A Grace Line Ship, she was one of four sister ships designed by William Francis Gibbs and built in 1932. Her luxurious interior fittings included a two story dining room complete with a roll-back dome for dining under the stars. Her service moved from New York to the Caribbean and South America and after operating as a troop ship during World War II, she continued service with her only remaining sister ship, Santa Rosa. The Santa Paula was scrapped in 1971 after a long and productive life.