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The France is the longest passenger ship to date (1,035 feet) and the last purpose-built transatlantic liner. When built, she was 66,348 GRT, expanded to 70,202 in 1989. She ran in tandem with the United States for several years, finally closing out the Franch transatlantic service in 1974. She was laid up for several years, and sold to Norwegian interests in 1979. Rebuilt as the Norway and sailing year-round in the Caribbean for Norwegian Cruise Line, she has two additional passenger decks, which has somewhat spoilt her appearance. |
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If you've been to the US or UK pages on this site, you will not be shocked to find out that my Great Aunt Bertha and Great Uncle Zig travelled Tourist Class aboard the France in 1974! They were on one of her last eastbound crossings, and in fact she was withdrawn while they were in Europe and they returned on the QE2. Even though I was just four years old, I vividly remember spending the afternoon aboard the ship at her New York pier. The thing that fascinated me the most about it was that the knobs for the cabin bathtub were in the middle of its long side, rather that at one end! |
Above is a souvenir photo of Aunt Bertha and Uncle Zig in the Versailles Restaurant. |
Cover of France schedule. This print and many others of French ships are available from affiche-francaise.com |
At right is an ad that appeared in a magazine in the 'sixties. Note how cool the smoking room used to be, with a wall of glass facing astern. This area has been enclosed as the Great Outdoor Restaurant and the Smoking Room, now called the Club Internationale, is still a nice space but only has windows on the sides. |
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COMING SOON! Deck Plans & Interior Drawings of the France
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