The QE2

From her shipyard construction and maiden voyage to her decades-long career as the world's most magnificent ocean liner, here is the grand history of Cunard's longest-serving vessel, the Queen Elizabeth 2. This lavishly illustrated book portrays the QE2's inherent beauty and ultramodern design as well as her glamour and charismatic appeal. The QE2's 1969 debut occurred amid the declining days of ocean liner travel, when most people were joining the jet set. Created for both transatlantic crossings and tropical cruises, the new ship linked the elegance of older vessels with a sleek but stately look, highlighted by a wealth of innovations and amenities. Author William H. Miller, Jr., a leading maritime historian, recounts the QE2's fascinating story. His narrative features personal reminiscences of crew members and passengers, along with rare images from their private collections and paintings by selected artists. More than 150 black-and-white and twenty-seven color images depict the regal ship's exteriors and interiors, including cabins, lounges, bars, restaurants, a casino, and other scenes from life aboard a luxury liner.