Flavia

Originally built as Cunard Line's Media in 1947, the Flavia emerged from one of the most remarkable ship conversions of her era to become Cogedar Line's ultimate vessel. The transformation showcased Italian maritime engineering and design excellence, completely reimagining the conservative Cunard vessel into a modern Italian liner.

Construction and Conversion

Built by John Brown & Company in Glasgow, Scotland, the vessel was launched on December 12, 1946, and completed in August 1947. The extensive conversion to Flavia dramatically altered her appearance, with a raked "clipper" style bow replacing the original Cunard prow and adding 20 feet to her length. The superstructure underwent comprehensive restyling, and the funnel was modified to a distinctive "sam-pan" style design.

Service Under Cogedar

Flavia commenced her maiden voyage on September 15, 1962, sailing from Genoa to Sydney via the Suez Canal. Initially registered in Genoa, she later transferred to Bremerhaven and subsequently to Tilbury, London after 1965. The vessel began round-world voyages in 1963 before transitioning to Mediterranean cruise operations.

Later Career

In 1970, Costa Line (Linea 'C') acquired the vessel, retaining her name Flavia. She served the Caribbean cruise market, operating from Miami to Nassau and Freeport. Later, she was deployed on Adriatic routes, calling at Dubrovnik, Corfu, Piraeus, Rhodes, and Venice until 1981. Following her replacement by the Europa, she was sold to C.Y. Tung's Orient Overseas Line, renamed Flavian, and operated mini-cruises from Hong Kong.

Key Facts

Specification	Detail
Length	566 ft (172.5m)
Beam	70 ft (21.3m)
Draught	26 ft (7.9m)
Gross Tonnage	15,465
Propulsion	Four D.R.G. steam turbines (15,000 SHP)
Speed	18 knots
Passenger Capacity	1,220 (one class)
Crew	428
Passenger Decks	Six (Lido, Sports, Capri, Main, Portofino, Taormina)
Livery	White hull and superstructure, red/white/blue funnel, red boot-topping