Ahoy There!

Things have been quite busy in the last few months, and I apologize for neglecting this blog for as long as I have. I shall endeavor to keep up with it in the future. So in the meantime, here are some lovely photos of old ocean liners. Enjoy!

The Queen Mary's Main Hall

"The Shopping Center of the Queen Mary; here one may buy most everything that would be sold by the exclusive shops on Bond Street, London or Fifth Avenue, New York."

The Queen Mary's Main Hall has changed a little bit over the years, but not a terrible lot. It's still being used for its intended purpose as a shopping center - even 75 years after the maiden voyage.

The arcade contained a "smart haberdashery and clothing shop, a cigar store, a book shop and ship-to-shore telephone booths" for passenger use. In addition, Main Hall also provided access to the library, drawing room, lounge and bar. It had to have been a rather lively area when the ship sailed.

References: The "Queen Mary": A Pictorial Souvenir Of the "World's Largest Floating Palace" - QUEEN MARY (New York: Pier & Ocean Liner News Co., Inc., 1936).

Sir Samuel Cunard: 224 Years Old Today

Your legacy lives on, Sir Samuel!

Snapshot: Olympic & Mauretania

This photo was taken in 1935 and shows two former rivals at anchor - the White Star Line's Olympic and Cunard's Mauretania - shortly before going to the breakers that same year. Following the creation of the Cunard White Star Line in 1934, both aged ships were retired to make way for such new liners as the unfinished Queen Mary and planned Queen Elizabeth.

Mauretania went to Rosyth and Olypmic to Jarrow. The demolition of these two ships provided plenty of employment opportunities for these poverty-stricken areas.

Happy Birthday to Queen Elizabeth!

It was 73 years ago today that the RMS Queen Elizabeth was launched by HM Queen Elizabeth (consort to HM King George VI), in the company their Royal Highnesses Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret. This ship was the highly anticipated running mate to the popular Queen Mary (launched four years prior).

The Queen Elizabeth, however, was a different ship than her older sister - and larger too. Building the Mary had allowed the shipbuilders to test new ideas and refine their methods. The effect? Elizabeth was the most technologically advanced liner in the world at that time.

The start of Lizzie's passenger service was interrupted, however, by World War II. She was secretly sailed out of Britain to New York - arriving in March 1940. She and Mary would transport over 1 million soldiers to all corners of the globe before resuming their intended careers as passenger liners.

Together, the two Cunard Queens ruled the transatlantic trade and remain two of the most famously popular ships in the world.

Happy Birthday to Queen Mary!

It was 77 years ago today that RMS Queen Mary was launched by HM Queen Mary (consort of HM King George V) at the John Brown Shipyard in Clydebank, Scotland. It was a true triumph for the British in the darkening days of the 1930s. She really was a symbol of Britain's maritime power.

The Queen Mary began life as Job #534 in December 1930, although construction halted a year later due to the Great Depression hitting Europe. Securing a loan from the British government, work resumed in 1934 which culminated in one of the most anticipated launches in maritime history.

Today the ship lays at anchor in Long Beach, California - a stunning, solitary reminder of the bygone age of transatlantic ocean travel and majestically big ships.

Snapshot: The Mauretania's Funnels

These two photos (which I do not own, for the record) show the funnel construction for the second Mauretania, launched in 1938. She was the first ship ordered by the newly formed Cunard White Star Line.

These pictures were taken while the ship was being constructed at the Cammell Laird shipyard in Birkenhead, England - right across the River Mersey from Liverpool.

Newsreels on Queen Mary, Queen Elizabeth, Mauretania and Aquitania in World War II

The Cunard Line has played a role in transporting soldiers across the sea since the Crimean War in 1853, and World War II was no exception. The once-glamorous passenger ships were quickly transformed - camouflaged and armed - for the new task of trooping.


This collection of newsreels will show how the most famous ships in the world were pressed into service and took part in the overall Allied war effort.

The Commodore & the Banana Boat

The allure of the sea is too strong for some mariners, such as the late Commodore Geoffrey Marr. His association with the Cunard Line ended after a lifetime at sea and he settled into a well-deserved retirement at his home in England.

But it did not last long. Captain Bob Arnott (most famously of the QE2) describes what happened in his book, Captain of the Queen:

When he retired, Geoffrey quickly became bored and generally disenchanted with life ashore. And after a Cunard career culminating in command of the great Queens, he signed on as second mate of a banana boat. His fellow officers on the West India freighter knew all about their second mate's illustrious past, and used to call him "The Commodore."

There may have been a reason as to why Marr chose a banana boat.

After graduating from the training ship HMS Conway in 1924, his first job was with a company called Elders and Fyffes - "banana specialists," as the Commodore called them. It seems possible that perhaps his new, post-Cunard assignment reminded him of his earliest days at sea. But this is purely speculation on my part.


References: Captain Robert Harry Arnott, Captain of the Queen: The autobiography of the most famous sea captain of them all. (London: Quadrant Books, 1982), 126.

Commodore Geoffrey Marr, The Queens and I: The Autobiography of the Captain of the Queen Mary and the Last Captain of the Queen Elizabeth (London: Adlard Coles Limited, 1973), 13.

Cunard's Newest Commodore

Commodore Bernard Warner's successor was named on April 21, 2011: Captain Christopher Rynd.

He began his career in 1970 at the age of 17 and earned his Master's certificate nine years later. Commodore Rynd served several years with the P&O Line and Princess Cruises before joining Cunard. He joins an elite group of mariners that include such illustrious names as Sir Arthur Rostron (who steamed the Carpathia to the Titanic's survivors on April 15, 1912), Sir James Bisset, Geoffrey Marr and Ronald W. Warwick.

Although I've never sailed under him, I have had the pleasure of meeting Commodore Rynd twice: both in February 2011.

The first was aboard the famous Queen Mary in Long Beach, California. I met him and his wife, Julie, in the ship's Main Hall. I presented them with a few gifts and then offered to show them around the After Engine Room for a bit. They agreed and both seemed to enjoy themselves tremendously. Then-Captain Rynd was even so kind as to autograph a photo for me (see above)!

The second time was aboard the Queen Victoria about a week later. One of my co-workers was able to get both of us aboard through a contact with Cunard. I didn't expect to run into Captain Rynd at all, actually. We were shown all around the ship - and oh what a beauty she is! We were even invited up to the bridge at the end! The officer met us on Deck 3, I think it was, and took us up. As we walked through the corridor of offices, I noticed the Deputy Captain in his office and thought it'd be funny if we happened to run into Captain Rynd. As it turns out, his door was opened and he asked our guide what was going on. He said he was giving some guests a tour.

"Oh really? Who've you got?" I peeked my head around the door. "Oh Zach! It's so good to see you!" I could tell he was pleasantly surprised. We chatted for a few moments, then told me to stop back by his office after our tour. We did so, and he presented my friend and I with "White Star Service" pins, but also gave me a watch that was only available to Queen Victoria crew members. I thanked him tremendously for this great gift.

I sincerely wish the best of luck to Commodore Rynd in his new role! Cunard has made an excellent choice.


References: "Cunard Line Announces New Commodore: Captain Christopher Rynd joins the elite group of Cunard Masters," Cunard.com, April 21, 2011, under Cunard News, http://www.cunard.com/About-Cunard-Line/News-Room/Cunard-News/?art=7405 (accessed April 28, 2011).

Commodore Bernard Warner Retires

Commodore Bernard Warner retired from the Cunard Line on April 19, 2011 after more than 40 years at sea.

Samuel Warwick (son of Commodore Ronald W. Warwick and grandson of Commodore William E. Warwick) has put together a rather nice summary of Commodore Warner's career at sea; I highly suggest taking a look. He has certainly lived an interesting life!

He will be missed by all those who sailed under him. I've never had the pleasure of meeting him, but from I read he is one of the nicest men to have ever donned the Cunard uniform.

Good luck to you, Commodore Warner!

When Victoria Met Mary

March 3, 2011 marked a rather historic event: the Queen Victoria visited the legendary Queen Mary at her retirement berth in Long Beach, California. Hundreds of people gathered at the old liner's stern to catch a glimpse of this new Cuanrd Queen.

The Victoria departed from Berth 93 in nearby San Pedro at around 5:00 in the evening and arrived at the Mary close to 6:10. She was greeted with fireworks as she drew nearer, which were shot out of the funnels at times - as well as from the pier and rocks surrounding the ship. It was a most impressive display! What followed then was a whistle exchange with the Queen Victoria initiating. The two ships bellowed back and forth at each other across the water, which proved to be a rather moving experience! It seemed that Mary and Victoria were really speaking to each other. A music program followed, which concluded with an impressive barrage of fireworks that sent everyone looking upwards in awe.

With that, the Queen Victoria turned around in place (something that the Mary could never do by herself!) and headed back out to open sea. It was definitely a magical experience for those who attended!

God save the Queens!

Reception Aboard the New Queen Elizabeth

After the new Queen Elizabeth docked in Los Angeles for the first time on January 29, 2011 a special reception was held on board the new Cunarder. Everette Hoard, my dear friend who let me wear Commodore Geoffrey Marr's uniform, presented Captain Julian Burgess with a special plaque on behalf of the Steamship Historical Society of America. His speech was eloquently moving by all accounts, and was a splendid example of the bond that exists between ships and the people who truly love them.


Front row: Los Angeles Councilwoman Janice Hahn; Captain Julian Burgess; British Consul-General Dame Babara Hay

Back row: Dr. Scott Gray, San Pedro CVB; Christopher Chase, Port of Los Angeles; James Callahan, Metro Ports; Everette Hoard, Steamship Historical Society

The New Queen Elizabeth in Los Angeles

The new Cunarder Queen Elizabeth arrived in Los Angeles for the first time early this morning. My friend and I arrived early in an attempt to see her dock, but she had already done so by the time we got down there (at 6:45 am). Being the amateur photographer and nautical nerd that I am, I took a tremendous amount of pictures of the new Lizzie.

There weren't very many people out and about when we first arrived - both on land and the ship. Through my binoculars, however, I saw an officer on the bridge looking over something while drinking a cup of tea. After my friend and I checked out the nearby Lane Victory (a WWII-era Liberty ship), however, the terminal was buzzing with activity and a helicopter circled around the Elizabeth and undoubtedly filming a segment for the local news. It isn't, after all, just everyday that a ship makes its maiden call at a port.

Sad Irony

What's sadly ironic about this cartoon? The fact that the Lusitania would be at the bottom of the Celtic Sea in a mere two months.

I won't go into the issues involved with the sinking, or whether or not the Lucy was a legitimate target of war. This image just struck me in a certain way...so much so that I felt I had to point it out.

Commodore Marr & Myself

On January 15, 2011 I was given the great and rare privilege to wear the late Commodore Geoffrey Marr's uniform. He was the last master of the RMS Queen Elizabeth, and sailed the ship to her berths in Florida and later Hong Kong. Shortly after his retirement from Cunard, Commodore Marr went back to sea as Second Mate aboard a banana boat; the allure of the ocean is too strong for some people. He passed away on March 4, 1997 and was ultimately buried at sea.

This particular uniform (Marr had several) is in the possession of my good friend, Everette Hoard, who actually knew the Commodore in his later years. He mentioned to me one day that the coat would probably fit me, which really got this idea underway. It turns out, actually, that the coat fits me perfectly and my friend was gracious enough to take a few photos for me.

Everette says that "there's a certain kind of magic about that uniform," and he is completely right. As soon as I slipped it on I instantly felt a connection to Commodore Marr and his life. I think it's amazing how certain objects can hold such power and significance; and it makes sense in this case. This uniform represents Commodore Marr's entire life and career; from his early days aboard the HMS Conway to chasing down the Battleship Bismarck aboard the HMS King George V to commanding the RMS Queen Elizabeth. All this and more is symbolized by this old jacket and hat.

It truly was an experience that I'll never forget for as long as I live. I don't think that I could ever convey enough thanks to Everette for letting me do what I did.

Royal Rendezvous: Part II

The Royal Rendezvous was thoroughly celebrated by New York City. Not only was there the magnificent fireworks display this evening; Mayor Michael Bloomberg declared January 13, 2011 to be "Cunard Royal Rendezvous Day." The famous Empire State Building was illuminated in red and the New York Stock Exchange was closed with ringing from one of the original Queen Elizabeth's bells.

This event was quite similar to the one held in 2008 when the Queen Elizabeth 2 was still in service. Today marked the new Elizabeth's maiden entry into New York.

References: Patrick McGeehan, "Cruise Passenger Spending in City Is Up Sharply," The New York Times, January 14, 2011, under N.Y./Region, http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/14/nyregion/14cruise.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=queen%20mary%202&st=cse (accessed January 13, 2011).

Royal Rendezvous: Part I

The Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth, and Queen Victoria have all docked in New York Harbor today for a very special event. This is only the second time in the Cunard Line's history that the entire fleet has been berthed in New York Harbor, and the city intends to celebrate this rare occurrence with a tremendous fireworks display by the Statue of Liberty.

Queen Victoria and the Queen Elizabeth, which are docked at Piers 88 and 90, will leave their berths later this evening in order to meet up with their much larger sister, Queen Mary 2. All three will appear together for the fireworks show, which is set to begin at around 6:45 tonight.


References: Kathy Carvajal, "Maritime 'Queens' Dock In New York," MyFOXNY.com, under "Local News: Manhattan," http://www.myfoxny.com/dpp/news/local_news/manhattan/maritime-queens-dock-in-new-york-20110113-KC (accessed January 13, 2011).

"A Grand Celebration at Sea" at the 2011 Rose Parade

The Tournament of Roses - more commonly referred to as the Rose Parade - has become a New Year's Day tradition since its first inception in the 1890s. Marching bands and equestrians from all over converge on Pasadena, California to take part of this special event. It is the floats, however, that makes the parade really stick out. Using nothing but flower petals to decorate these masterpieces, countless volunteers have created designs that are truly unique and out of this world.

This year marked the Cunard Line's debut in the Rose Parade. Their float, entitled "A Grand Celebration at Sea," turned many heads as it rolled down Colorado Boulevard. Although smaller than most floats at 55 feet in length, 24 feet high and 18 feet wide, it was nevertheless elegant and beautifully designed. Cunard's entry won, appropriately enough, the Queen's Trophy for the best use of roses. How can one beat that?


References: "Cunard Wins Queen's Trophy in the 122nd Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade," Cunard, January 2, 2011, under "News Room," http://www.cunard.com/About-Cunard-Line/News-Room/Cunard-News/?art=6560 (accessed January 2, 2011).

"The Green Goddess" & Captain Sorrell

Captain Donald Sorrell was utterly amazed when he saw the RMS Caronia for the first time. He noted her huge funnel, sleek lines and unique green livery - which would soon earn her the nickname of "The Green Goddess." It was "the proudest moment of my career," her master noted. "To me had been entrusted the charge of this 34,000-ton luxury liner, which was insured for over four million pounds."

With her maiden voyage at hand, Captain Sorrell marvels at the Caronia's many sophisticated features:

Not a penny had been spared in her building; to Britons, still struggling under Sir Stafford Cripps's austerity régime, she was magnificent. Some of the younger members of my crew, all of whom were hand-picked, had never seen anything like it. There were six 45-foot motor-launches for cruising and two outside swimming pools. She had ten decks with thirteen public rooms and two restaurants, a cinema with seats for three hundred and a first-rate gymnasium with a qualified instructor. There was also a laundry large enough to cope with all passengers' washing, and the white uniforms of the crew which needed changing at least once, or sometimes twice and even three times a day in very hot weather.

There was only one refinement I didn't appreciate. Cunard had done me a special favour. Mine was the only bathroom on the ship to be fitted with fresh water. And I was probably the only person on
the ship who preferred salt-water baths!

With the bath aside, however, Captain Sorrell seems to have been pleased with his new ship and her amenities.

References: Sylvia Duncan and Peter Duncan, The Sea My Steed: The Personal Story of Captain Donald Sorrell (London: Robert Hale Limited, 1960), 151-152.