Note
Notes: The S.S. Columbia was the first cruise ship to enter Port Everglades.
S.S. Columbia
Other Names: Belgic, Belgenland
Builder: Harland & Wolff, Belfast, yard number 391
Launched December 31, 1914; maiden voyage 1917; broken up in Bo'ness, 1936
Hull: length 670' 5"; beam 78' 5"; draught 20' 2"; 27,132 tons
Power: triple screws; 2 triple expansion engines and a low pressure turbine to the center screw, all engines by the builder, 3 cylinders, 35", 56", and 64" in diameter, stroke 60"; 215 p.s.i.; oil burner, 16 knots
Registered in Liverpool; official Number 140517
The Belgenland's regular Red Star Line services ended in June 1932. After her last Mediterranean cruise the International Mercantile Marine Company tried to unsuccessfully sell her and then had her refitted at Tilbury in December 1934. He hull was painted light grey, but her upper works remained white and her funnels continued to sport the Red Star livery. She was next transferred to U.S. registry and renamed Columbia to become the largest vessel flying the stars and stripes. The Columbia was assigned to the New York-Havana cruise service of the Panama Pacific Line (by then an International Mercantile Marine Company company) and she sailed under the command of John F. Jensen. As an American ship her ownership was assigned to the Atlantic Transport Company of West Virginia.
Original or Copy: Original