The Last Ocean Liners
Delta Line
Del Norte / Del Sud / Del Mar
Established at New Orleans in 1919, the Mississippi Steamship Company, better known as the Delta Line, operated combination passenger and cargo ships from their home port to the east coast of South America. Their three finest ocean liners were requisitioned by the U.S. government for military service in World War II. When they were returned to Delta Line they were sold off and an order was placed for a new $21 million trio of gleaming, modern liners named Del Norte, Del Sud and Del Mar.
The new "coffee boats" were designed by renowned American naval architect George Sharp with exceptional use of aluminum and glass and complete air-conditioning for the tropical route. All 41 passenger staterooms were First class outside with private facilities and all lower berths. Public areas included the Deck Cafe, Bar, Grand Hall, Beach Deck and outdoor pool all on Promenade Deck. A circular "grand stairway" connected with the Main Deck which contained the Entrance hall, and the dining room was below.
The ocean liners had light gray hulls, a curved superstructure and a low, eliptical style funnel which actually contained officers' quarters. Smoke and other exhausts were dispersed via twin uptakes.
"Delta Line cuisine is superb... service incomparable. The entire family will enjoy the pool, deck games, cards and conversation with congenial new friends. Evening entertainment is planned for your pleasure ... or you may prefer the serene silence of starlit nights on deck ... Bon Voyage!"
Their principal cargo was northbound coffee with general merchandise and passengers providing additional income. After twenty year careers and with competition from jet aircraft and containerships, the Del Norte, Del Sud and Del Mar were withdrawn from service in 1967.
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