SS Arcadia: P&O Ocean Liner and Migrant Transport Ship, 1953
A colour photograph of the SS Arcadia, a passenger liner built for P&O Line in 1953. The white-hulled vessel is shown at anchor, displaying its distinctive cream-coloured funnel with navy blue top. The ship's classic ocean liner profile features multiple passenger decks, prominent masts with signal flags, and numerous portholes along its hull. The vessel's name "ARCADIA" is clearly visible on its bow.
The Arcadia (2) was a significant post-war passenger liner built for P&O,
notable for being the largest ship built on the Clyde at the time of her
construction. Named after P&O's earlier 6,000-ton steamer from 1880, she was
designed specifically for the London-Australia-New Zealand route via Suez.
Construction and Design
Constructed by John Brown and Co. of Glasgow, Arcadia (2) was launched on May
14, 1953, by Lady Anderson and completed in January 1954. The vessel featured
distinctive Greek-themed interior design throughout, with public rooms named
after figures from Greek mythology, reflecting her classical name.
Service History
Arcadia (2) commenced her maiden voyage from London to Sydney on February
22, 1954. Initially based in London and later transferring to Southampton, she
was part of P&O's post-war fleet renewal alongside Chusan and Himalaya.
These vessels played a crucial role in Australian migration during the 1950s and
1960s, following the transition of traditional mail contracts to airlines.
In 1969, responding to changing market conditions and the rise of air travel,
P&O deployed Arcadia (2) on cruises from San Francisco to Alaska, marking the
company's early entry into the American cruise market.
Key Facts
Specification
Details
Gross Tonnage
29,871
Length
721 ft (219.8 m)
Beam
91 ft (27.7 m)
Draught
31 ft (9.4 m)
Propulsion
S.R.G. & D.R.G. steam turbines (42,500 SHP)
Screws
Twin
Service Speed
22 knots
Passenger Decks
Seven
Crew
700
This transformation of the vessel from a traditional liner to a cruise ship
preceded P&O's later development of purpose-built cruise vessels, which began
in 1972.
SS Arcadia: P&O Ocean Liner and Migrant Transport Ship, 1953
A colour photograph of the SS Arcadia, a passenger liner built for P&O Line in 1953. The white-hulled vessel is shown at anchor, displaying its distinctive cream-coloured funnel with navy blue top. The ship's classic ocean liner profile features multiple passenger decks, prominent masts with signal flags, and numerous portholes along its hull. The vessel's name "ARCADIA" is clearly visible on its bow.
SS Arcadia: P&O Ocean Liner and Migrant Transport Ship, 1953
SS Arcadia at Outer Harbor, Adelaide, 1966
A black and white photograph of the P&O passenger liner SS Arcadia docked at Outer Harbor, Adelaide. The impressive vessel displays its name prominently on its hull, with its distinctive streamlined profile and passenger decks clearly visible. In the foreground, several figures stand on the wooden wharf, providing scale to the massive ship. The vessel's masts, rigging, and classic ocean liner architecture are characteristic of post-war passenger ships.
SS Arcadia at Outer Harbor, Adelaide, 1966
SS Arcadia at Outer Harbor, Adelaide, 1966
A black and white photograph showing the P&O passenger liner SS Arcadia docked at Outer Harbor, Adelaide. The large white-hulled vessel is being assisted by a tugboat, with the ship's distinctive profile and superstructure clearly visible against an overcast sky. The photograph captures both the scale of the ocean liner and the maritime operations of the busy port.
SS Arcadia at Outer Harbor, Adelaide, 1966
Children on SS Arcadia's Deck During Migration Journey, 1966
A black and white photograph taken aboard the SS Arcadia showing two young children on the ship's deck, playfully posing by a life preserver. The scene is captured at Port Said, with the Egyptian coastline visible in the background. A smaller vessel can be seen crossing the harbour waters. The children are photographed against the ship's railings, with the distinctive "ARCADIA LONDON" life ring prominently displayed.
Children on SS Arcadia's Deck During Migration Journey, 1966
Young Passengers on SS Arcadia's Deck Approaching Aden, 1966
A black and white photograph taken aboard the P&O liner SS Arcadia in 1966, showing passengers on the ship's wooden deck. Several children and adults are lined along the ship's railing, with some using binoculars to look out to sea. In the foreground, a young child in a dress stands holding binoculars, while a deck chair is visible nearby. The image captures the excitement of ocean travel, with the ship's distinctive white-painted covered deck area clearly visible.
Young Passengers on SS Arcadia's Deck Approaching Aden, 1966
Bum Boat Traders at Aden Harbour, 1966
An aerial view of a traditional bum boat in Aden harbour, photographed from aboard the SS Arcadia. The wooden vessel is laden with goods for trade and operated by local merchants who would approach international ships as they entered the port. The boat is captured in striking detail from above, showing its traditional construction and the arrangement of trade goods stored in various compartments.