Aurelia

The Aurelia began life as the Huascaran, built by Blohm and Voss of Hamburg for Hamburg-America Line's South American trade. Notable for being one of the early ships to use alternating current and diesel-electric propulsion, she would serve multiple roles across a diverse career spanning over three decades.

Construction and Early Years

Launched on December 15, 1938, and completed in April 1939, the vessel was immediately pressed into service as a German troop transport and armament freighter during World War II.

Post-War Service

Following the war, the ship was given to Canada as war reparations and sold to Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR). As the Beaverbrae, she operated on the North Europe-Canada service, carrying emigrants westbound while returning to Europe as a cargo vessel.

Cogedar Line Era

In 1954, Cogedar Line purchased the vessel and had her extensively rebuilt in Trieste. Renamed Aurelia, she commenced service on May 13, 1955, operating between Europe, UK, Australia, and New Zealand via the Suez Canal. The promenade deck featured a notably large dining saloon occupying the after half of the superstructure.

During winter 1958-59, the ship underwent a major refit including the installation of new diesel engines and aesthetic improvements. In 1964, she began operating round-world voyages, accessing the Pacific via the Panama Canal.

Final Years

In 1970, the vessel was sold to Armadores Romanza S.A., a Chandris organization subsidiary. Renamed Romanza, she was renovated for Mediterranean cruise service with reduced gross tonnage of 8,891 and reconfigured to accommodate 600 passengers.

Key Facts

Specification	Details
Built	1939
Tonnage	10,480 GRT, 4,734 DWT
Dimensions	487 ft × 60 ft (133.2m × 18.2m)
Draught	21 ft 10 in
Propulsion	Diesel-electric (3 M.A.N. type diesels), single screw
Speed	17 knots
Capacity	1,126 tourist class (original), 600 (after 1970)
Features	Fully air-conditioned, 238 cabins
Livery	White hull and superstructure, red/white/blue funnel, red boot-topping