The Last Ocean Liners

Matson Lines

Matson Lines Like fine hotels or private yachts, the Mariposa and Monterey carried only First class guests and promised regal pleasures on an exotic voyage to paradise. The texture of the tropics was charmingly expressed in public rooms and staterooms. The Southern Cross Lounge, Polynesian Club, Outrigger Bar and the Dining Room were all styled in the mood of Polynesia.

Matson Lines The handsome pair of ocean liners entered service in 1956 and 1957 respectively, maintaining a 42-day cruise-like South Pacific schedule from San Francisco to Sydney. Outbound calls were Los Angeles, Tahiti and Auckland, returning via either Noumea or Auckland, then Suva, Pago Pago and Honolulu. They were sold to Pacific Far East Line in 1971 who continued a similar routing.

The smart and popular Lurline was herself a legend on the Hawaii run, offering warm hospitality and pleasant diversions on the five day express crossing from San Francisco or Los Angeles to Honolulu. The time spent onboard was as much a part of a Hawaiian holiday as a day at Waikiki Beach.

"When superb liners expressly conceived and designed for the cruising pleasure of their passengers ply a route of legendary beauty and romance, truly, you have the ingredients for unsurpassed travel. Sail Matson through the South Pacific ... for the trip of a lifetime."

Matson Lines Interchange Sailing Schedules

Mariposa Matson Lines
Built: 1952 Gross tons: 14812 Length: 563ft Beam: 76ft Draft: 29ft Speed: 20kt
Propulsion: Steam turbines single screw Passengers: 365 First
End of service: Laid up 1978

Monterey Matson Lines
Built: 1952 Gross tons: 14799 Length: 563ft Beam: 76ft Draft: 29ft Speed: 20kt
Propulsion: Steam turbines single screw Passengers: 365 First
End of service: Laid up 1978

Lurline Matson Lines
Built: 1932 Gross tons: 18655 Length: 641ft Beam: 79ft Draft: 28ft Speed: 20kt
Propulsion: Steam turbines twin screw Passengers: 761 First
End of service: Sold 1970