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| A painting of the SS America in New York |
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| A painting of the SS America after transformation into the Australis |
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| Chandris Lines side view photo of the Australis, mid 1960s |
Jumping ahead 25 years, she was sold to the Greek Chandris Lines on 5 October 1964, and was handed over 12 days later. Her funnels were painted blue and emblazoned with the famed Chandris large white X, and she was renamed Australis. With the Greek flag flying from her stern, she departed New York on 18 November to the Chandris Shipyards at Piraeus to be converted to a liner for the UK to Australia and New Zealand service. Her accommodations were substantially increased now accommodating 2,258 passengers in an all Tourist Class configuration. In addition both Upper and Main Decks were extended aft, replacing several Tourist Class lounges with cabins. In addition her hull was pained white with a blue ribbon.
SS Australis departed Piraeus for her maiden voyage to Australia on 21 August 1965, sailing via the Suez Canal, and arriving at her destination, Sydney on 15 September. She departed Sydney for Southampton, sailing via New Zealand and Tahiti, the Panama Canal, and Port Everglades. Her next voyage from Southampton to Australia was in reverse, sailing via the Panama Canal and returning to Southampton via the Suez Canal. Thereafter she sailed mostly to and from Australia via the Suez Canal until it was closed in 1967 due to the Middle East war and began sailing via Cape Town and Durban.
SS Australis was the largest of all Chandris liners and became a popular ship with Australians and New Zealanders. For this reason Chandris decided to commence operating cruises out of Australia during the summer of 1967.
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