Fedor Shalyapin

Originally built as Ivernia (2) for Cunard Line, this vessel underwent several transformations during her career, serving initially on North Atlantic routes before becoming a successful cruise ship under both Western and Soviet operation.

Construction and Early Service

Constructed by John Brown & Co. in Glasgow, Scotland, the vessel was launched on December 14, 1954, by Mrs. Howe, wife of a Canadian Member of Parliament. Completed in June 1955, she commenced service with a maiden voyage from Greenock to Montreal, followed by regular service between Southampton and Montreal.

The Franconia Years

In July 1963, following a comprehensive refit by Brown, the vessel was renamed Franconia (3) and repainted in pale green livery similar to Caronia II. Her maiden cruise as Franconia departed from New York to the Caribbean. In 1967, she began operating New York-Bermuda express cruises and was repainted white, which proved more popular than the previous green scheme.

Soviet Service

After being laid up in 1971, the ship was sold to Nikreis Maritime Corporation of Panama in 1973 and renamed Fedor Shalyapin in honor of the great Russian bass singer who died in 1938. Her inaugural voyage under Soviet ownership began on November 20, 1973, from Southampton to Auckland via Panama. Based in Nakhodka under USSR registry, she became particularly popular on Pacific cruises from Sydney. During this period, a notable incident occurred in the Tasman Sea involving a reported rendezvous with a Russian submarine for cargo and personnel exchange.

Later Operations

In 1976, management transferred to C.T.C., and following a refit in Hong Kong, the vessel continued cruise operations. By 1980, despite Russian government subsidies, rising fuel costs led to schedule changes and transfers to different operating areas including the Caribbean and Pacific.

Key Facts

Specification	Detail
Gross Tonnage	22,637 (earlier 21,406)
Length	608 ft (185.3 m)
Beam	80 ft (24.3 m)
Draught	29 ft (8.8 m)
Propulsion	Quadruple D.R.G. steam turbines (24,000 SHP)
Speed	20 knots
Passenger Capacity	700 (one class), later 1,600
Crew	350
Passenger Decks	Nine
Sister Ship	Leonid Sobinov
Final Livery	White hull and superstructure, white and red funnel, red boot-topping