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The following is a list of ships operated by the Cunard Line.
The Cunard fleet, all built for Cunard unless otherwise indicated, consisted of the following ships in order of acquisition: [1]
All ships of this period had wooden hulls and paddle wheels.
Ship | Built | In service for Cunard | Type | GRT | Notes | Image |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Unicorn | 1836 | 1840–1845 | Express | 650 | Coastal steamer purchased for Montreal service, sold 1846 | |
Britannia | 1840 | 1840–1849 | Express | 1,150 | Eastbound record holder, sold to North German Navy 1849 | |
Acadia | 1840 | 1840–1849 | Express | 1,150 | Sold to North German Navy 1849 | |
Caledonia | 1840 | 1840–1850 | Express | 1,138 [2] | Sold to Spanish Navy 1850 | |
Columbia | 1841 | 1840–1843 | Express | 1,150 | Blue Riband, wrecked 1843 without loss of life | |
Hibernia | 1843 | 1843–1850 | Express | 1,422 [2] | Eastbound record holder, sold to Spanish Navy 1850 | |
Cambria | 1845 | 1844–1860 | Express | 1,423 [2] | Blue Riband, sold to Italian owners 1860 | |
Margaret | 1839 | 1842–1872 | Express | 750 | Bought from G & J Burns. Sold in 1856 for use as a coal hulk. | |
America | 1848 | 1848–1866 | Express | 1,826 [2] | Blue Riband, sold 1863 and converted to sail, scrapped 1875 | |
Niagara | 1848 | 1848–1866 | Express | 1,824 [2] | Sold 1866 and converted to sail, wrecked 1875 | |
Satellite | 1848 | 1848–1902 | Tender | 175 | Scrapped in 1902 | |
Europa | 1848 | 1848–1866 | Express | 1,834 [2] | Blue Riband, sold 1867 | |
Canada | 1848 | 1848–1867 | Express | 1,831 [2] | Eastbound record holder, sold 1866 and converted to sail, scrapped 1883 | |
Asia | 1850 | 1850–1867 | Express | 2,250 | Blue Riband, sold 1868, scrapped 1883 | |
Africa | 1850 | 1850–1868 | Express | 2,250 | Sold 1868 |
Only Arabia had a wooden hull and only Arabia, Persia, Shamrock, Jackal and Scotia had paddle wheels.
Ship | Built | In service for Cunard | Type | GRT | Notes | Image |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Shamrock | 1847 | 1851–1854 | Intermediate | 714 | Sold in 1854 | |
Arabia | 1852 | 1852–1864 | Express | 2,400 | Sold 1864 and converted to sail, sank 1868 [3] | |
Andes | 1852 | 1852–1859 | Intermediate | 1,400 | Sold to Spanish Government 1859 | |
Alps | 1852 | 1852–1859 | Intermediate | 1,400 | Sold to Spanish Government 1859 | |
Karnak | 1853 | 1853–1862 | Intermediate | 1,116 | Wrecked 1862 | |
Melita | 1853 | 1853–1861 | Intermediate | 1,254 | Sold 1855 | |
Jackal | 1853 | 1853–1893 | Tender | 180 | Scrapped in 1893. | |
Delta | 1853 | 1854–1899 | Intermediate | 645 | Sold [4] | |
Curlew | 1853 | 1853–1856 | Intermediate | 523 | Wrecked 1856 | |
Jura | 1854 | 1854–1861 | Intermediate | 2,200 | Sold to Allan Line 1860, wrecked off Liverpool 1864 [3] | |
Etna | 1855 | 1855–1860 | Intermediate | 2,200 | Sold to Inman Line 1860, scrapped 1896 [3] | |
Emeu | 1854 | 1854-1858 | Intermediate | 1,538 | Purchased from Australasian Pacific Mail in 1855. Chartered in 1857 to European & Australasian Pacific Mail, then sold to P&O in 1858. Troop transport in the Crimean War. | |
Persia | 1856 | 1856–1868 | Express | 3,300 | Blue Riband, taken out of service 1868 and scrapped 1872 | |
Stromboli | 1856 | 1859–1878 | Intermediate | 734 | Wrecked 1878 | |
Italian | 1855 | 1855–1864 | Intermediate | 784 | Sold 1864 | |
Lebanon | 1854 | 1855–1859 | Intermediate | 1,000 | Sold 1870 | |
Palestine | 1858 | 1858–1870 | Intermediate | 1,000 | Sold 1870 | |
Australasian Calabria | 1857 | 1859–1876 | Intermediate | 2,700 | Built for other owners, sold 1876, scrapped 1898 [3] | |
Atlas | 1860 | 1860–1896 | Intermediate | 2,393 | Lengthened and re-engined in 1873, scrapped 1896 [3] | |
Damascus | 1860 | 1856-1860 | Intermediate | 1,213 | Sold 1881 | |
Kedar | 1860 | 1860–1897 | Intermediate | 1,783 | Scrapped 1897 | |
Balbec | 1852 | 1853–1884 | Intermediate | 1,783 | Scrapped 1884 | |
Marathon | 1860 | 1860–1898 | Intermediate | 2,403 | scrapped 1898 | |
Morocco | 1861 | 1861–1896 | Intermediate | 1,855 | Scrapped 1896 | |
China | 1862 | 1862–1880 | Intermediate | 2,638 | Sold to Spanish Government 1880 | |
British Queen | 1849 | 1852–1898 | Intermediate | 772 | Scrapped 1898 | |
Scotia | 1862 | 1862–1878 | Express | 3,850 | Blue Riband, Cunard's last paddle steamer, sold 1878 and converted to cable layer. Wrecked 1904 [3] | |
Hecla | 1863 | 1860–1881 | Intermediate | 1,785 | Sold 1881 | |
Alpha | 1863 | 1863–1869 | Intermediate | 653 | Sold 1869 | |
Sidon | 1863 | 1861–1885 | Intermediate | 1,872 | wrecked 1885 | |
Corscia | 1863 | 1863–1867 | Intermediate | 1,134 | Sold 1868 | |
Olympus | 1863 | 1860–1881 | Intermediate | 1,794 | Sold 1881 | |
Tripoli | 1863 | 1863–1872 | Intermediate | 2,057 | Wrecked on Tuskar Rock, Wexford 1872 | |
Cuba | 1864 | 1864–1876 | Express | 2,700 | Sold 1876 and converted to sail, wrecked 1887 [3] | |
Aleppo | 1865 | 1865–1909 | Intermediate | 2,056 | Scrapped 1909 [3] | |
Java | 1865 | 1865–1877 | Express | 2,700 | Sold 1878 to Red Star Line, and renamed Zeeland, lost at sea 1895 [3] | |
Palmyra | 1866 | 1866–1896 | Intermediate | 2,044 | Scrapped 1896 | |
Malta | 1866 | 1865–1889 | Intermediate | 2,132 | Wrecked 1899 | |
Russia | 1867 | 1867–1879 | Express | 2,950 | Sold to Red Star Line 1880 and renamed Waesland. Resold and renamed Philadelphia, sank after a collision 1902 [3] | |
Siberia | 1867 | 1867–1880 | Intermediate | 2,550 | Sold to Spanish owners 1880, renamed Manila, wrecked 1882 [3] | |
Samaria | 1868 | 1868–1902 | Intermediate | 2,550 | Sold 1892 |
Ship | Built | In service for Cunard | Type | GRT | Notes | Image |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Batavia | 1870 | 1870–1888 | Intermediate | 2,550 | Traded in for Oregon 1884, scrapped 1924 | |
Abyssinia | 1870 | 1870–1880 | Express | 3,250 | Sold to Guion Line 1880, destroyed by fire at sea 1891 [3] | |
Algeria | 1870 | 1870–1881 | Express | 3,250 | Sold to Red Star Line 1881, scrapped 1903 [3] | |
Parthia | 1870 | 1870–1884 | Intermediate | 3,150 | Traded in for Oregon 1884, scrapped 1956 | |
Beta | 1873 | 1874–1888 | intermediate | 1,070 | Sold 1889 | |
Bothnia | 1874 | 1874–1899 | Express | 4,550 | Sold 1896, scrapped 1899 | |
Saragossa | 1874 | 1874–1909 | Intermediate | 2,263 | Sold 1880, scrapped 1909 | |
Nantes | 1874 | 1873–1888 | Intermediate | 1,473 | Sank in 1888 [5] | |
Brest | 1874 | 1874–1879 | Intermediate | 1,472 | Wrecked in 1879 | |
Cherbourg | 1875 | 1875–1909 | intermediate | 1,614 | Scrapped 1909 | |
Scythia | 1875 | 1875–1899 | Express | 4,550 | Sold for scrap 1898 [3] | |
Gallia | 1879 | 1879–1897 | Express | 4,550 | Sold to Beaver Line 1897, scrapped 1900 [3] | |
Otter | 1880 | 1880–1920 | Tender | 287 | Sold in 1920. | |
Catalonia | 1881 | 1881–1901 | Intermediate | 4,850 | Requisitioned for use in the Second Boer War, scrapped 1901 | |
Cephalonia | 1882 | 1882–1900 | Intermediate | 5,500 | Sold to Russian Navy 1900, sunk Port Arthur 1904 [3] during the Russo-Japanese War | |
Pavonia | 1882 | 1882–1900 | Intermediate | 5,500 | Sold and scrapped 1900 [3] | |
Servia | 1881 | 1881–1902 | Express | 7,400 | First Cunarder with a steel hull and electric lights, scrapped 1902 | |
Aurania | 1883 | 1883–1905 | Express | 7,250 | Sold and scrapped 1905 [3] | |
Oregon | 1883 | 1884–1886 | Express | 7,400 | Blue Riband, built for Guion Line, purchased by Cunard 1884, sank 1886 without loss of life | |
Umbria | 1884 | 1884–1910 | Express | 7,700 | Blue Riband, with Etruria one of the two last Cunarders to carry sails, scrapped 1910 [3] | |
Etruria | 1884 | 1885–1909 | Express | 7,700 | Blue Riband, with Umbria one of the two last Cunarders to carry sails, scrapped 1910 [3] | |
Skirmisher | 1884 | 1884–1945 | Tender | 612 | Scrapped in 1947 | |
Campania | 1893 | 1893–1914 | Express | 12,900 | Blue Riband, sold to Royal Navy 1914 and converted to aircraft carrier HMS Campania, sank 1918 [3] | |
Lucania | 1893 | 1893–1909 | Express | 12,900 | Blue Riband, scrapped after fire 1909 | |
Sylvania | 1895 | 1895–1910 | Cargo ship | 5,598 | sold in 1910 | |
Carinthia | 1895 | 1895–1900 | Cargo ship | 5,598 | Used as a troop transport in the Boer War. Wrecked off Haiti in 1900 | |
Pavia | 1897 | 1897–1928 | Cargo ship | 2,945 | scrapped in 1928 | |
Tyria | 1897 | 1897–1928 | Cargo ship | 2,936 | sold in 1928 | |
Cypria | 1898 | 1898–1928 | Cargo ship | 2,396 | scrapped in 1928 | |
Veria | 1899 | 1899–1915 | Cargo ship | 3,229 | sunk by a torpedo 1915 | |
Ultonia | 1899 | 1898–1917 | Intermediate | 10,400 | Sunk by SM U-53 1917 | |
Ivernia | 1900 | 1900–1917 | Intermediate | 14,250 | Sunk by SM UB-47 1917 | |
Saxonia | 1900 | 1900–1925 | Intermediate | 14,250 | Scrapped 1925 |
Ship | Built | In service for Cunard | Type | GRT | Notes | Image |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Brescia | 1903 | 1903–1931 | Cargo ship | 3,225 | Scrapped in 1931. | |
Carpathia | 1903 | 1903–1918 | Intermediate | 13,600 | Rescued survivors from Titanic, later sunk by SM U-55 1918. | |
Slavonia | 1903 | 1903–1909 | Intermediate | 10,606 | Wrecked 1909. | |
Pannonia | 1903 | 1903–1914 | Intermediate | 9,851 | Chartered by Anchor Line 1914 for 4 trips, scrapped 1922. | |
Caronia | 1905 | 1905–1932 | Intermediate | 19,650 | Scrapped 1932. | |
Carmania | 1905 | 1905–1932 | Intermediate | 19,650 | Scrapped 1932. | |
Lusitania | 1907 | 1907–1915 | Express | 31,550 | Blue Riband, sunk by U-20 1915. | |
Mauretania | 1907 | 1907–1934 | Express | 31,938 | Blue Riband, scrapped 1935. | |
Lycia | 1896 | 1909–1917 | Cargo ship | 2,715 | Captured by SM UC-65 and sunk by bombs 1917 | |
Phrygia | 1900 | 1909–1928 | Cargo ship | 3,352 | Sold in 1928 and scrapped in 1933. | |
Thracia | 1895 | 1909–1917 | Cargo ship | 2,891 | Sunk by SM UC-69 1917 | |
Franconia | 1911 | 1911–1916 | Intermediate | 18,100 | Sunk by SM UB-47 1916 | |
Albania | 1900 | 1911–1912 | Intermediate | 7,650 | Built for Thompson Line, purchased by Cunard 1911, sold to Bank Line 1912, scrapped 1930 [3] | |
Ausonia | 1909 | 1911–1918 | Intermediate | 7,907 | Ex-Tortona built for Thompson Line, purchased by Cunard 1911, sunk by SM U-62 30 May 1918. | |
Ascania | 1911 | 1911–1918 | Intermediate | 9,100 | Wrecked 1918 | |
Caria | 1900 | 1911–1915 | Cargo ship | 3,023 | Sunk by U boat in 1915 | |
Laconia | 1912 | 1912–1917 | Intermediate | 18,100 | Sunk by SM U-50 1917 | |
Andania | 1913 | 1913–1918 | Intermediate | 13,400 | Sunk by SM U-46 1918 | |
Alaunia | 1913 | 1913–1916 | Intermediate | 13,400 | Sunk by mine 1916 | |
Aquitania | 1914 | 1914–1950 | Express | 45,647 | Served in both world wars, longest serving Cunard liner until Scythia in 1956, scrapped 1950 | |
Transylvania | 1914 | 1914–1917 | Intermediate | 14,348 | Sunk by U-63 in 1917 | |
Orduna | 1914 | 1914–1921 | Intermediate | 15,700 | Built for PSN Co, acquired by Cunard 1914, returned to PSN 1921, scrapped 1951 | |
Volodia | 1913 | 1915–1917 | Cargo ship | 5,689 | Sunk SM U-93 1917 | |
Vandalia | 1912 | 1915–1918 | Cargo ship | 7,334 | Sunk by U boat in 1918 | |
Vinovia | 1906 | 1915–1917 | Cargo ship | 7,046 | Sunk by U boat 1917 | |
Valeria | 1913 | 1915-1918 | Cargo ship | 5.865 | caught fire in 1918 no casualties but the ship was a total loss. | |
Aurania | 1916 | 1916–1918 | Intermediate | 13,400 | Sunk by SM UB-67 in 1918 | |
Valacia | 1916 | 1916–1931 | Cargo ship | 6,526 | Sold in 1931 Later sunk by U-103 in 1941. | |
Royal George | 1907 | 1916–1920 | Intermediate | 11,142 | Ex Heliopolis Served on the Liverpool to New York route. Scrapped 1922. | |
Justicia | 1917 | Never operated | Intermediate | 32,120 | Acquired from the Holland America Line but never operated for Cunard due to a crew shortage, and was handed over to the White Star Line. | |
Feltria | 1891 | 1916–1917 | Intermediate | 2,254 | Sunk by UC-48 in 1917. | |
Flavia | 1902 | 1916–1918 | Intermediate | 9,285 | Sunk by U-107 In 1918. | |
Folia | 1907 | 1916–1917 | Intermediate | 6,560 | Sunk by U-53 in 1917. |
Ship | Built | In service for Cunard | Type | GRT | Notes | Image |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Virgilia | 1918 | 1919–1925 | Cargo ship | 5,697 | Sold in 1925. | |
Vindelia | 1918 | 1919-1919 | Cargo ship | 4,430 | Sold to Anchor Line 1919. | |
Verentia | 1918 | 1919-1919 | Cargo ship | 4,430 | Sold to Anchor Line 1919. | |
Vitellia | 1918 | 1919–1926 | Cargo ship | 5,185 | Sold 1926. | |
Vardulia | 1917 | 1919–1926 | Cargo ship | 5,691 | Sold in 1929 later sunk in 1935. | |
Verbania | 1918 | 1919–1926 | Cargo ship | 5,021 | Sold 1926. | |
Vennonia | 1918 | 1919–1923 | Cargo ship | 4,430 | Sold 1923. | |
Vasconia | 1918 | 1919–1927 | Cargo ship | 5,680 | Sold to Japan 1927. | |
Venusia | 1918 | 1919–1926 | Cargo ship | 5,223 | Sold 1923. | |
Vauban | 1912 | 1919–1922 | Intermediate | 10,660 | Chartered from Lamport & Holt Line for six voyages, scrapped 1932. [3] | |
Vestris | 1912 | 1919–1922 | Intermediate | 10,494 | Chartered from Lamport & Holt Line for six voyages, Wrecked in 1928. | |
Vasari | 1908 | 1919–1921 | Intermediate | 8,401 | Chartered from Lamport & Holt Line for seven voyages | |
Vellavia | 1918 | 1919–1925 | Cargo ship | 5,272 | Sold in 1925. | |
Albania | 1920 | 1920–1930 | Intermediate | 12,750 | Sold to Libera Triestina 1930 and renamed California, sunk by Fleet Air Arm Swordfish [3] | |
Satellite | 1896 | 1920–1924 | Tender | 333 | Scrapped in 1924. | |
Berengaria | 1913 | 1921–1938 | Express | 52,117 | Built by Hapag as Imperator, purchased by Cunard 1921, sold for scrap 1938 | |
Scythia | 1921 | 1921–1958 | Intermediate | 19,700 | Longest serving liner until QE2 in 2005, scrapped 1958 | |
Cameronia | 1921 | 1921–1924 | Intermediate | 16,365 | Chartered from the Anchor Line | |
Emperor Of India | 1914 | 1921-1921 | Intermediate | 11,430 | Chartered from P&O for one voyage. | |
Empress Of India | 1907 | 1921-1921 | Intermediate | 16,992 | Chartered from Canadian and Pacific line for two voyages. | |
Andania | 1921 | 1921–1940 | Intermediate | 13,900 | Sunk by UA 1940. | |
Samaria | 1922 | 1922–1955 | Intermediate | 19,700 | Scrapped 1955 | |
Vandyck | 1921 | 1922–1922 | Intermediate | 13,234 | Chartered from Lamport Holt line for 1 voyage | |
Laconia | 1922 | 1922–1942 | Intermediate | 19,700 | Sunk by U-156 1942 | |
Saturnia | 1910 | 1922–1924 | Cargo liner | 8,611 | Chartered from Donaldson Line | |
Antonia | 1922 | 1922–1942 | Intermediate | 13,900 | Sold to Admiralty 1942, scrapped 1948 [3] | |
Ausonia | 1922 | 1922–1942 | Intermediate | 13,900 | Sold to Admiralty 1942, scrapped 1965 [3] | |
Lancastria | 1922 | 1922–1940 | Intermediate | 16,250 | Built as Tyrrhenia, sunk by bombing 1940 | |
Athenia | 1923 | 1923–1935 | Intermediate | 13,465 | Transferred to Anchor Donaldson, sunk by U-30 1939 [3] | |
Lotharingia | 1923 | 1923–1933 | Tender | 1,256 | Sold in 1933 | |
Alsatia | 1923 | 1923–1933 | Tender | 1,310 | Sold in 1933 | |
Franconia | 1923 | 1923–1956 | Intermediate | 20,200 | Scrapped 1956 | |
Aurania | 1924 | 1924–1942 | Intermediate | 14,000 | Sold to Admiralty 1942, scrapped 1961 [3] | |
Cassandra | 1924 | 1924–1929 | Cargo liner | 8,135 | Chartered from Donaldson Line, sold 1929, scrapped 1934 [3] | |
Carinthia | 1925 | 1925–1940 | Ocean liner | 20,200 | Sunk by U-46 1940 | |
Letitia | 1925 | 1925–1935 | Intermediate | 13,475 | Transferred to Anchor Donaldson 1935 | |
Ascania | 1925 | 1925–1956 | Intermediate | 14,000 | Scrapped 1956 | |
Alaunia | 1925 | 1925–1944 | Intermediate | 14,000 | Sold to Admiralty 1944, scrapped 1957. | |
Tuscania | 1921 | 1926–1931 | Intermediate | 16,991 | Chartered from the Anchor Line. | |
Bantria | 1928 | 1928-1954 | Cargo ship | 2,402 | Sold to Costa Line 1954 and renamed Giorgina Celli. | |
Bactria | 1928 | 1928–1954 | Cargo ship | 2,407 | Sold to Costa Rica 1954 and renamed Theo. | |
Bothnia | 1928 | 1928–1955 | Cargo ship | 2,402 | Sold to Panama 1955 and renamed Emily. | |
Bosnia | 1928 | 1928–1939 | Cargo ship | 2,402 | Sunk by U-47 in 1939. |
See also: White Star Line's Olympic, Homeric, Majestic, Doric , and Laurentic.
Ship | Built | In service for Cunard | Type | GRT | Notes | Image |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Queen Mary | 1936 | 1936–1967 | Express | 80,774 (1936) 81,237 (1947) | WWII troopship 1940–1945; Blue Riband, sold 1967, now a stationary hotel ship | |
Mauretania | 1939 | 1939–1965 | Express | 35,738 | WWII troopship 1940–1945; scrapped by 1966 | |
Queen Elizabeth | 1940 | 1946–1968 | Express | 83,673 | WWII troopship 1940–1945, sold to The Queen Corporation in 1968, renamed Elizabeth; auctioned off to Tung Chao Yung in 1970, refitted as a floating university, renamed Seawise University, destroyed by fire in 1972; partially scrapped 1974–1975 | |
Valacia | 1943 | 1946–1950 | Cargo ship | 7,052 | Sold to Bristol city line 1950 | |
Vasconia | 1944 | 1946–1950 | Cargo ship | 7,058 | Sold to Blue star line 1950 | |
Media | 1947 | 1947–1961 | Passenger-cargo liner | 13,350 | Sold to Cogedar Line 1961, refitted as an ocean liner, renamed Flavia; sold to Virtue Shipping Company in 1969, renamed Flavian; sold to Panama, renamed Lavia in 1982, caught fire and sank in 1989 in Hong Kong Harbour during refitting and was scrapped afterwards in Taiwan [3] | |
Asia | 1947 | 1947–1963 | Cargo ship | 8,723 | Sold to Taiwan 1963 and renamed Shirley | |
Brescia | 1945 | 1947–1966 | Cargo ship | 3,834 | Ex Hickory Isle Purchased from MOWT 1947 sold to Panama 1966 and renamed Timber One | |
Parthia | 1947 | 1947–1961 | Passenger-cargo liner | 13,350 | Sold to P&O 1961, renamed Remuera; transferred to P&O's Eastern and Australian Steamship Company in 1964, refitted as a cruise ship, renamed Aramac; scrapped in Taiwan by 1970 [3] | |
Vardulia | 1944 | 1947-1968 | Cargo ship | 7,176 | Scrapped in 1968 | |
Britannic | 1930 | 1949–1960 | Intermediate | 26,943 (1930) 27,666 (1947) | Built for White Star Line, scrapped 1960 | |
Georgic | 1931 | 1949–1956 | Intermediate | 27,759 | Built for White Star Line, scrapped 1956 | |
Caronia | 1949 | 1949–1968 | Cruise ship | 34,183 | Sold to Star Shipping 1968, renamed Columbia; renamed Caribia in 1969; wrecked 1974 at Apra Harbor, Guam and broke up while being towed to Taiwan to be scrapped | |
Ship | Built | In service for Cunard | Type | GRT | Notes | Image |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Assyria | 1950 | 1950–1963 | Cargo ship | 8663 | Sold to Greece as Laertis | |
Alsatia | 1948 | 1951–1963 | Cargo ship | 7226 | 1951 ex Silverplane purchased from Silver Line, 1963 sold to Taiwan, renamed Union Freedom | |
Andria | 1948 | 1951–1963 | Cargo ship | 7228 | 1951 ex Silverbriar purchased from Silver Line, 1963 sold to Taiwan, renamed Union Faith. Sank on 6 April 1969 after a collision and fire. | |
Pavia | 1953 | 1953–1965 | Cargo ship | 3,411 | Sold to Greece as Toula N 1965 | |
Lycia | 1954 | 1954–1965 | Cargo ship | 3,543 | Served on Great Lakes trade in 1964. Sold to Greece a year later and renamed Flora N | |
Saxonia Carmania | 1954 | 1954–1962 1962–1973 | Canadian service Cruise ship | 21,637 21,370 | Refitted as cruise ship in 1962, renamed Carmania; sold to the Black Sea Shipping Company, Soviet Union 1973, renamed Leonid Sobinov, scrapped 1999 | |
Phrygia | 1955 | 1955–1965 | Cargo ship | 3,534 | Served on Cunard Great Lakes route in 1964. Sold to Panama a year later and renamed Dimitris N | |
Ivernia Franconia | 1955 | 1955–1963 1963–1973 | Canadian service Cruise ship | 21,800 | Refitted as cruise ship in 1963, renamed Franconia; sold to the Far Eastern Shipping Company, Soviet Union 1973, renamed Fedor Shalypin; transferred to the Black Sea Shipping Company in 1980; transferred to the Odessa Cruise Company in 1992; scrapped 2004 [3] | |
Carinthia | 1956 | 1956–1968 | Canadian service | 21,800 | Sold to Sitmar Line 1968, refitted as a full-time cruise ship, renamed Fairsea; transferred to Princess Cruises, renamed Fair Princess in 1988 when Sitmar was sold to P&O; transferred to P&O Cruises Australia in 1996; sold to China Sea Cruises in 2000, renamed China Sea Discovery; scrapped 2005 or 2006 | |
Sylvania | 1957 | 1957–1968 | Canadian service | 21,800 | Sold to Sitmar Line 1968, renamed Fairwind, renamed Sitmar Fairland in 1988; transferred to Princess Cruises, renamed Dawn Princess; sold to V-Ships in 1993, renamed Albatros; sold to the Alang, India scrapyard, renamed Genoa and scrapped 2004 | |
Andania | 1959 | 1959–1969 | Cargo liner | 7,004 | Sold to Brocklebank Line in 1969 | |
Alaunia | 1960 | 1960–1969 | Cargo liner | 7,004 | Sold to Brocklebank Line in 1969 | |
Arabia | 1955 | 1967–1969 | Cargo liner | 3,803 | Ex-Castilian chartered from Ellerman Lines | |
Nordia | 1961 | 1961–1963 | Cargo ship | 4,560 | sold 1963 | |
Media | 1963 | 1963–1971 | Cargo ship | 5,586 | Sold 1971 to Western Australian Coastal Shipping Commission renamed Beroona | |
Parthia | 1963 | 1963–1971 | Cargo ship | 5,586 | Sold 1971 to Western Australian Coastal Shipping Commission renamed Wambiri | |
Saxonia | 1963 | 1963–1970 | Cargo ship | 5,586 | Sold to Brocklabank Line renamed Maharonda | |
Sarmania | 1964 | 1964–1969 | Cargo ship | 5,837 | Sold 1969 to T & J. Harrison, Liverpool renamed Scholar | |
Scythia | 1964 | 1964–1969 | Cargo ship | 5,837 | Sold 1969 to T & J. Harrison, Liverpool renamed Merchant | |
Ivernia | 1964 | 1964–1970 | Cargo ship | 5,586 | Sold 1970 to Brocklebank Line renamed Manipur | |
Scotia | 1966 | 1966–1970 | Cargo ship | 5,837 | Sold 1970 to Singapore renamed Neptune Amber |
Ship | Built | In service for Cunard | Type | GRT/GT | Notes | Image |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Queen Elizabeth 2 | 1969 | 1969–2008 | Ocean Liner | 70,327 | Sold 2008, Last ocean liner built for Cunard until the QM2, longest serving Cunarder in history; operating as a floating hotel in Dubai since April 2018 [6] | |
Atlantic Causeway | 1969 | 1970–1986 | Container ship | 14,950 | Scrapped in 1986 | |
Atlantic Conveyor | 1970 | 1970–1982 | Container ship | 14,946 | Sunk in Falklands War 1982 | |
Cunard Adventurer | 1971 | 1971–1977 | Cruise ship | 14,150 | Sold to Norwegian Cruise Line 1977, renamed Sunward II, renamed Triton in 1991; auctioned in 2004 to Louis Cruises and renamed Coral; sold to a Turkish scrapping company and then to the Alang, India shipbreaking yard and scrapped in 2014 | |
Cunard Campaigner | 1971 | 1971–1974 | Bulk carrier | 15,498 | Sold to the Great Eastern Shipping Co in 1974 and renamed Jag Shakti. Scrapped at Alang, India in 1997 | |
Cunard Caravel | 1971 | 1971–1974 | Bulk carrier | 15,498 | Sold to the Great Eastern Shipping Co in 1974 and renamed Jag Shanti. Scrapped at Alang, India in 1997 | |
Cunard Carronade | 1971 | 1971–1978 | Bulk carrier | 15,498 | Sold to Olympic Maritime in 1978. and renamed Olympic History. | |
Cunard Calamanda | 1972 | 1972–1978 | Bulk carrier | 15,498 | Sold in 1978 and renamed Ionian Carrier. | |
Cunard Ambassador | 1972 | 1972–1974 | Cruise ship | 14,150 | Sold after fire 1974 to C. Clausen, refitted as sheep carrier Linda Clausen; sold to Lembu Shipping Corporation and renamed Procyon, caught fire a second time in 1981 in Singapore but was repaired; sold to Qatar Transport and Marine Services; sold to Taiwanese ship breakers and scrapped in 1984 following a 1983 fire | |
Cunard Carrier | 1973 | 1973– | Bulk carrier | 15,498 | Sold to Silverdale Ltd and renamed Aeneas. | |
Cunard Cavalier | 1973 | 1973–1978 | Bulk carrier | 15,498 | Sold to Olympic Maritime in 1978 and renamed Olympic Harmony. Wrecked at Port Muhammad in 1990 and scrapped at Alang in 1992. | |
Cunard Chietain | 1973 | 1973– | Bulk carrier | 15,498 | Sold to Superblue and renamed Chieftain. Resold to Great City Navigation in 1981 and renamed Great City. | |
Cunard Countess | 1975 | 1976–1996 | Cruise ship | 17,500 | Sold to Awani Cruise Line 1996, renamed Awani Dream II; transferred to Royal Olympic Cruises 1998, renamed Olympic Countess; sold to Majestic International Cruises 2004, renamed Ocean Countess, chartered to Louis Cruise Lines as Ruby during 2007; retired in 2012; caught fire in 2013 at Chalkis, Greece while laid up; sold to a Turkish scrapyard and scrapped in 2014 | |
Cunard Princess | 1975 | 1977–1995 | Cruise ship | 17,500 | Charted to StarLauro Cruises in 1995; sold to MSC Cruises in 1995, renamed Rhapsody; sold to Mano Maritime in 2009 and renamed Golden Iris. Scrapped July 2022 at Aliaga, Turkey. [7] | |
Sarmania | 1973 | 1976–1986 | Reefer | 8,557 | Ex-Chrysantema, 1976 purchased from Paravon Shipping, Glasgow, 1986 sold to Greece renamed Capricorn. Scrapped at Alang, India in 1997 | |
Alastia | 1973 | 1976–1981 | Reefer | 7,722 | 1972 Ex- Edinburgh Clipper, 1976 purchased from Maritime Fruit Carriers Corp., renamed Alsatia, 1981 sold to Restis Group renamed America Freezer | |
Andania | 1972 | 1976–1981 | Reefer | 7,689 | Ex-Glasgow Clipper, 1976 purchased from Souvertur Shipping, Glasgow renamed Andania, 1981 sold to Restis Group renamed Europa Freezer. Scrapped at Alang, India in 1995 | |
Saxonia | 1973 | 1976–1986 | Reefer | 8,547 | Ex-Gladiola, 1976 purchased from Adelaide Shipping, Glasgow, 1986 sold to Tondo Shipping Corp renamed Carina | |
Andria | 1972 | 1976–1981 | Reefer | 7,722 | Ex- Teesside Clipper, 1976 purchased from Maritime Island Fruit Reefers Ltd, renamed Andria, 1981 sold to Restis Group renamed Australia Freezer | |
Carmania | 1972 | 1976–1986 | Reefer | 7,323 | Ex- Orange, 1976 purchased from Chichester Shipping, Glasgow renamed Carmania, 1986 sold to Greece renamed Perseus | |
Scythia | 1972 | 1976–1986 | Reefer | 8,557 | Ex- Iris Queen, 1976 purchased from Adelaide Shipping, Glasgow, 1986 sold to Greece renamed Centaurus. Destroyed by fire in 1989 | |
England | 1964 | 1982–1986 | Ferry | 8,116 | 1982 purchased from DFDS, 1986 left for Jeddah as accommodation ship renamed America XIII. Sank in the Red Sea en route to Alang, India for scrapping in 1999 | |
Sagafjord | 1965 | 1983–1997 | Ocean Liner | 24,500 | Built for Norwegian America Line; chartered to Transocean Tours as Gripsholm during 1996–1997; sold to Saga Cruises 1997 and renamed Saga Rose; retired in 2009, sold to a Chinese ship recycling yard and scrapped 2011–2012 | |
Vistafjord Caronia | 1973 | 1983–1999 1999–2004 | Cruise ship | 24,300 | built for Norwegian America Line; operated under Norwegian America Line from 1973 to 1983, and under Cunard from 1983 to 2004, renamed Caronia in 1999; sold to Saga Cruises 2004 and renamed Saga Ruby; retired in 2014, sold to Millennium View Ltd. in 2014, renamed Oasia and planned to be refitted as a floating hotel ship in Myanmar, but this never happened; towed to the Alang shipbreaking yard and scrapped in 2017 | |
Atlantic Star | 1967 | 1983–1987 | Container ship | 15,055 | Transferred from Holland America Line | |
Atlantic Conveyor | 1985 | 1985–1996 | Container ship | 58,438 | Transferred to Atlantic Container Line then sold for scrap 2017 to Alang, India | |
Sea Goddess I | 1984 | 1986–1998 | Cruise ship | 4,333 | Built for Sea Goddess Cruises; transferred to Cunard in 1986; transferred to Seabourn Cruise Line 1998 and renamed Seabourn Goddess I; sold to SeaDream Yacht Club in 2001 and renamed SeaDream I | |
Sea Goddess II | 1985 | 1986–1998 | Cruise ship | 4,333 | Built for Sea Goddess Cruises, transferred to Cunard in 1986; transferred to Seabourn Cruise Line 1998 and renamed Seabourn Goddess II; sold to SeaDream Yacht Club in 2001 and renamed SeaDream II | |
Cunard Crown Monarch | 1990 | 1993–1994 | Cruise ship | 15,271 | Built for Crown Cruise Line, transferred to Crown Cruise Line 1994 | |
Cunard Crown Jewel | 1992 | 1993–1995 | Cruise ship | 19,089 | Built for Crown Cruise Line, transferred to Star Cruises 1995 | |
Cunard Crown Dynasty | 1993 | 1993–1997 | Cruise ship | 19,089 | Built for Crown Cruise Line, transferred to Majesty Cruise Line 1997 | |
Royal Viking Sun | 1988 | 1994–1999 | Cruise ship | 37,850 | Built for Royal Viking Line, transferred to Seabourn Cruise Line 1999 |
Ship | Built | In service | Type | Gross tonnage | Flag | Notes | Image |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Queen Mary 2 | 2003 | 2004–present | Ocean liner | 149,215 GT | Bermuda | In service | |
Queen Victoria | 2007 | 2007–present | Cruise ship | 90,049 GT | Bermuda | In service | |
Queen Elizabeth | 2010 | 2010–present | Cruise ship | 90,901 GT | Bermuda | In service | |
Queen Anne [8] | 2024 | 2024-present | Cruise ship | 113,300 GT | Bermuda | In service |
Queen Elizabeth 2 (QE2) is a retired British passenger ship converted into a floating hotel. Originally built for the Cunard Line, the ship was operated by Cunard as both a transatlantic liner and a cruise ship from 1969 to 2008. She was then laid up until converted and since 18 April 2018 has been operating as a floating hotel in Dubai.
The Cunard Line is a British shipping and cruise line based at Carnival House at Southampton, England, operated by Carnival UK and owned by Carnival Corporation & plc. Since 2011, Cunard and its four ships have been registered in Hamilton, Bermuda.
A steamship, often referred to as a steamer, is a type of steam-powered vessel, typically ocean-faring and seaworthy, that is propelled by one or more steam engines that typically move (turn) propellers or paddlewheels. The first steamships came into practical usage during the early 19th century; however, there were exceptions that came before. Steamships usually use the prefix designations of "PS" for paddle steamer or "SS" for screw steamer. As paddle steamers became less common, "SS" is incorrectly assumed by many to stand for "steamship". Ships powered by internal combustion engines use a prefix such as "MV" for motor vessel, so it is not correct to use "SS" for most modern vessels.
The Blue Riband is an unofficial accolade given to the passenger liner crossing the Atlantic Ocean in regular service with the record highest average speed. The term was borrowed from horse racing and was not widely used until after 1910. The record is based on average speed rather than passage time because ships follow different routes. Also, eastbound and westbound speed records are reckoned separately, as the more difficult westbound record voyage, against the Gulf Stream and the prevailing weather systems, typically results in lower average speeds.
Transatlantic crossings are passages of passengers and cargo across the Atlantic Ocean between Europe or Africa and the Americas. The majority of passenger traffic is across the North Atlantic between Western Europe and North America. Centuries after the dwindling of sporadic Viking trade with Markland, a regular and lasting transatlantic trade route was established in 1566 with the Spanish West Indies fleets, following the voyages of Christopher Columbus.
An ocean liner is a type of passenger ship primarily used for transportation across seas or oceans. Ocean liners may also carry cargo or mail, and may sometimes be used for other purposes. The Queen Mary 2 is the only ocean liner still in service to this day.
The White Star Line was a British shipping line. Founded out of the remains of a defunct packet company, it gradually grew to become one of the most prominent shipping companies in the world, providing passenger and cargo services between the British Empire and the United States. While many other shipping lines focused primarily on speed, White Star branded their services by focusing more on providing comfortable passages for both upper class travellers and immigrants.
SS Great Western was a wooden-hulled paddle-wheel steamship with four masts, the first steamship purpose-built for crossing the Atlantic, and the initial unit of the Great Western Steamship Company. Completed in 1838, she was the largest passenger ship in the world from 1837 to 1839, the year the SS British Queen went into service.
PS Waverley is the last seagoing passenger-carrying paddle steamer in the world. Built in 1946, she sailed from Craigendoran on the Firth of Clyde to Arrochar on Loch Long until 1973. Bought by the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society (PSPS), she has been restored to her 1947 appearance and now operates passenger excursions around the British coast.
RMS Britannia was an ocean liner of the British and North American Royal Mail Steam Packet Company, later known as Cunard Steamship Company. She was launched on Wednesday 5 February 1840, at the yard of Robert Duncan & Company in Greenock, Scotland. The ship and her Britannia-class sisters, Acadia, Caledonia, and Columbia, were the first ocean liners built by the company.
SS City of Glasgow of 1850 was a single-screw iron hulled passenger steamship of the Inman Line. Based on ideas pioneered by Isambard Kingdom Brunel's SS Great Britain of 1845, City of Glasgow established that Atlantic steamships could be operated profitably without government subsidy. After a refit in 1852, she was also the first Atlantic steamship to carry steerage passengers, representing a significant improvement in the conditions experienced by immigrants. In March 1854 City of Glasgow vanished while enroute from Liverpool to Philadelphia with 480 passengers and crew aboard.
MS Queen Victoria (QV) is a Vista-class cruise ship operated by the Cunard Line and is named after the former British monarch Queen Victoria. The vessel is of the same basic design as other Vista-class cruise ships, including Queen Elizabeth. At 90,049 gross tonnage (GT) she is the smallest of Cunard's ships in operation. Her facilities include seven restaurants, thirteen bars, three swimming pools, a ballroom, and a theatre.
The Inman Line was one of the three largest 19th-century British passenger shipping companies on the North Atlantic, along with the White Star Line and Cunard Line. Founded in 1850, it was absorbed in 1893 into American Line. The firm's formal name for much of its history was the Liverpool, Philadelphia and New York Steamship Company, but it was also variously known as the Liverpool and Philadelphia Steamship Company, as Inman Steamship Company, Limited, and, in the last few years before absorption, as the Inman and International Steamship Company.
MS Queen Elizabeth (QE) is a cruise ship of the Vista class operated by the Cunard Line. The design is modified compared to earlier ships of the same class, and slightly larger than Queen Victoria, at 92,000 GT. This is due to a more vertical stern, and additional cabins for single travelers. The bow of Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria are both reinforced having thicker than the standard for hull plating, to handle North Atlantic weather. The ship is able to carry up to 2,092 passengers.
Persia was a British passenger liner operated by the Cunard Line that won the Blue Riband in 1856 for the fastest westbound transatlantic voyage. She was the first Atlantic record breaker constructed of iron and was the largest ship in the world at the time of her launch. However, the inefficiencies of paddle wheel propulsion rendered Persia obsolete and she was taken out of service in 1868 after only twelve years. Attempts to convert Persia to sail were unsuccessful and the former pride of the British merchant marine was scrapped in 1872.
The Britannia class was the Cunard Line's initial fleet of wooden paddlers that established the first year round scheduled Atlantic steamship service in 1840. By 1845, steamships carried half of the transatlantic saloon passengers and Cunard dominated this trade. While the units of the Britannia class were solid performers, they were not superior to many of the other steamers being placed on the Atlantic at that time. What made the Britannia class successful is that it was the first homogeneous class of transatlantic steamships to provide a frequent and uniform service. Britannia, Acadia and Caledonia entered service in 1840 and Columbia in 1841 enabling Cunard to provide the dependable schedule of sailings required under his mail contracts with the Admiralty. It was these mail contracts that enabled Cunard to survive when all of his early competitors failed.
The America class was the replacement for the Britannia class, the Cunard Line's initial fleet of wooden paddle steamers. Entering service starting in 1848, these six vessels permitted Cunard to double its schedule to weekly departures from Liverpool, with alternating sailings to New York. The new ships were also designed to meet new competition from the United States.
SS President was a British passenger liner that was the largest ship in the world when she was commissioned in 1840, and the first steamship to founder on the transatlantic run when she was lost at sea with all 136 on board in March 1841. She was the largest passenger ship in the world from 1840 to 1841. The ship's owner, the British and American Steam Navigation Company, collapsed as a result of the disappearance.
SS Parthia (1870–1956) was an iron-hulled transatlantic ocean liner built for the Cunard Line by William Denny and Brothers in Dumbarton, Scotland. Her sister ships were the Abyssinia and Algeria. Unlike her two sisters, Parthia was smaller, built in a different shipyard and had a slightly different funnel arrangement. The Parthia was retired by Cunard in 1883 and sold to John Elder & Co., who subsequently transferred her to the Guion Line. After serving with the Guion Line and operating on trans-Pacific routes with the Canadian Pacific Railway Company, she was refitted and renamed Victoria.
Royal Mail Steam Ship Arabia was an ocean liner operated by Cunard. It was the last wooden-hulled ship built for the Cunard Line, built in 1852 in Greenock, Scotland. On January 1, 1853, it departed on its maiden voyage with 60 passengers and 1,200 tons of coal. RMS Arabia was a luxurious ship during its time, with the saloon having a stained glass dome and crimson velvet sofas, and steam heating throughout. She was reported to be the first ocean liner with a separate children's nursery and playroom.