Reina del Mar
The Reina del Mar ("Queen of the Sea") was a British passenger liner built by Harland & Wolff in Belfast for the Pacific Steam Navigation Company. She began her career on the Liverpool-Valparaiso route before being converted to a dedicated cruise ship in the 1960s.
Construction and Design
Built as yard number 1533 at Harland & Wolff's Belfast yard, Reina del Mar was launched on June 7, 1955, and completed in April 1956. She was powered by Parsons geared turbines producing 17,000 SHP, driving twin screws.
Pacific Steam Navigation Service (1956-1964)
The vessel commenced her maiden voyage from Liverpool to Valparaiso on May 3, 1956. During this period, she operated regular service to South America from her home port of Liverpool, carrying passengers in three classes.
Conversion and Cruise Service (1964-1973)
In 1963, Reina del Mar was chartered to the Travel Savings Association. On March 10, 1964, she underwent a significant rebuild at Harland & Wolff, emerging as a single-class cruise ship. After conversion, her gross tonnage increased to 21,501 GRT, and she now accommodated 1,047 passengers in a single class. Under management of the Union Castle Line, she operated cruises from Southampton during summer months and from Cape Town in winter. By 1967, her recorded gross tonnage was 20,750.
Final Years
The Union-Castle Line purchased the vessel outright in 1973. Her service continued until July 30, 1975, when she arrived at Kaohsiung, Taiwan, where she was broken up by Tug Chen Steel Man. Co.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Length | 183.2m (601 ft) |
| Beam | 23.9m (78.4 ft) |
| Gross Tonnage (Original) | 20,234 |
| Propulsion | Parsons geared turbines |
| Power | 17,000 SHP |
| Initial Passenger Capacity | 207 First Class, 216 Cabin Class, 343 Tourist Class |
| Crew | 327 |
| Post-1964 Passenger Capacity | 1,047 (single class) |