THE HIGH SEAS: Adieu to the France

She had been launched in an era of Gallic grandeur. From the moment that the France first slipped into the Loire estuary at St. Nazaire 14 years ago while French President Charles de Gaulle looked on, this ultimate luxury liner sailed the oceans as a glittering symbol of French elegance. A magnificent example of marine engineering, she was the longest (1,035 ft.) and one of the fastest (30 knots) passenger liners afloat. The service was superb (the ratio of passengers to crew was less than 2 to 1) and so was the food. The France's gourmet dining rooms, particularly...

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