SHIPPING: Queen from Italy

With 794 passengers and the blessing of Genoa's Giuseppe Cardinal Siri, the 30,000-ton Andrea Doria* put out from Genoa on her maiden Atlantic crossing. Newest of the Italian Lines' luxury liners, she was also the first new Italian liner to sail for New York since the start of World War II. For most of the 4,737-mile voyage, the 697-ft. Doria had smooth sailing at an average 22.97 knots.

But last week, only one day out of New York she ran into a 45-m.p.h. wind and rough seas. In the main dining room, tumbling furniture bruised 20 passengers, who suddenly found themselves, as one said, "swimming around in filet mignon, spaghetti and antipasto mixed with champagne." Next day the Andrea Doria proudly steamed up New York's Narrows to the traditional, tumultuous whistle and toot of a harbor welcome. Gale and all she was only minutes off schedule.

The single-masted, single-stacked Andrea Doria is completely air-conditioned, has specialty shops, children's playrooms, a gymnasium and laundry, a 60-bed hospital, four theaters and a 30-car garage. She can carry 1,200 first, cabin and tourist-class passengers, with a separate swimming pool for each class.

Next week the Doria sails on a 17-day West Indies cruise, after which she will again put into New York, take on passengers, and begin her regular sailings between New York and Italy. Her rates, ranging from $335 first class to $205 third, are about the same as those of the American Export Lines' Independence and Constitution.