With over 70 years cultural significance behind it, the RMS Queen Elizabeth is the very epitome of glamour and patriotism combined. 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. The outbreak of the Second World War required she launch as an aid to the war effort rather than the luxury liner was intended as. 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. After coming out of the war in pretty much one piece, the Queen Elizabeth was finally able to enjoy her job as a cruise ship across the Atlantic. For over 20 years these magnificent ships sailed the Atlantic symbolising the golden era of the cruise industry for Cunard Cruises.
By the end of the 1960s technology advancements meant to two ships had to look at being retired. With transportation like air travel become more accessible, sea travel needed to become both cheaper and quicker to keep up. 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. Although smaller and cheaper than her predecessor, the QE2 still retained the glamour associated with a Cunard liner allowing her to compete with the air travel industry. 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.
Cunard recently announced that work has started on the next Elizabeth cruise 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.
