The History of Cunard Line Cruises

When it comes to cruises no other line has quite as much experience as Cunard line cruises, now operated by Carnival Corporations. There history started way back in 1840 but even to this day the cruise line has managed to retain its high class status and stands as a symbol of elegance and luxury when it comes to cruise travel. This cruise line is perfect for anyone who is interested in a classic but also modern experience. So let’s take a further look into the iconic Cunard line cruises.

It was back in 1840 when it all began with the launch of the world’s first transatlantic sailing. Since then the name Cunard has become constantly been matched with lavish ocean cruising. For example from 1939 to 1945 Cunard used two of the finest ships that he built; the Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth to carry over two million servicemen for duty. This act was then credited by Churchill as an aid to help shorten the war by a year. During the war all four ships, which included the two Queens and Aquitania as well as Mauretania survived.

As you can see from the above the ships featured in the Cunard line were used for more than simply cruising. They played a vital role in many events that have shaped our history. In 1971 the line was purchased, by this time Cunard operated both cargo and passenger ships as well as hotels and resorts. The cargo fleet was made up of forty-two ships in service, with twenty on order. The passenger fleet however included the two-year old Queen Elizabeth 2 and included the remaining two liners from the 1950s, plus two purpose-built cruise ships that were on order.

However in the mid 1990’s things turned bad for the line, starting with exploding pipes on the Queen Elizabeth 2 during a journey, the reason for this came down to unfinished renovation work. This cost the company 13 million. In 1996 an attempt was then made to sell the company but this provided no takers so instead substantial investments were made as a means of turning around the company’s reputation. It was then in 1998 that the company was sold for 500 million to Carnival Corporation.

So where does this line stand in present day? Cunard line cruises are now known for Queen Mary 2 and the Queen Victoria and the line is expanding to other vessels including the forthcoming Queen Elizabeth.

Queen Mary 2 is the largest passenger ship ever built. It provides a journey that captures Cunard’s idea of grad voyages and crosses the Atlantic from spring until autumn.

Cunard line cruises prides itself on providing the best in British heritage and upholds its reputation for elegance that it has had since its first voyage. It is thanks to its British heritage, elegance and fine cuisine as well as its high level of service that has meant the company has always been popular with the English. It comes down to a matter of pride. We are proud of this line and what it stands for and this will continue to be the case for as long as the line continues for.

Carla Prosser writes for www.idealcruising.co.uk/cruise_line/cunard

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