SHIPS OF THE U.S. MERCHANT MARINE 



SCARCELY a year had passed after V-J Day when the Grace Line re- 

 estabHshed full-scale passenger and cargo service over its traditional 

 route between U. S. Atlantic ports and those of the Canal Zone and west 

 coast of South America. Weekly sailings are now maintained by six mod- 

 ern combination ships, supplemented by a fortnightly express freighter 

 service. The new ships, a modified version of the Maritime Commission's 

 famous C-2 design, carry 52 passengers and over 8,000 deadweight tons 

 of cargo. The frequency of sailings permits the traveler greater latitude in 

 planning an itinerary than was available in prewar days, when larger 

 ships maintained a fortnightly service. It is equally advantageous to export 

 shippers in arranging the most expeditious movement of their freight. 

 The postwar period finds familiar Grace names again in commercial serv- 

 ice — the Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, Santa Luisa, Santa Isabel, Santa 

 Margarita and Santa Cecilia. 



The west coast "Santa" passenger fleet is a modern one in every respect. 

 All six, built at Wilmington, North Carolina, were launched and placed 

 in service during 1946. From a passenger's viewpoint, a voyage on these 

 ships represents a unique experience in ocean travel, for the accommoda- 

 tions for passengers are a distinct departure from those once normally pro- 

 vided on ships of this general class. The staterooms are all outside, with 

 private bath or shower, air-conditioned, equipped with windows (instead 

 of portholes) and intra-ship communication facilities. The stateroom beds 

 convert to sofas for daytime use, thus offering, in the most up-to-date man- 

 ner, a room easily adaptable to the passengers' every requirement. 



Public space is not limited ; there is, in fact, proportionately more space 

 per passenger than on many larger ships, and every facility for pleasure 

 and comfort is readily accessible. In every sense the ships offer a present- 

 day "design for living." A wide promenade deck, partially enclosed, ex- 

 tends around all but the forward part of the superstructure. Above the 

 promenade deck is a wide fan-shaped deck for relaxation or for sun bath- 



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