France Afloat - SS France, Ile de France, Liberte - Ocean Liner DVD
The France Afloat DVD offers a charming portrait of three great French ocean liners flying the flag of the Compagnie Generale Transatlantique, also known as the French Line.
Film #1 - SS France - The program opens with coverage of the 1962 maiden voyage of the SS France. With a displacement of 66,348 tons (later increased to 70,202 tons) and a length of 1035 feet, this modern vessel held the record as the world's largest ocean liner for many years. You'll tour the ship from stern to stern, visiting restaurants, kitchens, various passenger cabins, recreational facilities and deck attractions. Memorable scenes of the France entering New York Harbor for the first time are also included.
Film #2 - Ile de France - France Afloat then takes you for a transatlantic voyage from New York to France on the legendary Ile de France, a 44,356 ton, 791 foot-long liner built in 1927. A complete tour of the Ile de France is presented in classic films of a bygone era.
Film #3 - Liberte - The last program is a return transatlantic journey from France to New York on the Liberte, a 51,000 ton, 937 foot-long liner. A complete tour of the Liberte is presented in classic films of a bygone era.
The SS Liberté began its life as the SS Europa, a German ocean liner launched in 1930. After World War II, this vessel's fate changed dramatically.
In the aftermath of the destruction of the Normandie, a flagship of the French Line, the need for a replacement became urgent. Consequently, as part of war reparations, the Europa was transferred to the French.
The French Line took this opportunity to refurbish the ship, transforming it into the SS Liberté. The ship underwent extensive renovations to match the luxury and elegance expected on transatlantic voyages.
From 1950, the newly reimagined SS Liberté began serving passengers, continuing to do so diligently until 1962, when it was eventually replaced by the newer and more modern SS France.
Total runtime for the France Afloat - SS France, Ile de France, Liberte - Ocean Liner DVD is about 60 minutes in black-and-white. Format is NTSC DVD and region-free.
The Legacy of the Ocean Liner France and Its Successors
The ocean liner France marked a significant milestone in maritime history. With its sleek design and modern amenities, it became a strong competitor against renowned liners like the United States, Queen Mary, and Queen Elizabeth. This liner was more than just a mode of transport; it was an emblem of luxury that attracted movie stars, celebrities, and world leaders, making it a symbol of high society and elegance.
However, its debut in the 1960s coincided with a challenging era for ocean liners. The economic climate and technological advancements, such as the rise of air travel, posed significant challenges. The oil crisis of 1973, which resulted in a sharp increase in oil prices, led to the French government redirecting support from the France to projects like the Concorde jet. Consequently, the ship was retired in 1974 after completing numerous transatlantic crossings and global voyages.
Yet, France's impact on the cruising industry was long-lasting. By transforming the ship itself into a luxury destination, it changed the industry's focus from merely reaching a geographic location to providing an unparalleled onboard experience. The trend set by France encouraged cruise lines to construct larger and more luxurious vessels, redefining the cruising experience for future generations.
In the years following its retirement, the ship was reinvented as a luxury cruise ship and renamed Norway in 1980. It continued to influence the design and scale of cruise ships. The addition of new suites in 1990 demonstrated an adaptation to evolving market demands and ensured its place in the competitive world of modern cruising.
The legacy of the ocean liner France lives on in the gigantic, amenity-packed cruisers of today. It paved the way for a new era where the journey itself became an integral and cherished part of travel.