The Verandah Café
Perched high on the Sports / Lido Deck, the Verandah Café was the highest public room on board the “Green Goddess”. From early breakfasts right through to dancing until the early hours, it was probably the most used public room too.
On transatlantic crossings it was nominally used as a First Class room, though, like the theatre and gymnasium, it wasn't barred to cabin class passengers. As Caronia's use on these crossings diminished, so the demarcation lines between the two travelling classes blurred.
It's probably this aspect of the ship that made her so popular, and memorable, to former Cabin Class passengers, even when compared to the Cunard Queens!
The Verandah Café from 1955 brochure
This photograph looks across to the forward port side corner of the Verandah Café.
[Left:]
The Verandah Café set out for dancing. The view is toward the forward port side corner.
From a 1955 Cruise brochure.
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To the cameraman's left was a small stage equipped with a piano. With the tables removed from the dance floor there was seating for just 52 people, using 4 seat and duece tables.
The single door to the left of the main entrance gave access to a fully equipped pantry and bar. It appears from close inspection of the brochure photograph that, when it was taken, the crockery was more decorative, rather than the standard Cunard pattern used in the main restaurants.
As seen in this 1953 brochure picture, above the dance floor was another distinctive ceiling, with a huge sunburst effect around the large central light.
[Right:]
The Verandah Café set out for dining. From 1953 Round S.America Cruise brochure
This picture looks toward the aft port side corner. It shows the position of the stage and the entire room is set out for dining. The parquet dance floor has been covered with carpet for this purpose.
There is a major difference in that the carpet is not the same in both photographs. Although from an earlier brochure, it's not known whether this is the earlier or later pattern.
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Mediterranean 
