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This meticulously detailed cross-section poster of the large cruise ships "Dunera" and "Devonia", designed by John S. Smith for the British India Steam Navigation Company, provides a captivating visual insight into mid-20th century maritime architecture and ocean-going educational experiences. The poster reveals the multifaceted layout of the ships, detailing spaces such as the dormitory, assembly hall, recreation room, 12 classrooms, and cafeteria, offering viewers a unique glimpse into life on board these educational cruise vessels.

Operated by the British India Steam Navigation Company, the "Dunera" and "Devonia" were not merely transportation vessels, but floating classrooms that offered a novel concept in education during their time. The ships were part of a broader pedagogical movement towards 'learning by doing', and served as vehicles for geographical, historical, and cultural education, aimed primarily at young people from various youth organizations, colleges, and schools.

The design of the ships, as represented in Smith's poster, catered to this educational vision. The inclusion of 12 classrooms, an assembly hall, and a recreation room among other facilities, mirrored the infrastructure of a terrestrial educational institution, offering students the facilities needed for a comprehensive learning experience at sea. The meticulousness of Smith's rendering highlights the efficiency and compactness inherent to ship design, while also visually communicating the extensive array of amenities on board.

John S. Smith's cross-section poster of the "Dunera" and "Devonia" offers a striking representation of the intersection between education, maritime travel, and architectural design in the mid-20th century. As a visual artifact, it not only displays the structure and functioning of the educational cruise ships but also reflects broader historical trends in pedagogical thinking and maritime technology. The poster serves as a captivating historical document, providing a window into a unique chapter of educational history and maritime heritage.

A third ship was added to the educational cruises in 1965, helping date this poster. The lower-right corner map also helps date the map through inclusion of East Pakistan, which became Bangladesh in 1971.

See this link for a much more detailed treatment of the subject: prehistorian.wordpress.com/2019/01/30/the-educational-cruises-of-the-bi-line/