Cruising The Past Cruise News

The first civilian casualty of World War II. The passenger ship was the Anchor-Donaldson liner RMS ATHENIA… which was chartered to the Cunard Line. She was sunk without warning west of Scotland by the German submarine U-30. RMS ATHENIA The German U Boat U-30 had been at sea for several days, ... Read More »

AMERICAN BANNER LINES – From a failed pioneering tourist liner to a celebrated university at sea. July 1958 – First Class Trans-Atlantic Crossing $312.  Tourist Class $214.  7 days at sea, 8 nights, transportation and all meals. $40 a day first class and $25 a day tourist class. Times have ... Read More »

The Italian Line’s SS Rex, launched in 1931, held the westbound Blue Ribbon between 1933 and 1935. The ship was elegant and had beautiful public rooms. It was considered one of the most beautiful liners in the world.  The video chronicles the life and death of this great liner.  The ... Read More »

SANTA CLARITA, Calif., May 6, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — Actress Jill Whelan, known as one of the stars of The Love Boat television show, has been named “Celebrations Ambassador” for Princess Cruises, a role that has been created to help spread the message that special occasions become extraordinary when celebrated on one ... Read More »

The Klondike gold rush galvanized the Union Steamship Company to begin operations in Alaska. The company was founded in 1889 by John Darling, the director of a New Zealand shipping company who recognized a great need for a scheduled service that would transport supplies and work crews to various northern ... Read More »

To write the history of the Cunard Line in a few pages is to compress the history of the steamship itself. In 1840 the majority of the world’s deep sea trade was still carried in sailing ships. Steamships were proving themselves in coastal services, but there were few who would ... Read More »

In 1930 the Canadian Pacific’s trans-pacific service reached its zenith with the introduction of the magnificent RMS Empress of Japan. She was a very handsome ship and had magnificent interiors that now are associated with the Empress liners of Canadian Pacific. This mighty ship was delivered to Canadian Pacific in Liverpool ... Read More »

In the late twenties and early thirties, American Airways was created through the acquisition of dozens of smaller airlines throughout the United States. Great video of American Airlines in the 1930s… Like most airlines at the time the company profited by carrying United States mail. In 1934 American Airways Company ... Read More »

Social and Travel History: Alcoa to the Caribbean. When ALCOA operated three passenger cargo liners to the West Indies. Modern ships – elegant yet casual service.  A look to the cruising past. Because of shipping shortages in World War I, Alcoa (formerly the Aluminum Company of America) developed its own ... Read More »

Regal Princess is unmistakably elegant, accomplishing something mainstream cruise ships occasionally struggle with: finding a balance between fun and refinement. The decor is comfortable, with warm tones and plenty of wood and marble. Regal Princes – Love Boat horn! The Piazza, a hallmark of the line, is truly grand; it’s ... Read More »