The Great Liners (2025)

31/01/2025

The Grand Salon - 1st Class Dining Room | QUEEN MARY
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The Grand Salon of the RMS Queen Mary was an architectural and artistic triumph, embodying the height of transatlantic luxury. Spanning the entire width of the ship, it measured an astonishing 160 feet long, 118 feet wide, and soared 30 feet high, making it one of the largest dining rooms ever built at sea.

This vast space, designed in the Art Deco style, radiated elegance with richly polished wood paneling, gilded accents, and towering hand-carved columns that exuded sophistication.

This room is known for its fantastic works of art. When you enter the room the first one that catches your eye is the incredible painting by Philip Co***rd depicting the English countryside and done in tapestry technique. At the base of the painting is a beautiful bronze grille double doors by father and son artist Walter and Donald Gilbert. On the nearby ventilator trunks, there are two paintings by Mr. A. Duncan Carse, both facing inward, and located on the port and starboard.

The salon’s grandeur was further enhanced by 14 exquisite wooden reliefs by renowned artist Bainbridge Copnall, each narrating pivotal moments in maritime history.

Presiding over the room was the breathtaking Macdonald Gill decorative map, a masterpiece that traced the ship’s transatlantic crossings, illuminated to showcase the vessel’s real-time position on its journey.

Beneath this lavish setting, first-class passengers indulged in extravagant multi-course meals prepared by world-class chefs, served on fine china and silverware with the melodies of a live orchestra drifting through the air. Yet, this magnificent room also played an unexpected role in history—during World War II, when the Queen Mary became a troopship, the Grand Salon transformed into a military mess hall, where thousands of soldiers dined in tightly scheduled shifts, trading luxury for necessity.

Despite its wartime service, the salon retained its regal essence, and today, it stands as a monument to the golden age of ocean travel, where art, history, and opulence converged in a setting unlike any other.
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16/01/2025

First Class Swimming Pool | QUEEN MARY
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Completed in 1936, the RMS Queen Mary's first-class swimming pool stood as a dazzling example of 1930s Art Deco design, combining architectural brilliance with a luxurious ambiance that defined the golden age of ocean travel. Nestled amidships on what are now R and C decks (formerly C and D decks), the pool was thoughtfully located within the ship’s interior, allowing passengers to enjoy its opulence year-round, shielded from the unpredictability of the open seas.

The architecture of the pool was nothing short of extraordinary. Measuring approximately 60 feet in length and 40 feet in width, it cleverly used balconies, a vaulted ceiling, and shimmering mosaic tiles to create an illusion of grandeur far beyond its actual size. The cascading fountains and imitation mother-of-pearl ceiling lent an ethereal glow, while polished wood paneling added warmth and sophistication. It was not just a pool but a sanctuary of elegance, a social hub where laughter echoed and unforgettable memories were made. Mixed-gender swimming sessions, a forward-thinking feature of the time, exemplified the progressive mindset of this luxurious liner.

Though converted into dormitory space during World War II, the pool resumed its role as a luxurious retreat post-war, serving as a centerpiece of leisure until the ship’s retirement. Closed in the 1970s due to structural concerns, it remains a point of fascination, accessible only through guided tours.

Adding to its allure, the pool has earned a reputation for being haunted, with tales of ghostly apparitions and phantom laughter. Yet, for the passengers of 1936, it was a place of sophistication and joy, embodying the elegance of the Queen Mary’s legacy.

The first-class swimming pool of the Queen Mary remains a testament to the ship's legacy: a blend of artistic innovation, luxurious escapism, and the timeless allure of the sea. Whether viewed as a historic marvel or through the lens of its haunting reputation, let’s remember the beauty of what it once was: a place of elegance, laughter, and unforgettable experiences

13/01/2025

The R Deck Lobby | QUEEN MARY
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The R Deck Foyer (Lobby) was where First Class passengers could enter the First Class Restaurant, arrive for their appointment at the Turkish Baths, go for a swim in the Pool Room, or place a telephone call in one of the lobby's two phone booths. The lobby is paneled in horizontal bands of English Birch, Masur Birch, and Canadian Birch, the dado at the bottom and along the balustrades of the lift areas is English Elm Burr. The metal decorations including the doors and balustrades to the lifts, are all silver-bronze.

In the photo above, showing the whole Foyer, you can see on the left the pre-war staircase doors done in silver-bronze and sand-blasted glass. We don't know why the Main Staircase had doors on every level aside from Promenade Deck, but it must not have been for very good reason, as these glass doors were removed during the 1947 reconversion.

The floors of the Foyer were in Korkoid and done in the same style as the Main Hall which then cascaded down the main staircase to R Deck. After World War II, when the Main Hall received a new linoleum pattern, that style also cascaded down the main staircase to R Deck. The R Deck Foyer was carpeted when the ship became a hotel in Long Beach, and it has remained that way ever since. However, there is a rumor that in the near future, the Foyer will be given new historically accurate linoleum in the 1947 style, the same way the Main Hall appears now.

The R Deck (formerly C Deck) of the RMS Queen Mary is a historic gem, once home to the luxurious First-Class Swimming Pool and the grand First-Class Dining Room (Grand Salon). The Art Deco pool was a social hub, showcasing elegance and exclusivity, while the Grand Salon offered gourmet dining in a setting of timeless sophistication. These spaces symbolized the glamour of transatlantic travel during the ship's golden age. Today, R Deck remains a captivating part of the Queen Mary’s history, blending luxury, design, and mystery. Perfect for those seeking a glimpse into maritime splendor!
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10/01/2025

The 1st Class Staterooms | QUEEN MARY
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Step back to 1936 and immerse yourself in the unparalleled luxury of the RMS Queen Mary’s first-class staterooms. These accommodations were a true reflection of the Art Deco era, blending elegance, sophistication, and modern innovation. Guests could choose from single staterooms to lavish suites, many featuring private bathrooms—a rarity in the 1930s. The decor was breathtaking, with rich wood paneling inlaid with rare veneers, plush silk and velvet furnishings, and intricate lighting fixtures that exuded warmth and charm. Some rooms even boasted electric fireplaces, adding a cozy touch to the grandeur.
Internal doors connecting adjoining cabins allowed multiple rooms to be configured into suites as desired. Most of the rooms were and are of a roughly L-shaped pattern allowing for the best use of the great width of the ship. The first-class stateroom corridors on the RMS Queen Mary featured marbled linoleum flooring with geometric borders, reflecting the ship's Art Deco
elegance.

First-class passengers were treated to exceptional service, with personal stewards attending to every need. The most exclusive suites, such as the Verandah Grill Suites, included private dining areas and dedicated staff, creating an intimate, hotel-like experience. It’s no wonder celebrities and dignitaries like Winston Churchill, Clark Gable, and Elizabeth Taylor were regulars aboard this iconic liner. Beyond the staterooms, first-class travelers had access to elegantly designed public spaces, such as dining rooms, lounges, and promenades, all embodying the same level of sophistication.

While the staterooms still retain many of the original built-ins and fittings, the custom details and furnishings that made them so luxurious for passengers have mostly been removed making them look stripped down and empty by comparison. Adding those details back from old photos, like archived pieces or closer furniture replicas, could more authentically bring these rooms back to the original appearance famous celebrities and royalty of the time expected and enjoyed, so guests today can as well.
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21/12/2024

The First Class Travel Bureau | QUEEN MARY
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Step inside the 1st Class Travel Bureau on M Deck as it looked in 1947, onboard the RMS Queen Mary. The 1st Class Travel Bureau on the RMS Queen Mary was located on the Main Deck and served as a dedicated space for passengers to arrange future travel plans while onboard. It was a hallmark of luxury travel, designed to provide convenience and seamless service for first-class guests.

The bureau featured elegant Art Deco styling, with polished wood paneling and streamlined furnishings that matched the ship’s overall aesthetic. Staffed by professional travel agents, it offered services such as booking tickets for future voyages, arranging onward travel plans, and handling accommodations at destinations. Passengers could plan their next adventures with ease, all while enjoying the opulent surroundings of the Queen Mary.

Before the internet, travel bureaus were the easiest and most convenient way to plan your travel and lodging. Before World War II, the travel bureau was a small and cramped windowless space that was flanked on either side with phosphor-bronze reliefs by Maurice Lambert. The interior was minimal with a brochure stand, and the bulkheads were paneled in ivory or cream formica with silver-bronze reeds and decorative half-cylinder wall sconces. However, after the war, the room was expanded and given a dual bay window entry and paneled in high-quality quilted maple veneers. Marion Dorn created the fine carpet that was in the cross deck lobby outside the First Class Travel Bureau on Main Deck. It survived from 1936 to 1967.

This space reflected the meticulous attention to detail that defined first-class amenities during the Golden Age of ocean liner travel, ensuring passengers experienced nothing but the finest service.
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21/10/2024

The Observation Bar | QUEEN MARY
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Immerse yourself in the refined luxury of the Observation Bar aboard the RMS Queen Mary, a stunning Art Deco lounge that captivated first-class passengers with its chic ambiance and breathtaking ocean views. Situated at the forward end of the Sun Deck, the bar was a buzzing social spot, known for its sleek wood paneling, chrome accents, and intricate details. Among its standout features was a striking mural by Alfred R. Thomson, depicting a vibrant, mythical scene of "The Royal Jubilee of Neptune." This colorful painting added an artistic touch to the bar's stylish design.

Originally called the Observation Lounge & Cocktail Bar, the Observation Bar was a hotspot of activity in the late 1930s & 1940s, and all of the 1950s with first class. The bar itself is a semi-circle and paneled in the finest Macassar Ebony, and surrounded by horizontal bands of nickel-silver, giving the effect that the bar itself is a giant beer cask. The bulkheads are paneled in beautiful maple burr, cut by bands of wood that the carpenters have called "Cedarmah". The Cedarmah veneer came from one tree, and the grain was unlike any Cedar-Mahogany hybrid we're ever likely to see again. The decks of the lounge are covered in curving bands of brown and cream Ruboleum. The primary accent color of the room was red as seen in the enamel of the urn lamps and pylons, as well as the red hide that covers the tops of the balustrades and the bar stools.

With its large curved windows offering panoramic views of the ocean, passengers could relax with a cocktail while taking in the open sea. A favorite spot for both relaxation and socializing, the Observation Bar embodied the elegance and opulence of ocean travel during the ship’s golden years.

Today, it remains one of the ship’s most iconic spaces, preserving the charm of a bygone era.
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20/10/2024

going to the Observation Bar via Shopping Centre | QUEEN MARY
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Walking through the lively shopping center of the RMS Queen Mary, I’m enveloped by the vibrant energy of modern life. The stores brim with nautical-themed treasures, evoking memories of the ship's glamorous past.

As I approach the observation bar, I imagine elegant guests sipping cocktails while taking in stunning ocean views. Inside, vintage decor and warm lighting set the stage for reflection. The atmosphere is steeped in history, reminding me of the opulence and charm that defined the Queen Mary in her glory days.

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19/10/2024

The Starboard Gallery | QUEEN MARY
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Step into the Starboard Gallery aboard the RMS Queen Mary, an Art Deco corridor that connected first-class passengers from the Promenade Deck, Smoking Room, and other key areas to the grand Main Hall. Lined with sleek wood paneling and detailed geometric accents, the gallery wasn’t just a passageway—it was a stunning space where passengers could enjoy breathtaking ocean views through expansive windows. As they made their way toward the central hub of the ship, the gallery offered a seamless transition between the relaxed atmosphere of the Smoking Room and the grandeur of the ship’s social spaces. The attention to detail in its design embodied the luxury and sophistication of first-class travel aboard this legendary liner.

This room once measured 56 feet (17m) long, 20 feet (6m) wide, and 12.5 feet (3.8m) high. The floor had a large Wilton rug in shades of cream and brown, and was surrounded by a parquet floor of Oak Mahogany and Indian Laurel. Three large silver and gold treated Honduras Mahogany mural carvings adorned the inboard wall and were created by artist John Skeaping. Over the fireplaces on either end of the room were paintings of flower studies by Cedric Morris. The lighting of the room was indirect and provided by concealed cornice trough lights with pendant fittings in the centre. The wood-paneled walls were done floor to ceiling in a special Indian Laurel of the finest quality and grain, it had long grain stripes of dark brown and golden caramel hues.

The Starboard Gallery was half the length of the First Class Long Gallery and served as an informal smoking room for both sexes. The First Class Smoking Room was initially for men only. And while music and dances happened in the ballroom next door, this space served as a quiet room to get away from the hubbub. When the ship returned from troopship service in World War II, the First Class Smoking Room was made available to both men and women, freeing up the Starboard Gallery and part of the Ballroom to become a First Class Cinema.
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#1930

18/10/2024

The 1st Class Smoking Room | QUEEN MARY
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Step back into the elegance of the RMS Queen Mary’s First-Class Smoking Room, designed by Arthur Joseph Davis in stunning Art Deco style. Originally a space for men to enjoy ci**rs and drinks, this luxurious room eventually welcomed both men and women. With its rich mahogany paneling, gold leaf details, and a breathtaking mural by Doris Zinkeisen depicting a vibrant New World map, it was a place of true sophistication. Geometric ceiling patterns and soft lighting added to the modern, yet refined atmosphere, while large windows offered beautiful natural light during the day. This room perfectly captured the grandeur of first-class travel in the golden age of ocean liners.

The First Class Smoking Lounge is one of the most beautiful spaces aboard Queen Mary. It certainly is spacious as far as Smoking Rooms go. Designed by Trollope & Sons of London, the idea was to give this space a modern (for the 1930s) English club or country home feel, which was very fitting for the interior design of the rest of the ship. Its fireplace with a Travertine mantle, is the only one aboard that actually burns a flame, and it is a coal-burning fireplace. Most of the room is paneled in English Brown Oak veneer, the dado below the oak panels is done in Walnut Burr. The most remarkable wood panels in the room are placed on the forward and aft bulkheads surrounding the fireplace and the Steward's counter, these veneers are called Tiger Oak Burr for the wood grain's remarkable resemblance to tiger stripes. The veneers were also laid in a particular pattern to resemble a tiger's face, if you look hard enough. On flanking either side of the fireplace are two separate limewood screens, pierced and carved by James Woodford. The forward and after ends of the room each have a painting by Edward Wadsworth.
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17/10/2024

The Long Gallery | QUEEN MARY
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Step into the elegance of the RMS Queen Mary's First-Class Long Gallery, designed by the brilliant Arthur Joseph Davis. This stunning Art Deco corridor on the port side of the Promenade Deck connected the Main Lounge to the Smoking Room. Lined with polished wood paneling, intricate carvings, and beautiful art displays, the gallery featured exquisite drawings and murals by renowned artists like Alfred Janniot, depicting scenes from nature, mythology, and maritime history.

The gallery was more than just a passageway—it was a serene space for first-class passengers to stroll, chat, and admire the views. With large windows overlooking the ocean and access to the outdoor Promenade Deck, it perfectly embodied the luxury of ocean travel.

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15/10/2024

The 1st Class Lounge | QUEEN MARY
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Step back into the golden age of travel with a glimpse inside the First-Class Lounge aboard the iconic RMS Queen Mary. Known as the heart of first-class social life, this Grand room, located just off the Long Gallery, was a stunning example of Art Deco design and elegance.

The First-Class Lounge aboard the RMS Queen Mary was a grand, luxurious space designed for relaxation and socializing. It featured high ceilings, richly paneled wood walls, and an imposing fireplace at its center, creating a warm and elegant atmosphere. Plush velvet armchairs and sofas were arranged for passengers to gather and enjoy the surroundings, while large windows allowed natural light to flood the room, offering stunning views of the ocean.

This lounge was the social hub for first-class passengers, hosting live orchestral performances, afternoon tea, and lively conversations. Decorated in an exquisite Art Deco style, it included intricate carvings, murals, and sculptures, which enhanced the room's opulence. Whether relaxing with a book, listening to music, or mingling with fellow passengers, the First-Class Lounge was the epitome of refined luxury aboard the Queen Mary.

"Unicorns In Battle" by Alfred J. Oakley and Gilbert Bayes. This beautiful gesso panel is the 2nd largest piece of artwork on the ship and sits above the forward fireplace the former 1st Class Lounge

Take a closer look at one of the original mantel clocks that once graced the fireplaces in the 1st Class Lounge. Crafted from green onyx, with ormolu metalwork and illuminated etched glass panels, these clocks were stunning centerpieces. The glass artwork by Charles Cameron Baillie featured scenes from Roman mythology, like Neptune with Triton calming the seas. While one clock remains aboard featuring Venus and Apollo, this clock and a third have mysteriously disappeared.

The Main Lounge was one of, if not the most beautiful room onboard the Queen Mary. In the 1930's, the room doubled as a lounge and Cinema. Passengers could sit down, fall asleep as some did, and listen to music that was either played live, or by record.
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14/10/2024

First Class Shopping Hall | QUEEN MARY
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The shops on the Promenade Deck of the RMS Queen Mary, located near or accessible from the Main Entrance Hall, were designed to offer first-class passengers a luxurious shopping experience. These boutiques featured high-end goods such as fashionable clothing, jewelry, perfume, and souvenirs, often from prestigious brands. Passengers could purchase travel essentials, as well as more indulgent items like fine ci**rs and cosmetics. The ship’s shopping area was a reflection of its sophisticated clientele, providing an opportunity for passengers to enjoy retail therapy while at sea, adding another touch of luxury to their voyage.
Shopping aboard the Queen Mary was a popular social activity among passengers. The shops on the Promenade Deck offered first class passengers an opportunity to buy a newspaper, find a new frock, or simply browse with friends.

Wealthy ladies could be found discussing the latest fashions in London or Paris or discreetly purchasing a pair of the finest silk stockings. Gentlemen on the other hand could be found glancing through the window of the Austin Reed shop considering a purchase of a specially made Queen Mary pocket square or tie. The two remaining shops were inhabited by W.H. Smith & Sons who still exist today & a to***co shop adjacent.

Photo of the central shop in the First Class Shopping Hall occupied by Simpsons of Piccadilly featuring the DAKS clothing line they created in 1934 and is still sold today! Simpsons of Piccadilly opened their clothing store in 1936 at 203-206 Piccadilly in central London, the same year as the Queen Mary's maiden voyage. Famous for its Bauhaus design, they occupied the building until 1999 when it was sold to Waterstones bookstore which is still there today. If you have ever seen the British sitcom 'Are You Being Served?", it was based on the experiences of an assistant at Simpsons of Piccadilly, Jeremy Lloyd.
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13/10/2024

The Grand Staircase | QUEEN MARY
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The focal point of the Main Entrance Hall was the sweeping Grand Staircase. Made of polished wood with intricate brass or wrought iron railings, the staircase connected passengers to other key first-class areas such as lounges, dining rooms, and promenades. The elegant design was a reflection of the ship's luxury and sophistication, providing a grand first impression. Looking aft, the focus of interest is the marble medallion plaque of Her Majesty Queen Mary, by Lady Hilton Young (Lady Kennett), set in a large panel of special walnut burr at the head of the stairway. Below the plaque is the standard presented to the vessel by Her Majesty.

On either side of the hall were elevator vestibules that provided access to the ship's upper and lower decks. These elevators were not just functional but stylishly designed with mirrored panels, polished wood, and brass fittings. They provided easy access to first-class staterooms, the promenade, and other luxurious spaces on the ship.

In 1936, Mary of Teck, Queen Consort of George V of the United Kingdom and the British Dominions (1910 – 1936), gifted the Cunard White-Star Line a smaller type of her personal Royal Standard or family crest pennant to be displayed, in a glass holder, right next to the First Class staircase onboard the RMS Queen Mary’s Promenade Deck. It remained during the Queen Mary's service years; however, this pennant was removed before the ship’s retirement in Long Beach in 1967. Cunard placed the original Royal Standard aboard the RMS Queen Mary 2 in 2004, where it remains today.
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#1936

12/10/2024

The Main Hall | QUEEN MARY
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Step aboard the legendary RMS Queen Mary, a floating palace that redefined luxury on the high seas! Launched in 1936, she is celebrated as the greatest and grandest ocean liner ever built, a true icon of the golden age of travel. Designed by the esteemed architects Mewès & Davis, her interiors are a stunning blend of Art Deco elegance and opulence. Imagine stepping her prime and being greeted by the grandeur of the Main Entrance Hall!

The Main Entrance Hall of the RMS Queen Mary was a grand and multifunctional space that greeted first-class passengers with luxury and convenience. It featured a sweeping Grand Staircase, stylish elevator vestibules, and a concierge desk for assistance. Amenities included luggage handling and porter services, a coat check, and nearby restrooms. Passengers could also access the pursers' office for administrative needs, a travel bureau for booking excursions, and telephone booths for communication. Adjacent to the hall were elegant retreats like the Library, Music Room, and Drawing Room, while nearby shops offered luxury goods. With its polished wood, marble floors, and Art Deco details, the hall set a sophisticated tone, combining practical amenities with timeless elegance.

Forming an important first class public meeting space on Promenade deck the main hall was and still is a major original feature of the Queen Mary. Initially the high art deco design of the floor followed the curves of the recessed ceiling panels. The original colors were two shades of green with cream accent strips. An inviting cluster of cream leather sofas and chairs with darker back panels sat on a custom designed carpet in the center of the area.

This wasn’t just any entry—it was a statement of elegance and luxury from the moment first-class passengers set foot on the ship.
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04/10/2024

Q U E E N M A R Y
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𝐒𝐇𝐈𝐏 𝐎𝐅 𝐆𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐓𝐍𝐄𝐒𝐒

The RMS Queen Mary, launched in 1936, was one of the most legendary ocean liners of her era. Built by the Cunard Line in Scotland, she represented the height of luxury, sophistication, and speed during the golden age of transatlantic travel. Stretching over 1,000 feet long, the Queen Mary was an engineering marvel, blending Art Deco elegance with cutting-edge technology.

The construction of the RMS Queen Mary was partly driven by intense competition from Germany and France in the race for dominance in transatlantic travel. The result was the RMS Queen Mary, an engineering and design marvel. She was built to outpace the German and French liners, especially the equally paralled SS Normandie ; becoming the fastest and most elegant ship on the seas. Queen Mary’s size, power, and Art Deco interiors were unmatched, making her a symbol of British pride and a global icon. Her launch in 1936 marked Britain’s return to supremacy in the world of luxury ocean liners, and she soon set the record for the fastest Atlantic crossing, winning the Blue Riband and establishing herself as the premier liner of her time.

The RMS Queen Mary was famous for her luxurious first-class spaces, designed to be the height of elegance and sophistication. Her interiors were crafted by some of the best designers and artisans of the 1930s, with a focus on Art Deco style and fine craftsmanship. Skilled hands created intricate wood paneling, carved reliefs, and detailed glasswork, using rare materials like sycamore, walnut, and mahogany. Each space was adorned with rare woods, luxurious fabrics, and detailed artwork, making the Queen Mary a true symbol of glamour and sophistication at sea.

Her blend of elegance, engineering innovation, and wartime heroism solidified her reputation as the greatest ocean liner ever built. Today, she stands as a permanent monument to the golden age of ocean travel, celebrated for her grandeur and remarkable history.

Follow me, to time travel and witness the interiors of her heydey!
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#1

The Great Liners