Saturnia & Vulcania
| The Vulcania and Saturnia were owned by the Italian Line. The Saturnia started operation in 1927 and the Vulcania finally sailed in December of 1928; both were built by Cantiere Navale Triestino in Monfalcone, Italy. Each weighed about 23,970 tons and were considered sisters. From the information that I have found, they were near identical. The ships cruised on the North and South Atlantic runs. Each ship shared in conservative decorations at the time. This was odd because the trend for liners at the time was heading for the Art Deco style. that was so popular on the French ships. |  |
History
Information on the ships' history is hard to come by. Although, I have seen it associated with other liners. The Vulcania played a key, well a small, role in the maiden voyage of the Italian liner Rex. To the embarrassment of Italian line officials, the new Rex had lost power during her maiden voyage. For one hour the ship was filled with darkness. The engineers worked hard to get power up again. After limping into the port of Gibraltar, passengers waited for three days to continue their trip. On the second day of waiting, the Vulcania steamed into port. She contained important parts for the Rex and supplied passage for those passengers who needed it.
The Saturnia and Vulcania were two of four Italian Line ships to survive the second World War. The Saturnia also served the United States as the hospital ship Frances Y. Slanger. Many of the more beautiful appointments were taken off and never restored after the war. The number of passengers that the ship carried also decreased from 2,100 to 1,300. During the restoration for passenger use, the ships' engines were replaced with Sulzer diesils, that were outfitted for the sisters' twin screw layout. The ships were now capable of a 21 knot speed.
After a 39 year run, the Saturnia was scrapped in 1966 in her birth place of Italy. The Vulcania also meet her fate in the '60s. She was said to have burned in Hong Kong harbor.
First Class Links
| Vulcania's Ballroom, as in the late 1920's. | Saturnia's Lounge, 1920's. |
| Saturnia's First Class Pool, 1930's. | Saturnia's Dining Room, early 1930's. |
| Deluxe Cabin, on board the Saturnia, 1930's | Music Room, aboard the Vulcania, 1920's |
Links
I have not been able to find any external links to either vessel at this time.
Page Created : 7-Apr-99
Page Last Modified: 7-Apr-99
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