RMS Caronia Timeline: Durban to Zanzibar - Henry J Neils’ 21-24 February 1959 Travelogue Transcript

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Henry J. Neils’
Travelogue of 1959 Great World Cruise

Henry J. Neils was a businessman from Minneapolis. He wrote a daily diary of his voyage on the 1959 Great World cruise. Presumably, the 30 faded typewritten sheets had been duplicated for distribution to his employees.

The transcribed document now forms 25 pages of the Timeline, accessible from links on the January, February, March and April 1959 month pages. This was the first special feature to be added to the Timeline as it entered its 2nd year of being on-line.

Henry's quoted text throughout the site start with this indicator: H.J.N.…

Henry J Neils’ Travelogue 21-24 February 1959

Durban to Zanzibar

H.J.N.…
It was a real treat to get a good night's sleep after nine days on the train. Letters from home were re-read. Stories told by the returning travellers from land tours were very interesting, especially those pertaining to Belgian Congo, Albert National Park, Ituri Forest, Lake Victoria, Nairobi, etc.

Much more game was seen in these areas than on the shorter tours. These tours were by air between distant points and then by car at destinations. As exciting as all of the trips were, everyone was very happy to be back on board the Caronia.

The good ship is rolling in a south wind. Some of the passengers lost their appetites and others stayed in their rooms. It was the first time kerbs were set around the tables, and chairs were anchored into their sockets.

At the Washington birthday party, after dinner dancers had difficulty staying on the floor due to the roll of the ship.

24 February 1959

Zanzibar Arrival

H.J.N.…
After smoother sailing for two days we arrived in Zanzibar at 6.30am, 24 February.
Population:- 230,000.
Area 880 square miles.
British Protectorate, ruled by Sultan who is 78 years old. We boarded the ship's launch for a fifteen minute ride to the pier. Here we took a taxi with an English-speaking driver.

We drove through narrow streets, past markets for fruit, vegetables, meats, etc. The bananas were the largest seen so far. (Plantains?) The dried fish by tons were rather smelly.

A street in Zanzibar — A native street in Zanzibar
Photo: 1959 World Cruise Souvenir Book

Then we visited an Anglican church built on the site of the notorious slave markets and said a prayer of thanks that the ugly slave trade is ended. Drove into the country, past large banana, coconut and clove plantations. This is the largest clove growing and exporting country.

Zanzibar Museum Visit

H.J.N.…
Stopped at the museum where the Sultan's band was playing for Caronia visitors. The uniforms were colourful on the black natives, and the music was good under the leadership of the white band director.

The museum exhibited the history of Zanzibar, the products of its soil and many historical documents and decorations of past sultans and other historical persons. Saw ruins of the Sultan's old palace that burned.

The grounds are beautiful, fronting on the ocean. Took pictures of the harem baths and garden, and the aqueduct which carried fresh water from the hills, also the building where slaves were shackled to iron rings in the wall and whipped for punishment.

Many races of people are represented here. The religion is predominantly Muslim.