HISTORY - KUNGSHOLM IV (1966-1975) of SVENSKA AMERIKA LINIEN - II

KUNGSHOLM IV, SVENSKA AMERIKA LINIEN´s "Viking Queen of the Seven Seas" 

by Earl of Cruise
KUNGSHOLM IV The "Viking Queen". SVENSKA AMERIKA LINIEN´s wording for the logo was: “Ships of the White Viking Fleet carry three golden crowns on their funnels. They are symbols of excellence in Service, Comfort and Gracious Living!”

SVENSKA AMERIKA LINIEN logo, the three crowns

There is no doubt that SVENSKA AMERIKA LINIEN had been building fantastic and innovative ships for a long time and this was their fourth KUNGSHOLM, thus she had to be spectacular! The KUNGSHOLM IV represented the unpretentious Scandinavian elegance and calm in her exterior lines, and her luxurious styled interior, which only could be drawn in Sweden or Scandinavia. KUNGSHOLM resembled the warm Midsummer Night feeling, and welcomed its guests on board with the warmth and kindness for which the Swedish people are known for. In the promotional broshure of 1965, where SAL announced the new vessel to come, they wrote about the "Viking Queen of the Seven Seas".

A "Queen" KUNGSHOLM definitely was. Her elegance was natural, like Haute Couture.

SVENSKA AMERIKA LINIEN promotional photography of KUNGSHOLM IV - own collection

As if she had to be the peak of 50 years of experience in luxury and customer satisfaction. And there was no doubt that this ship was without a doubt a maritime piece of art, an icon, designed by Claes Feder, both externally with her long elegant sleek lines and her amazing raked and gracious curved bow! Then there were those two beautifully styled yellow funnels, the Viking Helmets, and the perfectly slanted tall radar mast and aft main mast! It is a tragic that this magnificently designed, beautiful looking ship sailed for just twelve years with SVENKA AMERIKA LINIEN (1966 - 1975) and last FLAGSHIP CRUISES (1975 - 1978). 

Built by:	John Brown & Company, Scotland 1965
Yard:	728
Tonnage:	26,678 GRT
Length:	201.2m   - 660ft
Width:	26.3m   -  86.3ft
Draught:	8.56m -  28.1ft
Engines:	Two direct drive Gotaverken 9 cylinder
	slow speed two stroke diesel engines - 27,700 SHP
Screws:	Twin
Speed:	21 knots – 25 max speed
Passengers:	on Trans-Atlantic voyages
	108 First Class
	605 in Tourist Class
	on cruise voyages
	405 (max 450) in one Class
Crew:	480 max on Transatlantic voyages, 438 max on cruises
	Fully Air-Conditioned, Denny Brown Stabilisers

KUNGSHOLM IV with the FLAGSHIP CRUISES logo in her funnels - own collection

FLAGSHIP CRUISES did good with taking over the by SAL 1975 sold cruise and itenraries, and not changing the design nor the name of KUNGSHOLM IV

1978 she was sold to P&O/Princess Cruises who completely rebuilt her and upon completion at BREMER VULKAN she was almost unrecognisable! 

The art of KUNGSHOLM IV, scaled down to a few drawn lines - own collection, copy from my SAL broshure

Some said, this conversion would have been the only way prolonging her life at sea. I found it quite irritating and totally out of reason. In my view, the resposible architect for that reconstruction should be sued for destroying art! After realising what had been done with the KUNGSHOLM IV I got my doupts in British taste and design ...

The destroyed art of KUNGSHOLM IV, P&O´s SEA PRINCESS - own collection, copy from my P&O broshure

Be the first a dummy funnel, with the main AC located in, but cutting off and then adding a new shapeded taller funnel aft, a mixture of funnel and mast, made the ship looking hideous!

The destroyed art of KUNGSHOLM IV, P&O´s SEA PRINCESS - own collection, courtesy by late BREMER VULKAN

Ugly is to nice a description for this. And I was and am not the only one to say so.

I want to depict at first a very rare SVENSKA AMERIKA LINIEN special KUNGSHOLM brochure that was released in July 1965, three months after her launch at JOHN BROWN & Company, UK, but well before she was completed and she did not depart on her maiden voyage until April 22, 1966. The brochure is made up of 15 pages, plus the front (C1) and back cover (C4), as well a fitted folded large two-sided Deck Plan of the ship. The broshure is filled with some wonderful artwork of the public venues and exterior facilities as well the accommodations which were executed by the designer Sven E. Roberg and artist Gerd Miller of SEROCA REKLAM AB (Agency), Sweden. The broshure itself is a work of art.

Promotional Brochure 1965:

Cover, C1 - own collection, copy from my SAL broshure

C2 - own collection, copy from my SAL broshure

Page 1 - own collection, copy from my SAL broshure

Page 2 - own collection, copy from my SAL broshure

Page 3 - own collection, copy from my SAL broshure

Page 4, this scene is copied by VIRGIN VOYAGES - own collection, copy from my SAL broshure

Page 5 - own collection, copy from my SAL broshure

Page 6 - own collection, copy from my SAL broshure

Page 7 - own collection, copy from my SAL broshure

Page 8/9 - own collection, copy from my SAL broshure
The stern seems to resemble that of NORMANDIE

Page 10 - own collection, copy from my SAL broshure

Page 11 - own collection, copy from my SAL broshure

Page 12 - own collection, copy from my SAL broshure

Page 13, Single cabins, a far forwarf looking offer in the mid 60s! - own collection, copy from my SAL broshure

Page 14 - own collection, copy from my SAL broshure

  Page 15, C3 - own collection, copy from my SAL broshure

Back Cover, C4 - own collection, copy from my SAL broshure

Deckplan of KUNGSHOLM IV, depicting her original configuration, note the interior cabins, quite spacious, weren´t used when cruising - own collection, copy from my SAL broshure

A new SVENSKA AMERIKA LINIEN (SAL) ship had to be built as the previous 21,164 GRT or GT KUNGSHOLM III, which had entered service on November 24th, 1953 and concluded liner and cruise duties with SAL in 1965, required to be replaced by a new, larger and a superior luxury liner and cruise ship!
The ship that became the elegant and supremely streamlined 26,678 GRT KUNGSHOLM IV was an evolution for SVENSKA AMERIKA LINIEN, considering that she was intended for operating both as a full-fledged ocean liner from Göteborg to New York, but also as a luxury cruise ship. SAL´s experience and know-how accumulated since 1915, and for cruises since 1928, in the new vessel.

However, considering GRIPSHOLM´s II anf KUNGSHOLM´s III great popularity and their cruises being greatly loved, or in terms of revenue, had been early sold out each time, it was decided in due course that KUNGSHOLM IV would become a full-time luxury cruise ship! Even with less passengers and more crew  on board, the revenue was bigger with selling cruises, than selling passages to cross the Northatlantic.
Some of the greatest Swedish and International architects and Interior designers worked in preparation getting the ship to the point of readiness, and then after giving the tender with a tight SPEC List (Specification List) to shipbuilders, the contract of building the new ship was finally given to the famous shipyard of JOHN BROWN & Company in Scotland. A shipbuilder, quite innovative over its existance, and well reputated in the world wide shipping industry.

KUNGSHOLM IV on the slip of JOHN BROWN under construction - own collection

The elegant curved prow of KUNGSHOLM rising out of the keel, with its state of the art bulbous.

KUNGSHOLM IV on the slip of JOHN BROWN under construction - courtesy Reuben Goossens

 

KUNGSHOLM IV towed to the outfitting quay of JOHN BROWN -courtesy Reuben Goossens

This superbly designed and sturdy constructed KUNGSHOLM IV was launched on April 14, 1965 by the wife of the company’s owner Dan Axel Broström, Mrs. Annabella Broström.

However, what was unusual for a passenger ship at the time, especially for a ship that was built to be a Transatlantic liner, she was fitted with slow-speed two stroke diesel engines and her two Swedish built nine-cylinder GÖTAVERKEN diesel engines having a combined output of 25,200 SHP, which were capable of giving her a service speed of 21 knots making her the fastest ship in the SVENSKA AMERIKA LINIEN’s history. However, during her sea trials on November 19, 1965, the KUNGSHOLM reached an impressive top speed of 25 knots. However, during the sea trial’s a number of problems arose that required urgent attention and these problems would sadly delay her delivery considerably.

KUNGSHOLM IV during her sea trials of JOHN BROWN passing QUEEN ELIZBAETH, greeting the "newborn" vessel - courtesy Reuben Goossens

KUNGSHOLM´s second sea trials were successful and she was duly delivered to the SVENSKA AMERIKA LINIEN on March 17th, 1966, with everything completed and having been thoroughly tested. KUNGSHOLM remained in port for just over a month, when those who came to look for promotion at the new ship they found that the KUNGSHOLM IV followed the exterior design, set by her two earlier fleet mates, GRIPSHOLM and to replace KUNGSHOLM III. However it was a more streamlined, the eyes pleasing, profile with a superbly shaped bow and two stylish funnels, topped with a deflector, and two masts. Her interiors were without doubt the most luxurious ever found on any previous SAL liner. In addition, the KUNGSHOLM IV would also differ from all previous SAL liners in her routings. As this magnificent ship would be used almost exclusively for cruising and KUNGDHOLM IV would spend just a short time of the year on the Trans-Atlantic service. In the end KUNGSHOLM made only a few crossings to New York while sailing in SVENSKA AMERIKA LINIEN colours.
Whilst the Kungsholm was operating the Trans-Atlantic crossings she would accommodate 108 First Class passengers and 605 Tourist Class passengers. However, whilst on her cruise duties KUNGSHOLM accommodated just 405 very privileged guests in an all One Class configuration. Such a small number of passengers was simply amazing for a relatively large ship for her day, as she was a good 26,678 GT, thus she would have seemed more like an Intimate Private Luxury Yacht to her passengers and at the same time they were being superbly looked after by a crew of 438 that gave their guests on board the full blown Swedish hospitality treatment. Being pampered today is a joke in the retrospective of the service the KUNGSHOLM passengers experienced. 
Having been delivered the company had sufficient time to fully prepare for her role as a luxury passenger ship, of course her crew boarded first as there was a great deal to do on board, such as stocking the ship with all her needs for her hotel and restaurant, the galley’s etc and then of course the vast amount of fresh, frozen, cold and a host of foods. But before her maiden voyage, there were a number of special and spectacular promotional events on board the Kungsholm and these were a huge success! Then all too soon came that time that she was ready to depart on April 22, 1966 for her maiden voyage from Göteborg bound for New York.

KUNGSHOLM IV dressed over her tops, ready to sail out for the time to New York - photo given by Jack Bishop, courtesy Reuben Goossens, © unknown

Those few times, when KUNGSHOLM operated as a Transatlantic liner, with just a max of 713 passengers on board, she proved to be the finest Transatlantic liners in service, as she offerd the ultimate luxury and comfort in all two classes. 108 passengerd in First Class and 605 in Second/Tourist Class with a very high standard. And Tourist Class covered the majority of KUNGSHOLM´s interior. All passengers had been served by then a max of 480 truly engaged crew members.
Following some interior pictures of salons and cabins onboard KUNGSHOLM IV:

KUNGSHOLM IV double cabin - courtesy Reuben Goossens, © unknown

KUNGSHOLM IV Auditorium, used as Theatre and cinema - courtesy Reuben Goossens, © unknown

KUNGSHOLM IV Dining Room, above and below - courtesy Reuben Goossens, © unknown

KUNGSHOLM IV Smoking Room - courtesy Reuben Goossens, © unknown

KUNGSHOLM IV Main Lobby - courtesy Reuben Goossens, © unknown

KUNGSHOLM IV Forward Lounge - courtesy Reuben Goossens, © unknown

KUNGSHOLM IV Library - courtesy Reuben Goossens, © unknown

KUNGSHOLM IV Card Room - courtesy Reuben Goossens, © unknown

KUNGSHOLM IV Cocktail Lounge - courtesy Reuben Goossens, © unknown

KUNGSHOLM IV Outdoor Pool - courtesy Reuben Goossens, © unknown

Considering KUNGSHOLM would spend more time of the year operating on cruises, the max of 450 guests, then on board would be served by 438 engaged crew members. Taking a look at the nowadays well known crew/pax ratios we see KUNGSHOLM with one of 0,97. but taking in mind her regular capacity and occupancy with 405 guets only, it was 1,08! The Berlitz top rated EUROPA 2 has a crew/pax ration of 0,7!

Looking into the GT/pax ratio, the 26,678 GT to 450 guests gave a ratio of 59,28 GT per pax, but with the 405 guests it was 65,87 GT per pax! The above mentioned EUROPA 2 has with 42,830 GT and 525 passengers a GT/pax ratio of 81,58 GT per pax.

KUNGSHOLM IV during a cruise in Hamburg at the Landungsbrücke - postcard, own collection

It became obvious that KUNGSHOLM became loved and admired by many, as she had that touch of Swedish style what guests of her loved and appreceated. But on the Northatlantic the time was against KUNGSHOLM, as with any other liner. Air travel had been steadly increasing, as the prices for a Transatlantic flight did drop too. This grew into a genuine threat and a competition, not to win, for each passenger shipping company all over the world doing liner services. But KUNGSHOLM had commenced further afield into cruises and sailed to destinations as New Zeeland, Australia and Asia. And these destinations became popular. It was back then, that these destinations still had the touch of being really exotic.

KUNGSHOLM IV in Sydney, 1967 - postcard, own collection

KUNGSHOLM IV in Kee Lung, Taiwan - courtesy Reuben Goossens

It would be in 1967 that KUNGSHOLM IV would venture into the South Pacific and operate a Trans-Pacific voyage as far as New Zealand and Australia, where she arrived in Sydney for the first time ever, a port she would one day call home, on February 6. This voyage was obviously quite popular as she returned again in February 1968. 
Thereafter it would not be until 1972 before she would visit Australia again when KUNGSHOLM IV arrived in Sydney on February 19, 1972. Although she was due to depart on the same day, she had to remain in port for several days as she was suffering problems with her generators and the ships air-conditioning systems was thus not working correctly, and this had to be fixed. However, in order to do this KUNGSHOLM IV was forced to move as the berth at the International Cruise Terminal at Circular Quay had already been booked by other ships and she was moved to the famed Woolloomooloo Wharves, which today are very trendy and expensive housing overlooking Sydney harbour. As soon as the repairs were completed, KUNGSHOLM IV set sail on February 22. Although she was also due to visit Brisbane on this voyage, this port had to be cancelled, thus instead she headed straight for Port Vila in Vanuatu.
In 1968 and 1969 KUNGSHOLM sailed in the Pacific and to Australia and New Zeeland again. this destination was repeated in 1972, as it was popular for the cruise guests. The KUNGSHOLM returned to the US West Coast that year and sailed via Panama to New York. Her she started a series of short cruises into the Caribbean.
We need to remember that the SVENSKA AMERIKA LINIEN had been in operation since 1915. They had become known for their reliability, and without a doubt their superb service and magnificent cuisine. In addition SAL always had ships that were superior, even if smaller, to the majority of other companies. However, in 1975 due to the economic situation as well as the ongoing competition from the aviation industry and the ever increasing fuel costs, after the oil embargo by the OPEC states after the Jom-Kipur War in 1973, as well as berthing costs, extra ordinary rising wages, and there were also ongoing strikes in the USA. This led to an economic crisis for the company. In fact it had become so difficult for the “Swedish-American Line” to function successfully any further, sadly dramatic steps had to be taken!
It was happening with many shipping companies, who had to rethink their ideas or closedown or re-designate which many did. For that very reason many shipping companies were either selling some or all of their ships or even closing down all together!
Swedish-American Line found that passenger numbers had dropped to such an extent that the Kungsholm was no longer viable to operate and thus SVENSKA AMERIKA LINIEN had found themselves in dire financial straights, due to massive losses made over the past year. SVENSKA AMERIKA LINIEN decided in August 1975 with great sadness to opt for the latter option to “close down all together” and sell their two last ships, after negotiations with the trade unions to flag the vessels out failed. They placed both vessels 1975, the 1957 built GRIPSHOLM and their grand flagship 1966 built KUNGSHOLM IV, on the market. The sales office in the USA was protesting, as the cruises for the next year 1976 nearly had been sold out. 
Marc David Lewis did meet by chance a former NAL official, who told him an interesting story:
In 1975, both SAL and, to a bit lesser extent, NAL, saw " the writing on the wall" as they say, regarding their crippling cost of operation, their unions registry etc. in secret, both lines started bi-lateral talks. The General proposal was a merger. They would flag-out and, a good number of the Hotel department would be non-Nordic in ethnicity. To capitalize on their fame, the new entity would be called Scandinavia-America Line. For whatever reason, the deal was almost a faint accompli, when it collapsed in the eleventh hour, and the rest is history. 

by Marc David Lewis 

The older fleetmate, the 1957 inaugurated GRIPSHOLM, had departed Göteborg for her maiden voyage on May 14, 1957 and for most of her days operated regular Transatlantic voyages as well as seasonal cruises. GRIPSHOLM was placed on the market around August and she was sold to the Greek Magnate Michael Karageorgis in November 1975 and she was renamed NAVARINO, in rememberance of a great victorious sea battle during the freedom war of Greece in the 1830s. For KARAGEORGIS LINES. She was rebuild with added superstructure front and aft, and with that an increased passenger capacity. Her accamodation capacity rose from 778 passengers to 850, catered by a bit less of crew.

 

NAVARINO, ex GRIPSHOLM II sailing in the Mediterranean, clear visable the aft extended superstructure - copy from my KARAGEORGIS LINES / CRUISES broshure, own collection

But NAVARINO was still an luxurious offer, far above the so called Premium Market. Eight years later. in May 1983, she was sold to MULTI-SHIP ITALY and was renamed SAMANTHA, but she remained laid up. Behind this company was a German Ship Financing Fonds, which failed to sell the shares to investors in Germany. Then after failing with their financings, the SAMANTHA was sold to UNIVERSAL GLOW, Panama, in July 1984, and in October she was towed to a shipyard at Perama, Greece for repairs. In January 1985 she was officially registered by the RIDAN INVESTMENT TRUST, Inc (UNIVERSAL GLOW Inc, Panama), and renamed the REGENT SEA. Behind this company stood then Anastasios Kyriakides, who sold the company to Tony Lelakis. Lelakis was known in the shipping industry as "gambler" and "hasadeur".

REGENT SEA, ex SAMANTHA, ex NAVARINO, ex GRIPSHOLM II embarked in San Diego - Source: Wikipedia

The REGENT SEA became a popular cruise ship with REGENCY CRUISES. However, due to poor management, the company eventually went bankrupt in 1995 and she was laid up until sold by auction to be broken up at Alang India. Whilst under-tow to the breakers she commenced to take on water and in due course she sank of the coast of South Africa on July 12, 2001.

The extremely expensive, super luxurious and beautifully appointed KUNGSHOLM IV was purchased by FLAGSHIP CRUISES, New York, a company registered in Monrovia, Liberia, in August 1975 and amazingly they paid a mere 65 million Swedish Krona. Amazingly, as this amount was only half of what SAL had originally paid to build her. Had this same ship been built in 1975 she would have cost, as it was said, at least 300 million Krona, thus Flagship Cruises managed to get them selves a great bargain.

KUNGSHOLM IV with FLAGSHIP CRUISES logo at her funnels at anchor, holding colours and appearance was a good move for FLAGSHIP - own collection

The sale of both ships officially closed operations of the SVENSKA AMERIKA LINIEN and this was considered to be a national tragedy in Sweden. Even in the United States many past passengers were devastated when they heard the news, for the traditional means of sailing between the United States and Sweden for both Swedes and Americans who had come to love these ships, had suddenly gone forever. But the good news was that KUNGSHOLM did continue to sail out of New York for some time, but under a new owner.
She was officially delivered to Flagship as she arrived having arrived in New York on October 6, 1975 and Flagship increased her capacity to 600 one-class passengers and this could be done without requiring any rebuilding as the accommodations were already in place. She was returned to American waters as soon as she was rebranded and ready as well with promotions having done their job in the States, for it was there where she was not only well known and greatly loved. Thankfully the KUNGSHOLM already had a cruise programme scheduled by SVENSKA AMERIKA LINIEN before they decided to pull her from service, and considering she was well booked in advance, FLAGSHIP CRUISES wisely decided to take up the service and continue this programme as originally planned and she departed New York filled with happy passengers as FLAGSHIP CRUISES worked hard to keep things on board as much as possible as they were with SVENSKA AMERIKA LINIEN. Her official American registration was 18,174 GRT. And her port of registry was now Monrovia and she flew the flag of Liberia - a flag of convinience.

KUNGSHOLM IV in FLAGSHIP CRUISES colours - courtesy Reuben Goossens

KUNGSHOLM´s schedule included another Transpacific voyage to Auckland, New Zeelnad and Sydney, Australia in January 1976. She arrived in Sydney the last time looking beautiful. 
After departing Australia and the Pacific, and back to New York, KUNGSHOLM continued a series of cruises to the West Indies. But sadly, FLAGSHIP CRUISES also fell into financial difficulties in 1978 and they decided to place the KUNGSHOLM on the market, but continued sailing till the sale was sealed.
The purchasing party was P&O which intended to buy and rebuild her for the mass market cruise subsidiary PRINCESS CRUISES.
With the desastrous rebuilding of P&O, at BREMER VULKAN, she was a regular in Sydney for P&O and PRINCESS CRUISES. KUNGSHOLM then no longer had her original name at her sleek bow and was rebuild into an unbalanced monstrosity. Despite her ungrateful rebuilding most of her interior stood untouched against the money yielded rebuilding interest. With P&O she was robbed of her great history and heritage. I guess one of the reasons, that saving her at the end of her active career, was so difficult - non of the officials could imagine her in her glorious first appearance, but only in her ugly reconstruction ... or was it destruction?
Despite using the glas enclosed aft of the promenade deck, the windows, to construct new cabins behind. P&O choose the radical way to construct a new section to be added aft with tiny little windows, which suited the tiny ferry standard and sized cabins which were added. Only to incease the passenger capacity for the now in the budget market sold cruises on the vessel.

The top of the new funnel with debriss and new parts for SEA PRINCESS, ex KUNGSHOLM IV, 1978 - own collection, courtesy BREMER VULKAN

Demolition of KUNGSHOLM IV into SEA PRINCESS, 1978, at BREMER VULKAN - own collection, courtesy BREMER VULKAN

Rebuilding of KUNGSHOLM IV into SEA PRINCESS, 1978 - own collection, courtesy BREMER VULKAN

naming ceremony of SEA PRINCESS, ex KUNGSHOLM IV in Bremerhaven at BREMER VULKAN - own collection, courtesy BREMER VULKAN

SEA PRINCESS, ex KUNGSHOLM IV in Sydney, 1967 - postcard, own collection

SEA PRINCESS in PRINCESS CRUISES livery, ex KUNGSHOLM IV - postcard, own collection

SEA PRINCESS, ex KUNGSHOLM IV in Sydney, 1980s - postcard, own collection

VICTORIA ex SEA PRINCESS, ex KUNGSHOLM IV in UNION CASTLE colours, for a historic South Africa cruise - special event broshure copy, own collection

VICTORIA back again in P&O colours, ex SEA PRINCESS, ex KUNGSHOLM IV - postcard, own collection
KUNGSHOLM IV in Sydney, 1967 - postcard, own collection

P&O renamed the SEA PRINCESS into a more P&O-like name, when PRINCESS CRUISES got a newbuild with the same name. It is one of the new mega cruise vessels which is offering cruises for everyone.
Finally P&O sold its monstrosity to KYMA SHIPMANAGEMENT, owned by the Greek family Katsoufis.

HISTORY - KUNGSHOLM IV (1966-1975) of SVENSKA AMERIKA LINIEN - III
HISTORY - KUNGSHOLM IV (1966-1975) of SVENSKA AMERIKA LINIEN - I