The Last Ocean Liners

Matson Lines

Mariposa / Monterey / Lurline

 

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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' handsome pair of ocean liners entered service in 1956 and 1957 respectively, after their conversion from Mariner class freighters. Matson Lines Named after the earlier Mariposa and Monterey of 1932, they maintained a schedule from San Francisco to Sydney which could be booked as a line voyage or 42-day round-trip South Pacific cruise. Outbound calls were at Los Angeles, Tahiti, Rarotonga and Auckland, returning via Auckland, Suva, Pago Pago and Honolulu. In the mid 1960s, Bora Bora was added southbound, while Noumea replaced Auckland and an off port call at Niuafo'ou was added northbound.

Mariposa and Monterey were both sold to Pacific Far East Line in 1971 who continued the South Pacific service with minor route variations. Cruises to Hawaii and later to Alaska and further afield were added to the annual schedule in the 1970's.

Matson Lines The smart Lurline was legendary on the Hawaii run, offering warm hospitality and pleasant diversions on five day express crossings from San Francisco and Los Angeles to Honolulu as well as occasional cruises including the neighbor islands. The time spent onboard was as much a part of a Hawaiian holiday as a day at Waikiki Beach. The original Lurline developed serious engine problems in 1963 and was replaced by twin sister Matsonia (ex-Monterey), which took the more popular "Lurline" name and remained in service until 1970.

Matson Lines "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."

Both of Matson Lines' Lurline's were sold in turn to Chandris Lines of Greece who renamed them Ellinis and Britanis, respectively. The two ocean liners were converted to carry over 1,600 tourist class passengers each on line voyages between Europe and Australia and around-the-world.


Sample minimum one-way fares from San Francisco to Honolulu: First class $230; from San Francisco to Sydney: First class $886; All fares are per person in U.S. dollars.


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Mariposa (Matson Lines) 1952
Mariposa Matson Lines
Built: 1952 by Bethlehem Steel, Quincy MA, USA Gross tons: 14812 Length: 563ft (172m) Width: 76ft (23m) Draft: 29ft (9m) Speed: 20kn Power: 19250 shp Propulsion: Steam turbines single screw Passengers: 365 First End of service: Laid up 1978; sold 1979 as Jin Jiang; scrapped 1996
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Monterey (Matson Lines) 1952
Monterey Matson Lines
Built: 1952 by Bethlehem SB, Sparrows Pt MD, USA Gross tons: 14799 Length: 563ft (172m) Width: 76ft (23m) Draft: 29ft (9m) Speed: 20kn Power: 19250 shp Propulsion: Steam turbines single screw Passengers: 365 First End of service: Laid up 1978; sold 1979 as Monterey; scrapped 2006
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Lurline (Matson Lines) 1932
Lurline Matson Lines
Built: 1932 by Bethlehem Steel, Quincy MA, USA Gross tons: 18655 Length: 641ft (195m) Width: 79ft (24m) Draft: 28ft (9m) Speed: 20.5kn Power: 28800 shp Propulsion: Steam turbines twin screw Passengers: 761 First End of service: Sold 1970 as Britanis; sunk enroute to scrapping 2000
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