Each of the three ships accommodates 726 passengers, 488 first class 

 and 238 cabin. This compares with the prewar totals of 701 on the Lur- 

 line, 728 on the Monterey and 715 on the Mariposa. A crew of 437 is car- 

 ried — more than one crew member for every two passengers. 



Other improvements of the rebuilt vessels include new features of fire- 

 proof construction and the installation of giant evaporators, capable of dis- 

 tilling from the sea all the fresh water necessary for shipboard use. Among 

 the advantages expected from this change will be greater stability and a 

 smoother riding ship, since the large fresh-water storage tanks deep within 

 the hull will be constantly "pressed up" instead of gradually emptying as 

 the voyage progresses. 



Below decks, the engine-room plants of the three liners have undergone 

 a thorough overhaul. Thousands of new blades have been hand-fitted to 

 eighteen turbines which, in all, power the three ships. 



25 



