Built in Newport News, Virginia, in 1931, the SS Florida accommodated 612 passengers in first class and 130 in second class. P. & O. owned and operated this liner from Florida throughout her 37-year career, except for 4 years in World War II. Originally the SS Florida connected Tampa, Key West and Havana. In 1934 service was transferred to a Miami--Havana route; in 1954 a weekly Miami--Nassau round-trip was tried briefly to compete with the Eastern Steamship Line, but the Florida was reverted back to three times a week Miami-Havana round-trip sailings. The fare included transportation, two nights aboard ship, a day in Havana and all meals.
Finally in 1959, with growing unrest in Cuba, the Florida was permanently assigned to twice-weekly Miami-Nassau cruise service until her final lay-up in 1966. The end is recorded as being in 1967.
Some memorabilia items are on this webpage.
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