The Last Ocean Liners

Grimaldi Siosa Lines

Irpinia

 

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Grimaldi Siosa Lines

Originally named Campana for the French CGTM Line, this ocean liner was obtained by the Grimaldi group in 1955 and given an extensive refit. They renamed it Irpinia and assigned it to their new Siosa Line for the route from Genoa to the West Indies. From 1959 to 1962, it operated a unique service connecting Canada with Mediterranan ports. Then in 1962 the ocean liner received a major US$3 million reconstruction at Trieste, which included complete air-conditioning and conversion from steam turbines to diesel power.

Grimaldi Siosa Lines

Irpinia was given 14 spacious public rooms with a contemporary style including a winter garden, three restaurants, four bars and a night club. Each class enjoyed its own outdoor swimming pool and there was a separate pool for children. There were 74 First class cabins of one, two and three berths plus 256 Tourist class of two, four and six berths with a total of 166 cabins having private facilities.

Grimaldi Siosa Lines

After re-entering service in 1962, Irpinia's regular voyages connected Italy, France and Spain with Caribbean ports, taking Spanish and Portuguese migrants primarily to Venezuela and migrants from the West Indies to Mediterranean ports. With the many tropical ports, many guests especially in First class, enjoyed the full round trip voyage. However, in 1970 the transatlantic service was given up primarily due to airline competition, and the ocean liner became a full time cruise ship, primarily on seven day circuits in the Western Mediteranean.

Grimaldi Siosa Lines

"This large and modern transatlantic liner has been built and designed to ensure every comfort for the passenger in all climates, while considerable care and good taste have been exercised in the decorations and appointments."

Irpinia was the vessel featured in the all-star 1976 movie "Voyage of the Damned", based on actual events concerning the fate of the ocean liner St. Louis carrying Jewish refugees from Germany to Cuba in 1939.


Sample minimum one-way fares from Genoa to La Guaira: First class $300; Tourist class $221; All fares are per person in U.S. dollars.


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Irpinia (Grimaldi Siosa Lines) 1929
Irpinia Grimaldi Siosa Lines
Built: 1929 by Swan Hunter & Wigham Richardson, Newcastle, England Gross tons: 13204 Length: 537ft (164m) Width: 67ft (20m) Draft: 23ft (7m) Speed: 19kn Power: 16000 bhp Propulsion: Diesel twin screw Passengers: 209 First 972 Tourist End of service: Cruising only from 1970; laid up 1976; scrapped 1983
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