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The ship has now been refurbished and become PRINCESS DAPHNE and a gentleman from Madeira has posted some very nice interior and exterior photos of her here.
Being unaltered (unlike her sister) she must be, externally, one of the most beautiful vessels afloat and her interiors look fairly attractive as well. In particular I like the original ceiling finish which is still in evidence in the dining room.
It is amazing to me that both this ship and her sister continue to sail with their original diesels which are now over 50 years old. I am no engineer but I do recall that the ones in PRINCESS DAPHNE are the only such engines now in use anywhere the world, which is quite impressive indeed.
It is really delightful to see these sisters reunited under the Portuguese flag more than 50 years after they were built and 30 years after they were converted, and I hope they sail for many years to come.
quote:Originally posted by dougnewman:I am sure I am not the only member here who was very pleased when Classic International Cruises bought OCEAN MONARCH (ex DAPHNE) last year. [...]
You are indeed not the only one. These two lovely ships have are special to me since they are amongst the (now few ;( ) ships I 'met' again and again since my early childhood. It's nice to see that they are still around and that they seem to do well.
It is nice to see that these two grand old passenger ships now have the same owner again who is also making them Solas 2010 compliant.
I remember them from when they both sailed for Costa Cruises in the 1980's as Daphne and Danae.
Long may they continue in service.
BrgdsJepp
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