Union-Castle Line Booklet
S.S. Rhodesia Castle
S.S. Kenya Castle
These twin-screw steamships of 17,041 gross tons were built by Harland and Wolff Limited, Belfast, for the Round Africa Service of the Union-Castle Line. With two slender masts and well-proportioned funnel, flush deck forward, and clear open decks aft, their appearance is graceful and dignified. Their principal dimensions are as follows:
The "Rhodesia Castle" and "Kenya Castle" are one class ships, i.e., all passengers have the use of all public rooms and of the whole of the unrivalled deck spaces. The cuisine and service and other amenities are to the Cabin Class standard of the Company's Mail vessels, and a large proportion of the cabins is within the Cabin Class range of fares. Some of the higher grade cabins are, however, let at somewhat higher rates, whilst the two lowest grades are within the Tourist Class rates.
Both the "Rhodesia Castle" and "Kenya Castle" have accommodation for 530 passengers and passenger accommodation is on four decks. A lift runs from the Dining Saloon on "A" Deck to the Lounge on the Promenade (D) Deck. Interior decoration has been suited to the warm conditions experienced on the voyage by the use of light-coloured woods in furniture and fittings, and pastel shades in curtains and upholstery. The Dining Saloon, Hairdressing Saloon, and Hospital are air-conditioned.
In the pages that follow, the photographs are of the "Rhodesia Castle", but they serve equally to illustrate the "Kenya Castle," as the ships differ only in the colour of the decorations and upholstery of the public rooms. A third vessel of this type – the S.S. "Braemar Castle," will join these two ships later.
Normally, fine sunny weather is experienced on the greater part of the Round Africa voyage, and the decks of the "Rhodesia Castle" and "Kenya Castle," are designed so as to enable passengers to take full advantage of these ideal holiday conditions.
On the Bridge Deck, in addition to plenty of space for deck games, there is a fine open-air tiled swimming-pool. There is also an extensive covered deck space here – known as the verandah – where refreshments are served during the day and dances and cinema shows arranged at night.
Spacious open decks
Open-air Swimming-pool
Above the Bridge Deck is a spacious Promenade Deck surrounding the Lounge, Library and Smoke Room illustrated earlier in the booklet. A special feature of the Promenade Deck is that it has been extended considerably further aft than in most ships, thus providing ample space for deck tennis and quoits, etc., without interfering with those taking their "daily dozen" round the deck. Above the Promenade Deck, on the Boat Deck, are two further Deck Tennis Courts with a small covered verandah, from which the game can be watched in comfort.
Here is ample space for deck games
Looking forward on the port side
Looking forward on the starboard side