- The Last NORTH ATLANTIC Ocean Liners
- Last Ocean Liners to AFRICA & LATIN AMERICA
- To AUSTRALIA, FAR EAST & AROUND-the-WORLD
- SAILING SCHEDULES January to December 1966
- RANK & COMPARE the Last Ocean Liners
Like fine hotels or private yachts, the Mariposa and Monterey carried only First class guests and promised regal pleasures on an exotic voyage to paradise. The texture of the tropics was charmingly expressed in public rooms and staterooms. The Southern Cross Lounge, Polynesian Club, Outrigger Bar and the Dining Room were all styled in the mood of Polynesia.
Matson Lines' handsome pair of ocean liners entered service in 1956 and 1957 respectively, after their conversion from Mariner class freighters. Named after the earlier Mariposa and Monterey of 1932, they maintained a schedule from San Francisco to Sydney which could be booked as a line voyage or 42-day round-trip South Pacific cruise.
Outbound calls were at Los Angeles, Tahiti, Rarotonga and Auckland, returning via Auckland, Suva, Pago Pago and Honolulu. In the mid 1960s, Bora Bora was added southbound, while Noumea replaced Auckland and an off port call at Niuafo'ou was added northbound.
Mariposa and Monterey were both sold to Pacific Far East Line in 1971 who continued the South Pacific service with minor route variations. Cruises to Hawaii and later to Alaska and further afield were added to the annual schedule in the 1970s.
The smart Lurline was legendary on the Hawaii run, offering warm hospitality and pleasant diversions on five day express crossings from San Francisco and Los Angeles to Honolulu as well as occasional cruises including the neighbor islands. The time spent onboard was as much a part of a Hawaiian holiday as a day at Waikiki Beach. The original Lurline developed serious engine problems in 1963 and was replaced by twin sister Matsonia (ex-Monterey), which took the more popular "Lurline" name and remained in service until 1970.
Both of Matson Lines' Lurline's were sold in turn to Chandris Lines of Greece who renamed them Ellinis and Britanis, respectively. The two ocean liners were converted to carry over 1,600 tourist class passengers each on line voyages between Europe and Australia and around-the-world.
Sample minimum one-way fares from San Francisco to Honolulu: First class $230; from San Francisco to Sydney: First class $886; All fares are per person in U.S. dollars.
Go to Matson Lines sailing schedules or select schedules by ship below:
 Mariposa Built: 1952 by Bethlehem Steel, Quincy MA, USA Go to sailing schedules for this ship. |
 Monterey Built: 1952 by Bethlehem SB, Sparrows Pt MD, USA Go to sailing schedules for this ship. |
 Lurline Built: 1932 by Bethlehem Steel, Quincy MA, USA Go to sailing schedules for this ship. |