First of all, apologies for the lack of updates this w
eek — I haven’t been feeling so good. I’m a bit better now so let’s ship out with Max R. Jensen, shall we? These two shots show the M/S Orpheus and Polar Star, respectively. I’ve been remiss in representing Seattle’s rich maritime history here on the blog. Click for the high res.
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| M/S “Orpheus” is a first-cl ass cruise ship owned by Epirotiki Lines and registered in Piraeus, Greece. This ship is 5078 gross tons; 366 feet long; 51 feet in breath; 16 feet draft and has a speed of 14 knots. It is named after the famed poet/ singer of Greek mythology. Color photo by Max R. Jensen. |
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| The “Polar Star,” newest of Alaska Cruise Lines’ fleet, is running from Vancouver, B.C. by way of the inside Passage of Skagway, Alaska. This beautiful ship with luxurious accommodations is 294 feet long and carries 196 passengers. Color photo by Max R. Jensen. |
I’ve found the Orpheus. Coast Lines built her in 1948 as the Munster. She travelled to the US in 1970-71. She was “sold to breakers” in 2000.
Interesting. Nice find, Matt.
On the stack of the Polar Star is the old Westours Logo, the Seattle based company started by Chuck West. He built Westours into a vertical tour operation that included a chain of Alaska tour coaches, hotels, and tour boats that at one point had “cornered” the Alaska tour market.
The hard part was to get folks north, and in the days of propeller aircraft, getting TO Alaska proved to be a major hurdle. To improve that, Mr. West engauaged several different ships to bring folks north as part of a tour package of cruise AND tour. In an attempt to better control the product, the Polar Star was one of several vessels leased, purchased or otherwised chartered that in the long run drained the finances of the company, and led to Mr. West partnering with then privately held Holland America Line.
Over time, HAL purchased Westours, and became enamored with Seattle and Alaska to the point they moved the company headquarters from New York to Seattle (where they remain today). For a period of time they became Holland America Line-Westours, Inc.
Ever the Entrepreneur, Mr. West grew frustrated as HAL brought a more corporate regimen to his enterprises, and the moment his 10 year non compete clause passed, he began Cruise West (also still Seattle Based).
Today, Westmark Hotels remain a major hospitality operation, wholly owned by Holland America, but still bearing the name of the man who started it all 60 years ago with an oversized taxi cab and a dream.
This summer, there are more than 220 sailings scheduled of large cruise ships from Seattle to Alaska and back, proving Mr. West’s vision was accurate, but perhaps just a bit ahead of his time.
Aw, it looks like my comment about the Polar Star was lost. It’s had an interesting history, and in is still around – in poor condition. They used it for a Discovery Channel show about the world after mankind. I believe it’s in Sacramento and they’re considering restoring it and using it as a Bed and Breakfast. Anyway, I had a link to the story but can’t find it anymore.
Found the link!
It appears the former Polar Star is still around and in great condition. The link I found is http://aurorayacht.wordpress.com Looks like the owner Mr. Willson has a nice project going. I hope to visit this great ship once again as I did while it was in the SF Bay Area. If I remember right this ship had a rather large fallowing of movie stars and the upper class. I seen a photo on the web not long ago of Actor Cary Grant in the card room of this ship while on vacation. You have to ask yourself how can a ship like this be pushed aside and out of service for so may years? We can only hope that this ship finds its way back to Seattle one day.
Yes Dan, You are correct. This cruise ship was a popular ship for the rich and famous durring the 60′s and 70′s era. This cruise ship earned it’s status durring the Greek Delos and Donald L. Furgison era as the Xanadu. This has always been one of the most beautiful ships in the world. I was under the impression that the Shaw of Iran purchased this ship and it vanished years ago. I am happy to see that it is still around. I hope this Mr. Wilson can put this ship back into shape. I am sure this ship would once again gather it’s star status if to be put back into some kind of service. It’s nice to know this beauty is still with us.
cruise ships are the best, they have their own live entertainment and some pools on the deck .
Your article write So really.
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