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Published February 6, 2004. All images and text copyright Peter Knego 2004 (unless otherwise noted).
Page Four: XANADU 2/ FAITHFUL Tour
Aft from the XANADU 2's fo'c'sle. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2003.
The next level, most recently named Bohkara Deck, begins at the XANADU 2's long fo'c'sle. The forward portion contains
mooring equipment and the anchor wells. The aft portion contains a hold whose hatch served for many years
(from the DELOS through XANADU incarnations) as a small swimming pool. The forward Bokhara Deck lounge facing starboard. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2003.
The internal portion of this level begins with a large lounge that was carved out of the twelve forwardmost cabins during
the ship's early FAITHFUL years. All connecting bulkheads and fittings were removed to make way for an open space that
was intended for lectures, sermons, and presentations. Many fittings from other parts of the ship have been stowed here,
awaiting disposal. The forward Bokhara Deck lobby facing port. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2003.
The forward entrance lobby is just aft, retaining the same ground plan implemented during the DELOS conversion.
An elegant stairtower in the forward portion of the lobby leads down to the next two decks. In the aft section,
more stairs lead up to the Promenade Deck. Cabin 110, facing forward. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2003.
In the forward corners are two of the larger cabins, each with separate sitting areas. The port unit, 110,
is shown in the above image. Cabin 103 facing forward. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2003. Cabin 99, formerly XANADU's cabin A-29, facing starboard. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2003.
Passageways continue aft along either side with more accommodation. The fittings are a combination of the ship's last
active stylings for Xanadu Cruises and relatively recent modifications. Even numbered cabins are on the port side and
odd numbers are on the starboard side. The aft Angkor Deck lobby, facing aft. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2003.
The aft stairtower vestibule is next, leading down to two decks of accommodation; up to the Promenade Deck;
and aft to the Marco Polo Lounge. The stairs, themselves, are classically proportioned and show just how
lovely this ship once was. Facing aft from the port entrance to the Marco Polo Lounge. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2003. Facing aft from the Marco Polo Lounge stage. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2003. The fantail, facing aft. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2003. Although most of its fittings and finery have been removed, the Marco Polo Lounge is
still quite an impressive space with its large picture windows. The forward portion houses a small stage and bandstand
with a ceiling relief of the Western Hemisphere. In the aft portion of the room, (which used to be separated by a partial
screen when it was called the Shandu Room) is a wonderful wooden bar that has been quite well-preserved. Aft of here is a
small pantry and the open fantail, where bollards mingle with washing machines. Bokhara Deck cabin 215, facing starboard. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2003. Bokhara Deck begins with hold space and former crew accommodation. The forward lobby once
contained a Purser's Desk. From here the passenger accommodation continues aft on either side, with less altered fittings. The Balashan Dining Room, facing starboard. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2003.
dating from the DELOS to XANADU era.
The aft vestibule leads to what was last called the Balashan Dining Room. While all of its fittings have been removed and
its original furniture is gone, it was once an elegant space boasting large picture windows. A small staircase leads down
to a block of since-stripped accommodation. The galley occupies the aft portion of this deck. The next level, Cathay Deck, was off limits during our visit. There are forward and aft blocks of accommodation surrounding
the upper portion of the engine room. Recent times have been tough on classic ships, putting the XANADU 2 in a more precarious position than ever. Although a great
deal of work would be required to bring her back into active service, her hull and superstructure have recently been examined
and are reputedly in excellent condition. It is unlikely that she would ever be a profitable cruise ship if restored to her
former guise, but she could make a fantastic charter yacht (in the vein of Tauck Tour's MV CRISTINA) with her spacious open
decks, beautiful architecture, and an easily modified internal layout. Update: FAITHFUL Towed To New Life
September 20, 2005: MV FAITHFUL / XANADU 2 departed Terminal Island, Los Angeles today, towed away from the slip in the
early morning by tug CAPTAIN RENO. FAITHFUL now under new owners is expected to arrive September 23 in Alameda, CA for
rebuilding into a luxury yacht.
References: www.faktaomfartyg.com, PASSENGER SHIPS by Laurence Dunn, author's private collection
copyright Peter Knego
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