ANDREA DORIA The Grand Dame of the Sea

FIRST CLASS

"Into ever detail of this lovely vessel have gone the skill and pride of the greatest artisans of Italy.  Every mural, every tapestry, every rug and chair...each exquisite bit of glassware and every glowing tile is the work of craftsmen.  Yes, a ship is built of many hearts.  This is the tradition of Italy.  This is the Andrea Doria." The Andrea Doria was a ocean-going gallery - according to the Italia Line the Doria was "a ship built around a painting."  It was adorned with original artwork from Bragalini, Predonzani, Rui, Gambone, Rachlis, and numerous other artisans.  The First Class areas were especially well-represented with fine works of art.

A view of the First Class lounge above, and the First Class bar to the right.  Note the artwork adorning the walls in the background.  The First Class bar was appointed with ceramic panels by Italian artisan Romano Rui, visible at far right.

The painting on the wall of the First Class ballroom was completed by Pietro Zuffi.  "It represents an allegory of a banquet given by Neptune and other marine personages.  The soft colors, predominating on a background of grey tone, blend beautifully with the color of the velvets of the armchairs and the hangings of this large and elegant room, designed jointly by the architects Ponti and Zoncada."

The most prominent work of art on the liner was located in the First Class lounge.  It was painted by Salvatore Fiume, and it consisted of eight wall surfaces totaling over 1,600 feet of wall.  It surrounded the lounge in three dimensions, and paid honor to the Italian masters:  Michelangelo, Raphael, Titian, Cellini, and others.  The bronze statue of Admiral Doria stood at the focal point of the mural.

Two images of the First Class Dining Room.

"An element of interest and curiosity is offered by the panels executed by the artist Ilario Rossi which appear on the aft walls of the First Class Dining Room, and which represent a medieval allegory with scenes depicting hunting and fishing.  In order to execute these panels on the walls, which are in myrtle root, eighteen different materials were used."

At left is a view of a typical First Class cabin. The Italia Line commissioned four designers (Minoletti, Gio Ponti, Pouchain, and Nino Zoncada) to each create one unique luxury suite.  Each one of these four deluxe luxury suites located on the Foyer Deck were completely different.  One of these was the Zodiac Room, which was covered in blue mythological figures floating on a white background that covered the walls and furniture.  These four suites were the ultimate in luxury.  While unusual, they were modern, with thick plush rugs, heavy draperies, and push-button conveniences.  The Zodiac Room was located on the starboard side of the Doria, and was demolished in the collision.

Rates for First Class accommodations, all of which had air-conditioning, on the Andrea Doria's 1953 Mediterranean route ranged from $335 - $1,300, depending on the season and type/location of the cabin.  Obviously, the four deluxe luxury suites demanded the highest fare.  

 
The relatively large First Class pool, located furthest forward on the ship.

(All images courtesy of John Moyer, unless otherwise noted)