SS Amerikanis - Conversion and Cruising Career

Conversion and Cruising Career

In July 1967, Kenya Castle was bought by the Chandris shipping family, (now Celebrity Cruises). Renamed SS Amerikanis ('American maiden'), the vessel proceeded to Greece for extensive alterations to suit a full-time cruise ship role. Cargo holds were replaced by additional passenger cabins, increasing capacity to approximately 920. The vessel became somewhat famous for being the first passenger ship to have a television in every cabin. All public rooms were refurbished in contemporary European style. The modernised vessel re-appeared with a white hull and superstructure; other than the removal of cargo handling gear, Amerikanis retained much of her former classic profile. While intended to operate trans-Atlantic cruises during her first season, delays to the refurbishment caused Amerikanis to go directly into an autumn 1968 program from New York to Bermuda. The vessel later moved to the Caribbean, basing at Puerto Rico for the northern winter and operating Mediterranean Sea cruises in the summer. Retaining her name, Amerikanis was leased to the Italian operators Costa Cruises (vessel remained owned by Chandris) from 1980-1984. For this charter, the ship's funnel was re-painted yellow with Costa's trademark blue "C". After regaining the distinctive white Chandris "X" ("Ch" - for Chandris - in the Greek alphabet) on her blue funnel, Amerikanis went on to serve for another 12 years.