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Vistafjord in Piraeus, 1984
History
Name
  • 1973–1999: Vistafjord
  • 1999–2004: Caronia
  • 2004–2014: Saga Ruby
  • 2014–2017: Oasia
Owner
Operator
Port of registry
BuilderSwan Hunter, Newcastle, England
Cost$35 million[4]
Yard number39
Launched15 May 1972[1]
Completed1972
Acquired15 May 1973[1]
Maiden voyage22 May 1972[1]
In service1972–2017
Out of service2017
Identification
FateScrapped in 2017
NotesBeached for scrap
General characteristics (as built)[1]
TypeCruise ship
Tonnage
Length191.09 m (626 ft 11 in)
Beam25.00 m (82 ft 0 in)
Draught8.20 m (26 ft 11 in)
Ice class1 C[3]
Installed power
  • 2 × Sulzer 9RD68
  • 17,650 kW (combined)
Propulsion2 propellers[5]
Speed20 knots (37 km/h; 23 mph) (service)[5]
Capacity670 passengers (maximum)
General characteristics (after 2005 refit)[4]
Tonnage24,492 GT[3]
Draught8.23 m (27 ft 0 in)
Decks9 (passenger accessible)
Capacity655 passengers (maximum)
Crew380
NotesOtherwise the same as built

MS Vistafjord was an ocean liner that was built as a combined liner/cruise ship in 1973 by Swan Hunter, England[5] for the Norwegian America Line. In 1983 she was sold to Cunard, retaining her original name until 1999 when she was renamed Caronia. In 2004 she was sold to Saga and sailed as Saga Ruby until sold in 2014 for use as a floating hotel and renamed Oasia. This never came to fruition. Her owners went bankrupt, and in April 2017 she arrived at Alang Ship Breaking Yard, India for scrapping.[6]

Concept and construction

[edit]

Vistafjord was ordered by Norwegian America Line (NAL) from Swan Hunter, Newcastle, England.[1] She was based on the company's 1965-built MS Sagafjord, but with an enlarged hull, additional superstructure deck and improved interior layout.[7] However, as the cost of building Sagafjord had put her builders, Forges et Chantiers de la Mediterranee, out of business, Vistafjord had to be built at a different shipyard.[citation needed] She was launched on 15 May 1972 and delivered to the Norwegian America Line exactly a year later on 15 May 1973.[1] She is the last cruise ship to have been built in the United Kingdom.

Service history

[edit]
Vistafjord in Hamburg 1973

Norwegian America Line

[edit]

On 22 May 1973, Vistafjord set on her maiden voyage, a transatlantic crossing from Oslo to New York.[1][5] In early 1980, the vessel was famously chartered by car manufacturer British Leyland to internally launch the Austin Metro to its British dealer network.

Although their ships were high-rated, Norwegian America Line had trouble making profit.[8]

Cunard Line

[edit]
Vistafjord 1984

In 1983 Trafalgar House, the owners of Cunard, purchased NAL[9] and in October 1983 Vistafjord joined the Cunard fleet together with her fleetmate Sagafjord. She retained her original name and the grey NAL hull colour, but received Cunard Line funnel colours and was re-registered to the Bahamas.[1] Despite the flag change she retained Norwegian command staff.[10]

During this time, both Vistafjord and Sagafjord, were considered to be amongst the most luxurious cruise ships in the world, sharing the top 5 in Berlitz Complete Guide to Cruising, together Sagafjord and Royal Viking Line's Royal Viking Star, Royal Viking Sky and Royal Viking Sea for several years.[11]

Caronia in 2003.

In 1999 the decision was made to rename Vistafjord with a more traditional Cunard Line name. On 10 December 1999 she was renamed Caronia and re-registered in the United Kingdom.

Saga Cruises

[edit]
Saga Ruby in Stockholm 2011

She continued service with Cunard until November 2004, when she was sold to Saga Cruises. Following a £17 million refit[12] at Valletta, Malta Caronia reappeared as Saga Ruby in March 2005.[1] In the Saga Cruises fleet she joined her former Norwegian America Line fleetmate Sagafjord (now named Saga Rose).[13][14]

It was reported in 2012 that Saga Cruises would retire Saga Ruby in 2014 and the Quest for Adventure would move back into the fleet as Saga Pearl II.[15]

Farewell voyage with Saga

[edit]

She sailed her final world cruise in the first months of 2013. However it was marred by technical difficulties which kept the ship in Southampton until late February, which led to the cruise being renamed the 'Grand Voyage' visiting South America and South Africa.

It was reported that Saga Ruby would depart on her final cruise with Saga Cruises on 7 December 2013 round trip from Southampton on a 31-day voyage to the Caribbean.[16][17] While on her final cruise she was forced to change her itinerary to a Western Mediterranean cruise finally returning to Southampton on January 7, 2014. The cruise returned to Southampton late due to poor weather in the Bay of Biscay, eventually arriving on 9 January 2014, with passengers disembarking on 10 January.[18]

Floating hotel Oasia

[edit]

In January 2014 she was sold for $14 million USD to Millennium View, a privately held company based in Singapore. The new owners planned to convert her into a floating hotel in Myanmar.[19] In mid-February 2014 she sailed from Gibraltar as Oasia under Bahamas flag and management of FleetPro Ocean.[20][21] In February 2017, it was announced that Oasia was being sold for scrap. The ship, was still SOLAS compliant and had recently undergone a US$10 million overhaul as a hotel and museum ship. She was found in Thailand, awaiting tow to scrapping, after having US$20 million invested in her.[citation needed]

Design

[edit]

Exterior design

[edit]
Saga Ruby in 2013

Vistafjord was built with a very traditional ocean liner profile,[4] with the funnel placed amidship and a notable sheer on her hull.[10] The superstructure is terraced both at the fore and aft of the ship. In two refits during her Cunard Line career additional structures were added to the rear and top of the superstructure.[10]

In Norwegian America Line service Vistafjord carried the traditional NAL livery, with a grey hull, white superstructure, yellow mast and a yellow funnel with red, white and blue (colours of the flag of Norway) stripes. Following the sale to Cunard she retained the grey hull colour, but her funnel was painted in the red/black Cunard colours and her mast white. A red "Cunard" text was later added to her superstructure. Coinciding with her renaming into Caronia in 1999 the ship's hull was repainted black. As Saga Ruby her hull was repainted dark blue and her funnel yellow, with a dark blue top and a narrow white stripe separating the two colours.

Filming

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Vistafjord

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The MS Vistafjord was a luxury built in 1973 by & Tyne Shipbuilders at their Neptune Yard in Low Walker, , for the Norwegian America Line. Measuring 24,292 gross register tons with dimensions of 191.09 meters in length overall, 25 meters in beam, and a draft of 8 meters, she was powered by two Sulzer 9RD68 nine-cylinder diesel engines producing 24,000 brake horsepower, enabling a service speed of 20 knots via twin screws. Designed as a dual-purpose vessel for transatlantic liner services and cruises, she initially accommodated 670 passengers in first-class accommodations, supported by approximately 400 crew members, and featured advanced Denny AEG active fin stabilizers for enhanced stability. Launched on May 15, 1972, and delivered the following year at a cost of $35 million, Vistafjord embarked on her maiden voyage from Oslo to New York in May 1973, primarily marketed for luxury cruises despite her liner capabilities. Ownership shifted in 1980 to Leif Hoegh & Co., rebranded as Norwegian America Cruises, before Cunard Line acquired her in 1983 for $73 million through Trafalgar House, integrating her into their fleet under the Cunard-NAC division and reflagging her to the Bahamas. Under Cunard, she underwent a $30 million refit in 1994, adding two owners' suites and maintaining her five-star rating in guides like Berlitz, and was renamed Caronia in December 1999 following a major refurbishment that included re-furnished staterooms and a new White Star Bar, aligning her with Cunard's British luxury heritage. Sold to in 2004 and renamed Saga Ruby, she continued luxury cruising until 2014, when technical issues prompted her sale to Southeast Asian interests; she was then renamed Oasia (registered in ) and later Oasis (registered in ) for potential use as a floating . Her long career ended in April 2017 when she was scrapped at , , marking the conclusion of over four decades of service across multiple renowned operators.

Development and construction

Concept and ordering

In the early 1970s, Norwegian America Line (NAL), facing a sharp decline in transatlantic passenger traffic due to the rise of commercial , sought to modernize its fleet to sustain luxury ocean voyages. The operational success of its 1965-built , which had proven highly profitable in both liner services and cruises despite the industry's challenges, served as a benchmark for expansion. NAL aimed for a larger vessel that could flexibly operate as a transatlantic liner while adapting to the growing demand for cruising, thereby ensuring competitiveness in a market shifting away from scheduled crossings. To meet these needs, NAL signed a in December 1969 with shipbuilders at their Neptune Yard in , , for a new ship named Vistafjord. Intended as the company's final , she was designed for dual roles with an initial of around 24,000 GRT and a service speed of 20 knots powered by two Sulzer diesel engines, enabling efficient North Atlantic runs from to New York. The project reflected NAL's strategy to balance traditional liner prestige with cruise versatility amid economic pressures, including operating losses in and services during the late . Vistafjord's drew directly from Sagafjord's proven but incorporated enhancements for greater capacity and modernity, including an additional deck to accommodate up to 650 passengers in liner configuration—over 100 more than her —while prioritizing luxury and stability for rough seas. This adaptation emphasized high-end features like spacious public areas and stabilizer systems, positioning her as a premium vessel capable of attracting affluent travelers in an era when pure liners were becoming obsolete.

Building and launch

The keel of Vistafjord was laid on April 19, 1971, at Swan Hunter's Neptune Yard in Low Walker, Newcastle upon Tyne, , marking the start of construction for this designed as a larger version of her Sagafjord. The vessel, yard number 39, was launched on May 15, 1972, after which continued amid the challenges typical of British shipbuilding in the early 1970s. Construction progressed through sea trials conducted from April 6 to 9, 1973, leading to the ship's completion and delivery to Norwegian America Line on May 15, 1973, at a total cost of $35 million. Vistafjord measured 191 meters in with a beam of 25 meters and was powered by two nine-cylinder Sulzer RD68 two-stroke diesel engines providing a combined 24,000 horsepower for a service speed of 20 knots. The christening ceremony took place on delivery day in , after which Vistafjord embarked on her maiden voyage on May 22, 1973, a from to New York via . This inaugural sailing highlighted the ship's role as the last major passenger liner built in the , accommodating 670 passengers in luxury accommodations suited for both liner service and cruising.

Design and specifications

Exterior features

The MS Vistafjord measured 191 meters in length overall, with a beam of 25 meters and a draft of 8.2 meters, accommodating nine decks in total. She displaced 24,292 gross register tons initially. Her exterior profile evoked a classic aesthetic, characterized by conservative lines including a round forward and terraced after decks, adapted from the design of her but with an additional deck and slightly more angular features for a sleeker appearance. Built by in Wallsend-on-Tyne, , as the last major constructed there, she combined liner and cruise capabilities with a service speed of 20 knots powered by two Sulzer 9RD68 nine-cylinder diesel engines producing 24,000 brake horsepower via twin screws. Deck arrangements emphasized functionality for both transatlantic voyages and cruising, with the boat deck housing lifeboats alongside open promenades for passenger access. A dedicated sun deck was incorporated to enhance outdoor leisure spaces, while the funnel was positioned amidships to optimize and stability. In her initial Norwegian America Line service, the funnel bore the company's colors, typically yellow with accents. Seaworthiness was prioritized through her dual-purpose design, enabling efficient liner operations at 20 knots while providing stability for extended cruises via balanced structural elements like the amidships placement and advanced Denny Brown AEG active fin stabilizers. Livery evolved with ownership changes: originally featuring a dove-grey hull, white , and under Norwegian America Line from 1973 to 1983. Upon transfer to in 1983, she retained the grey hull initially but adopted the red-and-black Cunard ; this shifted to a black hull in 1999 coinciding with her renaming as Caronia, serving until 2004. As Saga Ruby under from 2004 to 2014, the hull was repainted dark blue with a .

Interior layout and amenities

Vistafjord was designed to accommodate 660 passengers in a luxury configuration, featuring a range of staterooms from suites to standard cabins, all emphasizing comfort and privacy in her combined and role. Her crew of approximately 400 provided high levels of service, contributing to her reputation for impeccable onboard experiences. Following modifications in 1983, her passenger capacity increased to 736 to better suit cruise operations, with further adjustments in later refits reducing it to 677 by 1995 and 655 under Saga ownership in 2005. Key public areas centered on Verandah Deck, which housed several lounges and social spaces including the Garden Lounge for panoramic views and recitals, the Norse Lounge and Library for reading and quiet activities, and the Card Room for games. The Vista Dining Room served as the primary venue for single-sitting meals, offering gastronomic cuisine with space to seat up to 736 passengers after 1983 extensions, while the Lido Cafe provided casual buffets aft on the Lido Deck alongside an indoor seawater pool suitable for transatlantic voyages. Entertainment facilities included a 250-seat Cinema/ and the two-tier Club Viking lounge, added during the 1983 refit with a controversial glass extension. Additional amenities encompassed a , , and , supporting passenger wellness in a classically styled interior that evoked a homely atmosphere. Luxury elements were evident in the ship's elegant decor, featuring paneling, original artworks, and Scandinavian modern influences that blended conservative lines with refined comfort across public spaces. The 8,500-square-foot on Verandah Deck, with its sprung dance floor, hosted events like high and could accommodate nearly all passengers, underscoring the vessel's focus on social sophistication. Refits significantly shaped the interiors over time. A $30 million overhaul in 1994-1995 refreshed all accommodations, added two duplex suites and nine additional suites on the Officers Deck, redecorated public rooms in a light and elegant style, and incorporated a glass windbreak for enhanced deck access. In late 1999, under Cunard as MS Caronia, the ship received new furnishings, carpeting, and penthouse upgrades, along with the creation of the White Star Bar, though the overall aesthetic shifted to a darker, vibe. The 2004-2005 refit for , targeting passengers over 50, retained classic elements while enlarging the Lido Cafe, redesigning the aft Lido Deck for better accessibility, adding more single cabins, and applying contemporary elegant decor to suit an older demographic.

Operational career

Norwegian America Line era

Vistafjord entered service with the Norwegian America Line on 22 May 1973, embarking on her maiden transatlantic voyage from to New York, marking the ship's debut as a luxury ocean liner capable of both scheduled crossings and cruises. Following her arrival in New York, the ship launched her inaugural cruise season with a voyage to the in early June, followed by summer itineraries departing from U.S. East Coast ports to destinations in , including explorations and Baltic ports. Her design, featuring a classic liner profile with accommodations for 620 passengers served by 400 crew, proved well-suited to this dual role, blending transatlantic reliability with cruise versatility. During the peak years of the , Vistafjord's typical itineraries emphasized seasonal transatlantic service, with multiple crossings between , and during summers to capitalize on immigrant and leisure travel demand. Winters shifted to warm-weather cruises, including routes with air/sea packages from and New York, as well as Mediterranean voyages visiting ports like , , and . The and subsequent 1979 energy shock heightened operational challenges, as rising fuel costs strained the diesel-powered ship's efficiency and contributed to broader industry shifts toward shorter, more economical cruise formats. Passenger accounts praised Vistafjord's Norwegian-style luxury—characterized by elegant Scandinavian interiors and attentive service—as comparable to that of the Queen Elizabeth 2, though some noted her more intimate scale offered a cozier alternative to larger competitors. Notable events included Vistafjord's participation in high-profile world cruises during the , drawing acclaim for onboard amenities like the Veranda Café and theater. By the late , however, Norwegian America Line faced mounting financial difficulties amid economic downturns and competition from air travel, leading to a 1980 restructuring under Leif Høegh & Co. ownership and rebranding as Norwegian America Cruises. The era concluded with the line's sale to in 1983 for US$73 million, prompted by ongoing losses from cruise operations. Vistafjord's final voyage under Norwegian America Cruises departed on 16 December 1982, a from New York to , after which she transitioned to Cunard service in October 1983.

Cunard Line service

Cunard Line acquired Vistafjord in 1983 as part of its purchase of Norwegian America Line for US$73 million, integrating the ship into its fleet alongside the Sagafjord and the iconic Queen Elizabeth 2. Initially retaining her original name and much of her Norwegian America Line design legacy in luxury amenities, Vistafjord continued transatlantic liner services but gradually shifted toward a greater emphasis on cruise itineraries to align with Cunard's evolving luxury market positioning. During the , Vistafjord operated popular routes including world cruises and voyages. By the , her focus turned to extended luxury around-the-world voyages, often lasting several months, complementing Cunard's prestige fleet operations. Minor updates in adapted her to Cunard , primarily involving funnel repainting while preserving her distinctive hull color. A significant refit in late 1994, costing $30 million, refreshed her interiors and added two new owners' suites, enhancing her appeal as a five-plus-star vessel according to the Berlitz Guide. In late 1999, following another refurbishment that included re-furnished staterooms, new carpets, upgraded penthouse accommodations, and the addition of a White Star Bar, Vistafjord was renamed Caronia in a at Liverpool's Princes Landing Stage on December 10, performed by MP; the renaming evoked classic Cunard elegance, accompanied by a repaint to the traditional dark hull. Caronia's operations under Cunard earned consistent recognition for luxury, maintaining her top ratings in industry guides. However, the 1998 acquisition of Cunard by Carnival Corporation, initially for a 68% stake and later full control, brought challenges including scrutiny of the aging fleet's condition and strategic shifts that prompted fleet rationalization. These changes culminated in her sale to in 2004, with Caronia departing Cunard service in late 2004.

Saga Cruises operations

In 2004, sold the vessel—then operating as MS Caronia—to , a UK-based operator specializing in holidays for mature travelers, following her final voyage under the previous owner in November of that year. The ship was renamed Saga Ruby to align with Saga's fleet , honoring her 40th anniversary in service the following year, and underwent an extensive £17 million refit at to prepare for entry into service in March 2005. This acquisition reunited her with her near-sister ship (formerly ), both of which had originally been built for Norwegian America Line in the early 1970s, allowing Saga to offer complementary sailings with a focus on traditional ocean cruising. Saga Ruby's operations targeted passengers aged 50 and over, with a strict policy prohibiting children under 40 (except as companions to those 50+), creating a serene, adult-only environment tailored to retirees and empty-nesters seeking relaxed, enrichment-focused voyages. Homeported primarily at , , her itineraries emphasized shorter regional cruises in and the , including ports such as , , , and , often featuring cultural lectures, guest speakers on history and , and upscale dining experiences with British-inspired menus. Longer voyages incorporated annual world cruise segments, typically 100-120 days, circumnavigating via the Mediterranean, , , and Pacific, with stops in destinations like the , New York, and to provide extended exploration for loyal passengers. The 2005 refit enhanced accessibility for Saga's senior demographic, incorporating additional elevators, widened corridors, and improved public area layouts to accommodate mobility aids, while preserving the ship's classic interiors from her Cunard era. Passenger capacity was adjusted to around 700 lower berths (from 766 maximum) to promote a more exclusive atmosphere, with 20% of cabins designated as single-occupancy options to appeal to solo travelers—a key segment for . Subsequent maintenance included routine upgrades, such as a 2012 overhaul in that refreshed accommodations and machinery, ensuring compliance with operational standards amid growing maintenance demands on the aging vessel. Saga Ruby achieved notable loyalty among passengers, with many repeat cruisers citing the ship's intimate scale and attentive service as draws, often booking multiple sailings per year in tandem with Saga Rose for varied European and transatlantic options. Her service concluded with the announcement in July 2012 that she would retire in early 2014, primarily due to escalating costs, technical issues including engine and generator failures, and the need to modernize the fleet with newer vessels like Saga Sapphire. The final departure from on January 10, 2014, marked the end of her commercial cruising career after nearly a decade with .

Final years and demise

Farewell voyages

In July 2012, Saga Shipping announced that the 40-year-old Saga Ruby (formerly Vistafjord) would from service in early 2014, marking the end of its operational career with the company after nearly a decade of sailing exclusively for passengers over 50. The decision was framed as a graceful to celebrate the ship's ruby anniversary year, with Saga planning a series of sentimental itineraries in its final season, including visits to historic ports and a culminating farewell cruise to honor its legacy as the last built on the River Tyne. The ship's final operational voyage commenced on December 7, 2013, as a 31-day round-trip from originally intended for the , designed to evoke nostalgia through calls at destinations from its earlier transatlantic and cruising history. However, shortly after departure, a generator fault necessitated a major itinerary revision, canceling the transatlantic crossing and redirecting the ship to the Western Mediterranean instead; revised ports included (December 13), (December 16), (December 19), (December 24), and (January 1, 2014), where passengers enjoyed fireworks alongside Saga Sapphire. Approximately 20 of the 557 passengers chose to disembark early in and return home, receiving full refunds and flights, while Saga offered a 40% fare reduction to those continuing the altered journey, which concluded in on January 9, 2014, after a delay caused by bad weather in the following the call at . Onboard the farewell cruise, special celebrations highlighted the ship's storied past, with themed events, memorabilia displays, and tributes from crew and passengers reflecting on its 41 years of service across multiple operators. Media coverage emphasized the emotional send-off, including reports of crowds gathering in to witness the ship's return and the poignant atmosphere as it prepared for handover to new owners. Past captains and long-serving officers made guest appearances to share anecdotes, underscoring the vessel's role in Saga's fleet evolution toward newer ships like Spirit of Adventure. The ship departed for the final time on January 10, 2014, sailing for to refuel before heading to as a planned floating . This marked the end of Saga Ruby's active sailing era, with tributes focusing on its enduring appeal and the bittersweet transition for to a modernized fleet.

Planned conversion and scrapping

Following her sale by in early 2014, the ship—then known as Saga Ruby—was acquired by Millennium View Ltd., a Singapore-based private company, for approximately $14 million. The buyers renamed her Oasia and intended to repurpose her as a luxury floating moored in , . The conversion envisioned static operations as a with event facilities, maintaining her registry to allow limited voyages if needed. She commenced her delivery voyage under her own power from on February 7, 2014, arriving in by May 2014 before proceeding to Phuket, Thailand, for initial refit work under the management of FleetPro. Regulatory hurdles in prompted a shift in location to , where she was anchored at Sattahip; however, the project encountered repeated delays due to permitting issues and financial constraints, with refit efforts halting by late 2016 after partial investments exceeding $10 million. In January 2017, Millennium View Ltd. declared amid mounting debts, leaving Oasia laid up at Sattahip, . In February 2017, she was renamed Oasis and reflagged to . The following month, she was sold to Indian shipbreakers and departed Sattahip on March 4, 2017, for the final journey. She arrived off , , on April 6, 2017, and beaching commenced on April 12, with dismantling operations starting immediately thereafter; the process concluded by July 2017. As part of pre-scrapping preparations, hazardous materials including were addressed to comply with environmental protocols at the yard.

Cultural depictions

Filming and media appearances

The MS Vistafjord featured prominently in the 1975 British promotional film Vistafjord Exclusive Cruises, produced by the to highlight luxury voyages aboard the Norwegian America Line vessel, blending live-action footage with montages of onboard amenities and destinations. In 1985, during a , the ship served as a filming location for two episodes of the American television series (season 9, episodes 4 and 5, titled "The Spain Cruise: The Matadors/Mrs. Jameson Comes Out/Love's Labors Found/Marry Me, Herman"), where production crews invited passengers to appear as extras in scenes depicting a captain's and other onboard activities. Earlier, from 1981 to 1982, Vistafjord was the primary vessel used for the initial six episodes of the German television series , a long-running showcasing romantic storylines amid luxury cruises to exotic ports. The ship appeared in the 1983 American feature film , with cruise scenes filmed aboard during a voyage that included stops in , , , , and . It was also documented in promotional materials during the 1980s, including print advertisements emphasizing its capacity for ultra-deluxe transatlantic service and European itineraries. The ship was later documented in the 2023 photography book British Passenger Liners in Colour by William H. Miller, which includes images of Vistafjord alongside other historic vessels to illustrate the evolution of British-built ocean liners from the mid-20th century. In maritime literature, Vistafjord is often celebrated as the last constructed on British soil at Swan Hunter's yard in 1973, symbolizing the end of an era for traditional transatlantic shipping before the dominance of purpose-built cruise vessels. This status contributed to its enduring presence in enthusiast media, including fan-recorded videos of its final voyage in January 2014, capturing the ship's departure from as Saga Ruby for what became its last operational sailing. Post-scrapping in 2017, tributes in specialized maritime publications highlighted Vistafjord's role as a benchmark for 1970s luxury cruising, with its elegant interiors and stable ocean-handling qualities frequently referenced in discussions of classic liner design.

References

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  49. https://www.dubraybooks.ie/product/british-passenger-liners-in-colour-9781803992105
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