Northern Star
The Northern Star was built in 1961-62 as a refined successor to both the Dominion Monarch and the Southern Cross. Though only serving for 13 years, she represented one of the most advanced passenger ships of her era, featuring spacious public areas and extensive deck space unusual for a vessel of her size.
Construction and Design
Built by Vickers, Armstrongs Ltd in England, the Northern Star was launched on June 27, 1961, by H.R.H. Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother. The vessel was completed in June 1962, emerging as a refined and adapted version of the Southern Cross, though 4,000 tons larger and 50 feet longer than her sister ship. Her distinctive appearance featured a grey hull, green superstructure, buff and black funnel with a stylized "Star" device, and red boot-topping - though this color scheme was reportedly never as popular as those of more traditional vessels.
Service History
The Northern Star commenced her inaugural voyage on July 10, 1962, sailing from Southampton to Sydney and return. Operating from her base port of Southampton under British registry, she established a regular round-world service via Cape Town, Fremantle, Melbourne, Sydney, Wellington, Auckland, Suva, Papeete, and the Panama Canal. This route was coordinated with the Southern Cross, with the two ships alternating and reversing direction.
The vessel proved particularly popular with cost-conscious Australian and New Zealand passengers, as well as numerous British government-sponsored emigrants seeking new lives in the Southern Hemisphere. After 1970, she continued the round-world service alongside the newly acquired Ocean Monarch.
Final Years
In 1974, the Northern Star undertook several Pacific cruises from Sydney to various Pacific islands before being unexpectedly laid up at Southampton. Later that year, after just 13 years of service, she was sold to Taiwanese ship-breakers.
Key Facts
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Gross Tonnage | 24,733 tons |
| Length | 650 ft (198.1m) |
| Beam | 83 ft (25.3m) |
| Draught | 26 ft (7.9m) |
| Propulsion | Twin Vickers D.R.G. Steam turbines (22,000 SHP) |
| Speed | 19.5 knots |
| Passenger Capacity | 1,437 (one class) |
| Crew | 490 |
| Passenger Decks | Seven |
| Notable Features | Four swimming pools |