Leonid Sobinov

Built as Saxonia (2) for Cunard Line's post-war Canadian service, this vessel would serve three distinct careers under three different names. Designed as what was described as a "quarter size model of the Queen Elizabeth II," she represented Cunard's effort to rebuild their North Atlantic services after World War II.

Construction and Early Service

Saxonia (2) was built by John Brown & Co., Glasgow, Scotland (Yard No. 692) and launched on February 17, 1954, by Lady Clementine Churchill. The vessel was completed in August 1954 and commenced her maiden voyage from Liverpool to Montreal on September 2, 1954. She was one of Cunard's new vessels intended to replace the depleted 'A' class ships, of which only Ascania (2) was capable of navigating 1,000 miles upstream to Montreal.

Carmania Years

In 1962-63, the vessel underwent a significant refit at Brown's yard. In July 1963, she was renamed Carmania and repainted white, switching from her previous service to operate cruises from US ports to the Caribbean. The ship now accommodated 117 first-class and 764 tourist-class passengers. During her Caribbean service, she ran aground off San Salvador in 1969, requiring extensive repairs. By 1971, she was laid up and offered for sale.

Soviet Service

In 1973, the vessel was sold to Nikreis Maritime Corporation, Panama, and acquired for the Soviet State shipping Company CTC. Renamed Leonid Sobinov in honor of the Russian tenor, she began her final career on February 26, 1974, sailing from Southampton to Sydney via Panama. Based in Nakhodka, she operated world cruises and Pacific voyages under Soviet registry. During this period, a notable incident occurred when a young stewardess, later dubbed the "red bikini girl," defected by diving from a porthole into Pyrmont Harbour. The ship was ultimately withdrawn in 1979, having become uneconomical due to rising oil costs.

Key Facts

Specification	Details
Dimensions	608 ft x 80 ft (185.3 m x 24.3 m)
Draught	29 ft (8.8 m)
Gross Tonnage	22,592 (initially), later 21,370
Power	Quadruple D.R.G. steam turbines (24,000 SHP)
Speed	20 knots
Passenger Decks	Nine
Capacity	700 (one class in Soviet service)
Crew	350
Sister Ship	Fedor Shalyapin