M/S Kungsholm

MS Kungsholm (1928) – An icon for the Swedish America Line

MS Kungsholm, launched in 1928, was a flagship for the Swedish America Line and a symbol of the golden age of transatlantic travel. Built at the Blohm & Voss shipyard in Hamburg to operate the Gothenburg–New York route, the ship represented a perfect balance of Swedish design, technical innovation and luxury.

Kungsholm was ordered by the Swedish America Line to strengthen their position on the competitive transatlantic route. With a length of 174 meters, a width of 22 meters and a gross tonnage of approximately 21,600 tons, she could carry 1,500 passengers, divided into first, second and third class. Propulsion came from two Burmeister & Wain diesel engines, which gave a cruising speed of 17 knots, making her fast for her time. Her elegant white hull and twin funnels gave her a timeless silhouette. Interior and luxury.

Kungsholm's interiors were a showcase of Art Deco and Swedish craftsmanship. The grand salon, the heart of social activities, had high ceilings, crystal chandeliers and geometric patterns, with walls adorned with artwork by Swedish artists such as Isaac Grünewald. The first-class dining room was opulent, with polished wood paneling, Swedish linen and Rörstrand china, while the windows offered panoramic views of the sea. The first-class cabins offered luxurious amenities such as private bathrooms and mahogany furniture, while second and third class were functional yet elegant. Details such as brass fixtures and frosted glass in the lighting enhanced the Art Deco feel, making the journey an experience of glamour.

Kungsholm was commissioned in November 1928 and sailed regularly between Gothenburg and New York, with stops in Halifax or Copenhagen. During the winters she conducted luxury cruises to the Caribbean and the Mediterranean, attracting well-to-do travelers. Her reputation for comfort and service made her popular with both Swedish emigrants and international passengers. During World War II, in 1942, she was requisitioned by the United States and converted into a troop transport as M/S John Ericsson, where she served with a capacity for 4,000 soldiers. After the war she returned to the Swedish America Line in 1946, but was sold in 1948 to Home Lines and renamed Italia.

As Italia, she continued cruising under Home Lines and later other owners until she was scrapped in 1965 in Bilbao, Spain, after 37 years of service.

MS Kungsholm (1928) was more than a ship – she was a floating embassy of Swedish design and maritime tradition. Her elegant interior and reliable service made her a favorite during an era when the sea was the great way to travel. Today, the memory of Kungsholm lives on as a reminder of a bygone era of luxury and adventure at sea.

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