Southern Cross

The Southern Cross represented the pinnacle of British marine engineering and innovation when completed in 1955. This groundbreaking vessel introduced several revolutionary design features that would influence passenger ship design for decades to come, including the elimination of traditional cargo holds and aft-positioned engines.

Construction and Design

Built by Harland & Wolff Ltd in Belfast, the Southern Cross was launched on August 17, 1954, by HM Queen Elizabeth II and completed in February 1955. The vessel featured a unique profile with a sleek hull topped by a streamlined superstructure that extended well forward of the bridge-house, complemented by a distinctive short, stumpy funnel. Her original livery featured a grey hull, green superstructure, buff and black funnel, and red boot-topping - a color scheme that proved controversial at the time.

Shaw Savill Service (1955-1972)

The Southern Cross began her maiden voyage on March 29, 1955, sailing from Southampton to Sydney and return. Operating on routes between Great Britain, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand, she could complete four circumnavigations annually. The ship offered exclusively one-class accommodation with air-conditioned inside cabins - an avant-garde concept for the era. Shaw Savill & Albion positioned the vessel with lower fares than competitors P&O and Orient, making her particularly popular with young Australian travelers and migrants. In 1962, she was joined by her sister ship Northern Star.

Mediterranean Years as Calypso (1975-1979)

After being laid up in Falmouth in 1972, the vessel was purchased by Ulysses Line of Greece and renamed Calypso. Following a refit, she entered Mediterranean cruise service in 1975, also sailing to the Baltic, North Sea, and Canary Islands. Her appearance was modified with an all-white color scheme accented by a blue riband at the upper strake level, and the funnel featured the Ulysses Line escutcheon with a distinctive swept-back red 'frame'.

Final Years as Azure Seas (1980-)

In 1979, after brief service from Miami, the ship was sold to a new Los Angeles-based organization and renamed Azure Seas, operating California/Mexico cruises.

Key Facts

Specification	Detail
Gross Tonnage	20,204
Length	604 ft (184.1 m)
Beam	80 ft (24.4 m)
Draught	26 ft (7.9 m)
Propulsion	Two Parsons D.R.G. steam turbines (20,000 SHP)
Speed	20 knots
Passenger Capacity	1,185 (one class)
Crew	410
Passenger Decks	Six