MV Cartela

[xenith]

MV Cartela was not something I expected to see amongst the wooden boats. She's a wooden boat, certainly, but she's usually she's further along the waterfront, behind the cruise ferry terminals.


On the weekend, she seemed to be operating as a floating bar, so I went on for a look and was surprised by what I found.



Of course, first there's some background: Cartela was built in 1912, as a steam powered passenger and cargo ferry, operating on the Derwent River and surrounding waterways. There's not many passengers vessels from that era still in existence, and far fewer that have seen continuous service.


In the 1950s, she became a motor vessel. Diesel, I think. That's the original engine.


On entering, this is what I saw.


Just inside the entrance, is a... fire place? Electrical heating or something similar, not an open fire, but still it seemed odd, until I went upstairs.


Beyond the bar, is this area of seating


and further out in the stern, this bit.

Now up the stairs...




Now this is more like a large, if very elegant hall, than something afloat. There's even a piano and a bar.


That's the piano.




Looking back towards the bow. A 1910s/1920s style dinner party or dance would not feel out of place here.


Through the doors is the wheel.


Beyond this bar, is a out door seating area (you can see it in the second from the top photo)....


with good views.


There's also another area below the main deck, which I assume is for storage and such.


On the way out, this is the bow.