SHIP OF BEAUTY

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXVI, 10 March 1933, Page 7

SHIP OF BEAUTY

PRIDE OF CUNARD AQUITANIA, TRANSFORMED LOVELIEST VESSEL AFLOAT A thousand anil more workmen were engaged at Southampton for six weeks in transforming the interior of the Cunard liner Aquitaniu, the work being completed in January. From top to bottom, she has been overhauled by mop representing 30 crafts and trades, and is now ready for service, claiming the title of the loveliest ship afloat. Her interior has been completely changed. The old-tiine blinks anil portholes have vanished. Passengers now have bedrooms exactly like the luxury hotel bedrooms ashore.

SUN LOUNGES There are more than 55 new outside bedrooms on A, B and C decks. A passenger to-day may have a Gainsborough, Romney, or Rembrandt suite, with private sun lounge attached to his bedroom. He may have a gorgeously decorated bedroom with private bathroom, or he may have a bed-drawing-room with armchairs, electric fire, reading lamp, and wardrobes. Each stateroom is decorated lavishly in an exclusive design, with silk curtains, hangings, wall fabrics, pictures and carpets, To walk along the corridors of these decks is 'like exploring the rooms of a palace. There are magnificent rooms in blue, silver, gold, wine shades, lawns and sunshine colours. Cabins have been pulled down to provide for these alterations, which make the Aquitauia a wondec ship of luxury and beauty. Each of these rooms has large windows opening on to the decks. Hie great public rooms, for which the ship is famous, have also received attention. There is an arcade ol shop cases nearly 100 yards long, and a gardener is regularly employed to lend the palms, plants, and (lowers in the garden lounges and in other parts of the ship.

ARMCHAIR CINEMA There is also a new theatre aboard. 'The theatre is equipped with a stage and footlights, and has the ordinary “exit” and “entrance” signs exhibited. There are two “green rooms" and special armchair seating. The tourist class has its cocktail bar, too. Nothing has been overlooked, and every part of the machinery has been overhauled. The ship has also been dry-docked, scrubbed, sealed, and painted. Thousands of gallons of paint have been used.