SS Ausonia, later known as the SS Ivory and Aegean Two while in service with her last owners, Golden Star Cruises, was a cruise liner belonging to Louis Cruise Lines operating in the Mediterranean. She operated mostly cruise service during her 52 years of life. She was the last vintage Italian ocean liner in service when she was retired from service in September 2008 and beached for dismantling in March 2010.
1956–1998
She was commissioned by Adriatica Lines for its Trieste–Egypt–Lebanon service. She was launched by Cantieri Riuniti dell' Adriatico at Monfalcone on 5 August 1956, and delivered on 23 September 1957. She was rapidly fitted out and commenced service in October 1957. Ports of call were Trieste, Venice, Brindisi, Alexandria, Beirut, Piraeus and Bari. She remained in service with her original owners until 1978, when she underwent a major refit that increased her passenger capacity from 529 to 690. She remained in service with her new owners, Italia Crociere Internazionali, until 1998, when she was sold to the Cyprus-based Louis Cruise Lines.
A baby girl was born which was named after the ship "Ausonia' on January 5, 1959, at 07:30. Her parents Elias Sleiman Saikali and Harba (Naufal), later her name was registered as 'Azonia'.
Ausonia (Azonia) was delivered by Doctor Viviani Leonardo. Ausonia was baptized the same day, the godfather was Captain Gino Fabbro. Witness was Vianello Francesco.
The couple were immigrating from Lebanon to Canada. Her birth was registered at the Lebanese Consulat in Napoli on January 8, 1959.