Delta Line "M" Ships: "Circle of Dreams"

This is an award winning travel promotional film for Delta Line's passenger/cargo ships often called the "M" Ships. These were built in 1963,1964 and operated by Grace Line. The ships were the "Santa Maria", "Santa Magdalena", "Santa Mariana" and "Santa Mercedes". The ships operated out of San Francisco in the 1970s and early 1980s. They traveled through the Panama Canal, down the east coast of South America, through the Straight of Magellan, and up the west coast of South America.

[@silverhopeful]

wow, I was in this film, with my mom and dad and brother and a bunch of their friends. We were the extras!

[@JKWheeler]

I sailed as a cadet engineer aboard the SS Santa Maria in 1982. Our voyage took the exact route described in this video. What a blast from the past! Thank you for sharing this!

[@charlesjennings3750]

My dad was Captain of the Maria, Adrian H. Jennings. I was just a kid but I loved those ships.

[@leeannmillar9125]

My first ship was the Santa Magdalena (1982) - what an adventure! It doesn't feel that long ago, but looking at this footage makes me realize it was REALLY long ago - what a different place the world was! Fun to make the trip again by video - thanks for posting!

[@brianmurray5386]

I served as a Cruise Assistant aboard the Santa Mercedes during the summer of 1977. At that time it was owned by Prudential Lines. Cleveland Riley was my Chief Purser. Most memorable summer of my life! I was 18 at the time! Love this footage!

[@silverhopeful]

my family and myself and their friends were the extras on this film, Dec. 1976. We sailed from LA to Vancouver. My favorite part was sailing into San Francisco at 3am..a tiny star far away that grew larger and larger as we approached the golden gate bridge and then sailed right under it. !!

[@charlesjennings3750]

My father was Captain of the Santa Maria and I remember Cleveland very well. Very tall and skinny and super kind. They were beautiful ships.

[@brianmurray5386]

@@charlesjennings3750 Good description of Cleveland. I reported directly to him and though my "boss", we became good friends. I went off to college shortly after and unfortunately lost track of him. Yes, wonderful ships and good camaraderie between crew and passengers.

[@charlesjennings3750]

I remember Cleveland! I was only a kid but he was very well liked by our family. My father was Capt. of the Maria and is seen in this video.

[@nnineas]

I was Radio Officer in 1982 on the Santa Magdalena and remembering being to asked to entertain when the entertainment didn't show up due to a storm as we were to go through the Straights of Magellan during it. I sang "One Night with You" ("One Night of Sin" original name by Elvis.) I guess they liked it as they threw things at me.

[@ajdutari]

I sailed as Deck Cadet for two round trips onboard SS SANTA MARIA in 1982. I saw Capt. Jennings on the video. I remember a passenger that had a necklace made from the penguin pins given to those persons that swam in the pool filled with Antarctic waters from the Magellan Straits. One pin per trip. She had made 20+ voyages. The parties at Equator Crossings with the shellbacks and polywogs costumes was an experience to treasure. Thank you for posting.

[@Voododo]

Thank you for sharing! I remember that necklace. The woman had been on the ships constantly for a few years. I was on teh ship in 1982, maybe we were on board together! I woudl have been 9 years old. I spent my 10th Birthday on the Maria. My dad gave me a Playmobil Pirate ship that I kept all these years and just gave to my own son.

[@charlesjennings3750]

My father was Capt. Adrian Jennings in the video! I also clearly remember the woman you are speaking of. I remember her saying that of all the jewelry she had (and she was very wealthy) that was the most expensive piece she had. Having this video is one of the greatest gifts. Charles Jennings

[@DeltaStar777]

Beautiful, thanks for this!!

[@алекс-д6ф]

such a nice times - open, friendly people, no terrorism, security, coronovirus etc. unfortunally those times are gone...

[@charlesjennings3750]

There was plenty of security, you just never knew it.

[@acajutla]

There was no ISPS-code, anybody could come and go in most parts of the harbors, and they did. Lots of dubious people hung around the docks in the old days. But sabotage was almost unheard of.

[@ronaldsutton2726]

Originally built for South American trade to carry Bananas, specialized refrigerated cargo, Coffee, and containers, self sustaining. Mariners hulls, but distinctive Grace Superstructure. Wonder if the cross passages smelled of sour coffee.