Published April, 2003. All images and text copyright Peter Knego 1985, 2001, 2003, 2004 (unless otherwise noted).

Page Two:

JEAN MERMOZ' funnel livery as built for Fabre Line.

Owners: Louis Cruise Lines, Cyprus

Image from the JEAN MERMOZ book published for her entry into service by Fabre Line. Peter Knego collection.

Let's go aboard JEAN MERMOZ for a top to bottom description and a close look at her facilites as built.

Facing aft along the top deck. Peter Knego collection.

There were nine passenger decks, including the uppermost open observation platform above the wheelhouse, which protruded beyond the ship's superstructure over the footprint of the bridge wings and extended aft almost all the way to the funnel. Here the ship's nameboard shared space with the smallish radio mast, search lights, and other supplementary navigation equipment.

The first class pool. Peter Knego collection.

Sports Deck began with the wheelhouse and officers' accommodation but also included a small gym and open promenades on both sides that stretched aft from the wings to an outdoor bar behind the funnel housing and a large open air pool for first class passengers.

The well-equipped Children's Playroom. Peter Knego collection.

A puppet show in the Playroom. Peter Knego collection.

The covered first class promenade on aft Boat Deck. Peter Knego collection.

The open sun deck overlooking the stern on Boat Deck. Peter Knego collection.

A Boat Deck darts tournament. Peter Knego collection.

Boat Deck began with officers' accommodation and a narrow promenade inboard of the boats (four on either side). The aft half of these promenades was for first class passenger use. A large children's playroom was the only public lounge and featured mechanical horses, a small puppet theater, miniature tea tables, and pedal cars. It was adjoined by a covered first class promenade and an open terrace that overlooked the stern.

Promenade Deck began at the sheered fo'c'sle with its array of berthing equipment, continuing past the first hold to the ship's tall main mast. Abaft of a slight well, the passenger portion of Promenade Deck began with the JEAN MERMOZ' most sumptuous accommodation, including two large deluxe suites in each corner. Five "Prioritie" cabins continued aft on either side and five regular first class cabins (three forward center and one on either aft end) comprised the selection. All of the ship's first class cabins were outside, air conditioned, and had private facilities.

The port side of Promenade Deck, facing forward. Peter Knego collection.

The aft Promenade Deck terrace, which at night could double as a plein air dance floor. Peter Knego collection.

The first class Hall, facing forward. Peter Knego collection.

The First Class Hall followed, leading aft on either side via handsome teak lined sheltered promenades to an open terrace over the third hold. The stairs led down to the Entrance Hall on Upper Deck. The stairtower bulkhead was adorned with a colorful map of Europe and Africa by M. Pico featuring a compass medallion with a portrait of Jean Mermoz.

 

Two corners of the First Class Salon. Peter Knego collection.

The internal configuration of midships Promenade Deck contained JEAN MERMOZ' first class public rooms. Designed by M. Louis Sue and utilizing furnishings from Marc Simon, the First Class Salon looked out onto both promenades. Plush sycamore framed chairs in beige and brown were complimented by pastel shades of blue, white, and tan soft fittings. The extra height of this deck and the mirrored bulkheads gave this room a particular sense of spaciousness.

The First Class Writing Room, facing aft. Peter Knego collection.

Just aft on the starboard side was the gallery-like Writing Room, designed by Pierre Joussemet. Its focal point was a crayon portrait of Jean Mermoz rendered by Uzelac in 1936 and later given to Fabre Line by one of Mermoz' comrades, a stewardess named Michele Hamard.

Facing forward in the Bar. Peter Knego collection.

The port side continued aft via a long gallery that functioned as a reading and meeting room. The gallery, itself, was known as the Bar, although the actual serving bar was in the Smoking Room, just aft. The Bar was a particularly handsome space with a lovely recessed painting of a village in the Provence region by Joseph-Henri Ponchin.

The First Class Smoking Room, facing starboard. Peter Knego collection.

The First Class Smoking Room featured a large semi-horse shoe-shaped bar in a sliver blue backdrop with sturdy white and orange upholstered seating. The aft bulkhead comprised a large folding screen that opened up onto the sheltered promenade just aft, in a time-honored French colonial liner tradition.

Please click for page three: JEAN MERMOZ, Continued

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