An attempt by the Italian’s to regain their former
glory on the Atlantic was made with the launch of the fabulously
sleek Andrea Doria in 1951. Following the loss of the
Rex and Conte di Savoia during the course of the
second World War, the once proud fleet of Italia had been diminished
to a point of nonexistence. Rising from the ruins of that once proud
line, Andrea Doria was a bold creation that embodied the
Italian tradition of style and luxury at sea.
The beautiful setting of the Ball
Room (First Class) on the ANDREA DORIA provides a gay
background for gala evenings.
Named for the famed Italian admiral Andrea Doria, Italia’s
newest liner was stunning and modern in everyway. Christened by
Giuseppe Saragat, her launch on 16 June 1951 marked Italia's reentry
into the post-war booming Atlantic trade. Entering service in
January 1953, Andrea Doria was one of the most modern vessels
on the Atlantic Route. A veritable floating art gallery, she sported
an extraordinary array of original art work that added to her
sophisticated flair and modernity.
Not only was Andrea Doria the fastest, largest, and most
luxurious ship in the Italian fleet, she was also the safest. With
eleven water-tight compartments, bulkheads that extended from the
hull to her A-Deck, a double hull, and RADAR to warn of nearby
vessels, the features aboard Andrea Doria ensured that she
would get her passengers to port not only comfortably, but safely as
well.
In keeping with Italia’s rich tradition of service at
sea, Andrea Doria offered an array of amenities and impecable
service to passengers in all classes. She was a phenomenal success
for Italia after entering passenger service in ‘53, and along with
her newer sistership, the slightly more subdued Chistoforo
Colombo, Andrea Doria carved out a niche in the Atlantic
market that attracted an ever larger number of passengers. Those who
sailed aboard Andrea Doria reveled in her ultra-modern
accomodations and superb service. Plying the mild Sunny Southern
Route, her extensive lido areas and fantastic service made for a
gala time at sea. For three years she would triumphantly reign the
seas, earning the proud monicker “Grand Dame of the Sea.”
Three open-air swiming pools, one for
each class, are naturally, centers of all outdoor activity. Each has
a surrounding Lido Deck and an adjoining Veranda Café.
Copyright
1997 - 2002 by Bryan R. Guinn. All photographs from the private collection of Bryan R. Guinn. Bibliography on text available here.
No unauthorized reproduction of text or images.
Three open-air swiming pools, one for
each class, are naturally, centers of all outdoor activity. Each has
a surrounding Lido Deck and an adjoining Veranda Café.
