Our Books

Have you wondered what the difference is between an ocean liner and a cruise ship? Are you amazed at the size of the biggest cruise ships? Perhaps you are keen to know what sailing on the first ever cruise ship was like? From the introduction of steam power over 180 years ago, passenger shipping has changed dramatically. As new technologies were developed ships and shipping lines evolved, delivering ships capable of greater speed and safety, new luxuries and improved scale and size. The Evolution of the Passenger Ship explores the way ships were shaped over time, and how they in turn helped to shape the world around them.

The Orient Line’s beginnings can be traced back to 1797. Created for the purpose of operating a fleet of steamships between London and the Australian Colonies, it was a venture into the unknown, its success testament to the acumen of its founders, two of London’s oldest shipping firms, Anderson, Anderson & Co., and F. Green & Co. They had extensive shipping interests from the West Indies to South America and the Pacific Coast and owned and operated a fleet of famous clipper ships on the Australian wool trade, when their fleet would bring out emigrants to the colony and sail back laden with prime fleece. Cruise ships today owe a great legacy to the pioneering work done by the Orient Line when it developed and perfected seasonal cruising in 1889 from British ports.

Revised and updated edition of this exceptional photo-history. One of the world's most loved cruise lines, P&O Cruises can trace its history back over 180 years. Through an impressive collection of imagery, this book details the history of P&O Cruises and explores the impact P&O had in shaping the British Empire. With a vast fleet of ocean liners that undertook voyages to all parts of the globe, P&O was instrumental in immigration to Australia and New Zealand, while acting as a gateway to the Far East and India. After the advent of jet aircraft, the venerable company reorganised to offer pleasure cruises. In Australia, P&O held a near monopoly during the 1980s and '90s, with their ships Oriana and Fairstar. Today, part of the giant Carnival Corporation, P&O Cruises remains an iconic brand, offering British-based cruises, world voyages and a specialist Australian subsidiary that sails into the South pacific.

One of the most famous transatlantic shipping companies, Cunard is beloved on both sides of the Atlantic, as well as around the world. Cunard pioneered many new technologies and launched the largest and fastest liners of their day. During both world wars the Cunarders answered the call of duty and transported thousands of troops to support the Allies.Today, the enduring history of this great shipping line has carried on into the twenty-first century, with the three current Queens celebrating Cunard’s heritage, while a new ship is under construction. This new paperback edition is updated to cover events since the line’s 175th anniversary. With new and updated stories from people involved with line, Cunard’s 180-year history is shared in stunning photographs and engaging text to explore the legacy of the great Cunarders.

Fifty years ago the last British built transatlantic liner was launched. Christened by HM The Queen on 20 September 1967, the 963ft-long vessel was named Queen Elizabeth 2. By the end of that same day, she was already known by her famous nickname: QE2. Fast, smart and sleek, QE2 sailed over 5.6 million miles and carried more than 2.5 million passengers during a magnificent 39 1/2 year career. Put simply, she carried more people further than any ship before her and remains the longest-serving express liner in history. Through words penned by passionate QE2 travellers and with tribute stories from captains, crew and guests, a wide selection of carefully selected photographs bring this wonderful ship to life.

Follow the changing form of the transatlantic ocean liner from inception to the jet age, this new history details the way changing attitudes and social conditions led to ever bigger, faster, and grander ships. Learn how ship design has been influenced by changing needs and beliefs, while at the same time showcasing how these great liners themselves helped shape societies on both sides of the pond. The book answers many questions and explains the differences between a liner and a cruise ship, giving the reader a sound grounding in the history of the transatlantic passenger trade, the great ships that served it, and how these powerful vessels helped form nations and were themselves formed by the changing requirements of the nations that built them.

eaders can stroll the decks, visit the various bars and lounges, take high tea in the Grand Lounge and retire to their cabin without leaving their armchair. Each public room is featured with color photographs and historical commentary, including little-known anecdotes and snippets, and the book is complemented by new information from Commodore R.W. Warwick, former master of QE2 and the son of the first captain, about his time on board. In November 2008 QE2 finally retires to a new life in Dubai World, where she will become a hotel from February 2009, and the last chapter of her exceptional life in service will close. This affectionate record provides the most fitting of souvenirs.

By the 1970s it looked as if QE2 would be the last of the great transatlantic ocean liners. However, over three decades later the world watched in awe as Queen Mary 2, the largest, longest, grandest and most expensive ocean liner ever to be constructed, set sail on her maiden voyage in 2004. With 14 decks and beautiful lounges, dining rooms and a ballroom, QM2 evokes the glamour of the golden age of ocean travel. QM2: A Photographic Journey allows the reader to experience this unique vessel from the comfort of their own home, with numerous photographs of each of QM2’s public rooms as well as stunning exterior shots and behind the scenes access. This revised edition has been extensively updated to reflect the 2016 refit, with many new photographs from around the ship.

One of Britain’s most loved cruise ships, Aurora was built by Meyer Werft and entered service in 2000. Named by HRH The Princess Royal, she was specifically designed for the British cruise market. Since entering service her annual world cruises have made her famous all over the world. Aurora’s interior spaces are quintessentially British, and pay tribute to the long heritage of the P&O Line. From Anderson’s to the Curzon Theatre, Alexandria Restaurant to the Uganda Room, Aurora is a much-loved modern classic. Written and photographed by well-known maritime historians Chris Frame and Rachelle Cross, this beautiful book is a must-have keepsake for anyone who has sailed aboard Aurora as well as those with a love of cruising.

Oriana was one of the most unique cruise ships ever built. Specially designed for the UK market, Oriana entered service in 1995. Built by Meyer Werft in Germany and named by HM Queen Elizabeth II, Oriana was an instant success for the P&O Line. She became a beloved modern classic, a firm favorite for Britons, whose schedule saw her visit ports across the globe. Oriana's interior was designed to reflect the best of the British passenger ship, and paid tribute to the 180-year heritage of P&O; with Anderson's Lounge, the Theatre Royale, Peninsular Restaurant and Medina Room. With the ship retiring from P&O service, this special book is a must-have keepsake for anyone who has sailed aboard Oriana as well as those with a love of P&O or maritime history.

In May 2024 Cunard welcomed Queen Anne to the fleet. The 249th ship to sail for Cunard since 1840, Queen Anne represents a new generation of Cunard cruising. Built at Fincantieri, Italy, the ship’s interior design challenges the status quo, blending traditional Cunard spaces with a modern style that makes this ship stand out.

Queen Anne is the second-largest Cunard ship ever to go to sea, allowing it to feature many favourite Cunard venues, while also introducing exciting new ones. Spaces aboard that wow travellers include the multi-storey Pavilion complete with its massive glass roof, as well as a wellness studio, Bright Lights Society entertainment venue, and new dining choices.

This full-colour book, the latest in the beautiful Photographic Journey series, showcases Queen Anne in all her glory. Featuring a foreword by Cunard President Katie McAlister, as well as a perspective from Captain Inger Thorhauge, the ship’s first Master, Queen Anne: A Photographic Journey allows readers to enjoy this Cunarder whether aboard the ship, reminiscing from the comfort of home, or planning a voyage. It is a perfect addition to the library of anyone with a love of ships, Cunard or cruising.

The ultimate in luxury cruising waits aboard Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth, refurbished in 2018.

From the ship’s three-storey Royal Court Theatre, complete with box seating, to the opulence of the Queens Room and elegance of the Britannia Dining Room, the authors have captured the updated and enhanced interior elegance of Queen Elizabeth with beautiful imagery that complements descriptions of the ship and her interior. Take a peek behind-the-scenes, with a tour of the Engine Room, Store Rooms and the Bridge, before returning to the passenger areas to discover bars, lounges, restaurants and cabins.

Written by enthusiastic maritime historians – and regular Cunard Insights speakers – this book is illustrated with over 200 colour photographs. It features a foreword by Captain Inger Klein Thorhauge, Master of Queen Elizabeth, as well as interesting stories from Captain Aseem Hashmi about his experience commanding the ship. It also includes an afterword by Captain Chris Wells, Queen Elizabeth’s First Captain.

This lovingly updated volume is a must-have whether you’re a seasoned Cunard passenger, or simply an armchair traveller.

A fully remastered photographic journey around a perennially popular cruise ship.

Queen Victoria was the first in a new breed of Cunard Ships: her unique design is enhanced to give her the ability to cross the North Atlantic and she represented a new era for the Cunard Line. Introduced to service in 2007, Queen Victoria has had a notable career with royal engagements, tandem Atlantic crossings and Gala-World Cruises where she has been welcomed with open arms.

Illustrated with stunning colour photographs taken by the authors from every area of the ship, and fully updated after the extensive 2017 refit, this book provides a lasting memento of a voyage aboard Cunard's stately monarch.

Since 1840, Cunard ships have been transiting the North Atlantic with speed, grace and elegance. These great ships helped to populate nations, served during both world wars and have transported millions of passengers, amongst them celebrities, politicians and royalty. Through tales of ships such as Britannia, Lusitania, Mauretania, Aquitania and the immortal Queens, The Cunard Story gives readers an insight into the heritage of this historic line. Today the Cunard Line operates a fleet of modern ships, offering passengers exciting and varied itineraries to exotic locations across the globe.

QM2 was introduced in 2003 to the great fanfare, as the largest, longest, grandes and most expensive ocean liner ever built. She replaced the beloved QE2 on the transatlantic run and has become a firm favourite around the world, her popularity soaring with eache new port she visits. Her interiors and fourteen spacious decks put QM2 head and shoulders above the rest and hark back to the golden age of ocean liners. Cunard experts Chris Frame and Rachelle Cross present the full story behind this great liner, from her concept as the next generation of ocean liner to her world-breaking achievements. With full colour photographs and fascinating facts, this is a must-have for all those who love ocean travel.

There is no more famous ship in recent history than Queen Elizabeth 2. The flagship of the Cunard Line for most of her life, this legendary vessel wandered the world's oceans for almost forty years. The QE2 Story offers a concise history of this, the greatest ocean liner of our time, from her construction, early life and various refurbishments, to her triumphant farewell and retirement in Dubai. Events of historical importance, such as her service in the Falklands War, are described in detail. Complemented by memories of those who sailed aboard her, and brimming with interesting facts and photographs, this book chronicles the unending appeal of the QE2.

P&O has operated some of the most famous passenger ships of all time, including the Oriana and Canberra, across its long history. Its early liners travelled across the globe and played a huge role in cementing immigration to Australia and New Zealand, while acting as a gateway to the Far East and India. The modern era has seen the company continue to evolve into a cruising giant, P&O Cruises being part of Carnival Corporation today. This beautifully crafted colouring book celebrates the long heritage of P&O, the stunning interiors and exteriors of the vessels, and much more besides. Supplemented with fascinating text from Chris Frame and Rachelle Cross, it is sure to captivate and educate children and adults alike.

In 1840, Sir Samuel Cunard set sail aboard Britannia and founded the great transatlantic steamship service. From that time forward, the Cunard Line has owned and operated hundreds of ships, and played a large role in transporting immigrants to the new world, undertaking wartime service, and adapting seamlessly into the new cruising world of the modern age. The Cunard fleet Queens are as iconic today as they have ever been. This beautifully crafted colouring book celebrates the long heritage of the Cunard Line, the stunning interiors and exteriors of the vessels, and much more besides. Supplemented with fascinating text from Chris Frame and Rachelle Cross, it is sure to captivate and educate children and adults alike.