P&O Cruise Line History: MS Azura will be the newest ship in P&O’s fleet when she sails on her maiden voyage next April, but the cruise line want to make sure she carries on the traditions of the company’s 172-year history.

Photos of life aboard the P&O’s Chusan during the 1950s and 1960s. These are the type of photos P&O is looking for in connection with its historical display aboard the AZURA.

P&O Lines had a very big presence in North America from the late 1950s until the 1970s.  With their famous liners Canberra, Oriana, Arcadia, Himalaya, Chusan, Orades and others.

Of course for a long period P&O owned Princess Cruises until it was bought by Carnival Corp in the early 2000s.

SS Iberia as seen from the SS Chusan. 1960s.

Many Americans and Canadians can join in this search for historical information on the ships.

Officers and Passengers – 1958 – the beginning of the Love Boat? Aboard the Orcades docked in Sydney.

Cunard’s RMS Queen Mary and P&O’s Iberia in New York during the 1960s.

P&O is appealing to travelers and collectors to find souvenirs, keepsakes and mementoes of past voyages so they can be put on display on Azura during her maiden season, and then exhibited as part of a traveling heritage display on the line’s fleet of seven ships.

Family returns from Australia to England aboard the Canberra in the 1960s.

Managing director Carol Marlow said: “P&O Cruises began in 1837 and is proud of its long and illustrious history as Britain’s oldest cruise line. The launch of Azura seemed a fitting time to celebrate this heritage by exhibiting memorabilia and works of art associated with our fleet.

Play this YOUTUBE video of P&O’s SS HIMALAYA – with photos of the famous ship. The ship served on the liner run from the UK to Asia, Australia and the North America. She later cruised from Alaska to the Caribbean. This collection of “cruise history” is what P&O is looking for in connection with their new ship AZURA.

“I am sure that many people have items of historical importance and sentimental relevance which we would love to share with all our passengers and have on loan for Azura’s maiden season.

P&O merged with the Orient Lines.  This is a scene in Hong Kong of the Orcades arriving.

“So whether people have Canberra on camera, images of Iberia or a souvenir from Strathaird or Strathmore, we want to share the stories. Our ships have played a significant part in the shaping of the cruise industry and I am sure that this collection will evoke many memories of cruises past.”

Scenes aboard various P&O liners during the 1960s.  Deck Quoits and Horse Racing.

If you have anything you think might be suitable, send a photograph and a description of the item in an envelope marked “Memorabilia” to Michele Andjel, P&O Cruises, Carnival House, 100 Harbour Parade, Southampton SO15 1ST

Or email it to michele.andjel@carnivalukgroup.com

A P&O dance orchestra on Spanish Night.

But don’t plan on making a fortune by snapping up souvenirs on eBay and selling them to P&O for a profit. The items will be on loan, and your kindness and generosity will be marked by having your name on a card in a glass display case.

British Officer and Indian Steward from Goa aboard P&O.

Young Officers relaxing on the CANBERRA.

P&O’s SS CHUSAN

First Class Lunch Menu on the SS Chusan – 1960s.