Cabin Class on the "A"-Class LinersR.M.S. Antonia - R.M.S. Andania - R.M.S. AusoniaCabin passengers have the run of the ship, and the best public rooms are for their exclusive use. It provides many advantages hitherto associated only with first class travel. Designed to carry only Cabin and Third Class passengers, the first three sisters of Cunards 'A'-class fleet were among the first liners to offer Cabin Class as the highest category of travel. Although their Cabin Class facilities would be reduced in size due to the introduction of Tourist-Third Cabin in 1927, their design set a precedent for quality purpose-built Cabin Class travel which would set the tone for an entire era of ships to follow.
|
The Cabin Class Lounge was located amidships on A-deck and reached from the main Staircase and Writing Room by either of two long corridors on either side of the ship. This spacious apartment was designed to be the centre of social activity for Cabin Class passengers. It was popular for conversation, daily entertainment, and the service of afternoon tea. Continuous with the connecting Writing Room, the Lounge was decorated in English Georgian style but in more vibrant colour tones of lavender and old rose. Large casement windows around the room provided open views out across the promenade deck and the sea beyond. The central portion of the ceiling was raised into a vaulted dome supported by a series of classical columns arranged in pairs. This created a sense of openness whilst allowing for more secluded corners elsewhere within the room. An open fireplace was fitted with a cosy recess in the forward wall. Its plaster surround was flanked by a pair of curved niches holding large potted palms.
|
The original Smoking Room for Cabin Class passengers was located to the rear of the Lounge, immediately forward of the Verandah Cafe at the far end of A-deck. The decorative scheme adopted in this room was that of the Italian Renaissance with design influences drawing broadly from the architecture of Florence. The walls and ceiling beams were panelled in walnut, with a large marble chimney-piece fitted to the forward wall. Aboard Antonia and Andania, the ceiling was raised into a flat central section fitted with iron-framed picture windows. This raised portion was supported by a series of walnut panelled pillars crowned with dull gilt capitals. Ausonia adopted a different design with a wagon-headed ceiling containing a skylight built into a white enamel frame. This created a more open atmosphere compared with the cosy atmosphere of the rooms aboard her two sisters. The aft end of this room connected directly to the Verandah Café, with a large window connecting light between the two rooms.
|
The Smoking Room was furnished with leather upholstered chairs of Renaissance design arranged around intimately sized tables. In 1927, Cunard Line made the decision to introduce Tourist-Third Cabin accommodations aboard their A-class liners. In order to provide public rooms for this new class of passenger, the Smoking Room and Verandah Cafe was transferred to Tourist-Third Cabin aboard Antonia and Andania. The main Lounge was thereafter designated the Smoking Lounge for Cabin Class passengers whilst the Writing Room became the principal non-smoking space in this category. Perhaps due to its different design, Ausonia's Smoking Room was divided, with the starboard side joining with the verandah to create an L-shaped arrangement connecting the two spaces.
|
At the aft end of the promenade, Cabin Class passengers had access to an airy Verandah Café. The Verandah could be accessed either from the adjoining Smoking Room or directly from the promenade through two sets of sliding french doors. These doors could be kept open in the summer months, allowing passengers to enjoy the sea air whilst remaining sheltered from the elements. Large picture windows throughout the room gave passengers views from any angle whilst an internal window to the Smoking Room further increased the sense of spaciousness. The room was furnished with large wicker armchairs and settees arranged around circular occasional tables. Green trellis were fitted to the cream walls and the room was further enhanced by the addition of large potted plants. This room was transferred to Tourist-Third Cabin passengers in 1927 together with the adjoining Smoking Room. After this time, it was variously described as a 'verandah', 'lounge', or even as a continuous section of the 'smoking room'.
|
The spacious Dining Saloon for Cabin Class was situated on D-deck at the bottom of the main staircase. This arrangement allowed passengers to made an impressive entrance directly into the room from their staterooms on the decks above. The ceiling of this room opened out into a large open well with a gallery looking down into the room from the C-deck corridors. A musicians gallery was fitted at the forward end to allow the ships' orchestras to play during mealtimes. The Dining Saloon was the largest room aboard the three sister ships and extended the full width of the hull.
|
Leisure facilities aboard these modestly sized vessels were more limited than on their larger fleet-mates. However, Cunard Line made efforts to enhance the provision of spaces for leisure and entertainment aboard. The promenades and open decks were particularly spacious, allowing for spaces for deck games and outdoor sports. For younger passengers, there was a sizable Children's Room at the aft end of B-deck. This room was decorated with mural paintings depicted scenes from Alices' Adventures of Wonderland and furnished with white enamel furniture decorated with brightly coloured designs. However, this room was later lost to become an additional public room for Tourist-Third Cabin passengers. Cabin Class passengers also had access to a barber's shops which was located further forward on B-deck.
|
Step aboard |
LEARN MORE |
|