Some liners are scrapped at 20 years while others continue into older age - the latter group includes the 26,000-ton Homeric, formerly Mariposa, which served for a total of 45 years.

During her long career she flew first the American flag and then the Italian flag.

The Matson Navigation Company of the United States ordered the liner and she was delivered in 1931. The new ship settled down well in the company's service, travelling from San Francisco and Los Angeles to Australia and New Zealand.

After America entered the Second World War Mariposa served as a troop carrier and came through the conflict without a scratch.

After the war, a re-conversion project was started but it was later cancelled because of rising costs and the ship lay idle for eight years.

Home Lines bought the liner in 1953, and after being re-engined she was given a major reconstruction at an Italian yard.

Home Lines used Homeric for its service from European ports and Southampton to Halifax and Quebec, and she was able to carry 1,165 passengers in two classes.

Home Lines decided to withdraw from the Atlantic in 1963 but she was operated on cruises for another 13 years before being sent to the scrapyard.