Caronia's Observation Lounge
Forward of the 1st Class Cocktail Bar, seen on the previous page, was the room that surrounded it on 3 sides, Caronia's Observation Lounge. During the day it was mostly used as a room to play cards in. On cruises there was usually tuition and / or a card contest.
In the early evenings, ahead of Dinner there may be a News Broadcast, depending on range and atmospheric conditions. You could enjoy a cup of coffee while listening to the news, go dress for dinner and return later for pre-dinner cocktails.
On some evenings it was the room in which to register your entry into the competition being held at that evening's ball in the Main Lounge. The room was stewarded by at least 3 and sometimes 4 staff; there to meet your every need.
Otherwise, it was just like any cocktail lounge ashore. A place to show off your finery in convivial company, ahead of enjoying dinner in the restaurant 3 decks down. Unlike the Cabin Class equivalent, there was no music-making device. The music came from the “Strolling Minstrels”.
It seems there were mixed views about whether the room should be “interrupted” in such a fashion.
It meant, when not encroached upon by the Cruise Staff, the forward lounge became the quieter retreat of the two. The windows for “observation” were sited either side of a fairly wide strengthened section of the forward superstructure.
1st Class Observation Lounge #1
[Click on picture for bigger version]
[Photo: Peter Stevens Collection]
Although there was a source of natural light at the corners and down each side, the room did need the assistance of artificial lighting elsewhere.
1st Class Observation Lounge #2
[Click on picture for bigger version]
[Photo: Peter Stevens Collection]
On the lower level there was table seating for 100 people. Apart from 4 deuce tables, all the remainder seated 4. Only 14 seats were available on the mezzanine terrace.
In this second picture, we see the steps up to that terrace which lead to exit doors into the Forward Observation Bar. Again we're looking toward the Starboard side. The rattan chairs, a rage of the age, were most likely supplied by Ellemores of Thurmaston.
What's not so obvious is the brightwork, especially the top edging of the burr wood veneered planters and the handrails. These were made of “Monel” a metal that would not tarnish at sea, no matter what the level of dampness was!
Art-Deco chic is in evidence everywhere. Everything has a rounded edge or corner; in fact, apart from in the supports for the balustrade, there is barely a right-angle visible at all.
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