RMS Queen Mary: The World's Favourite Liner

The Cunard transatlantic liner RMS Queen Mary has been preserved at Long Beach, California as a floating hotel and tourist attraction for more than fifty years. Originally built in 1930, she was an instant success, capturing the Blue Riband for the fastest crossing of the Atlantic and setting the record for the most individuals carried in a single voyage. After her sale to the city of Long Beach, she underwent a major conversion for her new life as a visitor attraction. This new and expanded edition of RMS Queen Mary has been revised and updated to describe the ship's last twenty-five years and incorporates a wealth of new photography.

Format: Unspecified
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 10 November 2023
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

The Cunard transatlantic liner RMS Queen Mary, a vessel renowned for its fame and affection worldwide, has found a new home at Long Beach, California, where it has served as a floating hotel and tourist attraction for over fifty years. This remarkable preservation extends far beyond her 31-year career as an ocean liner, surpassing even her original lifespan.

The construction of Queen Mary commenced in 1930, but it faced significant delays due to the impact of the Great Depression. After years of hard work and determination, the ship was finally completed in 1936, marking a triumphant moment for Cunard. From the outset, Queen Mary achieved remarkable success, securing the prestigious Blue Riband for the fastest crossing of the Atlantic later that year and regaining it in 1938.

During the Second World War, Queen Mary played a vital role as a troop ship, transporting a staggering 810,730 troops and setting the record for the most individuals carried in a single voyage, with 16,683 passengers. By the time she ceased passenger service in 1967, superseded by the airliner as the preferred mode of international travel, Queen Mary had carried nearly three million people, including royalty, politicians, film stars, emigrants, and cruise passengers.

After her sale to the city of Long Beach, Queen Mary underwent a significant transformation to adapt to her new role as a visitor attraction. This process has continued ever since, with the ship serving as a beloved landmark and a testament to the rich history of maritime travel. However, her journey has not been without its challenges, including controversies over management, funding, and even the structural integrity of the vessel itself.

Today, Queen Mary stands as the sole surviving 1930s superliner in the world, a testament to the craftsmanship and engineering of that era. Her enduring legacy has been captured in numerous publications, including the original edition of RMS Queen Mary, the World's Favourite Liner, published in 1994. This new and expanded edition, thoroughly revised and updated, offers a captivating glimpse into the ship's last twenty-five years, featuring a wealth of new photography and stunning illustrations that showcase the ship's construction, voyages, and transformation into a tourist attraction.

In conclusion, the Cunard transatlantic liner RMS Queen Mary is a true icon of maritime history, beloved by millions worldwide. Her preservation at Long Beach, California, as a floating hotel and tourist attraction is a testament to the enduring spirit of adventure and exploration that defines the human spirit. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a traveler seeking a unique experience, or simply someone in awe of the magnificent ships that have sailed the oceans, Queen Mary offers a glimpse into a bygone era that is both fascinating and inspiring.

Weight: 1458g
Dimension: 255 x 298 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399053051