Saxonia

Saxonia

Saxonia was the class-leader in the ‘Saxonia Class’; the last large liners Cunard built for the transatlantic service to Canada.

Saxonia was launched in 1954, and was placed into service along with three near-sisters, Ivernia, Carinthia and Sylvania.

She operated successfully on that route until 1958, however with the decline of transatlantic shipping following the introduction of regular jet services, Saxonia was withdrawn from the transatlantic run and refitted for cruising.

To accommodate her new role, a new lido area was built on her aft decks, with a swimming pool and outdoor eatery protected by stylised glass screens.

The ship was renamed Carmania and used on the Rotterdam – Southampton – Canada route, until the QE2 was introduced in 1969. Following this, Carmania was used for cruising, until she was finally retired in 1971.

The ship was bought in 1973 by the Black Sea Shipping Co. and renamed Leonid Sobinov. She remained in service until 1995 and was eventually scrapped in India in 1999.

Image sourced with permission from: Simplon Post Cards