Passenger Facilities

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32053, 30 July 1969, Page 13

Passenger Facilities

Although both Hupeh and Shansi will conduct the New Zealand Unit Express service, only Shansi will offer passenger facilities.

With a capacity of 10 passengers, a delighti fully intimate atmosphere is ensured by the high standard of accommodation consisting of six single cabins and two twin-bed cabins. AU cabins have private shower and toilet facilities; therd is a full-sized bathroom available for passenger’s use. The cabin accommodation I is equipped with an efficient forced-air system suppleI mented by Individually controlled electric fans. The layout is spacious; the furniture, carpets and drapes have been tastefully chosen. A feature of the two twin cabins is the heavy drapes which can be drawn to close off the sleeping section.

On the same deck are located the lounge areas—dominated by the forward lounge, which is richly panelled and furnished, offering full views of. the ocean. With bar facilities, a library and an extensive range of lounge games, this adaptable room will prove to be popular. Adjoining the lounge and separated by folding doors is a smaller, more intimate room which can be used for cards and social functions. It can be combined with the main lounge on gala occasions. Situated at the after end of the same deck Is the restaurant, simple in decor. The China Navigation Co., Ltd, is noted for its high standard of cuisine. On the deck above is the deck space for passengers. The area is large. There is no trouble here to find a sunny position sheltered from the sea breezes. There are the usual deck chairs for the lazy; and deck tennis, shuffle board, quoits and other games for the energetic. In the two “wings” created by the bridge construction are two enclosed spaces for table tennis and other activities whatever the weather.

To complete the' picture, there is a small but effective swimming pool. Providing the only direct sea travel opportunity between New Zealand and Manila, Kaohsiung, Keelung and Hong Kong, the service , has already created conslde- ] able interest among pros- ] pective travellers. The opportunity for leisurely travel, either oneway or round-trip, is now available to business men and their families. For the holiday traveller who desires comfort, leisure and interest, the S unities on the trip are ted, for from Hong Kong the whole of Asia is at hand! Fares have been established at a very reasonable level; the passage Auckland to Hong Kong is fixed at $420, and from Hong Kong to Auckland at $4OO. For round-trip passengers a discount is offered, giving a circle fare of $738. Additionally, on payment of a small premium, passengers may join or leave the vessel as it proceeeds around the New Zealand coast. General passenger agents for this service are the New Zealand Shipping Co, Ltd.