Deck Hike Part 2

This page takes us on the next stage of a regular activity on days at sea on a cruise, the Deck Hike. On the previous page we saw the foredeck and views of the Lido Deck from the aft docking bridge. We now clamber back down to the Promenade Deck, negotiate all the deck chairs and head for the steps we saw on the starboard side, up to the Boat Deck.

Sun Deck plan
Image: Rich Rabbett Collection

To try and solve any confusion, this deck level was known by several names. To most of us crew it was the Boat Deck, because it was on this level that we would muster for boat stations during crew emergency drills.

Within the brochures this was known as Sun Deck, and this photograph shows the shadowing effect of the life-boats, and the viewing obstruction of their davits, for the passenger accommodation found well forward of this view. As was seen in the previous photograph, this was also the level where the aft section was known as the Lido Deck.

Sun / Boat Deck

Having climbed the steps from Promenade Deck aft, we now find ourselves on Boat Deck starboard side. We've walked along this deck just a few feet, where there is a short stairway backing up to the Lido Deck and this is our view forward.

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

On our left is the bulkhead side of Caronia's theatre dome. The archway we see ahead has a few steps up to an entrance door into the aft lobby, situated directly ahead of the dome.

The ladder seen up to the lifeboat was not a permanent fixture. The “Health and Safety” regulations of today would have prohibited this practice, with screening around the base and someone stationed at the bottom all the while that it was in use.

The Deck Hike continues by heading forward along this deck and turning left into the forward lobby.

Sports Deck

Sports Deck plan
Image: Rich Rabbett Collection

Having entered the forward lobby of Sun Deck, on our right we find a downward companionway, but on the left is a narrower single stairway upward. We are now heading to the highest deck on the ship, the Sports Deck.

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

Although only a fairly small area of the ship, the Sports Deck was always put to full use with many tournaments promoted by the Cruise Staff. What this picture also confirms is that the Sports Deck photographs in the brochures were most definitely not taken aboard the Caronia.

The placement of the spectators’ chairs under the funnel seems a bit incongruous to me. The array of vents are air intakes for the air-conditioning system. My own recollections of that area are of very noisy fans, so hardly a place to sit and spectate.

With it being 1949 with only 13 public rooms aboard being air-conditioned, perhaps there was a great deal less noise back then. Having reached the dizzy heights of the Sports Deck, it's time to make our way back down to Sun Deck.

Journey's End

Our Deck Hike is almost at an end. Just another brisk walk, this time back to the aft end of Sun Deck, this time down the port side. As we reach the end, we look over the handrail and across to the Docking Bridge.

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

The Docking Bridge has been fitted with white canvas windbreak sheets on the forward side only. Similar sheets were also fitted to the walkway above the forward bridge. Very much in evidence are the renown Cunard steamer chairs.

From the look of this photograph, bearing in mind that it's February, I'd guess it was taken on the 2nd day at sea out of New York, by the same time of day of the morrow, the ship would be well and truly into tropical waters, so gentlemen in jackets on deck would probably not be seen again for the next 10 days.

Time For A Dip

Well, you didn't think that I'd walk you all around those decks at a pace without some reward, did you? Just a few steps back along the boat deck and we can climb the few steps up to the lido deck and head for a quick dip in the swimming pool. What d'ya mean - you forgot to bring your “cozzie”?

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

My thanks once again to Rich Turnwald for access to these fabulous photographs! I know they'll bring back many memories.

I've added this link to a large aerial view of Caronia here so that you can follow the whole route of this deck hike. The “Green Goddess” is seen arriving at Valletta, Malta in October 1955. In the background is HMS Birmingham.

Note that the awning from the Verandah Café is extended, whereas that aft of the Raleigh Room on Main Deck isn't.

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