The Back End.

One of the many 'interesting' features of the Doulos is the stern.  For those who are unfamiliar with nautical terms, the stern is the opposite of the bow.  No offense, we're all learning.  We have read in my other posts that the hull design dates back to the 1900's.  Not much have changed since the days it was built, except that more decks have been added and that the original bridge structure, raised higher.  The hull structure, Bridge, the propeller shaft and other fittings were the originals from the days of the Medina - the rest were added progressively during her years as a cruise liner.

The Olympic, sister ship of the Titanic.

In the picture above, most ships were built with the 'counter stern' design.  Other names for the counter stern include a "elliptical stern," in reference to its very long counter and "cutaway stern." The counter stern began use during the age of sail, but remained very popular for both merchant and warships well into the nautical age of steam and through the first eight decades of steamship construction (roughly 1840–1920), despite the fact that the design left the rudder exposed and vulnerable in combat situations, therefore the design gradually was replaced with the cruiser stern.

The 'Counter stern' of the SS Medina. - provided by www.ssmaritime.net

The deck where the two lines run through the 'fairlead' is the hull of the Medina. 

- provided by www.ssmaritime.net

Notice the hull plating riveted together in a longitudinal pattern and the four 'round eye' plates on the curvature of the stern (near the rudder post) , the same pattern as in the picture of the RMS Olympic, the sister ship of the RMS Titanic.  I cannot imagine enough to say again and again about the existence of such a living historical 'champion of the seas'.  Through the years, she has picked up bits of technological upgrades of between 1914 to 1977 and some upgrades again after that - all on the same hull.

Another view of the stern - www.doulos1914.blogspot.my

Those 'bollards' on the deck in the picture below probably dates back to the days of the Medina.  They look old and pretty worn and weathered!

1990. ME on the winch controls at Aft Mooring stations. - www.doulos1914.blogspot.my

Do not be left at the back end, but do come up forward to share any thoughts, or extra information if you have; in any case, anything that you've learnt so far.  Cheers!!

Costa Cruises - Truly a world's first.

    provided by www.ssmaritime.net

MS Franca C.

Six passenger decks were built and new cabins were added.  For the next 3 years it sailed the Mediterranean as the Franca C.  In 1958, the galley and the restaurants were upgraded to the standard of a first-class luxury cruiser.  A swimming pool, cinema and small casino were added for those who wanted other diversions while on board the ship.  The MS Franca C turned her course this time towards the Atlantic, where she also captured the American market, mostly loved by her all-year-round cruise ship status.

    provided by www.ssmaritime.net

The ship also scored a number of 'firsts' and one of them being the world's only all first -class-only cruise ship!  Costa Lines became the first cruise ship company in history to offer winter cruises, thus basing the MS Franca C in Port Everglades, Miami.  It was also recorded that during her stint as a cruise liner in those waters, her destination brought her to her birthplace, Newport News USA.  It was like a homecoming event for this tough 'American' ship.

    provided by www.ssmaritime.net

You don't find a Bridge like you see here (above) again.  The original SS Medina's bridge was raised higher as she was refitted into the Roma in 1949.  The Medina's bridge was  constructed with wooden boards are now re-inforced with wood panelling and painted over.  One can see the beautiful wooden floors, woodwork and brass fittings on the Bridge in my earlier post 'Underway, 1914'.

   provided by www.ssmaritime.net

There are fittings which are part of the ship, left there and were never taken off, changed, or some parts, ever altered.  For such was her 'resilience' toward time itself which one might describe her as a wild stallion - if you can't defeat her, ride her.  As seen in the photo above, the propeller shaft is the original shaft of the SS Medina.  It is, theoretically, still the same ship that was built in Newport News in 1914.

Next up, some interesting 'findings' or artefacts I found on this vessel.  Don't miss out on this.  Subscribe and share some comments because I know you are part of her.

Latest update: I found my old personal bridge logbook of my time as a Cadet-Officer and I'll be posting them up either here or in a new page.  It'll be interesting as you will know what we do, and what a 'voyage' feels like at sea.

But keep on the lookout as you'll be the first to know when it's up!