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Article: The Normandie

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    The Normandie

    1 Comments by Doc Vernon Published on 22nd March 2016 04:05 AM
    diningx2.jpg

    The Normandie was, without question, the most exquisite and sumptuous liner of her time. Commissioned in 1935, she cost a whopping $60 million -- or over $1 billion in today's money -- and broke many records: the biggest liner, the fastest liner, certainly the best fed liner.

    Shown here, her first class restaurant was done in bronze, hammered glass and those Lalique "towers of light". It sat as many as 1,000 guests and itself was longer than the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles.

    Dinners on the five-night crossings consisted of 8 courses with menus offering no less than 315 different items.



    The late Everett Viez, himself a maritime historian, photographer and traveler, crossed on the French Line's grand flagship in 1937. He recalled, "The food was beyond compare. Alone, the Beluga was served in silver bowls using soup spoons."

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    The rich and famous not just loved but adored the sumptuous Normandie.

    Here's Marlene Dietrich sailing for Europe in 1937 -- and with 38 pieces of baggage in tow.

    Evidently, however, it was Baroness Rothchild, who crossed on the liner in 1939 and who broke all records. For her 5-day crossing, she had over 200 pieces of baggage and four personal servants along. Even the staff on the Normandie were impressed.

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    Maria Riva told me in her elegant enthusiasm: "Aboard the Normandie, even the Waldorf had nothing like this! Here the sounds of Cole Porter slid, jumped and certainly swung. If Fred Astaire & Ginger Rogers had spun by, cheek to cheek, I wouldn't have been surprised. The whole ship was a Busby Berkeley production – but with class!"


    The Main Lounge, shown here, comprised of the likes of Lalique towers of light, the largest Aubusson carpet of its time and overall a base color of tomato red.

    Normandie Lounge.jpg

    Maria Riva said to me on recalling the great liner Normandie: "She was the greatest ocean liner of them all! Nothing could top her. Nothing ever did.

    From the first moment you saw her, lounging elegantly at her berth, you caught your breath in wonderment and never breathed normally again! For me, she was the magic kingdom.

    My own 1930s Art Deco disneyland. She was the highest of floating ambassadors – and did her country proud. She was the epitome of French style, taste, quality and absolute artistic perfection.

    For all her opulence, her grandeur, her majesty, she also had a loving nature, a caring serenity, a strength and dependability. The Normandie was France!"

    NORMANDIE075.jpg

    "On sailing day, the Goddess shuddered," remembered Maria Riva. "Whistles blew, horns blared, the band on deck played louder. From the Sun Deck, the sun would shine on the Normandie's uniquely slanted, red & black funnels as she slipped silkily into the Hudson River."








    Thank you to John Strange for above Article
    Last edited by Doc Vernon; 22nd March 2016 at 04:11 AM.
    Senior Site Moderator-Member and Friend of this Website

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    Default Re: The Normandie 1st Class Restuarant

    THat was quick Vernon, only sent it an hour ago.
    Happy daze John in Oz.

    Life is too short to blend in.

    John Strange R737787
    World Traveller

  5. Likes Doc Vernon liked this post

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