Shipping: The Unlucky Queen

She was meant to bring new pride to a nautical nation, to restore some measure of the glory that was Britain's when her Queens ruled the seas. Sleek and speedy, the Queen Elizabeth 2 was designed as a floating luxury hotel, modern and comfortable enough to attract free-spending American tourists for the transatlantic run in the warm seasons and Caribbean cruises in the winter. At least, that was the dream of the Cunard Steam-Ship Co. when it ordered the $71 million, 66,000-ton liner in 1964. Last week, as she limped into Southampton after her shakedown voyage...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!