Grace Line built replacement passenger combo vessels in 1963/64 after their previous nine ships were sent to the breakers. The new ships were the Santa Maria, Santa Magdelena, Santa Mercedes and Santa Mariana and were referred to as the “M” ships.
The Santa Maria was a 20,000 ton liner that offered 19 day cruises to the Caribbean and the Pacific coast of South America. She had a capacity of 125 people and was completely air-conditioned, fin stabilised, and first-class throughout. The terrace decks provided “a unique resort like atmosphere.”
Grace Line sold their maritime operations to a Greek firm in 1969 who named their shipping company Prudential Grace.
Maiden Voyage Cover
The maiden voyage of the Santa Maria took place from 4 October to 23 October 1963. The ship departed from New York and sailed to Panama, Canal Zone, Colombia and Ecuador. Captain Raymond J. Tierney was assigned to command the new ship.
