Medina - Franca C - Doulos
 
 
This page is devoted to postcards and photographs of the Costa Liner Franca C.
 
Franca C was originally built in 1914, and is the oldest ocean-going passenger ship still in service. She is currently the missionary ship Doulos, and recent refitting carried out by her owners mean that she may survive to see her centenary in 2014. Franca C was built as the Mallory Line fruit carrier Medina. In 1947 she was bought by an Italian company Genaviter for conversion to an emigrant carrier, not entering service again until 1950. The owners soon declared bankruptcy, and she was acquired by Costa in 1952. Renamed Franca C, she entered service from Genoa to the Caribbean in 1953. In 1957 she received a new funnel and upgraded accommodation. In 1959 she was replaced on the Caribbean service by the larger Bianca C, and received a more substantial refit, with the promenade deck being extended to the stern. She continued cruising until 1977, when sold to continue her already lengthy career as the Doulos.
 
 
Ship Names on this Page:-
Franca C - Costa Line 1952-77
Doulos Postcards - 1984-
Doulos Photographs - 1984-
 
Associated Pages:-
Costa Line
Ferry Postcards
Cruise Ship Postcards
Ocean Liner Postcards
Simplon Postcards Home Page
 
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Franca C (1952-77)
 
Franca C was originally built in 1914, and is the oldest ocean-going passenger ship still in service. She is currently the missionary ship Doulos, and recent refitting carried out by her owners mean that she may survive to see her centenary in 2014. Franca C was built as the Mallory Line fruit carrier Medina. In 1947 she was bought by an Italian company Genaviter for conversion to an emigrant carrier, not entering service again until 1950. The owners soon declared bankruptcy, and she was acquired by Costa in 1952. Renamed Franca C, she entered service from Genoa to the Caribbean in 1953. In 1957 she received a new funnel and upgraded accommodation. In 1959 she was replaced on the Caribbean service by the larger Bianca C, and received a more substantial refit, with the promenade deck being extended to the stern. She continued cruising until 1977, when sold to continue her already lengthy career as the Doulos.
 
 
A Costa art card of Franca C, showing her original Costa configuration.
 
Official Costa card of Franca C, showing her configuration after the 1970 refit.
 
Official Costa card of Franca C, showing her configuration after the 1970 refit.
 
Official Costa card of Franca C, showing her configuration after the 1970 refit.
 
Official Costa card of Franca C, showing her configuration after the 1970 refit.
 
A Costa art card of Franca C, from the Costa Liners set using paintings by Stephen J.Card.
Enlarged images of the complete set are shown on this link.
 
 
 
 
 
Doulos Postcards (1977- )
 
 
Official postcard of Doulos.
 
Official postcard of Doulos.
 
Official postcard of Doulos.
 
Official postcard of Doulos.
 
Official postcard of Doulos.
 
Official postcard of Doulos.
 
Official postcard of Doulos.
 
Official postcard of Doulos.
 
Chantry Classics postcard CC/S51 of Doulos.
Photo: © Dave Straka at Auckland, NZ.
 
Ramsey Postcards issue No.07 of Doulos.
Photo: © Philip Cone.
 
 
 
 
 
Doulos Photographs (1977- )
 
Doulos leaving Mombasa, July 2005.
Photo: © David MacKay.
 
Doulos leaving Mombasa, July 2005.
Photo: © David MacKay.
 
Doulos leaving Mombasa, July 2005.
Photo: © David MacKay.
 
Doulos leaving Mombasa, July 2005.
Photo: © David MacKay.
 
Doulos leaving Mombasa, July 2005.
Photo: © David MacKay.
 
Doulos leaving Mombasa, July 2005.
Photo: © David MacKay.
 
Doulos leaving Mombasa, July 2005.
Photo: © David MacKay.
 
Doulos leaving Mombasa, July 2005.
Photo: © David MacKay.
 
 
 
Doulos at Capetown.
Scan: David MacKay.
 
 
 
 
 
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