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Published February 6, 2004. All images and text copyright Peter Knego 2004 (unless otherwise noted).
Page Three: XANADU 2/FAITHFUL Tour
Xanadu 2 on 19 January 2004. Photo and
copyright Martin Cox. As of February 2004, XANADU 2 remains at her Southwest Marine berth.
Nationally, she can be seen for a fleeting moment as the backdrop in a popular SUV commercial. She is also visible
but largely unnoticed from the Ports O'Call-based daily harbor cruises departing from San Pedro.
From top to bottom, here is a look at the ship as she is today: A one-time vantage for arrivals at places as diverse as Mykonos, Skagway,
and Papeete, the monkey island now offers a relatively unchanging view of the San Pedro waterfront. The decking is
in surprisingly good order and this space remains structurally unaltered from its original configuration. Facing port along the narrow platform in front of the wheelhouse. Photo and
copyright Peter Knego 2003. Facing aft along the starboard bridge wing. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2003. Facing forward from the aft Bridge Deck platform. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2003. Over the stern from the aft Bridge Deck platform. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2003.
Externally, Bridge Deck has a narrow open space just in front of the wheelhouse windows, wide open wings, and slim wedges
that lead aft to a small house top that overlooks the stern from aft of the funnel. The wheelhouse, facing port. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2003.
The internal portion of Bridge Deck contains a very spacious wheelhouse with a large midships console. Most of its
equipment has been removed or destroyed. Immediately aft on the starboard side is the captain's quarters. On the port
side, a small chart room leads aft to a small vestibule that connects to former officer's accommodation. Forward Promenade Deck, facing starboard. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2003. Starboard promenade, facing aft. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2003.
Aft Promenade Deck, facing forward. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2003.
Externally, Promenade Deck begins with a large, gently cambered forward observation platform, continuing aft via narrow promenades
that open up underneath the ships banks of lifeboats. An extremely generous sports and sunning space continues aft, overlooking the
fantail one deck below. The observation lounge, facing forward. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2003.
The internal portion of Promenade Deck begins with an observation lounge that most recently contained the XANADU's Library
of Kubla Khan on the port side and Kanbalu Card Room on the starboard side. It is now one open space with traces of its
former decor and fittings in addition to some haphazard recent additions. The forward Promenade Deck vestibule, facing aft. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2003.
A small vestibule follows the observation lounge, linking port and starboard promenades as well as continuing down three
decks to the ship's accommodation. The aft Promenade Deck vestibule, facing forward. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2003. A second vestibule is located aft of the funnel housing, leading down to the next two levels of
accommodation. The stair bannister is a lovely 1950s architectural remnant.
Please click for page four: XANADU 2 Tour, continued.
