@liamomaraiv.bsky.social#SSMichelangelo, launched on #ThisDayInHistory in 1962 for the #ItalianLine, was the first of a pair (with #SSRaffaello), the last large #OceanLiners designed without cruising in mind. Their innovative design, much criticized at the time, influenced generations of #CruiseShips.
@liamomaraiv.bsky.social#SSConteDiSavoia, one of the finest #OceanLiners from the #ItalianLine, was set afire and sunk by #Nazi soldiers on #ThisDayInHistory in 1943 in the chaos around the Italian armistice. More modern in aspect than #SSRex, she was the first major liner with gyroscopic stabilizers.
@liamomaraiv.bsky.social#SSRex, the greatest #ItalianLine #OceanLiner, was lost on #ThisDayInHistory in 1944. Tucked away during #WorldWarII for safety, the #BlueRiband winner was stripped by Nazis in 1943 so her Italian crew anchored off shore. Allied bombers turned her into a flaming, capsized wreck.
