Stores were kept in weird places, for example one curious passenger was up on the funnel deck, when he saw a door open in the forward funnel. (now we – after reading this web page would have realised the forward funnel was a dummy used to enhance her apperance, the average passenger would not).

SS Australis takes to sea bound for Sydney. SS America was sold to Chandris Lines on October 5, 1964, and was handed over 12 days later when she was transformed externally with her funnels pained blue emblazoned with the famed Chandris large white –X-. On the same day the America was renamed Australis.

SS America was an ocean liner and cruise ship built in the United States in 1940 for the United States Lines and designed by the noted American naval architect William Francis Gibbs.

Chandris sold her America Cruise Lines, thus, four months after her lay up SS Australis departed New Zealand for New York, arriving there on May 19, 1978. Her new owners placed her in dry-dock, where her hull was painted dark blue, as were …

Topping her well proportioned superstructure were 2 squat funnels, oval in shape. Both funnels were finished with a ‘san-pan’ design, which proved so popular it was incorporated onto the SS United States and cargo ships of the same line as a “trademark”.

Not likely, Chandris surprised everyone by advertising 3-day cruises in the Mediterranean using the revamped ‘ITALIS’ . The most obvious change was the removal of her forward funnel, which was allegedly badly corroded.

Australis’ iconic funnels featuring the Chandris ‘Ch’ logo. The bridge and forward superstructure - elegantly rounded and featuring large floor-ceiling windows in public areas for optimal daylight use.

SS ITALIS. After a disastrously short career with Venture Cruise Lines, Chandris re-purchased the ageing former Australis and put her back into service as ‘Italis’ - in an attempt at ‘modernising’ the ship, her forward funnel was hastily removed.

Nov 21, 2009 · SS America was sold to Chandris Lines in 1964, she was re-registered SS Australis (Australian Lady). Over the first 9 months Chandris converted the liner at Piraeus, her three class accommodation became one class.

Feb 17, 2013 · Does anyone have a picture of the SS Australis before she was wrecked on the Canaries? I particularly would like a Chandris Line one as we sailed from Melbourne to Southampton in her in 1970. Check on the America/Australis section of ssmaritime.com. Lots of pictures and info. I will, thanks.