View from QUEEN ELIZABETH over Town Quay to Mayflower Park and beyond: BALMORAL, BLACK WATCH, SAGA RUBY and ARCADIA. Photo courtesy Patricia Dempsey
For the first time this century, Southampton saw six passenger ships in port on one day.
On the January 5, 2011 the port handled BALMORAL, BLACK WATCH, SAGA RUBY, QUEEN ELIZABETH, ARCADIA and QUEEN VICTORIA.
View from BALMORAL's pool over Mayflower Park, Southamton. In the distance, QUEEN ELIZABETH and QUEEN VICTORIA. Photo courtesy Patricia Dempsey
Over 19,000 passengers passed through the port. Thanks to Patricia Dempsey (who was on hand, on deck and on the piers today) for the use of her images and for her diligent coverage of the event. For full coverage of her rain-soaked odyssey, go to Liner Lovers.
According to Bob Cable, the last time there were more passenger vessels was on June 7, 1975. (Previously given incorrectly as June 13). In the western docks were OCEAN MONARCH, SA ORANJE, ROYAL VIKING STAR and ROYAL VIKING SEA, while in the eastern docks were LEONID SOBINOV, QUEEN ELIZABETH 2 and NORTHERN STAR.
OCEAN MONARCH, SA ORANJE, ROYAL VIKING STAR and ROYAL VIKING SEA (from near to far). Photo copyright Bob Cable. Southampton's western docks June 7, 1975LEONID SOBINOV and QUEEN ELIZABETH 2 Photo copyright Bob Cable. Southampton's eastern docks June 7, 1975NORTHERN STAR. Photo copyright Bob Cable. Southampton's eastern docks June 7, 1975
MARTIN COX - Founder and publisher of MaritimeMatters, inspired by maritime culture and technology growing up in the port of Southampton. He works as a photographer in Los Angeles, and his works has been exhibited in LA, San Francisco, New York, London and Iceland. Martin is the co-writer of the book “Hollywood to Honolulu; the story of the Los Angeles Steamship Company” published by the Steam Ship Historical Society of America. The Los Angeles Maritime Museum has commissioned artworks and collected his photographs.
22 Comments
Dave Strachan
It would be interesting to see if anyone could round up a picture of the last time 6 six liners were in together.
I agree David, even finding out what the were has not been easy. I made an attempt with some internet sleuthing but no go. I could only find out that the QUEEN MARY was in dry dock November 11, 1949 when the CARONIA was also in the port, but ran out of time. It would seem to me that six should not have been too unusual with so many ships visiting the port in the years before people were stuffed in to planes.
Paul Biddlecombe
50 years ?…not so sure. I used to travel between Hythe and Southampton daily as a student in the early and mid 1970’s and distinctly remember the dying days of the Union castle / Safmarine and P&O “liners” lying between 101 and 108 berths along with Aureol and Riena del Mar on the dock head regularly ( I still have some grainly photos some where !). In early 1977 I visited the S.A.VAAL and recall standing on the bridge wing looking at the other ships in dock at the time ( unfortunately can’t remember the details now). Was there 6 at any time around then ? – I suspect that a trawl through ABP’s archives might find there there was but time can be decieving so I might have been mistaken !
There was always the seamans strike of 1966 ( 45 years ago) when there there was not a spare berth to be had and photgraphic evidence clearly shows a lot more the 6 !
Irrespective of the “statistics”, no one at that time could ever have conceived the current boom in traffic and the size of the ships we have now and whether you are a purist or not, this time is with out doubt a second ” golden age” for ship lovers…..
Colin Purseglove
I have a copy of the Southampton Shipping Guide for September 1973. In the provisional list of arrivals/departures for Friday 5th October 1973, it lists Edinburgh Castle as sailing (having arrived 24/9), Northern Star sailing (arrived 4/9), Reina del Mar arriving (sails 6th), Orsova arriving and sailing, and England arriving and sailing. Also S.A. Vaal arrived on 1/10 and does not sail until 12th and Aureol arrived 4th and sails 9th. Also Canberra is listed as arriving 1st October and is not listed as sailing before 15/10 so may have gone into dry dock for refit? No times are given, although the Edinburgh Castle would have sailed at Union-Castle’s regular time of 13.00, but this means there was a possible EIGHT passenger ships in (I’m counting England as she was cruising).
Kenneth Eden
Oh what a lovely site, the ships in Southampton. I always enjoy the sailing up or down the Solennt in and and out of Southampton, and the pictures of the ships really is beautiful. As is the LINER LOVERS site! Wonderful pictures!!.
Paul, all the media say over 50 years but unlike when we had 5 in 2006 (QE2, QM2, Saga Rose, Saga Ruby and Oceana) for the first time in yonks there isn’t a specific date.
Kenneth, thank you! It’s a labour of love and makes it worth it knowing all the hard work (as well as freezing and getting soaked!) is appreciated. 🙂
Corey, the current Captain told me on Wednesday they’re looking at 2015. Mind you, we know they can always change their minds!
Paul Biddlecombe
Well done Colin !
A big difference between then and now is of course the turn around times were normally days and not hours……..
Bob Cable
Not 50 years ago – 36 Years ago when 7 ships were in dock.
13th June 1975 to be precise.
Ships were QE2, Northern Star and Leonid Sobinov in the Eastern Docks and Ocean Monarch, SA Oranje, and Royal Vikings Sea AND Star on the Western Docks. I was there.
That makes Black Watch/Royal Viking Star the only ship there in both 1975 and 2011. Of the rest only two others remain QE2 inactive at Dubai and RV Sea as the Albatros. Ocean Monarch had finished her last voyage and was derestoring before dispatch to Taiwan for scrapping. What a contrast to her sister ship that would survive over 30 years longer!!
I have the photographs to prove it!!
Martin Cox
Thank you Bob, I knew this 50 year thing was not correct. It was code for “ages and ages – but can’t find the proof” – I was following other slacker journalists with this 50 year number. However, I really did try to find out and was not successful, so I am grateful to you and would gladly add your picture from that great day in 1975. I was in Southampton too, but without camera and no doubt at school as it was a Friday.
All the best – Martin
Bob Cable
I would be happy to send the photos if you tell me where to send them and how. I have them as digi images. Just let me know.
Kevin
What an amazing collection of images! I was excited to see 3 ships together here in the states…6 must have bee an incredible experience.
Good going Pat for documenting all this!
Colin Purseglove
Well done to Bob! Would doubt there was anything between 1975 and 2011, but you never know….. I would of been just about to finnish my schooling, before daily catching the 6.30am ferry from Hythe to work in Southampton, too early to think about a camera. Besides OCEAN MONARCH ending her days, the SA ORANJE was very near the end, she was in Taiwan by November that year. Thanks Bob for the wonderful pics, all I can say is that I don’t remember the SAXONIA class seeming that small…..
A paragraph from Keith Hamilton’s piece which began the 50 years thing:
On Wednesday, January 5, in excess of 360,000 gross tonnage of passenger shipping will be berthed in the docks, a sight not seen in Southampton for at least 50 years.
So somewhere since then (like everything) it’s become misinterpreted as 6. I doubted it was 6 as well because that just didn’t make sense with the 1960s still and beginning of the 1970s when things were still pretty good.
I LOVE Bob’s photos. So much history there. I got Royal Viking Sea & Star in Madeira (31st December 2007) and it was great seeing them together.
Thanks, Kevin. It was great, especially getting the chance to visit four. I was more excited at the thought of visiting Saga Ruby than having 6 in. LOL! Another 6 scheduled (currently) for the 16th July but sadly I’m on Aurora. Grrr!
Don’t forget to read Steve Read’s report of the day and watch his videos. http://www.ilovecruises.co.uk/ At the time of posting he’s had connection problems but it’s due to go up imminently. This was his baby really. I was just his camera lady. 🙂 I’ll always be grateful to him for giving me the opportunity to be a big over-excited kid that day.
Martin Cox
Thanks Patricia for posting the quote from the Echo. A more likely story than the “six” which was reposted all over the place (including by me until Bob came to the rescue).
Bob Cable has touched a nerve, I was on the Ocean Monarch that day, we sailed at 13.00 0n the 13th for scrap in Taiwan, a very sad voyage via Suez canal, I had served on Ocean Monarch since Shaw Savill bought her from Canadian pacific in 1970. I then returned to the Northern Star until she went to scrap in November 1975. Great photos Bob!
I think it’s the way it’s written, Martin. The tonnage aspect is secondary to 6 ships. Latter articles went on about the number of vessels so either Keith Hamiton goofed or whoever edited it did. Tonnage actually would make more sense because we still have a long way to go before we have as many in a day as is regularly seen in Florida or southern Europe.
David Greenwood
Chris,
Following the demise of the Ocean Maniac, Suffering Cross and of course Northern Star I had the pleasure of sailing with many of their former crew on P&O and Princess ships from mid 70s onwards. What a marvelous bunch they were ! Together with those from the Reina del Mar and the earlier P&O ships , we had some amazing crew out on the the West Coast, IP,PP and SP to begin with….many joyous moments remembered !!!
David
Great Pictures !!!
Georgina Streeter
I wish they would use Portland Dorset for cruising. There was talk in our local paper that this was a possibility but nothing more has happened. They were going to house the athletes for the Olympics on a cruise ship moored at Portland but that has now changed.
suzelle beavan
I was on the ship Leonid Sobinov in 1976. I had a great friend on that ship who was heading for Ireland.
My name was suzelle kendall-wigley. If he knows or remembers my name please find me on face book or email me.
i do not remember his name but i will recognise it once i see it.
It would be interesting to see if anyone could round up a picture of the last time 6 six liners were in together.
I agree David, even finding out what the were has not been easy. I made an attempt with some internet sleuthing but no go. I could only find out that the QUEEN MARY was in dry dock November 11, 1949 when the CARONIA was also in the port, but ran out of time. It would seem to me that six should not have been too unusual with so many ships visiting the port in the years before people were stuffed in to planes.
50 years ?…not so sure. I used to travel between Hythe and Southampton daily as a student in the early and mid 1970’s and distinctly remember the dying days of the Union castle / Safmarine and P&O “liners” lying between 101 and 108 berths along with Aureol and Riena del Mar on the dock head regularly ( I still have some grainly photos some where !). In early 1977 I visited the S.A.VAAL and recall standing on the bridge wing looking at the other ships in dock at the time ( unfortunately can’t remember the details now). Was there 6 at any time around then ? – I suspect that a trawl through ABP’s archives might find there there was but time can be decieving so I might have been mistaken !
There was always the seamans strike of 1966 ( 45 years ago) when there there was not a spare berth to be had and photgraphic evidence clearly shows a lot more the 6 !
Irrespective of the “statistics”, no one at that time could ever have conceived the current boom in traffic and the size of the ships we have now and whether you are a purist or not, this time is with out doubt a second ” golden age” for ship lovers…..
I have a copy of the Southampton Shipping Guide for September 1973. In the provisional list of arrivals/departures for Friday 5th October 1973, it lists Edinburgh Castle as sailing (having arrived 24/9), Northern Star sailing (arrived 4/9), Reina del Mar arriving (sails 6th), Orsova arriving and sailing, and England arriving and sailing. Also S.A. Vaal arrived on 1/10 and does not sail until 12th and Aureol arrived 4th and sails 9th. Also Canberra is listed as arriving 1st October and is not listed as sailing before 15/10 so may have gone into dry dock for refit? No times are given, although the Edinburgh Castle would have sailed at Union-Castle’s regular time of 13.00, but this means there was a possible EIGHT passenger ships in (I’m counting England as she was cruising).
Oh what a lovely site, the ships in Southampton. I always enjoy the sailing up or down the Solennt in and and out of Southampton, and the pictures of the ships really is beautiful. As is the LINER LOVERS site! Wonderful pictures!!.
How much longer does the saga ruby have before they scrap her
Paul, all the media say over 50 years but unlike when we had 5 in 2006 (QE2, QM2, Saga Rose, Saga Ruby and Oceana) for the first time in yonks there isn’t a specific date.
Kenneth, thank you! It’s a labour of love and makes it worth it knowing all the hard work (as well as freezing and getting soaked!) is appreciated. 🙂
Corey, the current Captain told me on Wednesday they’re looking at 2015. Mind you, we know they can always change their minds!
Well done Colin !
A big difference between then and now is of course the turn around times were normally days and not hours……..
Not 50 years ago – 36 Years ago when 7 ships were in dock.
13th June 1975 to be precise.
Ships were QE2, Northern Star and Leonid Sobinov in the Eastern Docks and Ocean Monarch, SA Oranje, and Royal Vikings Sea AND Star on the Western Docks. I was there.
That makes Black Watch/Royal Viking Star the only ship there in both 1975 and 2011. Of the rest only two others remain QE2 inactive at Dubai and RV Sea as the Albatros. Ocean Monarch had finished her last voyage and was derestoring before dispatch to Taiwan for scrapping. What a contrast to her sister ship that would survive over 30 years longer!!
I have the photographs to prove it!!
Thank you Bob, I knew this 50 year thing was not correct. It was code for “ages and ages – but can’t find the proof” – I was following other slacker journalists with this 50 year number. However, I really did try to find out and was not successful, so I am grateful to you and would gladly add your picture from that great day in 1975. I was in Southampton too, but without camera and no doubt at school as it was a Friday.
All the best – Martin
I would be happy to send the photos if you tell me where to send them and how. I have them as digi images. Just let me know.
What an amazing collection of images! I was excited to see 3 ships together here in the states…6 must have bee an incredible experience.
Good going Pat for documenting all this!
Well done to Bob! Would doubt there was anything between 1975 and 2011, but you never know….. I would of been just about to finnish my schooling, before daily catching the 6.30am ferry from Hythe to work in Southampton, too early to think about a camera. Besides OCEAN MONARCH ending her days, the SA ORANJE was very near the end, she was in Taiwan by November that year. Thanks Bob for the wonderful pics, all I can say is that I don’t remember the SAXONIA class seeming that small…..
A paragraph from Keith Hamilton’s piece which began the 50 years thing:
On Wednesday, January 5, in excess of 360,000 gross tonnage of passenger shipping will be berthed in the docks, a sight not seen in Southampton for at least 50 years.
Full article. http://www.dailyecho.co.uk/business/shipping/shippingnews/8687926.Six_cruise_ships_due_in_port_together/
So somewhere since then (like everything) it’s become misinterpreted as 6. I doubted it was 6 as well because that just didn’t make sense with the 1960s still and beginning of the 1970s when things were still pretty good.
I LOVE Bob’s photos. So much history there. I got Royal Viking Sea & Star in Madeira (31st December 2007) and it was great seeing them together.
Thanks, Kevin. It was great, especially getting the chance to visit four. I was more excited at the thought of visiting Saga Ruby than having 6 in. LOL! Another 6 scheduled (currently) for the 16th July but sadly I’m on Aurora. Grrr!
Don’t forget to read Steve Read’s report of the day and watch his videos. http://www.ilovecruises.co.uk/ At the time of posting he’s had connection problems but it’s due to go up imminently. This was his baby really. I was just his camera lady. 🙂 I’ll always be grateful to him for giving me the opportunity to be a big over-excited kid that day.
Thanks Patricia for posting the quote from the Echo. A more likely story than the “six” which was reposted all over the place (including by me until Bob came to the rescue).
thanks – martin
Bob Cable has touched a nerve, I was on the Ocean Monarch that day, we sailed at 13.00 0n the 13th for scrap in Taiwan, a very sad voyage via Suez canal, I had served on Ocean Monarch since Shaw Savill bought her from Canadian pacific in 1970. I then returned to the Northern Star until she went to scrap in November 1975. Great photos Bob!
I think it’s the way it’s written, Martin. The tonnage aspect is secondary to 6 ships. Latter articles went on about the number of vessels so either Keith Hamiton goofed or whoever edited it did. Tonnage actually would make more sense because we still have a long way to go before we have as many in a day as is regularly seen in Florida or southern Europe.
Chris,
Following the demise of the Ocean Maniac, Suffering Cross and of course Northern Star I had the pleasure of sailing with many of their former crew on P&O and Princess ships from mid 70s onwards. What a marvelous bunch they were ! Together with those from the Reina del Mar and the earlier P&O ships , we had some amazing crew out on the the West Coast, IP,PP and SP to begin with….many joyous moments remembered !!!
Great Pictures !!!
I wish they would use Portland Dorset for cruising. There was talk in our local paper that this was a possibility but nothing more has happened. They were going to house the athletes for the Olympics on a cruise ship moored at Portland but that has now changed.
I was on the ship Leonid Sobinov in 1976. I had a great friend on that ship who was heading for Ireland.
My name was suzelle kendall-wigley. If he knows or remembers my name please find me on face book or email me.
i do not remember his name but i will recognise it once i see it.