salon, which is appropriate considering its proximity to the First Class pool area just beyond. As seen in this forward/starboard-facing view, the furnishings and colors are in a more mid-1970's fashion, perhaps the result of one of WINDSOR CASTLE's late career refits. Photo by and copyright Peter Knego.

We reached the First Class Dining Room via a crew stairtower that led to the ship's galley on D Deck. The pitch black cavern gradually came to life as the long-dormant fluorescent overhead lights flickered, then finally illuminated it in unison. My eye was immediately caught by the Windsor Castle mural, fronted by a bow-shaped terrace. In the fashion of the First Class Lounge, the entire forward portion of the room and both sides were stepped up. Aft of us, we could see the First Class descent through brass-trimmed glass doors, making its graceful sweep downward from the starboard side. Photo by and copyright Peter Knego.

On the port side and aft of the First Class Dining Room, the Private Dining Room continues in the same French Colonial decorative style as the elegant public rooms on Promenade Deck. With its "long table" layout, it appears to have been recently used, perhaps by her owner and his board members for special gatherings. Photo by and copyright Peter Knego.

The sumptuous First Class accommodation aboard WINDSOR CASTLE was considerably more luxurious than that of Tourist Class. All cabins had private facilities, and nearly all were outside. The most elegant suites occupied the entire starboard length of midships A Deck. Our "headquarters" (where we were able to stow our extra equipment and belongings) was the Almond Blossom Suite, which had its own private bedroom and separate sitting area. Each of these suites was given a name, from Dragon Fly to Golden Pheasant, and for each, corresponding upholstery, linens, and curtains were chosen. The Almond Blossom bedroom is shown here in a starboard view. It is rumored that Mr. Latsis would occasionally stay here with a private butler, chef, and attendants. Photo by and copyright Peter Knego.

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