Cunard Line

Cunard_Line_Logo

Carnival_Corporation_house_flag

House_flag_of_the_Cunard_Line

Sir_Samuel_Cunard

RMS_Britannia_1840_paddlewheel

RMS_Europa

Cunard_Line_New_York_Liverpool_1875

Cunard Line is a British-American cruise line based at Carnival House at Southampton, England, operated by Carnival UK and owned by Carnival Corporation & plc. Since 2011, Cunard and its three ships have been registered in Hamilton, Bermuda.

History[edit | edit source]

The Cunard Line was founded in 1840 by Samuel Cunard, a British shipping magnate. The company initially operated transatlantic passenger and mail services between the United Kingdom and North America. Cunard's first ship, the RMS Britannia, made its maiden voyage in July 1840 from Liverpool to Boston.

Throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, Cunard became known for its luxurious ocean liners, including the RMS Lusitania and RMS Mauretania. The company played a significant role in the development of transatlantic travel and was a major competitor to other shipping lines such as the White Star Line.

Notable Ships[edit | edit source]

RMS Lusitania - Launched in 1906, the Lusitania was one of the fastest and most luxurious ships of its time. It was famously sunk by a German U-boat in 1915 during World War I, an event that contributed to the United States entering the war.
RMS Mauretania - Launched in 1906, the Mauretania held the Blue Riband for the fastest transatlantic crossing for 22 years.
RMS Queen Mary - Launched in 1934, the Queen Mary served as a troopship during World War II and later as a luxury liner. It is now a museum ship in Long Beach, California.
RMS Queen Elizabeth - Launched in 1938, the Queen Elizabeth was the largest passenger liner ever built at the time. It also served as a troopship during World War II.
RMS Queen Elizabeth 2 (QE2) - Launched in 1967, the QE2 was a flagship of the Cunard Line for nearly 40 years and is now a floating hotel in Dubai.

Modern Era[edit | edit source]

In the late 20th century, Cunard faced financial difficulties and underwent several ownership changes. In 1998, the company was acquired by Carnival Corporation & plc. Under Carnival's ownership, Cunard has focused on luxury cruising and operates three ships: Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria, and Queen Elizabeth.

Current Fleet[edit | edit source]

Queen Mary 2 - Launched in 2004, the Queen Mary 2 is the flagship of the Cunard Line and the only ocean liner in service.
Queen Victoria - Launched in 2007, the Queen Victoria is a Vista-class cruise ship.
Queen Elizabeth - Launched in 2010, the Queen Elizabeth is also a Vista-class cruise ship.