Built as Malolo for Matson Lines' Pacific service, renamed Matsonia after a 1937 refit, then sold to Home Lines in 1948 as Atlantic for North Atlantic service, this long serving liner was popular and well-loved over its 50-year career. In 1954, it was transferred to Home Lines' National Hellenic American Line subsidiary and renamed Queen Frederica, for transatlantic service between New York and Mediterranean ports.
After its 1961 refit, a First class swimming pool was on Sun Deck aft. Promenade Deck had the First class "Club" forward, followed by the foyer, main lounge with Corinthian columns, library and writing room. Aft were the Tourist class gallery, Aegean Lounge and the swimming pool with open deck. Riviera Deck and Upper Deck had First class suites, deluxe staterooms and cabins for both classes. Queen Frederica's elegant main dining salon with an orchestra loft was on Main Deck, followed by more cabins on A-Deck. All accommodations had private facilities.
"Your regal resort at sea, now more luxurious than ever ... designed for glamor, the many beautiful lounges where you dance, go nightclubbing, enjoy professional shows or where you can read a good book, write home or just relax."
Queen Frederica was a well-executed fusion of great American shipbuilding, design and engineering with Greek seamanship and hospitality. The ship and the National Hellenic American Line brand were sold to Chandris Lines in November, 1965. The ocean liner received a refit at the Chandris shipyard in Greece which included adding the Chandris white letter "X" on blue and black funnels.
For several winters, Queen Frederica operated some cruises from New York or Boston to the Bahamas before returning to transatlantic service in March. In September, 1966 it sailed to Southampton, and then onward to Australia for cruises down under. Queen Frederica returned to operate the New York to Greece service until 1968, when it was no longer able to sail from the U.S.A. due to new fire safety regulations. Instead, the ocean liner continued on the Europe to Australia service and operated short cruises in the Mediterranean.
Sample minimum one-way fares from New York to Piraeus: First class $494; Tourist class $290; All fares are per person in U.S. dollars.
Go to National Hellenic American Line sailing schedules or select schedules by ship below:
![]() Queen Frederica Built: 1927 by Wm. Cramp & Sons, Philadelphia PA, USA Go to sailing schedules for this ship. |