PALATIAL LINERS

Evening Star, Issue 20048, 13 December 1928, Page 13

PALATIAL LINERS

EXTENSIVE IMPROVEMENTS PLANNED Many thousands of dollars will be spent by the White Star Line on the installation of private bathrooms in the lirst-class quarters of the three express liners Majestic, Olympic, and Homeric, which ply between New York and Southampton and Cherbourg, when the big ships are taken off in turn this winter for their annual overhaul. A thousand men will be continuously employed in the task of “ Spring cleaning ” the ships during the early months of 1029, and the work will include refurnishing, redecorating, and reconstruction throughout the vessels. Each year some innovation or marked ■improvement in accommodation is included in the general overhaul, and this year it was decided by the managers that tho rapidly increasing demand for suito rooms with private bath was tho most important problem io be met. During the year ail manner of requests from passengers are noted, and these are carefully considered in deciding on improvements and innovations.

A luxurious carrot is being woven specially for tlio lounge of the Homeric, ami a largo number of tlio popular tables for two will bo added to the dining saloons of all three of the ships. The annual reconditioning of these great liners presents a formidable problem in wholesale housekeeping, For one vessel alono three hundred gallons of liejuid soap aro required for scouring tlio promenade decks and corridors; 100.000 pieces of linen must bo sorted with a view to replacing; every piece of metal work on the ship must, be cleaned and lacquered; thousands of bedsteads are taken apart and polished; 4,000 pieces of furniture aro inspected for repairs, and 600 gallons of paint and enamel used in redecorating the interior. The Olympic will enter dry dock ior scraping and painting of the hull after her December 22 voyage from New York, and tho Majestic after her February 9 voyage from this side. The Homeric will be reconditioned before sailing from Ne'w York on a two months’ cruise to the -Mediterranean on January 26.