Posted on Tuesday, June 5, 2012 by Peter Knego
Peter Knego heads to Genoa to inspect the PACIFIC, the former “Love Boat” PACIFIC PRINCESS, which has been laid up since 2008 at the San Giorgio del Porto shipyard. Sold for scrap in March, the iconic vessel is once again in a state of limbo after the buyers failed to complete their purchase.
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All photos by and copyright Peter Knego 2012 unless otherwise noted.
Tuesday, May 14, 2012
Genoa calling.
Perhaps because it is so underrated, I always feel compelled to champion the virtues of Genoa’s spectacular setting and architecture. And that is even before considering its magnificent maritime past.
PACIFIC peek.
But I wasn’t in Genoa for sightseeing. I was on a mission to document the laid up PACIFIC, quite possibly the most famous cruise ship of all time. In March, it was announced that she was sold for scrap but that deal, even after the planned buyer shelled out a Euro 500,000 deposit, had just fallen through.
Museo Luzzati.
I checked into the Holiday Inn Genoa City Center, then walked down the waterfront to Porto Antico, where a number of interesting landmarks, such as the Aquarium, Maritime Museum and Museo Luzzari share the scenery with an armada of mega yachts. What a shame the beautiful AUGUSTUS, now dismembered and slowly vanishing at Alang, was not given a home here. I continued up the hill, past the bustling San Giorgio del Porto Shipyard in search of dinner.
Cuppola captured.
On my return, I took a more northerly return through the heart of the city.
Piazza di Ferrari.
I remain in awe of one of the most spectacularly underrated cities in the world. And, yes, I know the Genoese prefer it that way.
Wednesday, May 15, 2012
PACIFIC PRINCESS and her twin ISLAND PRINCESS together at Los Angeles in 1976.
For me, the PACIFIC is much more than just the former Love Boat. She was a regular fixture in my home ports of Los Angles and San Francisco during my nascent years of ship enthusiasm. She represented the future of cruising and had a special cachet that probably only the QE2 surpassed in her heyday.
PACIFIC at Genoa.
In the shadow of several imposing cranes, the now former PACIFIC PRINCESS rests a few meters beyond the entrance to the heavily guarded San Giorgio del Porto shipyard.
Coral Dining Room, facing starboard.
Captain Benedetto Lupi greeted me at the shipyard entrance and led me aboard PACIFIC through the shell doors just forward of the Coral Dining Room, which is now stripped of its settings and sparsely lit.
Lobby, facing aft from bottom level.
We climbed up to the famous lobby, whose enlarged sound stage doppelganger was featured in almost every episode of “The Love Boat”. Although I had read reports stating the lobby was stripped of its original finery, I was pleased to see that most of the Carrara marble paneling and the bronze sculpture were still intact.
Starboard panel and passage.
The vestibule immediately forward flickered in a tenuous fluorescence. On either side, continuing aft, were passages infiltrated by beams of sunlight through open cabin doors.
Carousel Lounge, facing forward from starboard.
Up on Riviera Deck, save for stacks of mattresses on the bandstand, the Carousel Lounge looked pretty much as it did in its last Princess Cruises incarnation with semi-circular turquoise banks of seating radiating from the stage. Since-addressed water leakage had sullied the carpeting in the adjacent Carousel Bar, which was also basically original.
Photo gallery facing aft.
Long galleries with full length windows continued aft on either side of the ship. On the port side, just beyond the aft lobby, the photo gallery had seen its share of water influx before the leakage was repaired.
Pacific Bar, facing forward.
The Pacific Bar at the aft end of Riviera Deck looked especially nice with its original wood paneling still intact. Had PACIFIC continued sailing through 2010, this would have been removed to comply with new SOLAS laws.
Gym, facing aft.
When Voyages of Discovery took the ex ISLAND PRINCESS, they turned the dreary gym into a nice Library and built a new gym and spa higher in the ship.
Pacific Lounge, facing aft.
In addition to the lobby, the most impressive space on the PACIFIC PRINCESS is her Pacific Lounge, which features a double deck screen of aluminum and glass that faces the aft lido. Its Saarinen-like pillars appear to have been inspired by those in the QE2’s Queens Lounge.
Pacific Lounge, facing port.
Everything in the lower level of the Pacific Lounge was still intact. Even the furniture had been stowed and covered.
Starboard spiral.
If the pillars were reminiscent of the Queen’s Lounge, the sleek spiral stairs on the starboard side of the Pacific Lounge may have taken their decorative cue from the QE2’s since rebuilt Double Room. The upper level, once a nice terrace for a quiet read or a card game, was last used as a children’s play space.
Promenade Deck cabin.
The best accommodation and suites are located on Promenade Deck. For the most part, this area of PACIFIC was in good order.
Sun in Promenade Deck vestibule.
Even the psychedelic sun faces in the vestibules have been left unchanged.
Suite ---, facing port/forward.
Captain Lupi was proud to show me fully made-up Suite 104 at the forward end of Promenade Deck, which looked ready to receive guests.
Quail product in Suite 104.
On the bathroom counter, an assortment of Quail Cruises amenities was laid out.
Aft from fo'c'sle.
New anchor stables.
We worked our way down and out to the bow where new anchor stays had been installed. Containers with construction debris sat atop the forward Promenade Deck terrace.
Down from the tip of the bow.
I took a shot through the hawsers down to the PACIFIC’s bulbous bow.
Outside A Deck cabin, facing starboard.
On A Deck, we inspected several outside cabins, all with similar layouts.
COLUMBUS versus HAMBURG maneuvering.
In the nearby drydock, tugs were maneuvering the former Hapag-Lloyd COLUMBUS to a fitting out basin. The ship still had Hapag colors on her funnel and the name C. COLUMBUS on her bow, although her hull sported Plantours colors and her stern had the new name HAMBURG.
Facing port from aft Promenade Deck.
Over stern.
Four of the PACIFIC’s boats now rest on aft Riviera Deck.
Dry boats.
And the rest lay alongside the ship.
Starboard Promenade, facing aft.
The once beautiful teak-lined promenades are now in need of some serious TLC.
Misaligned davit.
The reason the boats have not been reattached to the davits is a bit of a conundrum. The worn davit bases were reinforced with new steel but when the davits were re-installed, they were all an inch or two off the mark and thus are not able to retreat into their sockets.
Starboard wing decay.
Steel repair.
And yet, for all the decay and neglect the ship experienced in her most recent active years, there is an equal amount of repair work. Throughout, corroded steelwork has been replaced with new structural beams and plating.
Aft from starboard wing.
From bridge to bow.
Time has taken its toll on the bridge wings…
PACIFIC final charts.
Wheelhouse, facing port.
…but inside the wheelhouse, things look just as they always have.
Commandante Benedetto Lupi.
I joined Captain Lupi for a small lunch break, visiting with him in the ship’s office. He was a former Italian Line officer and worked on the AUGUSTUS during that ship’s late 1960s’ South American service and met his wife of 35 years on board. Ironically, on that very day, a container of items I rescued from the AUGUSTUS, which is being scrapped at Alang, had arrived in Los Angeles. As we ate, he showed me an incredible video of the MICHELANGELO on her sea trials. It’s a small, often wonderful world…
Skylight Lounge, facing aft from port.
We continued my visit to the ship in the Skylight Lounge which was originally an observation lounge that was eventually converted into overflow seating for the adjacent Lido Grill on Sun Deck.
Sun Deck pool, facing aft.
A bit further aft, the sliding glass Magrodome over the Lido Pool was sealed shut.
Pool, facing forward.
Notably missing from the pool was the bronze statue of a boy with his ear to a sea shell. Along with that iconic piece, the builder’s plate and bell were also nowhere to be found.
Observation Deck, facing forward from starboard.
PACIFIC puffs.
Up on Observation Deck, the turf had disappeared, leaving exposed decking.
Mast platform, facing port.
Downward climb from mast ladder.
I climbed into the radio mast for a bird’s eye view but the glass was too opaque to accomplish the mission.
Eggs over the stern.
Back down and aft, we proceeded with caution past one of several gulls’ nests in order to avoid a “bombing” from protective “parents”.
Fantail beams reinforced.
Under the fantail, new steel beams had been installed.
Unfinished steelwork.
C Deck repairs.
On C Deck, a great deal of steelwork had corroded during the ship’s time under the Pullmantur, CVC and Quail banners. Much but not all of it had been repaired during the unfinished 2008 refit.
C Deck crew passage.
Crew cabin, facing starboard.
We followed C Deck aft, deep into crew territory.
Control Room, facing starboard.
I was happy and even a bit surprised to find the control room and machinery spaces lit up.
New generator.
Captain Lupi pointed out a brand new generator that had just been installed but was never put to use.
Engines, facing forward.
Throughout the engine room, there was evidence of work. Almost anything the color of brown/red primer was new.
New ducting.
Most of the new ducting and valves were clearly visible.
New machinery.
Some of the new equipment had not yet been unwrapped from layers of protective plastic.
New plate versus old plate.
Large sections of hull plating had also been replaced. We also inspected the cold stores, various holds and the laundry.
Infirmary.
And, near the gangway where we entered, the infirmary.
MV PACIFIC at Genoa.
Captain Lupi took me across the yard where there were some beautiful views of the PACIFIC from the outer end of the drydocks.
Captain Lupi and the MV PACIFIC.
PACIFIC beamed in the afternoon light, her future still very uncertain. Captain Lupi mused that he never could have imagined he would be the captain of the Love Boat.
Dim all the lights.
When we went back aboard to get my gear, the lights in the famous lobby had dimmed once more.
Stern view.
What an enigma this lovely old lady is. With so much to do and yet so much already done, she is either a glass half full or a glass half empty. Her next owners will have much to consider.
Thursday, May 16, 2012
COSTA ALLEGRA at Sestri.
Before my train to Milan, I had just enough time to take the Genoa harbor cruise, which is really a two hour round trip ferry ride to the nearby town of Pegli. En route, the boat passed the Sestri Ponente shipyard, originally the famed Ansaldo where ships like MICHELANGELO, GRIPSHOLM and LEONARDO DA VINCI were built. Now owned by Fincantieri, the facility is being shut down after having delivered Oceania Cruises beautiful RIVIERA (see last blog). Tucked away under a sea of cranes was the COSTA ALLEGRA, which had recently suffered a mechanical failure in the Indian Ocean.
Parting PACIFIC glance.
On the return, there was a nice, hopefully not final, view of the distant PACIFIC.
FTI BERLIN at Genoa.
Other interesting tonnage included the FTI BERLIN at the outer fitting out basin.
MOBY OTTA.
And, at the ferry terminal, another vintage semi-beauty, the former Tor Line MOBY OTTA.
Genoa never disappoints.
End of PACIFIC Sea Trek
Very special thanks: Richard Bastow, Martin Cox, Andrea Fertonani, Davide Ghiglione, Wayne Heller, Captain Benedetto Lupi, John McLaughlin, Jacopo Pedemonte, Alberto Quarati, Kaushal Trivedi
Christian Paolino
June 5, 2012 at 3:25 pm
Glad to hear there may be a future for her yet. Did you get to see the little interior bar on Prom Deck which was the turf of “Isaac” during the TV series? I want to say “Pirate’s Cove?”
Jeff Taylor
June 5, 2012 at 5:04 pm
Saving her is a nice, nostalgic idea, but with all of the steelwork remaining, the uncertain condition of her mechanicals, the dated decor and lack of balconies, and plumbing that hasn’t been used in 4 years I have a hard time coming up with anyone who would put the time and effort into her. Even Louis is abandoning their older tonnage, and we haven’t talked about the SOLAS issues yet. QE2 and Norway were plumbing nightmares towards the end, and they were actively maintained by major shipping lines throughout their lives. Sounds like a very, very long shot. I hope I’m wrong.
Will
June 5, 2012 at 5:34 pm
After seeing this, thats one old girl that really deserves to be saved! She really is in great condition! A little rough around the edges maybe, but overall she is in great shape! She looks ready to sail at a moments notice!
Glenn L.
June 5, 2012 at 5:36 pm
Thank you for reporting on Pacific, it’s heartbreaking to see this icon in her current state and remember her dining room looking just the way you photographed it sans the conical lamps. The little boy was taken off the pool island by Quail, patina removed, polished and mounted on a crude wooden base about 5″ high for display next to a stairwell landing inside the ship. Someone likely took him home for their garden, it didn’t help that Quail made him very porable, then again, the builders plate was bolted down. Very sad.
Eugenio Margarida
June 5, 2012 at 6:45 pm
Wow,lots of good memories of the beautiful pacific princess , i am from Puerto Rico and many times i rememberd visiting old san juan and those ships on any saturday or sunday at the port ,when i take my first cruise on the chandris Amerikanis back in 1986 you can see ships like the pacific princess,cunard countess,ncl skyward and starward,carla costa and daphne,rci nordic prince,sun viking,song of norway,carnival’s festival etc… I miss those days, anyway i still in love with the sea and the ships.
Rob
June 5, 2012 at 6:57 pm
That looks like a lot of corrosion, is it more a side effect of poor maintenance under recent owners, or just the simple fact of life for a 40 year old ship?
It does look like a lot of the problem areas have already been addressed, but there is still a lot of work left to do, and the renovations have only dealt with the structural issues – the interiors are all still very much a 1970s cruise ship. As much as ship fans want to see that, its not really the experience the general public wants on their vacation.
It looks like a lot of money still left to spend on making things right, and it would take a well financed and sympathetic owner to make it happen. The longer she sits there, the more the rot and decay set in and the harder it becomes to get her back in service.
Croix Picoriello
June 5, 2012 at 7:57 pm
Ah Peter… Job well done. Such memories… Before she got to the west coast, she and the Island Venture were icons for me here in NYC. New, modern, clean lines, Norwegian and NOT in florida. I went on board when ever I could. I was gutted when they both left for California. But I always watched the Love Boat and dreamed of the day I would sail on them.
Looking at the photo spread, I cant believe how “cozy” she is. I guess when one is 12 years old EVERYTHING looks big. I got on her as Pacific Princess in 2000, after a voyage on Regal Empress. Im not sure how we got on, really. But it was pre-9/11, so I guess some passionate begging and we were able to do a tour of her. Capt Nick, (cant remember his surname) graciously allowed us onboard.. It was whirlwind tour and I was out of film and flash batteries but It was so nice to get on board again.
Im keeping my fingers crossed for her, and will continue to play the lottery to see if I cant buy her myself… ah…. well Thanks for the great spread again!!! All the best.. Croix
alan dumelow
June 5, 2012 at 11:32 pm
Peter,
Excellent report with excellent images. Thanks.
Did you see any badly corroded hull plating?
There is speculation that the reason the Aliag
deal fell through was because, before the Port
Captain would allow the ship to sail for Turkey,
she had to be drydocked and about twelve really
bad hull plates replaced, the total cost of which
(including her auction price) exceeded scrap value.
Peter Knego
June 5, 2012 at 11:52 pm
Hi Alan, thank you. No, I did not see any corroded hull plates. There was probably a lot of good and bad stuff behind the scenes that I was not privy to. I don’t want to speculate on the Turkish breaker’s reasons for not paying but he did forfeit a big deposit.
All the best,
Peter
Kenneth Eden
June 6, 2012 at 6:23 am
When the “twins” entered service for Flalgship cruises, there was a cry of hope back then for these were new tonnage priced more affordably, than say, GRIPSHOLM or even QE2 and others, and a lot more modern than the old liners that were gerry-rigged as “cruise ships”.
Time has passed, and yet these twins are still here. It seems like only yesterday I sailed the PP.
A spate of old tonnage was retro-ed and passed off during the early 1980′s, old divas that had seen lots of work and questionable care. Some new lines were incorporated, and these old ships were given shag carpet, smoked glass wall panels, shiny ceilings and well, they just did not pass the litmus test for elegance. Should this happen again? Probably not. SOLAS will be the nail in the coffin, I am afraid, and the SOLAS compliances are a must for safety.
I just wish there was a theme park, with nothing more than old liners and cruise ships just for our selfish pleasures, however, that will never happen.
Peter, thanks for this very intimate and sobering story, with fantastic photos.
Get some rest!!!
Brad H.
June 6, 2012 at 11:54 am
Thanks for the extensive coverage of this remarkable ship Peter. Job very very well done!
Her size and proportions certainly look appealing to my eye. I hope someone with enough money and vision can save her. I believe true vision can make an old ship successful long term. Just look at the MV Doulos (ex SS Medina of 1914) for example!
It’s interesting to see that picture at the LA Cruise Terminal from 1976. Two ships sit where now you routinely can only fit one. Really shows the success and evolution of the industry.
I wish they didn’t have to remove that beautiful wood paneling. The alternatives SOLAS has left us with just don’t capture the same warmth.
Hank
June 6, 2012 at 6:37 pm
This ship, like the KEEWATIN and SS UNITED STATES, has been in my prayers recently. I was pretty sure that she had finally been sold to the scrappers until the deal fell through. My mouth actually dropped open when I saw this article today. Thank goodness the sale did not go through. Of course, PACIFIC (Still the LOVE BOAT in my mind), is right back where she started. I am praying that new life might await as a permanently docked tourist attraction. Hopefully, if someone that actually has money and a realistic plan comes along, there might be new life.
The only catch is that a lot of the interior is no longer original. And also the possibility that the ship has been neglected too long and has corrode hull plates. Maybe the name and TV show fame could be enough. As long as no one gets the idea to take the PACIFIC PRINCESS and her identical twin ISLAND PRINCESS and weld them together to make the world’s largest catamaraan. That actually was a proposal in the 60′s for the QUEEN MARY and QUEEN ELIZABETH.
I love your photographs Peter! You are very talented at taking pictures. I also love the PACIFIC and her graceful streamlined profile!
Peter Knego
June 6, 2012 at 7:05 pm
Thank you, Hank and all the others who took time to comment. I appreciate it!
All the best,
Peter
Richard Bond
June 7, 2012 at 11:47 pm
http://www.qualitytours.dk/gallery_ohrid/tirana09.jpg
Pacific Princess might make a good stationary cruise ship hotel. There are places in the Mediterranean with rising numbers of visitors but which are seen as still too unstable to attract an investor for a comparable brick and mortar hotel. Among these is Albania.
Phil C
June 8, 2012 at 2:48 am
Thanks, Peter. I am visiting her sister ship in Harwich next week so this is very useful.
She has had her day and I would be concerned if she was bodged up again and brought back into service. Some stylish touches to the old girl but it really is time to say “auf wiedershen, pet”.
Gregg
June 9, 2012 at 10:12 pm
Im so happy now..Now lets get the people we need to get her home to the Pacific. I think a reality show to rebuild her would pay for all of it and some. I would tune into that every week…Any producers on here??
Gregg
June 9, 2012 at 10:33 pm
I dont think its time to say goodbye. You cant put a price tag on this iconic ship. She needs to be restored and saved period. Cruise lines are spending 500 mill++ on new ones and some are hitting 900 million. It would take 1 yr and maybe 30 million to bring her back. thats peanuts. We need at least a couple of the older ships around I dont care about balconies and theme parks they attract 4500 other passengers..I wish someone like Silverseas would buy her and turn her into an amazing gem of their fleet..
this is a sign that shes not done…we have been given a chance..
Leia
June 10, 2012 at 1:25 pm
I know I’ve said this before, but I wish Carnival Corporation would acknowledge their “debt” to this ship and buy her and put her as a tender attraction at Princess Cay or at their headquarters or something. I for one would pay to spend some time there – whether to have a meal or hang out at those iconic pools.
wilco
June 10, 2012 at 1:33 pm
we must save this ship from the scrapper there is a guy in holland they would restore the ship and take to holland for hotel and make it orginal to love boat style agian please anyone help t save her where or who duzzit matter i love this vessel gr wilco
Phil C
June 11, 2012 at 5:00 am
The Rotterdam cost around euro 248m to restore and renovate for service as an attraction, and they are having a hard time making ends meet. She had the good fortune to be substantially unaltered and with much decor drastically unchanged. To spend money on this old tub would be pointless. One can always book on the Discovery if feeling nostalgic.
As for Carnival acknowledging their debt, I think being able to cross the Atlantic in a liner in utmost comfort means we owe Mickey Arison a debt!
Dan
June 11, 2012 at 2:21 pm
@wilco: I would think that the MS Mona Lisa or the SS Oceanic would have made for a better hotel ship in Holland than the Pacific Princess because they are in much better condition. Yet, the SS Oceanic and The MS Augustus managed to quickly find a ship breaker while the Pacific Princes and SS Emerald were spared!!!
How ironic that there is no one out there who can’t find the money to save these vessels for other uses, while the EU was able to find the money necessary to save Spain’s banking system.
Kenneth Eden
June 12, 2012 at 5:16 am
I am constantly bewithced, bothered and bewildered by the number of Carnival haters.
Firstly, Carnival has had its share of taking old tubs and refitting them out, that is how the company began in the 1970′s.
Secondly, Carnival has saved nearly a dozen cruise lines that for lack of anything else to say, may not have made it, as well as starting up some brand new lines, as well as construct brand new tonnage and enhance and enrich their numerous products.
Thirdly, letting each of their cruise lines remain sailing with the uniqueness that each one has become famous for, be it Costa, Holland America or Cunard ……et al. Believe it or not, each brand has its own Prwesident, ceo and office site. In fact, Cunard has UK and US offices.
Fourthly, and lastly, as Phil C has pointed out, maybe we should give a nod of thanks, be a debt, or just gratitude, to Mickey Arison, for having the foresight to build the most awesome liner ever, the QUEEN MARY 2.
Patrick Clar
June 12, 2012 at 8:36 am
Great report! Looking at the pics reminds me that cruising today is just not as special as it once was. The PP had character and a soul. The new ships out there today are just not doing it for me.
Nelson Blanchfield
June 12, 2012 at 3:27 pm
This little ship definately deserves a retirement home. Like the Queen Mary has. I hope she gets one. Keeping my fingers crossed.
Patrick McGough
June 13, 2012 at 1:28 am
Hi,
Great to see the old girl again, great pictures. I have very fond memories of her, I sailed from Vancouver to Rio through the Amazon and back over to LA and she hardly missed a beat only fault was a breakdown near French Guianna were it was found fuel was contaminated,the boys in the white boiler suits sorted and we were back on our way in no time.after the PP i went on the Sky P, Crown P and lastly the Star P which was my secound favourite,I believe she is cruising for P&O in Australia at the moment. Anyway you’ve done a fantistic job and i rekon she still looks great.
Many Thanx PJ Patrick McGough.
Kenneth Eden
June 13, 2012 at 8:34 am
Naerly once per week for the past several months our local daily newpaper has publiched front page articles on the lackluster port and city of Norfolk, Virginia and what should or could be done to it to make it a place people might want to come to.
Should new shops, the usual chain restaurants (found EVERYWHERE), and maybe a moderate hotel be built? Doesn’t really matter, the brand new state of the art cruise terminal has proven to be a dud, the USS WISCONSIN placed in permanent dockage, and the Nauticus Museum, all seem to have fallen away from visitors lists.
Now, Hampton VA is pondering a revitalization.
Could these cities benefit from the PACIFIC PRINCESS, especially Norfolk, home to the largest naval interest on earth? The PP might be uniques enough to pull it off.
Kenneth Eden
June 13, 2012 at 8:37 am
post script
No word has been expressed on the PP and Norfolk, at least, not that I have read or heard. Perhaps it’s my own wishfull thinking.
Robert Young
June 13, 2012 at 10:22 am
I would love to buy her as an accommodations vessel, I guess I am too late. I wonder if she could cross the Atlantic in her current condition?
Leia
June 13, 2012 at 1:53 pm
Kenneth – I am far from a Carnival hater, I am a very good customer of their various lines(about to sail them for the seventh time) and I am well aware of the company’s history, structure, as well its track record of preserving the “flavor” of the lines it buys/saves where possible. Clearly I am not as big a fan of the company as you are, though.
My point was only that, as the largest player in the field (guessing), they it would be an act of goodwill to preserve this little ship whose image did so much to popularize cruising. It would be a tiny investment on their part.
Michelle Dent
June 14, 2012 at 1:29 am
Ive tears streaming seeing as she was my first ship 25 years ago – I lived on her for a year in a 5 year career serving the pioneer Princess passengers living the dream they saw on their screens …come on I agree Carnival / Hollywood there is a reality show/ a story here -she so deserves to be saved as a historical tourist memorial to the huge growth and money the industry cruising has become….Thank you so so much Peter … PS the Carousel Lounge looks exactly the same as when we scrubbed the lounge awaiting our new passengers every Saturday and the laughter and applause resonates in my ears from the delight of the shows on her stage.. shes just not ready to be buried yet!! SOS
Kenneth Eden
June 14, 2012 at 5:38 am
Dear Leia
This comment of mine was not directed to you, but to others that have dumped on Carnival before, without a reason or substanative cause.
Sure it would be nice for the Big C to preserve the ship, who knows.
I am not a big fan of Carnival Cruise Line, but I am of a few of the lines in its stable of ships.
Sorry for the misunderstanding,
Ken
Robert Young
June 14, 2012 at 3:01 pm
Who owns this vessel today and is a new sale possible?
REYLAY.Marine.Accommodations@gmail.com
Peter Knego
June 14, 2012 at 5:02 pm
Please contact a professional shipbroker to help you with accessing the owners. You would need an expert to inspect her and see if she can make the tow. The ship is currently at San Giorgio del Porto shipyard in Genoa, Italy. Wishing you all the best, Peter
Steve
June 15, 2012 at 1:27 am
Great memories of this old girl. She was my first ship. Joined her in 1977 in San Pedro, two years as a junior engineer. Your article prompted many happy memories, thank you.
Steve Howard
June 16, 2012 at 12:46 pm
Such a shame to see in this condition, I worked on her, Mexican and Alaskan cruising in the 80′ with Princess. Happy days and a wonderful crew.
Ally Jones
June 17, 2012 at 11:25 am
Whilst aboard Costa Classica last month in Muscat, I saw another ship on her last voyage…Louis Sapphire. Managed to get a photo of her at anchor outside the port. She looked in beautiful condition, the sun literally shone off every surface…wasn’t til I got home that I found out that she was on her way to be broken up…
I wish it was possible to save all these lovely old ladies of the sea, but its just not practical…especially in the economic climate.
I am pleased that I got a photo of Sapphire though, before she is lost forever…
Peter Knego
June 17, 2012 at 12:44 pm
Dear Ally,
What incredible timing! Yes, SAPPHIRE is on the beach. No cutting had begun as of last week but of course, it will start soon.
All the best,
Peter
Ally
June 19, 2012 at 11:41 am
Peter, I emailed the photo of Sapphire to you…she did look superb when she was anchored outside Muscat…sad to know that she is now gone
Peter Knego
June 19, 2012 at 11:51 am
Thanks, Ally! Nice photo and a good way to remember her. She isn’t gone yet but will be soon. All the best, Peter
Steven Rivellino
June 23, 2012 at 5:38 am
Peter… thank you for this. I believe I am one of only a handful of folks who worked full-time onboard ISLAND VENTURE from February 1972-November 1972— the entire time that great ship was in service— before the then Flagship Cruises dissolved and their two ships were handed over to Princess. That was indeed a magical time for me… just out of college, and working onboard perhaps the most modern cruise ships of that time. The all Norwegian navigational team and all Italian crew helped to give both SEA VENTURE and ISLAND VENTURE the remarkable reputations they enjoyed. It was a sad time when Flagship Cruises decided to close up shop… few, if any, of us wanted to transfer with the ships to Princess management… I went on to Norwegian America Line’s SAGAFJORD and eventually to VISTAFORD before finally deciding to change professions and come ashore. Your photographic tour of PACIFIC brought back so many wonderful memories of those early days when contemporary cruising was perhaps still in its infancy, and working on a cruise ship was truly an unusual occupation. I am still in contact with some of my shipmates from those times… bonds of such truly unique experiences really do hold strong. I can’t thank you enough for this most welcomed reminiscence.
mark goddard
July 10, 2012 at 2:54 am
Those pictures of the Pacific Princess nearly made a grown man cry. I worked aboard her in the early 90′s on a number of contracts each around 6 months in length. Great ship, great family atmosphere on board and such fun ! I can still remember my cabin number, A440 it had a window and was near the stern on the starboard side. I have very fond memorie of her. Greatly missed.
tourmaline
April 27, 2013 at 9:54 pm
Wow I’m sitting here with tears in my eyes. I took a trip on Pacific Princess with my Grandma in 1986 when I was like 10 years old. I have so many amazing memories of the ship. I have lots of pics of the ship back then and me jumping into the lido pool, in the lounges, all over the ship… I remember going to the movie theater on board and seeing “The Best of Times” with Kurt Russell & Robin Williams. I also remember I used to go inside one of the lounges on the ship and there was one of those antique scuba-dive helmets made of metal, used as a decoration. Maybe it was inside Pirate’s Cove. It really breaks my heart to see this ship in such a state of disrepair and abandonment. I used to watch Love Boat as a kid with my Grandma and that’s why we decided to go on Pacific Princess. This particular ship was very exciting and meaningful for us. Now, Grandma is long gone, and so is the ship. At least I have my memories and pictures, I guess.
richard osborne
April 27, 2013 at 10:28 pm
Hi Peter,
Have you herd if the Pacific Princess is moorend has is been towed for scrap? I would to see this icon ship go she has great responable to crusie ship business that made it today
Thanks,
Richard
Peter Knego
April 27, 2013 at 10:33 pm
She was still at Genoa as of last week, tied up in legal issues. — Peter
simon furlonger
May 5, 2013 at 2:33 pm
Those pics bought back some good memories, both me and my wife who was formerly Debbie Allen worked on her and left her in 96, great little ship.
simon furlonger
May 5, 2013 at 2:40 pm
Haha just read that comment about the divers helmet in pirates cove, I remember that so well now..
Jim Green
May 5, 2013 at 11:05 pm
So sad to see her as she is today, I remember her in the early 90′s when I was working on-board her as the ships security officer. A great time in my life that I look back on with great memories.
What a great ship she was and still could be, but I feel her days are over and she will end up never sailing again.
I remember the song “The Love Boat” blasting out of her tanoy system every time we set sail for a new cruise, everyone looking forward to an exciting trip to wherever.
Wish I could go back in time………………
Hank
May 6, 2013 at 10:31 am
It will be so sad when the ship goes to the breakers…