Now that is a masterwork Stephen. The play of the moon's beam on the water and the ship's lighting is truly alive. You're going to be hard pressed to top this onDon

1961—1966: RMS Transvaal Castle
1966—1969: RMS S.A. Vaal
1969—1977: TSS S.A. Vaal
1977—1996: TSS Festivale
1996—1998: TSS IslandBreeze
1998—2003: SS Big Red Boat III
2003: SS The Big Red Boat
Owner:
1961—1966: Union-Castle Line
1966—1977: Safmarine
1977—1996: Carnival Cruise Lines
1996—1998: Dolphin Cruise Line
1998—2000: Premier Cruise Line
2000—2003: Unknown
Operator:
1961—1966: Union-Castle Line
1966—1977: Safmarine
1978—1996: Carnival Cruise Lines
1996—1997: Dolphin Cruise Line
1997—1998 Thomson Cruises
1998—2000: Premier Cruise Line
Port of registry:
1961—1969: London,  United Kingdom
1969—1977: Cape Town,  South Africa
1977—1991: Panama City,  Panama
1991—2003: Nassau,  Bahamas
Route:
Southampton, Las Palmas, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, East London, Durban
Builder:
John Brown & Co., Clydebank, Scotland, United Kingdom
Yard number:
720
Launched:
17 January 1961
Completed:
December 1961
Maiden voyage:
18 January 1962
Out of service:
September 2000
Fate:
Broken up at Alang, India, 2003.
Status:
Scrapped
General characteristics as built, 1961
Type:
ocean liner
Tonnage:
32,697GRT
Displacement:
16,604 DWT
Length:
760ft2in (231.7m)
Beam:
90ft2in (27.5m)
Draught:
32ft (9.8m)
Decks:
8
Installed power:
44,000shp (32,800kW)
Propulsion:
Geared turbines, twin screw
Speed:
22.5knots (41.67km/h; 25.89mph)
Capacity:
728 passengers one class
Crew:
426
General characteristics as rebuilt, 1978
Type:
cruise ship
Tonnage:
26,632GRT (Panamanian rules, c.38,000 by UK rules)
Capacity:
1,432 passengers
Crew 579

What incredible work Stephen! Excellent composition taking views from the castle. Light, moon beam, ship, wow! One of the best from you!

Roberto

Wow, what more could be said,Excellent painting Stephen.

Allen

Stephen, what can I say that hasn't been said already! absolutely brilliant.

Regards, Fred

Yes, excellent maritime painting and full moon, too.

I,ve viewed this painting countless times and have arrived at the conclusion that Stephen J. Card must have magic paint and brushes...I swear you could hang this in a darkened room and still see it!
The painting must look amazing in the flesh.
JD.

Thanks Gentlemen. I swear... these comments make the next painting even harder! I'll try though. Thanks again.

Fred, Hope you are working also? Best, Stephen

What a lovely view of a night time departure. One question though: Do these vessels need to carry navigation lights at night or are the deck lights sufficient?