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 3 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 Almond Blossom Suite's sitting area is like a den in a country home, with plush furnishings and fireplace. It can be accessed directly from the main entry way, which adjoins a walk-in closet and the full bathroom with tub. In this aft-facing view, our belongings clutter an otherwise lovely room. Photo by and copyright Peter Knego.

Cabin B82 on starboard B Deck is more typical of the MARGARITA L/WINDSOR CASTLE's First Class accommodations. Spacious, with two wood-framed beds, private facilities, and a window (instead of a porthole) it was offered for sale in Union Castle days as a W2 grade. Photo by and copyright Peter Knego.

Aside from the strip of deluxe suites on the starboard side, A Deck houses most of the MARGARITA L's former Tourist Class public rooms. One of the finest rooms aboard the ship, and certainly the most opulent in this category, the Lounge is situated just aft of the windscreen-enclosed Tourist Class Sun Deck. While it lacks the height of the First Class Lounge just above, it is nonetheless charming in a traditional sense. The forward and side portions of the room are similarly tiered along a large dancefloor, which is encompassed by an elegant wooden bannister. Cocktail tables with various ornithological imprints are complemented by an aviary relief on the midships/aft bulkhead which sports spun glass birds in a tree. A bar on the starboard side serves the room, and a private sitting area occupies the corresponding portion of the port side. Photo by and copyright Peter Knego.

Along the port side of A Deck, the Tourist Class public rooms continue with the Library and adjoining Writing Room. Just aft of this, the Smoking Room is laid out in two sections. The forward portion is rotunda-shaped, and features a large brass clock sculpture and a gold leaf ceiling with a map of the constellations. A circular settee wraps around the centerpiece, itself surrounded by a larger settee that encompasses the room's perimeter. This view is facing aft. Photo by and copyright Peter Knego.

The aft bar portion of the Tourist Class Smoking Room is furnished in a "tavern" style, with blond wood paneling and miniature street lamps for a pub-like atmosphere. This view is facing forward toward the rotunda area. Photo by and copyright Peter Knego.

A Deck continues aft with the sheltered Tourist Class Promenade and Dance Deck and open deck space which leads to a deckhouse containing the charming Tourist Class Verandah Cafe. Through full length windows, it is adjacent to the Tourist Class Lido and pool area. Beige and green checkerboard linoleum decking, leather upholstery, and pale green and white bulkheads are irresistably traditional British shipboard touches, left unspoilt to this day. This is a port-facing view. Photo by and copyright Peter Knego.

In another deckhouse just aft of the Tourist Class pool area, the Children's Playroom overlooks the ship's mighty fantail. Here, a large wooden steamboat playpen is the main decorative attraction. In this port-facing view, the green and red lino decking accommodates an occasional wooden rocking horse, in what is a far cry from the cyber-optic playrooms of today's ships. Photo by and copyright Peter Knego.

The Tourist Class Dining Room is just aft of the galley on D Deck level. While far less opulent than its First Class counterpart, it is described in early Union-Castle literature accordingly: "...A wall of mirrors faces fine classical Greek murals by Sidney Smith. Tables round three sides have banquette seating. The lighting suggests warm sunshine. The colour scheme is in black, the new sand colour, terra-cotta, and cerulean blue. A dance floor can be cleared for gala nights." (from MAILSHIPS OF THE UNION CASTLE LINE by CJ Harris and Brian D Ingpen.). This view is facing aft in the forward/center portion of the room. Photo by and copyright Peter Knego.

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