www.CRUISESHIPODYSSEY.com
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All text and photographs (unless stated otherwise) © Paul Timmerman; photographs on this page made during a cruise in 1993 when she sailed for Dolphin Cruise Lines. Oceanbreeze
is a unique vessel. Not only because of her design (engines and funnel placed
aft), but also because she is the first passenger liner christened by English
monarchy. At the end of World War II many families in England wanted to start a new life as the British economy was facing bad times. Australia and New Zealand were popular countries where they wanted to make their dreams come true... Shaw
Savill, a very important shipping line on the route from Great Britain to New
Zealand decided to order a new passenger liner. They picked the right time as
demand was high and available tonnage was low, many ships having been destroyed
during the war. Their
ship was to be of a revolutionary design: the ship would carry no cargo at all,
which had been usual up till then. This would enable the new ship to maintain a
fixed schedule. Furthermore, the new liner would be a one class vessel and most
important of all, her engines and funnel would be placed aft,
giving her a very modern appearance. Mr.Sanderson, chairman of Shaw Savill was confronted with a strong opposition
towards his ideas. He managed to convince everyone however, and on January 1953
work began on hull number 1498 in Belfast. Bridge deck, Lido area Sanderson
thought of three names,
each reflecting
the destination of the new liner’s voyages, Australia and New Zealand. He sent
these to Queen Elizabeth II, requesting
Deck view Standard double outside cabin Continued on page 2.......
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