The RMS Queen Elizabeth conjures connotation of patriotic glamour and luxury dating back over 70 years and still going strong today. The Queen Victoria was in the process of being built when the American depression halted all work being done on her and she lay derelict for years. After merging with White Star, Cunard was offered a loan to continue the work on the Queen Victoria as well as starting a new ship, the RMS Queen Elizabeth.
The Queen Elizabeths maiden journey was set to offer all the pomp and circumstance her name demanded. With the outbreak of the Second World War, her original designation as a luxury liner was put on hold whilst she aided the war efforts. her unplanned war career was rewarded by Churchill as he credited both her and her sister the Queen Victoria responsible for helping end the war. With the war over and the two ocean liners returned to their original designation as cruise ships. For over 20 years these magnificent ships sailed the Atlantic symbolising the golden era of the cruise industry for Cunard Cruises.
It wasn’t until the end of the 1960′s that both ships were replaced in an attempt to keep up with the times. Planes were not only quicker, but they were a lot cheaper and fitted people lifestyles better too. Launched in 1969 the RMS Queen Elizabeth 2 would go onto become the flagship of Cunard Cruises and one of the most iconic ships in the world. She was designed to be smaller and cheaper and a practical alternative to the ever increasing popular air travel. After being the flag ship of not only Cunard cruises but the epitome of luxury 5 star cruises in general, she was brought by a Dubai investment company in 2007. When the recession caught up with Dubai, the plan to convert her into a luxury floating hotel had to be put on hold indefinitely. As a result, this beautiful ship has been left almost abandoned.
Not long after the sale of the QE2, Cunard announced theyll soon be launched the third Elizabeth ship. With the launch of the MS Queen Elizabeth expected in the autumn of 2010 it’s promised to be the very embodiment of five star cruises and one of the most advanced ships on the water. Said to have the essence of the 1930′s in its interior decor it will exemplify the spirit and the class of its name sake predecessor.
