X returns to Freo after 34 years

[Laurostar]

With the arrival of Celebrity Century into Fremantle this morning it also marks the first appearance of what used to be a very familiar sight in Freo the large white X (Chi) on the blue funnel which has not been seen since November 1977.

 

Celebrity cruises was founded by the Chandris family from Greece who for many years operated Chandris Lines into Australia and with whom many migrants travelled to Australia from Europe to settle here.

 

Liners such as Ellenis, Britannis and Patris were regular visitors to Fremantle, usually as their fist port of call in Australia.

 

The last Chandris liner to visit Fremantle and probably the most famous of all the Chandris liners was SS Australis (the former SS America) which undertook the last line voyage between UK and Australia ariving absolutely full to capacity with over 2200 pax in November 1977.

 

Australis was even then a bit of a time warp with some amazing art deco decor and presented as a very tired but still somewhat elegant but very elderly lady. No doubt passengers on board Century would be aghast at the difference between what Australis offered and their current ship

 

I have enclosed a picture of Australis leaving Fremantle for the last time, as usual leaving a huge trail of black smoke in her wake.

 

Australis was a real smoker and I can remember one very hot summer's day when she just about obliterated Fremantle in choking black smoke as it was manouvering in Freo harbour. Strangely enough Fremantle has a very heavy smoke haze today, but this has been from bushfires down south and not I hasten to say from the visiting Century.

 

Great to see a return of a bit of important maritime history to Freo and for many people a reminder of their first arrival in Australia under the X houseflag of Chandris.

 

Laurostar

 

[BrusselsGirl07]

Very interesting history lesson! I can see the huge blue X from my hotel balcony and will be boarding soon!

[Kiwi Kruzer]

The Ports of Fremantle web site have a History and Heritage section .

Heres a link to 50 years of the Fremantle Passenger Terminal

 

http://www.fremantleports.com.au/SiteCollectionDocuments/Fremantle%20Passenger%20Terminal%2050%20Years%20anniversary%20booklet.PDF

 

Gosh did people really wear those clothes in the 1960's?

There's also some pics of the Chandris ships.