Royal Mail

The Royal Mail Steam Packet Company was established in the mid-nineteenth century to carry mail to the West Indies. Routes to South America quickly followed and by the beginning of the twentieth century it was a major trading concern. The economic depression of the 1930's brought financial ruin but its assets were devolved to a new Company, Royal Mail Lines Ltd., which continued to sail on the South American routes.

In 1965, Royal Mail Lines was taken over by the Furness Withy Group and thereafter its ships were gradually transferred to other Group companies, notably the Shaw Savill & Albion Line.

Andes was launced 6 months before the outbreak of World War Two. She was immediately requisitioned as a troop carrier and spent the war on active duty. In 1947 she was released back to the Royal Mail Line and, after a major refit in Belfast, she commenced her commercial service on routes to South America. In 1959 she was refitted for cruising. In 1971 she made her last voyage to the breakers in Belgium.

Our film begins with Andes loading passengers and cargo in Southampton. She pulls out from behind a P&O vessel and sails off on a voyage to South America. After her 1959 refit, we have film of a Mediterranean cruise. There are rare shots of her public rooms and cabins as well as deck scenes and a evening cocktail party. A deck buffet is enjoyed before the passengers leave the ship and are tendered ashore on an excursion.