The Deck Hike

Introduction

For this feature of the Virtual Caribbean Cruise I'm indebted to Rich Turnwald for his scans taken by a passenger on one of these first four Caronia cruises. The photographs are very special because colour photography in 1949 was not only expensive, but getting good film stock was also quite difficult.

One common feature of all cruises on the “Green Goddess” was a full programme of events whilst at sea. Among these was the morning “Deck Hike”. Passengers would be gathered in the forward foyer of the Promenade Deck and begin their tour from there. On fine days the hike would take them all around the decks above.

The Foredeck

Promenade Deck plan
Image: Rich Rabbett Collection

We begin our Deck Hike by leaving the foyer by the exit on the starboard side, turning left and heading forward along the covered part of the Promenade Deck. Ahead of us is the Observation Lounge from which we find an exit door to the forward viewing verandah.

Photo: R.L. Gilbert - Courtesy of Rich Turnwald

The first picture shows us a rare view of the rear of the deckhouse on the foredeck. The doors lead down to the Crew Accommodation. At the time this photograph was taken there was no air-conditioning in the crew quarters, so the draught caused by the open doors would of course be very welcome.

Also, at this point in time there were just two vertical ladders giving access from Main Deck up to the Promenade Deck. So, although this was also an emergency exit for the crew to access the lifeboats, there would have been a potential bottleneck on Main Deck until a companionway was installed in December that year.

Also seen here are two wind-breaks. I'm told that these were very useful on torrid nights in the tropics when several crew members would take sleeping-bags up there to get their kip. Note how all the “furniture and fittings” are painted in Cunard Cruising Green.

The dark brown edging to the deck timbers were the “scuppers” which helped to quickly drain away water. Contrary to popular belief, the exterior decks were not clad in teak!

Access to the vast amount required was simply not possible during Caronia's construction. Instead the exterior and promenade decks were clad with European Larch, an alternative timber valued for its tough, waterproof and durable qualities.

The Caronia had just one small cargo hold, part of the lid of which can be seen opposite the deckhouse doors. In the absence of shore cranes, a derrick was fitted on either side, though very rarely were they used.

The foredeck was out-of-bounds for the passengers. For all the deck space that they had, I'd imagine that many of them would have cherished an opportunity to use the foredeck, especially right up on the prow. Looking back towards the bridge, especially at night, was quite magical.

One other small detail. The dark round patch on the handrail foreground is not a stain. This was a wooden stopper sealed above a bolt head securing the handrail to the metal bulkhead. The tight fitting is testament to the skill of the carpenters, considering the elements that it's exposed to.

Views From The Docking Bridge

Heading back into the Observation Lounge, we turn right and pass through the forward entrance to the covered promenade on the port side. The hike continues with a brisk walk the full length aft, passing through one of the Garden Lounges. We emerge into the sunshine from the aft end entrance, head further aft among the deck loungers and then climb up to the aft Docking Bridge.

Photo: R.L. Gilbert - Courtesy of Rich Turnwald

Looking forward from the Docking Bridge we see the aft end of the covered section of the Promenade deck. The two dark caverns on either side of the rear lobby entrances are the deck chair storage areas. Just behind the funnel we see where the Verandah Café was sited. The support timbers for the awning remaining uncovered.

Unlike most swimming pools, the first one fitted to the “Green Goddess” was raised above deck level; its fibreglass replacement in 1965 was partly sunken into the deck below. It's also worth noting that the pool was emptied overnight, and refilled early mornings when required.

I'm hoping that someone with better knowledge than I can tell me what the four tall boxes were. I guess that at least one of them housed pumps for filling the pool with seawater.

Photo: R.L. Gilbert - Courtesy of Rich Turnwald

In this view we see the steps up to the Boat Deck that we are about to climb. To the left is the Lido Deck with outside swimming pool. To the right of the steps is a mirror of the port side covered portion of the Promenade Deck leading to the starboard side Garden Lounge.

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