Blast from the past: Southern Ferries’ Eagle

She served for so briefly and it seems so long ago now that (P&O) Southern Ferries’ Eagle of 1971 has almost been forgotten when reviewing the history of the British ferry. She was, however, a remarkable ship, straddling the ferry/cruise ship divide we take so for granted today that it is almost retrospectively applied to the past. Things were not quite so clear cut back then however and the Eagle, with her all en-suite cabins, meal-inclusive fares and built to US Coast Guard standards with potential future use in mind, followed a similar pattern to her predecessors on sailings to the Iberian peninsular, Kloster’s Sunward (1966, briefly) and the Patricia of Svenska Lloyd (1967 onwards) in offering a mini cruise option which at times almost dominated the car ferry aspects in publicity.

The Eagle, as imagined.
The Eagle, as imagined.
The real thing.
The real thing.

More from the introductory brochure.
More from the introductory brochure.

Fares for the 1971 season: the cheapest mini cruise was £29 per person between Southampton and Lisbon in one of the C Deck 4 berth cabins; the most expensive £75 in one of the B Deck suites. Standard singles and returns were more expensive. Passage was also offerred between Lisbon and Tangier only.
Fares for the 1971 season: the cheapest mini cruise was £29 per person between Southampton and Lisbon in one of the C Deck 4 berth cabins; the most expensive £75 in one of the B Deck suites. Standard singles and returns were more expensive. Passage was also offerred between Lisbon and Tangier only.

The Eagle’s introductory brochure covers all bases by calling her “the new cruise liner car ferry??? and, operating a Southampton-Lisbon-Tangier service, she sailed direct to some of the most fashionable holiday regions of the age. Algeciras in Southern Spain was later added to the schedule. The ship’s hull lines were designed by ferry specialists Knud E Hansen, and supposedly optimised for the Bay of Biscay whilst there was a noticeable bulwark aft of the mooring deck to keep the worst of the waves off the forward superstructure, a feature missing from the Eagle’s two half-sisters, Fred. Olsen’s Bolero and Paquet’s Massalia.

The passenger accommodation was rather intriguingly finished, much use being made of bold colours and vinyl wall coverings, with the Red Room Lounge Bar and the lime-green Panoramic Lounge particularly notable although the choice of a quite distracting paisley orange and green colour scheme in the ten cabins de luxe was maybe regrettable. The design ethos of architects George Trew Dunn however was perhaps the Eagle’s most long-standing contribution to the evolution of ferry design, the firm conceiving an almost “disposable??? interior which could be renewed every five or ten years rather than the “last for life??? attitude which had heretofore prevailed. Dismissing concerns as to how the most contemporary aspects would look in the long run, as they could be replaced, would supposedly enable interior design to be more “of the moment???, and, alas, just as quickly “of the past??? as the cycle of fashion moved round. None of which carried much weight with Design Magazine, the house magazine of the Council of Industrial Design, which quite scathingly commented that “good taste is not usually the top priority of the holiday maker, and though the architects have used the better furnishing firms available the mixture they have produced is at best entertaining, at worst restless and irritating. But … as the architects say, [it] can always be replaced.???

Deckplan.
Deckplan.


C Deck, above the garage, was essentially a cabin deck with reception and a shopping centre amidships.
C Deck, above the garage, was essentially a cabin deck with reception and a shopping centre amidships.

Moving upwards, on B Deck forward were more cabins whilst, aft of the forward lobby was the first of two restaurants, the more informal Garden Restaurant.
Moving upwards, on B Deck forward were more cabins whilst, aft of the forward lobby was the first of two restaurants, the more informal Garden Restaurant.

The Garden Restaurant.
The Garden Restaurant.

This starboard side arcade connected the forward lobby to the aft Aquila Restaurant; a playroom, nursery and hairdressers could be accessed off the arcade.
This starboard side arcade connected the forward lobby to the aft Aquila Restaurant; a playroom, nursery and hairdressers could be accessed off the arcade.

The playroom.
The playroom.

The hairdressing salon.
The hairdressing salon.

The Aquila Restaurant.
The Aquila Restaurant.

On A Deck, forward was the sombre Club Room.
On A Deck, forward was the sombre Club Room.

Aft of the A Deck forward lobby was a grand sweep of public rooms beginning with the Red Room lounge and bar. This is the view looking forward in the bar area with the counter on the left.
Aft of the A Deck forward lobby was a grand sweep of public rooms beginning with the Red Room lounge and bar. This is the view looking forward in the bar area with the counter on the left.

The forward lounge section of the Red Room.
The forward lounge section of the Red Room.

The Red Room at night.
The Red Room at night.

Leading on from the Red Room was what was originally the Golden Eagle Discotheque, provided with stylised glassfibre eagles and bronzed mirrors.
Leading on from the Red Room was what was originally the Golden Eagle Discotheque, provided with stylised glassfibre eagles and bronzed mirrors.
The disco later served as the Lido Bar.
The disco later served as the Lido Bar.
The Lido bar counter.
The Lido bar counter.
The highest public room on board was the Panoramic Bar on the Sun Deck, above the Bridge Deck. This is the view looking forward in the starboard side entranceway.
The highest public room on board was the Panoramic Bar on the Sun Deck, above the Bridge Deck. This is the view looking forward in the starboard side entranceway.
An overall view of the Panoramic Bar.
An overall view of the Panoramic Bar.
The ship's bridge.
The ship's bridge.
Looking at the cabins, all had en-suite facilities but the most basic were inside with four berths on C Deck.
Looking at the cabins, all had en-suite facilities but the most basic were inside with four berths on C Deck.
An outside 4-berth cabin, as found on C, D and E Decks.
An outside 4-berth cabin, as found on C, D and E Decks.
The more expensive cabins were found on B Deck and Bridge Deck, being a combination of suites and De Luxe cabins, the latter as shown here with decor which the 'Shipping World & Shipbuilder' not unreasonably described as 'startling'.
The more expensive cabins were found on B Deck and Bridge Deck, being a combination of suites and De Luxe cabins, the latter as shown here with decor which the 'Shipping World & Shipbuilder' not unreasonably described as 'startling'.

The Eagle managed to last just five seasons; the recessionary aftermath of the OPEC oil crisis in 1973 severely undermined traffic and she was sold to the Nouvelle Compagnie de Paquebots, already owners of her half-sister the Massalia, becoming their Azur. Like the flamboyant Sunward, which had crossed the Atlantic and become the first successful modern Miami cruise ship, securing a place as perhaps one of the World’s most influential passenger ships in the second half of the twentieth century, the Azur’s future lay in cruising, and she was permanently converted in 1981 with additional cabin accommodation on her former garage deck. Chartered to Chandris from 1987 to 1994, slightly renamed as ‘The Azur’, the ship retained this name for the subsequent decade operating for Festival Cruises. Since the latter’s’ demise in 2004 the ship, now the Royal Iris, has remained a familiar sight in mainstream Southern European cruise destinations, catering specifically for the Israeli market of operators Mano Maritime.

The Eagle passes beneath the Salazar Bridge (later the 25 de Abril Bridge after the Carnation Revolution of 1974) in Lisbon.
The Eagle passes beneath the Salazar Bridge (later the 25 de Abril Bridge after the Carnation Revolution of 1974) in Lisbon.

The ship in her second guise as Paquet's Azur.
The ship in her second guise as Paquet's Azur.
The Azur transits the Corinth canal.
The Azur transits the Corinth canal.
The Royal Iris at Heraklion, Summer 2008.
The Royal Iris at Heraklion, Summer 2008.

67 thoughts on “Blast from the past: Southern Ferries’ Eagle

  1. I too remember the Eagle, Dad was Mike Blackman, one of the electrical officers. I spent many happy hours on her when she was in Southampton between crossings, or when she was moored up the river Fal during refits (my favourite times). I remember remember Captain ?Robbie?, the lovely Jo Ball, her side kick the beautiful Denise all six foot four of her (when she wore her four inch heels) she made lasting impression on this then 6 year old. We were very spoiled on board, I learned to play darts in the ward room, got to go on the Bridge and engine room when ever we liked as long as we asked permission and did as we were told, we were known by most of the crew which allowed us a huge amount of freedom!

    Dad was a lucky sailor, he usually missed the exciting trips thankfully, although I do remember the photos of the ?crane? on the dock in Lisbon. We went on a couple of trips as a family, my brother went on to become a marine engineer as a result of those experiences.

    Mum and I were delighted to read your updates Captain Robinson. Dad unfortunately died a few years ago but would also have loved this page.

  2. Brilliant to find all these pictures, details and comments when researching the ship’s background for my next book. Eagle provided the best route from Southampton to Lisbon for our yacht delivery crew in our attempt to bring back a former German 50 square metre yacht in 1972. Sadly, that voyage was beset with problems due to the condition of the yacht and we had to return to Lisbon, then find our own way back to the UK.

  3. Happy Birthday Old Girl. who would have ever thought that you have lasted this length of
    time. Only just found the site and enjoyed reading the comment from everyone.
    Spent most of her five years with her. If Martin Baker still monitoring the site I can tell
    you the young lady in the advertising picture is Gill Lang and not Jo Ball, sorry Martin.
    Have lots of information, unfortunately in my head and my hard drive developing too many bad sectors!!!!!
    now.
    Iain Petrie, Radio Officer GOXE

  4. GOODBYE EAGLE PEOPLE 1975

    We all rember Curly
    shirt hanging out and hair all whirly
    And Brownie too remember him
    a hundred miles on a bottle of gin
    And Robbie who’s not short or fat
    but roundly made and squat
    And Mike who used to get his kicks
    with servis doing tricks
    And Bob the copper kettle bloke
    sipping at rum and coke
    And Dodsy large, rotund
    underneith the cummerbund
    And airline Mike and Dave the tash
    and John and Oggers (the flash)

    Bria Wilky remember him?
    charmingh handsome, and rather slim
    And what about that motley crew
    Bob, Mike, Nick and you know who
    And Dave the sparks, Earnest John
    Colin and Mike, who,s earlier gone

    The announcing voice of handsome Peter
    whose dulcet tones could not be sweeter
    Virginia who in lazy hours
    entertained friends in theie showers
    Jo the ho whose elegent strine
    had been known to split a full glass of wine

    Helena our own Portugoose
    who is not renowned for being loose
    And Rosemary with her laww degrees
    and Avril, thats the end of these
    But all our friends among the crew
    Yes, we will remember you
    Goodbye Eagle; to the Med
    The Wardrooms Dead

  5. We were on The Eagle?s maiden voyage to Portugal. We took The Jag over and stayed at The Penina hotel. I remember being fascinated by a cuddly toy in one of the shop display cases and I seem to remember it being used on a drink commercial (Branco?!?)
    It was a great experience for a seven year old.

  6. I remember being a passenger as a 12 year old in 1975. My dad had worked on the Eagle when she put into Falmouth Docks for repairs in 1974 ( I believe). The guys who worked on her turned the work around in very quick time and were offered a cut price cruise for a week. I have pictures still in a box in my spare room- such great memories of my first ever long haul trip. Wonderful time!

  7. It wasn’t the Eagle but I remember travelling in August 1973 with my parents on the sister ship Panther from Southampton to Pasajes (Pasaia) near San Sebastian. We were crossing the Pyrenees coast to coast from St Jean de Luz to Banyuls sur Mer. I was 14 and it was the first time we’d ever been to Spain. In San Sebastian I remember being surprised by elegant Spanish ladies eating toast at 5pm (la merienda) and everyone throwing their paper napkins on the floor of the cafe. Years later I discovered this was quite normal in Spanish bars!
    Anyway, I digress – back to Panther. During the 29 hours onboard, my father and I visited the Bridge and met the captain which was very exciting. I don’t remember his name but I recall my father saying “presumably the ship is stabilised” to which the Captain surprised my father by saying “No”. I didn’t appreciate the significance at the time but my father kept this fact from my mother who wasn’t a good seafarer until we were on dry land. Fortunately, the Bay of Biscay was like a pond the whole way to Spain (we were returning to the UK by French Motorail). The Captain gave me a chart of the route which sadly I have no more. I also remember a strange long roll cloud formation that went on for miles as we rounded the Brest Peninsular which the Captain spoke about over the public address system. The approach to the Pasajes Ria was unforgettable and once in sheltered water, the ship was greeted by small boats and crowds on the quaysides. Looking at Google Maps there doesn’t seem to be any evidence of a Ro Ro access system anymore in Pasajes but I have a feeling it wasn’t exactly a conventional system at the time anyway. Does this sound familiar to readers? I’d love to be reminded of the name of the kind Captain which was on the chart he gave me.

  8. I was on the Eagle September 1973 with my family, I was three, and I remember the playroom with the rocking horse that was mounted on springs – loved it, my parents had great dramas trying to get me off it ???? I could it the dongy dongy

  9. Thank you for posting this, I ‘ve just found it. I had a wonderful and unforgettable experience staying on the Eagle for a week as a child when it was moored on the River Fal around 1974 ish. There were a few presumably friends and family of crew members on board but it was like having the ship to myself for most of the time. I spent time below deck exploring the engine room with my father ( a donkey greaser) and on one hysterical afternoon we went whizzing round the hold on a little pick-up truck. The crew were wonderful and rather spoiled me; I received a signed card from them all (with the Eagle on the front ) when I left, sadly that went missing years ago but I have never forgotten their kindness. It was a prefect break although my Mum remained a bit peeved that Dad hadn?t told her the cruise ship wouldn?t be leaving Cornwall – she?d had both of us vaccinated for foreign climes!

  10. A wonderful blog! As a 20-year old American, I had the privilege of sailing from Southampton to Lisbon in late December 1973. The vessel , the crew , chefs, wait staff , cabin attendants were simply exceptional!
    We would be awakened in the morning with a cup of coffee served while still in bed. !
    I am pleased to read everyone’s recollections, particularly those of Captain John Robinson and other crew members.
    Thank you for trip of a lifetime.

  11. I have just found this wonderful blog which takes me back to that dreadful voyage in Spring of 73 where we were caught by a hurricane soon after leaving Tangier and nearly crashed into the rocks at Cape Cadiz as I was told later by Eileen Crone the Social hostess who was a close friend of Curly Renshaw who was the hero of the hour or hours. The other hero was one Tom Bowie, as I recall who was the Electrician who managed to get one of the engines going forward by 5 knots? After water had got down the funnels and turned everything off including all the electrics on board for a brief time. The lack of sound and light, I remember as being absolutely terrifying. I was a Purser and had to help get the passengers up to the forward lounge with their life jackets. I well remember being told that at 2pm we had to hold on to anything as we were going to do a 180degree turn to get the wind and storm behind us and head for Lisbon. I well remember clinging onto a vertical stanchon close to the bar area which suddenly became horizontal at exactly 2pm for the longest minute or two I can ever remember. I then recall sailing up the Tagus towards Lisbon with the Belem tower flashing past us as we ‘sped’ towards harbour.
    A number of passengers left us at Lisbon and flew home (who could blame them). For those remaining we put on a concert as a thank you in the Bay of Biscay with Eileen Crone and yours truly doing a rather poor comedy act. Everyone had free drink and cheered us on – most undeserved, and from earlier posts, they must have been given certificates by the amazing Captain Renshaw.

    The final event, I remembered was that when we ran a tour in Tangier a passenger asked me to look after her book whilst she was on the coach. The book was called The Poseidon Adventure!!

  12. I may have been one of the younger passengers, having sailed on The Eagle aged around 4 in 1972, and then again in 1973. The picture of the playroom looks vaguely familiar and there’s an outside chance that it could be me and my elder brother standing watching the children at the table, and even more of an outside chance that our younger brother is at the table, although it would have had to have been taken in 1973, if so, as he didn’t travel in 1972. The only other area that looks familiar is the Bridge, although I can’t have been there for much time, if at all, but I’m sure my elder brother would have tried to have visited…

    I’ve always remembered the name Captain Renshaw(e) and the kindness associated with him, although I don’t remember him as such. We were shocked to hear about the hurricane, and the death of a pilot who was washed away trying to board as she was coming into Lisbon (it surely was a different incident, given the hurricane was in the Bay of Biscay).

    As a child I collected postcards and one in my collection was of her sister ship, The Patricia, which I believe ran the same route, although I don’t recall having travelled on her. Astonishing though to learn that The Eagle is still in existence. Thank you for allowing us to travel down Memory Lane.

  13. Sheilah Cardno in a comment from 2010 describe her experience in September 1974. As it happens my parents and I were booked on the next sailing from Portsmouth. We arrived to find that the ship had been there for the previous few days having returned from Falmouth. We were told that a wave had taken off the wooden rail on the guard rail below the bridge. The rail went through the window of the bridge, breaking the main compass. The water which got in put all the electronics out of action. So they had to steer using the compass towards the stern, with a chain of sailors to relay the heading. They reached the Fal estuary, but in attempting to take on the pilot, he was washed away and lost.

    Some of the passengers remained to travel down with us. The storm had abated to a gale, but crossing Biscay we were heading straight into it. The restaurants did not have much business.

  14. I believe my dad worked on The Eagle. His name was Bernard Dolke. Would anyone be able to post any information for me?

  15. I working on the Eagle during summer 1975. This was a summer job before I went to university arranged by my dad, Sid Watson who also worked on the ship.
    Great time, but I was a little seasick for the first week or so.

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