Union-Castle Line

The Last Ocean Liners

This famous steamship line linked England and South Africa with the "Cape Mail Express" service, sailing every Thursday at 4:00 pm from Southampton. The ships called at Las Palmas and/or Madeira (4 days), followed by a long, non-stop voyage to Cape Town (14 days), continuing to Port Elizabeth (17 days), East London (18 days) and a turnaround at Durban (19 days).

In 1965, a faster schedule was introduced with sailings from Southampton every Friday, overall saving two days in each direction. The service was operated by the Windsor Castle, Transvaal Castle, Pendennis Castle, Edinburgh Castle and Pretoria Castle. The last passenger sailing on this historic route was completed in 1977.

The First class accommodations were extremely spacious and delighted thousands of British travelers on extended South African holidays. Tourist class attracted immigrants, students and budget tourists. The typical deck plan included a lounge, smoking room, veranda cafe, dining room and swimming pool for each class.

Union-Castle also offered extended passenger-cargo service completely around Africa, either out by Suez or alternately via the Atlantic. The last ocean liners especially built for this "RA" run were the Rhodesia Castle, Kenya Castle and Braemar Castle.

"The 6000 mile journey to or from South Africa can be a leisurely, refreshing holiday in itself. You sail, in the main, through warm, sunlit seas. It's relaxation and enjoyment all the way, backed up, of course, by the traditional, friendly Union-Castle service."

Union-Castle Line Interchange Sailing Schedules