queen victoria cruise ship in liverpool

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Liverpool (England)

Cruise port schedule, live map, terminals, news.

Region Ireland - UK - British Isles

Local Time 2024-04-29 02:26

Port Liverpool cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from Liverpool, England. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link.

Liverpool is a major port anc city in England's Merseyside (metro region) with population around 0,5 million (urban ~870,000, metro ~2,3 million). The cruise port is located along River Mersey Estuary's eastern side. Other major turnaround (cruise ship departure) ports in the UK are the England's Southampton , Bristol , Dover , Harwich , Hull , Tilbury-London , Newcastle and Portsmouth , and Scotland's Leith-Edinburgh and Greenock-Glasgow .

Ferries link Liverpool with Dublin Ireland (17 crossings weekly, travel time 7 hours), Belfast Northern Ireland (14 crossings weekly, travel time 8 hours) and Douglas, Isle of Man (12 crossings weekly, travel time 2 hours 45 min). These routes are operated, respectively, by the companies P&O FERRIES , STENA LINE and Steam Packet Company (purchased in May 2018 by Manx government for GBP 124 million).

Port Liverpool

Port Liverpool (locode GBLIV) is located approx 9 mi (15 km) from Liverpool John Lennon Airport and approx 40 mi (60 km) from Manchester International Airport. The nearest to the cruise port train station (Lime Station) is a few minutes drive from downtown, or at ~20 min walking distance.

Port's cruising business is constantly growing. In 2016 it handled a record number of ships - 64 (10 more in comparison to 2015) and 85000+ tourists. The first vessel to berth at the newly constructed Pier Head Terminal (2007-inaugurated) was RSSC-Regent 's Seven Seas Voyager (on Sept 9, 2007).

The city itself has a rich maritime heritage, being also the birthplace of the UK's first passenger shipping line - Cunard . Since the Pier Head Terminal's opening (2007), it has served as a homeport (turnaround port serving roundtrips) but also as a transit port on itineraries visiting UK-Ireland-Baltic destinations (Norway, Sweden, Germany, Netherlands, Finland, Russia).

Operated by Peel Ports Group, Liverpool Port offers planning, support and assistance by a large team of highly qualified professionals. The Port also provides services to cargo ships (TEU-containers, general-liquid-dry bulks, metals, forest and project cargoes), Ro-Ro ships (vehicles carriers) and Ro-Pax ships (ferries). The cruise port operator provides expert pilots and linesmen (to assist navigation), port workers (stevedoring, porters, passenger handling staff), modern facilities. In 2018, Princes Dock (cruise terminal) generated GBP 7+ million (EUR 8+M) in revenues.

Since 2012, when the city became a cruise homeport, the number of visiting boats doubled - from 31 (2012) to 61 (2015). The number of cruise ship tourists also doubled - from 38656 (2012) to 86365 (2016). Liverpool was ranked the UK’s "best cruise port of call" for 2013 and 2014. In 2014, the City Council announced that Cunard's building would be converted into a cruise terminal. The building was bought for GBP 1,5 million, with the idea to become a ticketing hall for the new terminal. Later was estimated that the building's conversion would cost too much (between GBP 5-60 million) making it not suitable for the purpose.

In 2015, Liverpool's cruise shipping industry brought ~GBP 7 million to the city economy, with over 81000 passengers and 37000 crew. Each cruise tourist spent an estimated GBP 70 in the city, while crew members spent ~GBP 30.

In 2015, the Port hosted Princess Cruises ' (Carnival Corporation brand) 50th-anniversary celebrations and Celebrity Cruises ' (Royal Caribbean brand) 25th-anniversary celebrations. Also in 2015, the Port was visited for the first time by P&O UK 's ship Britannia . Inaugural calls were made by Oceania 's ships Nautica and Marina . Those events were marked with fireworks shows, shoreside concerts, special occasion cakes.

On May 25, 2015, the Port was visited by all the three Cunard liners ( RMS Queen Mary 2 , Queen Elizabeth , Queen Victoria ) for the "Queens Royal Rendezvous" spectacle on Mersey River. On July 4, 2015, QM2 sailed out of Liverpool on a 10-day crossing to Canada (Halifax) and USA (Boston and NYC) commemorating Cunard Line's first-ever Transatlantic cruise crossing. On July 4th, 1840, Cunard Steamship Company started its regular passenger shipping service (with RMS Britannia/paddlewheel steamship) crossing the Atlantic Ocean from Liverpool to Halifax.

In February 2016, City Council announced the preferred site (Princes Jetty) for the construction of a new passenger terminal that could facilitate Transatlantic cruise shipping (eastbound crossings USA-UK). The new terminal building has capacity 3600+ passengers. Previously suggested plans for the Cunard Building (used as terminal) were scrapped in 2014. For the last time, Port Liverpool hosted regular Transatlantic ship crossings in 1968.

In late-March 2016, City Council commissioned early design work and appointed a consultancy team (KKA Architects, Turner & Townsend, Royal Haskoning DHV Engineering) to develop a conceptual design for a new cruise terminal. The building has to be able to handle ~3600 passengers (3 times larger than the existing terminal's /1200 pax). The new terminal has passport control, a waiting lounge, baggage hall, public restrooms, cafe-restaurant, dedicated taxi rank, coach and vehicle pick-up areas, car parking (for up to 300 cars).

On May 5, 2016, officially started Fred Olsen 's homeporting season with Boudicca . The ship had scheduled 16x roundtrips (out of Pier Head) visiting destinations in the Mediterranean (Adriatic), Canary Islands, UK-British Isles, Greenland, as well as Transatlantic roundtrips to Canada and USA/New England.

In June 2016, Port Liverpool contracted the company SCH (Southampton Cargo Handling). The GBP 0,74 million deal was for 3-year stevedore cruise ship services. SCH handles all cruise vessels visiting Liverpool and employs locals for stevedoring. The contract was renewed in 2019 (thru 2022) and 2023 (thru 2026). On August 19, 2016, City Council approved a GBP 0,95 million (USD 1,2M) feasibility study into the new passenger terminal development. Port's 2016 schedule had a total of 63 ship visits (9 more over 2015) bringing 114,676 tourists and generating economic impact ~GBP 7 million (EUR 8,2M). Maiden ports calls in 2016 were 4 - Artania , Amadea , Disney Magic , L'Austral .

In 2018, Port had booked 57 cruise ship berthings, with estimated 100,000+ passengers and crew. Season's highlights included 5 maiden calls ( AIDAaura , Ocean Dream , Seabourn Ovation , Viking Sun , MS Berlin ) and two overnights ( Celebrity Eclipse/ June 12, and MS Europa 2 /Sept 8). In April 2018, City Council officially approved the GBP 50 million cruise terminal project that includes Princes Jetty (on Princes Parade) to be demolished and the new facility to be built as a suspended dock (on River Mersey). The new terminal has capacity to handle the world's largest passenger ships .

Since July 2018, the deepwater container terminal Liverpool2 is included in 2M's ( shipping alliance Maersk+MSC) Transatlantic service. With the new line, 2M temporarily switched TA2 (Felixstowe to Liverpool) while to Maersk's Colombia Express (South America) was added Liverpool for exports to Newark. Both services are weekly and include Liverpool as the final call port on these westbound Atlantic crossings. Among the UK export cargoes are Scotch whiskey, food products, machinery. The new services also opened direct UK-USA links from Liverpool to Charleston SC and Savannah GA . Liverpool2 terminal serves smaller-sized boxships (max capacity 8500 TEUs), while larger vessels use RSCT (Royal Seaforth Container Terminal). In early-2018, Peel Ports started rail freight service from the Port via partnership with DB Cargo AG (Deutsche Bahn AG).

In November 2019, ACL (Atlantic Container Line, subsidiary of Grimaldi Group ) signed with Peel Ports Group a 15-year RSCT concession extension (until 2035). Peel Ports in 2019 started a development project to expand RSCT for handling larger-sized boxships. The project (2019-2021) included widening the Seaforth Basin (by 28 m / 92 ft) and purchasing two new ZPMC STS (ship-to-shore container cranes / China-made - by Zhenhua Heavy Industries). Now RSCT has 8x STS cranes plus 22x cantilever RMGs (rail-mounted gantry cranes). Each ZPMC STS crane has height 92 m (302 ft / to frame's top) and 132 m (433 ft / with raised boom) and weighs ~1600 tons. ZPMC STS cranes are with capacity ~30 moves per hour, can outreach 24x TEUs, handle max loads 85 tons and operate in max wind speeds 55 mph (88 kph).

In 2019/pre-COVID crisis, the cruise port handled 86 ship calls (~40% increase over 2018). In 2022 were handled 107 calls and ~200,000 tourists (passengers plus crew). For season 2023, the Port had booked a total of 115 ship berthings (including ~40 roundtrips) at Liverpool Cruise Terminal.

In December 2022, SCH Logistics signed a multi-year lease agreement with Peel Ports Group for a major car storage and transporter park expansion. The project (budgeted GBP 1+ million) was completed in ~3 months and increased the Port's vehicle storage capacity/park size by 22% (from 8 to 10,3 acres). The expanded parking facility is a hub dedicated to newly manufactured vehicles (automobiles arriving on RO-RO ships) and then handled by SCH's staff (unloading and storing) prior to their delivery by the manufacturer to its car dealers.

Port Liverpool, along with its cruise terminals also has ferry terminals, containership terminal, drydock facilities (for ship refurbishments and repairs ).

• port address - "Liverpool Cruise Port Terminal, Princess Parade, Liverpool, L31DL"
• UN-LOCODE (United Nations location code) - GBLIV.
• one dedicated cruise terminal
• capability to accommodate 2 liners at a time
• supported by excellent road, rail and air infrastructure
• deep water berths (draft 12,6 m / 41 ft)
• large ships can berth alongside a quay (length 376 m / 1234 ft)
• Cruise ships usually arrive in Liverpool in early morning (6, 6:30, 7:30 or 8 am) and depart from Liverpool in late afternoon (5, 6 pm) or in the evening (9, 9:30 or 10 pm).

Next is the lengthy video about 2015's Cunard celebrations in Liverpool. The unique event featured precise maneuvering by the Cunard cruise ships in front of thousands of spectators. Following the rotation, the ships formed an arrowhead formation before the three abreast arrangement - their first time ever. With all 3 cruise vessels aligned on the river, QM2 sounded the anniversary year number (175) by blowing 1 single short blast followed by 7 and then 5 blasts. The '"cruise ship dance" was culminated with a salute by 9 jets from Red Arrows (UK's Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team). Following the celebrations, QM2 left the port. Followed fireworks and digital light shows at Pier Head.

Cruise itineraries to and from Liverpool England

Follows a list of destinations visited by cruise ships leaving out of Liverpool:

• Round-trip itineraries out of Liverpool visit Iceland and Greenland, often with Faroe Islands ( Torshavn ) and British Islands ports.
• North Sea itineraries (around the UK) visit ports in England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales.
• Baltic Sea - cruises to Norway (themed "Norwegian Fjords") and Europe's Arctic (North Pole) visit the following ports in Norway. Among the destinations is the Svalbard Archipelago's Spitsbergen island .
• Baltic Sea - itineraries to Scandinavia and Russia include an overnight stay in St Petersburg .
• Mediterranean cruises leaving from Liverpool can be either round-trip or one-way. They visit ports in Portugal, Spain, Italy, France, often Gibraltar and Malta , sometimes - Adriatic Seaports. Up to a month-long roundtrips may include Black Sea ports in Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Russia, and also in Greece and Turkey.
• Another popular destination is the Canaries (Spain's Canary Islands), often combined with Portugal's Madeira .

Transatlantic crossings (RepositionCruises.com) from the UK to Canada and USA can be roundtrips from Liverpool or one-ways (on seasonal ship relocation voyages).

Short breaks (mini cruises) from Liverpool to Bristol (3-day / 2-night), Greenock-Glasgow (2-day / 1-night) or to Southampton (4-day / 3-night) are offered as one-way ship relocation deals. Short break round-trips to Ireland visit Dublin and Belfast .

Liverpool cruise terminal

Port Liverpool's cruise season runs from March through November. Until mid-2012, the embarkation and disembarkation was at Langton Dock. Port's current cruise ship berth is a floating pontoon with tidal range 10 m (33 ft). This means that at certain times its access bridges are very steep. To cruise passengers, the port provides mobility buses to transport tourists between the gangway and terminal's passenger lounge.

Pier Head cruise terminal

location - Princes Parade (at Pier Head, next to the Royal Liver Building).

Royal Liver Building is one of the city's "Three Graces" on the waterfront - sided by "Cunard Building" and the "Port of Liverpool Building". Unlike many other terminals, Liverpool's cruise ship terminal is located at only 20 min walking distance (approx 1 km / 0,6 mi) away from downtown.

The cruise terminal has a small building. Adjacent to its exit point are public phones and a taxi rank. In several outlets outside the terminal are available restaurants and cafes, also ATMs and currency exchange. The passenger terminal building has refreshment facilities, restrooms and welcome desk. The building is small-sized, so it is recommended to avoid early arrival. 

Berth's capacity is 2 ships (docking along the quay). The berth is capable of accommodating ships with max LOA length 350 m (1148 ft) - no vessel width or draught restrictions.

Next drone video shows Liverpool's Gate 3 cruise terminal and Celebrity Silhouette . The ship visited Liverpool on July 23, 2017, on a 12-night British Isles roundtrip from  Amsterdam Holland .

(NEW) Liverpool cruise terminal

In December 2016, was launched an international search for a technical team to design a new cruise ship terminal in Liverpool. The new facility will be located on River Mersey (former Princes Jetty off Princes Parade), approx 1000 ft (305 m) downriver from the Pier Head terminal.

The new passenger terminal can handle turnaround cruise vessels (on roundtrip UK itineraries) with max capacity 3600 passengers. The terminal building is 2-storey (sized 10,000m2), with baggage hall, passenger lounge, check-in facilities, passport control, cafe-restaurant, bar lounge, public toilets, taxi rank, vehicle pick up point. Development plans were based on land reclaimed from River Mersey. The project also included the construction of a new quay wall, changes on Princess Parade (allowing tour buses and shuttles), also a new passenger terminal, luggage storage facility, passport control, vehicle pick up area, large car parking.

In mid-May 2017, City Council appointed Place North West team to design the new cruise terminal facility. Engineering consultancy company Ramboll will lead a 4-member team (2 architects, 1 cost manager, 1 planning consultant) to work up detailed designs for the facility. Then will be submitted a planning application (for Princes Jetty). The Ramboll company will then manage the project and assist with construction monitoring and contractor procurement. Additional (new) elements at the cruise ship facility could also include a hotel (capacity 200 rooms) and a multi-story car parking (capacity 1100 vehicles). However, the parking may be located further north, to be able to support also Ten Streets and Bramley Moore Dock stadium.

In April 2018, City Council approved the GBP 50 million cruise terminal project. By this development, Princes Jetty will be demolished and the new facility will be built on a suspended dock (on River Mersey). The terminal will have capacity to handle world's largest cruise liners . An additional GBP 32 million were assigned for upgrading road A565 (connecting Liverpool with Tarleton) to support the new terminal, plus GBP 20 million for a newbuild link road extending Leeds Str to the waterfront.

Construction works started in May 2018, with scheduled completion in 2022 spring. Major works included building a vehicle linkspan bridge, pedestrian walkway, landing stage improvements, new ancillary buildings, Princes Parade improvements (to incorporate terminal parking and passenger pick-up/drop-off areas), pedestrian crossing facilities.

In 2019 started the GBP 32 million project for upgrading the A565 road (Liverpool to Tarleton, Lancashire) to support the new cruise terminal. Also started works on the GBP 20 million project to build a link road extending Leeds Street to Liverpool's waterfront and supporting the new Isle of Man Ferry Terminal.

Next video shows the signature exterior and interior design elements of the new cruise terminal.

Liverpool ferry terminals

Liverpool's ferry port terminal (Pier Head Landing Stage Terminal) is located off St Nicholas Place Car Park at Princes Half-Tide Dock (Princes Parade).

(NEW) Isle of Man-Liverpool ferry terminal

In September 2018 were announced port's plans for building the new "Isle of Man Ferry Terminal" at Princes Half Tide Dock. The facility is located approx 700 m (2200 ft) from the current Pier Head berth at Princes Half-Tide Dock (within Liverpool Waters and Peel Land).

The existing Pier Head terminal will be reconstructed into a dedicated cruise terminal as part of the Liverpool Waterfront development project (budgeted GBP 5 billion / EUR 5,6B).

The new passenger terminal's cost was initially estimated at GBP 36,5 million (EUR 40,6M). Funding was subject to Tynwald's approval. The project's initial cost was GBP 30M, which increased due to additional structural and construction works - on the site and the quay walls.

The ferry terminal's max capacity is 1000 passengers and 200 vehicles. The inauguration was in March 2021. Wheeled freight and passenger vehicles are served by a new link road (project cost GBP 7,6 million / EUR 8,5 million).

In late-October 2018 were released the designs of the terminal's building and infrastructure.

On April 9, 2019, the ferry terminal project was approved by the Manx Government, which signed a long-term leasehold agreement with Peel Ports for the site. This was the first time when the Isle of Man Government became a UK property owner.

In late-April 2021 was officially announced that due to the Coronavirus crisis, the Isle of Man Ferry Terminal in Liverpool will cost at least GBP 43 million (~EUR 49,5M / ~USD 59,9M) and be completed in March 2022 (instead of December 2021). The additional costs (~5% over the original budget) were partly due to the need to strengthen the harbour's walls (to cope with the impact of the powerful bow thrusters of the new ship). Works were also delayed by the archaeological excavation on the site and the need to dispose of unexploded bombs from WW2 (1939-45).

In July 2021 was announced that the Manx Government will have to spend an additional GBP 13,8 million (EUR 16M / USD 18,9M) on the new ferry terminal (total cost GBP 55,8M / EUR 64,76M / USD 76,4M) in Douglas. The extra money was needed to tackle "unforeseen problems", including staffing difficulties, shortage of materials, COVID rules-associated costs.

Both facilities (in Liverpool and Douglas) serve the regularly scheduled crossings provided by the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company Ltd.

• The Albert Dock: dates from 1846. Visit fine galleries, museum and many shops.
• Croxteth Hall & Croxteth Park: it is 5 miles away from the Liverpool’s center. It was Earls of Sefton ancestral home. Currently, Liverpool City Council manages it.
• Liverpool Cathedral: the largest British Anglican Cathedral
• Liverpool Museum: it is located on William Brown Street. Discover many collections and attractions it this fine museum. You can see the Planetarium and the Natural History Centre.
• The Mersey Ferries: famous from the ” Ferry Cross the Mersey” song by by Gerry and the Pacemakers.
• Merseyside Maritime Museum: located at Albert Dock. Discover the seafaring heritage of Liverpool.
• Museum of Liverpool Life: discover the story and the culture of the citizens of Liverpool.
• The Metropolitian Cathedral:”Paddy’s Wigwam” (Chris the King) cathedral.
• Sefton Parl Palm House: amazing botanical exhibition. The Victorian Glasshouse is listed as Grade II.
• The Walker art gallery: known as the “National Gallery of the North.” You can see of of the largest collections of art outside of London.
• The Cavern Club: the birthplace of Merseybeat
• Haydock Park Racecourse: 30 min away from the city by car. Haydock Park Racecourse is the most visited and popular racecourse in England.
• Liverpool Empire Theatre: the theater is two-tier, the largest in the UK.

Liverpool tours, shore excursions, hotels

City tours and shore excursions.

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Liverpool - user reviews and comments

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Liverpool chosen to host spectacular naming ceremony for cunard’s new queen anne, cunard’s spiritual home is to host the spectacular naming ceremony for its newest ship queen anne..

The event will take place on the world-famous Mersey waterfront at Liverpool on Monday 3 June during an introductory ‘lap of honour’ voyage around the British Isles.

And Cunard’s hosts for the momentous spectacle will be none other than Busted musician, Matt Willis, and his TV presenter wife, Emma. The power couple of British pop culture recorded this message revealing what guests can expect from the event.

Queen Anne’s Naming Ceremony

Queen Anne is expected to arrive on the Mersey soon after sunrise on what promises to be the most eagerly awaited port of call on the exclusive 14-night voyage.

Plans are being made for her arrival to include a special salute to the city where Cunard’s pioneering transatlantic service – and passenger shipping itself – was launched in 1840, and where the iconic Cunard Building forms the centrepiece of the Three Graces.

The 14-night British Isles Festival Voyage will depart Southampton on 24 May with maiden calls to Edinburgh (South Queensferry), Invergordon, Greenock, Belfast, and Liverpool where guests sailing on the voyage will have an exclusive opportunity to join the Naming celebrations before a spectacular, late evening departure bound for Cobh followed by her return to Southampton.

The formal Naming will be the highlight of a day of celebration for Queen Anne, currently nearing completion in Italy.

The event in Liverpool is expected to draw tens of thousands of spectators to vantage points alongside the river at Pier Head, between New Brighton and Seacombe on Wirral and on beaches at Formby and Crosby in Sefton. A live global broadcast will ensure the eyes of the world once again fall on a Cunard event in Liverpool.

Cunard ships have previously attracted more than a million spectators to the banks of the Mersey, first for the maiden call of the renowned QE2 in July 1990, and in 2015 for the Three Queens ‘royal rendezvous’ in front of the Cunard Building to celebrate the 175th anniversary of the most famous name in shipping.

The British Isles Festival Voyage

Guests on the voyage will have an exclusive chance to be part of a unique event in Cunard’s history that will include a host of surprise celebrations at Liverpool’s world-famous Pier Head, with the original iconic Cunard Building at its heart.

An impressive line-up of eminent entertainers will give unforgettable live performances surrounding the official naming as Queen Anne makes her maiden call into Cunard’s spiritual home.

The 14-night British Isles Festival voyage will depart Southampton on 24 May with maiden calls to Greenock, Belfast, Cork, and Liverpool and a programme of exciting on board experiences that showcase the best of Britain and Ireland's shores. The events in Liverpool will be a truly treasured memory for us on the historical waterfront of a city we have such an incredible bond with.

Katie McAlister, President of Cunard, said:

“Cunard has an incredible bond with the city of Liverpool. It is where our founder Sir Samuel Cunard began his Transatlantic line in 1840, so what better place to officially name our new ship than somewhere that holds so many special memories. Queen Anne is the next in a fine line for our brand and she will be bursting with breath-taking moments around every corner, evolving our core values of luxury, sophistication, and glamour. Liverpool is known the world over as Cunard’s spiritual home and we are all so excited for the city to see Queen Anne up close on her maiden call.”

Matt and Emma Willis added:

“We’re delighted to be part of such a fantastic occasion and can’t wait to join everyone in Liverpool for an exciting and action-packed day, full of surprises and celebrations. Mersey waterfront will be brought to life on 3 June, as world famous entertainers are set to put on a spectacular show. It's going to be a day to remember, and we can’t wait to welcome the fourth Queen to the iconic Cunard fleet.”

Councillor Liam Robinson, Leader of Liverpool City Council, said:

“It’s a huge honour for Liverpool to be chosen as the location for the official naming of Queen Anne. The city and Cunard share a rich history, we are the original home of the world-famous cruise line and we staged the incredible spectacle of the Three Queens on the Mersey in 2015, which lives long in many people’s memories. This is yet another prestigious, international event taking place in our city, casting Liverpool into the limelight once again and showcasing our enviable maritime offer. The naming ceremony is set to be a majestic sight and I’m sure it will attract huge crowds to the waterfront who want to be part of this unique moment in ours and Cunard’s history.”

Further details of timings, activities, and spectator information for Queen Anne’s visit to Liverpool will be published in due course. Agents can visit www.ShineRewardsClub.com for the latest Cunard news and information, as well as to earn Shine points for bookings and training. For more information about Cunard, or to book a voyage, visit www.cunard.com .

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Queen Victoria Overview

Named after one of England’s most beloved monarchs, Queen Victoria is an ocean liner with charm and grace. Onboard, the liner is designed with regal touches of gold and has a beautiful sense of serenity. The Royal Court Theatre is like a set out of an old movie. This is the only theater at sea with private balcony boxes where you can watch a marvelous live performance or catch a classic movie. The liner’s spa is an inviting space where you’ll enjoy a number of treatments along with the warmth of the Royal Bath House thermal suite, which uses heat to help your muscles unwind. Queen Victoria also has a wide selection of enrichment classes, menus with inspiring meals and spacious staterooms.  

• Passenger Capacity: 2,061 (double occupancy)
• Year Built: 2007
• Last Refurbished:  2022

Queen Victoria Cruise Destinations

Cunard Line is famous for its transatlantic sailings, but they offer an impressive set of destinations and some fantastic itineraries all over the world. Visit four continents and hundreds of ports-of-call ranging from Tortola, British Virgin Islands to Tallinn, Estonia. Whether it be a historically enriching cruise to Northern Europe, or a tropical Hawaiian vacation, one of Cunard’s three regal ships will proudly be your vessel. 

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Live the island life with Cunard in the Eastern Caribbean, where the sun is always shining. 

History comes alive when you visit sites like the Colosseum in Rome, Checkpoint Charlie in Berlin and the Hermitage in St. Petersburg. 

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Celebrate the cultures, cuisines, and cliffs, as well as some truly intriguing people onboard a Mediterranean cruise.

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History of royalty, fjords of Norway, and Baltic delights—Northern Europe cruises are an exciting vacation option.

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Catch a new rhythm as you experience vibrant cultures, friendly peoples and captivating history on a cruise to South America with Cunard Line.

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Enjoy the excellent experience that is a vacation away from the everyday, sailing across the Atlantic and stopping at intriguing ports—try a transatlantic cruise.

Find adventure. Indulge on fine cuisine. Interact with everything from dolphins to wallabies. Travel the world with a World Voyage.

Queen Victoria Departure Ports

Traveling across the pond, there’s no cruise line better than Cunard, with more than 150 years of history, this brand makes routine cruises from Southampton to New York City and vice versa. However, they offer more than just transatlantic sailings. You can sail around the world with Cunard from Tokyo to Athens to San Francisco. Call The Cruise Web for a great offer on a Cunard cruise.

Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul is a unique city that blends its two distinct influences – from its founding as the Christian capital of Constantinople to the Ottoman ruled Istanbul. Today you can discover both eras and the modern beauty in this thriving city.

Rio De Janeiro, Brazil

Rio de Janeiro, one of the most visited cities in the southern hemisphere, has numerous activities for every desire. Cruise to Rio for the Carnival celebrations, natural environment, beautiful beaches and famous landmarks.

Hamburg, Germany

A large city, Hamburg offers visitors an array of attractions. From the old buildings of the past to the vibrant red light district, there’s something for everyone cruising to Hamburg, Germany.

A cruise to Civitavecchia is a chance for you to hop a quick train to Rome and explore the enormous history through ruins, galleries and The Vatican museums.

Discover imaginative architecture, impressive Spanish dishes and beautiful excursions into nature when you cruise to Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia.

With incredible weather, delicious fare and some stupendous attractions, you will find that Fort Lauderdale’s Port Everglades is one of the most attractive ports in the entire US.

Trieste, Italy

Sit back and enjoy the sea breezes in Trieste, an Italian city that despite being close to Venice is more akin to Vienna, the capital of the Hapsburg Empire. 

San Antonio, Santiago, Chile

Experience the history of San Antonio or head to Santiago to experience everything Chile’s capital has to offer. The choice is yours!

The cruise port of Southampton features tons of diverse attractions that provide insight into England’s culture and storied past, including fortresses, gardens and national parks.

Queen Victoria Deck Plans

Deck eleven, deck twelve, queen victoria staterooms.

Balcony (A1)

As a Britannia Club guest, you will dine in the private Britannia Club Restaurant, offering you the delicious Britannia Restaurant menu with the freedom to choose when you eat each evening. Your Britannia Club Balcony stateroom offers the luxury of a stunning view from your private balcony and impressive inside space too. The Britannia Balcony staterooms have two beds, a shower, living area and balcony.

Balcony (A2)

Balcony (ba).

Enjoy the view from your private balcony and the comfort of your luxurious interior as you relax in your well appointed stateroom. The Britannia Balcony staterooms have two beds, a shower, living area and balcony.

Balcony (BB)

Balcony (bd), balcony (be), balcony (bf), balcony (ca), balcony (cb), balcony (bc).

The sea breeze and stunning view combine to make your balcony a wonderful place to while away the hours. Where better to enjoy a morning coffee and croissant? Enjoy the view from your private balcony and the comfort of your luxurious interior as you relax in your well appointed stateroom. Britannia Restaurant.

Inside (LC)

If you are travelling alone, our Single staterooms offer you the opportunity to enjoy more space for yourself. Each single stateroom offers comfortable accommodation with generous sized single beds, spacious bathrooms and comfortable lounge areas. The Britannia Single Inside staterooms have one bed, a living area and a shower.

Inside (KC)

If you are travelling alone, our Single staterooms offer you the opportunity to enjoy more space for yourself. Each single stateroom offers comfortable accommodation with generous sized single beds, spacious bathrooms and comfortable lounge areas. The Britannia Single Oceanview staterooms have one bed, a living area and a shower.

Inside (GA)

Relax in complete peace and comfort, cocooned from the stress of the everyday. The Britannia Deluxe Inside staterooms have two beds, a desk area with seat and a shower.

Inside (GB)

Inside (gc).

Inside (IA)

Relax in complete peace and comfort, cocooned from the stress of the everyday. The Britannia Standard Inside staterooms have two beds, a desk area with seat and a shower.

Inside (ID)

Inside (ie), inside (if).

Oceanview (EB)

Gaze upon an ever changing seascape from your large window, which offers an abundance of natural light in your spacious stateroom. The Britannia Oceanview staterooms have two beds, a living area and a shower.

Oceanview (EC)

Oceanview (ef), oceanview (fb), oceanview (fc).

In a luxurious Queens Grill Suite, you will experience the very best of Cunard. A personal butler will see to your every need, a spacious lounge offers space to relax and your suite commands the very best views. The Grand Suites have two beds, a bath and shower, living and dining areas as well as a balcony.

In a luxurious Queens Grill Suite, you will experience the very best of Cunard. A personal butler will see to your every need, a spacious lounge offers space to relax and your suite commands the very best views. The Master Suites have two beds, a bath and shower, living and dining areas as well as a balcony.

In a luxurious Queens Grill Suite, you will experience the very best of Cunard. A personal butler will see to your every need, a spacious lounge offers space to relax and your suite commands the very best views. The Penthouse Suites have two beds, a bath, a shower, a living area and a balcony.

In a luxurious Queens Grill Suite, you will experience the very best of Cunard. A personal butler will see to your every need, a spacious lounge offers space to relax and your suite commands the very best views. The Queens Suites have two beds, a bath, a shower, a living area and a balcony.

Your Princess Grill Suite is the perfect place to relax and unwind. Luxurious features such as a private balcony, separate seating area and a spacious bedroom make your Princess Grill Suite the ideal home from home. You also enjoy access to the Grills Lounge, Grills Terrace and renowned Princess Grill restaurant. The Princess Suites have two beds, a bath with shower along with a living area and balcony.

Photo Gallery for Queen Victoria Cruise Ship

Get a glimpse at the regal atmosphere that awaits you on a Cunard Cruise among one of their three Queens: Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth in this photo gallery. 

Queen Victoria

Queen's Room

The Royal Spa

Royal Court Theater

Britannia Stateroom Aboard Queen Victoria

Grand Suite Aboard Queen Victoria

Chart Room Aboard Queen Victoria

Pool Deck During the Day Aboard Queen Victoria

Pool Deck at Night Aboard Queen Victoria

Top 10 Queen Victoria Cruises

• Queen Victoria 2 NIGHT Europe CRUISE Departing From Southampton, England (Apr 2024 - Mar 2025)
• Queen Victoria 7 NIGHT Europe - Northern CRUISE Departing From Southampton, England (Apr 2024 - Apr 2026)
• Queen Victoria 5 NIGHT Europe - Northern CRUISE Departing From Hamburg, Germany (Apr 2024)
• Queen Victoria 8 NIGHT Europe - Western CRUISE Departing From Southampton, England (May 2024 - May 2025)
• Queen Victoria 7 NIGHT Mediterranean - Eastern CRUISE Departing From Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy (May 2024 - Sep 2026)
• Queen Victoria 14 NIGHT Mediterranean - Eastern CRUISE Departing From Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy (May 2024 - Sep 2026)
• Queen Victoria 7 NIGHT Mediterranean - Eastern CRUISE Departing From Istanbul, Turkey (May 2024 - Sep 2026)
• Queen Victoria 7 NIGHT Europe - Western CRUISE Departing From Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy (May 2024 - Sep 2026)
• Queen Victoria 14 NIGHT Europe - Western CRUISE Departing From Trieste, Italy (Jun 2024 - Aug 2026)
• Queen Victoria 7 NIGHT Europe - Western CRUISE Departing From Trieste, Italy (Jun 2024 - Aug 2026)

Learn More About Cunard

Accessibility

Learn about Cunard Line's handicap accessible cruises and accommodations for guests with special needs or disabilities.

Savor variety of dining options aboard Cunard Line cruises, including the Queens Grill, Princess Grill, Britannia restaurant, Queens Room, Todd English, Kings Court, Golden Lion Pub and more.

Entertainment

Enjoy Cunard Line's onboard entertainment, including live music, the Royal Court Theatre, Commodore Club entertainment, Royal Night Theme Balls, Queens Room dancing, karaoke and more.

Onboard Activities

Participate in Cunard Line's onboard activities, including Cunard Insights lectures, Book Clubs, computer lab, duty-free shopping, sports courts, art galleries, dance classes, afternoon tea, deck games, golf simulators and more.

Service & Awards

Learn about Cunard Line's famous White Star Service and extensive list of onboard services. Plus, view Cunard Line's cruising awards.

Spa & Fitness

Relax in Cunard Line's pools, the Royal Spa and Canyon Ranch SpaClub, where spa treatments range from relaxing massages to Ayurvedic experiences.

Special Events

Learn about Cunard Line's special cruises with exclusive speakers, activities and shore excursions, including Wine Lecture and Tasting voyages.

Explore Cunard Line's luxurious staterooms, including Queen and Princess Grill Suites, balconies, oceanviews and inside staterooms - each beautifully appointed in Cunard's classic style.

Youth Programs

Learn about cruising with children aboard Cunard Line. Cunard's youth programs are for ages 2 - 17, including the Play Zone (ages 2-7), Kids Zone (ages 8-12) and Teen Zone (ages 13-17).

Cruise Type

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Full list of cruise ships visiting Liverpool in 2022

Cruise Liverpool has shared its schedule of vessels sailing into the River Mersey this year

• 08:00, 20 APR 2021
• Updated 09:05, 1 FEB 2022

Liverpool Cruise Terminal is expected to welcome more than 100 cruises in 2022; it's most ambitious season yet.

Despite the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, which led to the cancellation of cruises worldwide for almost 14 months, there is optimism that this year’s season will be bigger and better than ever.

Throughout 2022, more than 20 different cruise ships are expected to visit Liverpool , including 10 inaugural visits such as the Valiant Lady, Celebrity Apex and Norwegian Dawn.

READ MORE: Five big events you won’t want to miss in February 2022

The season will get into full swing in March, with a visit from Virgin Voyages, and will also include visits from the Queen Victoria and the always-popular Disney Magic.

Fred Olsen will also return, having chosen Liverpool as its homeport for its flagship Borealis ship for a second season.

While uncertainty remains around coronavirus, Cruise Liverpool will maintain its ‘satellite’ terminal at the Arena and Convention Centre for the foreseeable future, giving passengers and operators a safe and speedy way of joining or leaving a cruise.

Cruise Liverpool’s 2022 season is expected to provide a £15 million boost to the local economy.

John Mawer, head of Cruise Operations at Cruise Liverpool, said: “We are looking forward to marking the 15th birthday of Liverpool’s Cruise Terminal later this year, and what better way to do it than ensuring record ships and passengers visiting our shores and enjoying the famous Liverpool welcome.

"We also want 2022 to be the year when we make progress in reducing the environmental impact of the ships on the city, there’s a long way to go but talks are already underway and I’m excited to be a part of the conversation on behalf of Liverpool."

Cruise ships scheduled to come to Liverpool this year

February 27 - Borealis

March 13 - Borealis

March 14 - Valiant Lady

March 22 - Borealis

March 31 - Viking Venus

April 6 - Borealis

April 14 - Borealis

April 16 - Viking Venus

April 19 - Borealis

April 28 - Viking Venus

May 4 - Norwegian Getaway

May 5 - Mein Schiff 3

May 6 - Borealis

May 7 - Mein Schiff 3

May 10 - Nansen

May 13 - Borealis

May 14 - Emerald Princess

May 15 - Hanseatic Nature

May 16 - Jewel of the Seas

May 17 - Mein Schiff 3

May 18 - Norwegian Dawn

May 19 - Celebrity Apex

May 20 - Celebrity Apex

May 21 - Silver Moon

May 23 - Nansen

May 24 - Nansen

May 25 - Borealis

May 26 - Emerald Princess

May 28 - Aida Aura

May 29 - Aida Aura

May 30 - Norwegian Dawn

June 2 - Queen Victoria

June 3 - Borealis

June 4 - Volendam

June 5 - Amadea

June 6 - Norwegian Dawn

June 7 - Emerald Princess

June 8 - Norwegian Star

June 9 - Borealis

June 10 - Silver Whisper

June 11 - Viking Venus

June 14 - Mein Schiff 3

June 15 - Mein Schiff 3

June 16 - Celebrity Silhouette

June 17 - Borealis

June 23 - MS Sirena

June 25 - Europa 2

June 26 - Europa 2

June 27 - Borealis

June 29 - Celebrity Silhouette

June 30 - Emerald Princess

July 3 - Seven Seas Navigator

July 5 - Seven Seas Navigator

July 6 - Celebrity Silhouette

July 9 - Viking Venus

July 11 - Borealis

July 12 - MS Sirena

July 13 - Celebrity Silhouette

July 19 - Borealis

July 21 - Jewel of the Seas

July 24 - Emerald Princess

July 26 - Borealis

July 28 - Volendum

July 30 - Amera

July 31 - Amera

August 6 - Viking Venus

August 9 - Borealis

August 10 - Norwegian Star

August 15 - Mein Schiff 3

August 16 - Jewel of the Seas

August 17 - Carnival Pride

August 18 - Viking Venus

August 20 - World Voyager

August 21 - Volendam

August 22 - World Voyager

August 23 - Europa

August 24 - Borealis

August 26 - Artania

August 27 - Jewel of the Seas

August 28 - Crystal Symphony

August 29 - Borewalis

August 30 - Emerald Princess

August 31 - Costa Fortuna

September 2 - Norwegian Dawn

September 5 - Borealis

September 6 - Spirit of Adventure

September 7 - Celebrity Apex

September 8 - Viking Mars

September 14 - Disney Magic

September 15 - Hanseatic Spirit

September 16 - Borealis

September 19 - Viking Mars

September 21 - Amera

September 22 - Emerald Princess

September 23 - Emerald Princess

September 26 - Amadea

September 28 - Borealis

October 7 - Emerald Princess

October 17 - Borealis

October 24 - Zenith

October 25 -Zenith

October 28 - Borealis

November 13 - Borealis

November 24- Borealis

December 5 - Borealis

December 14 - Borealis

December 22 - Borealis

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Cunard Queen Victoria

Activities & entertainment

• Aerobic Area
• Afternoon Tea
• Art Classes *
• Ballroom Dance Classes
• Bridge Classes
• Champagne Afternoon Tea *
• Connexions 1 *
• Connexions 2&3 *
• Cunard Royal Spa & Fitness Centre *
• Darts Competitions
• Deck Quoits
• Fencing Classes
• Fitness Classes *
• Gala Evening Balls
• Golf Competitions
• Hair Salon *
• Hot Tubs (4)
• Hydropool *
• iPad and Computer Workshops *
• Needlework & Knitting Corners
• Onboard Movies
• Royal Spa & Fitness Centre *
• Scavenger Hunts
• Shuffleboard Competitions
• Solo Travelers Get Togethers
• Sports Deck
• Thalassotherapy Pool *
• The Book Shop *
• Thermal Suites *
• Wellbeing Seminars
• Children's Outdoor Area
• Teens' Outdoor Area
• The Play Zone
• Nightly Live Music
• Onboard Lectures
• Passenger Talent Shows
• Queens Room
• Royal Court Theatre
• Royal Court Theatre (Middle)
• Bar - Atrium Bar *
• Bar - Nautical bar *
• Bar - Bar *
• Midships Lounge - Atrium Bar *
• Lido Restaurant - Casual
• Winter Garden - Casual bar *
• Churchill's Cigar Lounge - Cigar Bar *
• Admiral's Lounge - Clubby Lounge *
• Golden Lion - English Pub *
• Lido Grill - Fast Food
• The Verandah Restaurant - French *
• Britannia Club - International
• Britannia Restaurant - International
• Commodore Club - Martini Bar *
• Chart Room - Nautical bar *
• Lido Bar - Pool Bar *
• Pavilion Bar - Pool Bar *
• Grills Lounge - Suite Guests
• Grills Terrace - Suite Guests
• Grills Upper Terrace - Suite Guests
• Princess Grill - Suite Guests
• Queens Grill - Suite Guests
• Bar - Verandah Bar *

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Upcoming itineraries

Cunard Officially Welcomes Queen Anne with Ceremony at Fincantieri Shipyard

• April 19, 2024

The Queen Anne has officially joined Cunard’s fleet during a handover ceremony at the Fincantieri Marghera shipyard in Venice, according to a press release.

The event was attended by Italian Minister of Enterprises and Made in Italy, Adolfo Urso, and Italian Minister for Relations with Parliament, Luca Ciriani.

Also present were Katie McAlister, president of Cunard; Paul Ludlow, president of Carnival UK; Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO and managing director of Fincantieri; Luigi Matarazzo, general manager of the Fincantieri Merchant Ships Division; and Marco Lunardi, director of Fincantieri Shipyard.

McAlister said: “We are so excited to welcome Queen Anne to our fleet as she completes a remarkable quartet alongside Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth, and Queen Victoria – marking the first time since 1999 that Cunard will have four ships in simultaneous service. We are now fully focused on readying her to welcome guests for her maiden voyage on May 3 before she embarks on an historic British Isles Festival Voyage, including a momentous Naming Ceremony in Cunard’s spiritual home of Liverpool on June 3.”

The 3,000-passenger ship will now set sail for Southampton ahead of its seven-night maiden voyage to Lisbon on May 3.

Folgiero added: “We are very pleased and eager to deliver Queen Anne to Cunard, a pioneering figure in luxury sea travel, renowned for setting new standards in oceanic voyages for over 180 years. This beautiful and iconic ship testifies the longstanding partnership between our two companies, underscoring our shared commitment to excellence and tradition in the maritime industry. Queen Anne, as Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth, the other two ships we built for Cunard, proudly bear Fincantieri’s signature, embodying our enduring expertise, reliability, and craftsmanship in shipbuilding.

“Constructing a liner for such a distinguished shipowner not only reconnects us to our origins but propels us towards the future with a determination to blend tradition and innovation. Fincantieri thus confirms its leadership in the cruise shipbuilding sector, a fundamental pillar of the company’s business project, as both the Group’s Business Plan and the vitality of the post-pandemic cruise sector clearly show.”

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• Bolette 1.656 passengers 03 May 2024 - 00:00
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• Amadea 624 passengers 23 May 2024 - 08:00
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• Regal Princess 4.272 passengers 01 Jun 2024 - 08:00
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• Ambition 1.428 passengers 11 Jun 2024 - 09:00
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• Britannia 4.406 passengers 16 Jun 2024 - 00:00
• Jewel Of The Seas 2.573 passengers 18 Jun 2024 - 08:00
• Ambition 1.428 passengers 23 Jun 2024 - 08:00
• ms Nieuw Statendam 3.218 passengers 23 Jun 2024 - 08:00
• Regal Princess 4.272 passengers 24 Jun 2024 - 06:00
• Bolette 1.656 passengers 27 Jun 2024 - 00:00
• Viking Neptune 930 passengers 28 Jun 2024 - 00:00
• Viking Neptune 930 passengers 29 Jun 2024 - 00:00
• Celebrity Silhouette 3.463 passengers 29 Jun 2024 - 09:00
• Seven Seas Mariner 779 passengers 30 Jun 2024 - 08:00
• Ambition 1.428 passengers 04 Jul 2024 - 09:00
• Bolette 1.656 passengers 06 Jul 2024 - 00:00
• Viking Neptune 930 passengers 09 Jul 2024 - 00:00
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• Viking Neptune 930 passengers 10 Jul 2024 - 00:00
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• Jewel Of The Seas 2.573 passengers 26 Jul 2024 - 07:00
• Ambition 1.428 passengers 27 Jul 2024 - 09:00
• Regal Princess 4.272 passengers 30 Jul 2024 - 08:00
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• Ambition 1.428 passengers 01 Aug 2024 - 07:00
• Viking Sky 930 passengers 03 Aug 2024 - 00:00
• Viking Sky 930 passengers 04 Aug 2024 - 00:00

StarsInsider

Voyage through the history of the cruise ship vacation

Posted: 6 January 2024 | Last updated: 6 January 2024

A cruise is one of the most popular vacation options in the world. Passengers board what is effectively a huge floating hotel featuring a wealth of fabulous leisure facilities and amenities, and sail to some of the most desirable global destinations. But how did this industry evolve?

Click through and embark on a voyage through the history of the cruise ship holiday.

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Where it all started

It's suggested that Italy was the likely location of the first leisure excursion in a boat, a voyage we would today call a cruise. Departing Naples (pictured) in June 1833 and carrying European nobility, the vessel toured the Mediterranean before arriving in Constantinople.

P&O founded

P&O—the Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company—was founded in 1837. P&O Cruises was founded in 1977 as a subsidiary of the company. P&O first introduced passenger-cruising services in 1844 to distinguish it with the oldest heritage of any cruise line in the world.

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SS Augusta Victoria

On January 2, 1891, the German vessel  SS Augusta Victoria embarked on a voyage to the Mediterranean and the Near East, a cruise that helped promote this burgeoning leisure product to a wider public.

P&O expands

P&O, meanwhile, underwent a period of rapid expansion in the latter half of the 19th century, introducing round trips to more exotic locations, for example Alexandria and Constantinople. This type of product was the forerunner of the modern cruise vacations.

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Prinzessin Victoria Luise

Prinzessin Victoria Luise was the first purpose-built, non-private excursion ship, constructed for the Hamburg-America Line (HAPAG). She departed Hamburg on her maiden voyage on January 5, 1901, bound for the West Indies via New York.

SS La Bretagne

As the idea of cruising caught on, shipping companies began commissioning larger and more luxurious vessels, primarily for the highly competitive transatlantic route. Pictured is the opulent dining hall of the French vessel SS La Gretagne , owned by Compagnie Générale Transatlantique, which was launched on September 9, 1885.

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Discerning clientele

Journeys that were once considered purely functional were being marketed as now being for pleasure. But the prohibitive cost of a voyage meant that a cruise liner vacation remained a privilege of the wealthy.

The early 20th century saw the likes of Cunard, White Star, and HAPAG becoming the big names in cruising.

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RMS Britannia

The Britannia class was the Cunard Line's initial fleet of wooden paddlers that established the first year-round scheduled Atlantic steamship service in 1840. Pictured is RMS Britannia .

RMS Campania

Launched in September 1892, Cunard's RMS Campania was the largest and fastest passenger liner afloat when she entered service in 1893. She won the coveted Blue Riband for a less-than-six-day dash across the Atlantic Ocean.

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RMS Carpathia

Another Cunard transatlantic passenger steamship, RMS Carpathia  found fame for different reasons. This is the vessel that sailed to the assistance of the stricken RMS Titanic in April 1912, with the crew rescuing 705 survivors from the sunken ship's lifeboats.

RMS Titanic

On April 15, 1912, the British passenger liner RMS Titanic struck an iceberg and sank in the North Atlantic Ocean during her maiden voyage from Southampton to New York City. More than 1,500 people died in the tragedy. Operated by White Star, the loss of the Titanic remains the deadliest peacetime sinking of a superliner or cruise ship.

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More ports of call

The loss of the Titanic did little to dent the public's faith in the burgeoning cruise ship industry. Besides faster transatlantic crossings, passenger liner companies were expanding port of call choice. The Norwegian-American-owned Red Star Line, for example, listed its main ports of call as Antwerp in Belgium, Liverpool and Southampton in the United Kingdom, and New York City and Philadelphia in the United States.

Luxurious facilities

With longer routes came more highly-refined passenger facilities. The first à la carte restaurants appeared on passenger vessels around 1910.

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Leisure amenities

Gilt-edged ballrooms catered to those wishing to dance away the night. For the more sporty, the first top deck swimming pools made their debut around the same time.

The Great War

This palatial parlor room was typical of the sumptuous interiors afforded to passengers in the early 20th century. WWI, however, saw many cruise liners requisitioned by naval authorities involved in the conflict.

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First World War

During the First World War, passenger vessels were used as troop carriers or hospital ships, such as RMS Asturias , pictured here in 1914 departing Le Havre in France. Asturias survived being torpedoed and returned to its original function throughout the 1920s. Other vessels weren't so lucky: Norwegian-owned Fred. Olsen Line alone lost 23 ships in the Great War.

RMS Lusitania

The most high-profile sinking of a passenger liner during the First World War was that of the Cunard liner RMS Lusitania . On May 7, 1915, the vessel was hit by a single torpedo, fired from the German submarine U-20 . It took less than 20 minutes for the Atlantic to claim the ship, with just 761 people surviving out of the 1,266 passengers and 696 crew aboard, with 123 of the casualties being American citizens. Lusitania had not been drafted into the war effort and was following its regular route between Liverpool and New York City. The casualties were all civilians. Its loss contributed to the American entry into the conflict two years later.

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Between the wars

Throughout the 1920s and 1930s, cruise line companies continued to prosper, with destinations more global and defined as "pleasure cruises"—a clear indicator that more and more people were recognizing a cruise as an affordable leisure option.

RMS Laconia

In November 1922, the Cunard-operated RMS Laconia began an around-the-world cruise—the first continuous circumnavigation of the world by a passenger liner, a voyage later dubbed the first world cruise. It marked a triumph for the company, and a milestone in the history of the cruise industry. But 20 years later, Laconia would be involved in one of the most controversial events of the Second World War.

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The Laconia incident

Drawn into service as a troopship during the Second World War, RMS Laconia was torpedoed and sunk by U-156 , a German U-boat, off the coast of West Africa on September 12, 1942. The German vessel immediately commenced recovery operations, an intent broadcast over an open radio channel and picked up by other U-boats and Allied aircraft. After picking up survivors, U-156 set sail to rendezvous with Vichy French ships and transfer the rescued mariners. Soon afterwards, however, the U-boat was attacked by a B-24 Liberator bomber, its aircrew aware of the survivors collected on the foredeck but ordered anyway to bomb the submarine. The B-24 killed dozens of Laconia 's survivors, and the event changed the general attitude of Germany's naval personnel towards rescuing stranded Allied seamen.

The Golden Age

The 1950s are generally regarded as the Golden Age of cruising. And the appeal of taking to water on a luxury ocean-going liner was not lost on the celebrities of the day.Pictured is the SS United States , flagship of the United States Lines, entering New York Harbor on June 23, 1952.

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Alfred Hitchcock

Alfred Hitchcock and film star Jane Wyman (one-time wife of future president Ronald Reagan) are photographed aboard the Cunard liner RMS Queen Mary in 1950 as it leaves Southampton for New York. The Queen Mary is today permanently moored in Long Beach, California, as a floating hotel.

Doris Day, pictured in 1955, is all smiles as she arrives in Southampton, England, on board Cunard's RMS Queen Elizabeth .

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Harry Belafonte

Harry Belafonte, his wife Julie, and their young son David pose for the press at Southampton in 1959 after arriving from New York aboard the RMS Queen Mary .

Cruising into the '60s

Despite stiff competition from airlines, the cruise industry continued to flourish throughout the 1960s. Many of the modern cruise lines were founded during this period, including Princess Cruises in 1965, Norwegian Cruise Line in 1966, Royal Caribbean in 1968, and MSC in 1970. Pictured is the SS Oriana , operated by the Orient Steam Navigation Company, departing Circular Quay in Sydney Harbor on January 6, 1961 to commence a 10-day Pacific cruise.

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Full ahead through the '70s, '80s, and '90s

By the 1970s and 1980s, cruise ship vacations were no longer the sole preserve of the wealthy. And in the wake of this boom in holidays on the high seas came more cruise ships lines: Carnival in 1972; Celebrity Cruises in 1989; and Silversea in 1994. 

Cunard Queens

In 2015, Cunard's three Queens met on the River Mersey in Liverpool to celebrate the company's 175th anniversary—MS Queen Mary 2 , MS Queen Victoria , and MS Queen Elizabeth.

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Wonder of the Seas

Currently, the largest cruise ship in the world is Wonder of the Seas (pictured in May 2022 leaving Marseilles). This vast floating hotel can accommodate 6,988 passengers. Operated by Royal Caribbean International, the vessel is longer than the largest military ships ever built, the US Nimitz -class aircraft carriers.

Sources: (Cruise Market Watch) (Cruise Dialysis) (Smithsonian Magazine) (History) (The Maritime Executive) (Forbes)

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