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Winter Scheme. Sir Basil is now hopeful of leading Cunard to "a new and profitable future in a new market situation." Since becoming Cunard's chairman in late 1965, the former BOAC chief has completely reorganized steamship operations, linked up with British European Airways on a new winter-holiday scheme. Vacationers fly via BEA to Gibraltar, then board a Cunard ship for a leisurely Mediterranean cruise. Cunard does not plan to abandon its summer North Atlantic express service. Due to make its maiden voyage in 1969 is a new $80 million, 58,000-ton, one-class liner, now known only as the Q4, which will be suitable for both cruises and transatlantic crossings.
As for the Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth, Sir Basil said he would consider selling them to another line so long as they did not compete with Cunard, also mentioned proposals for mooring the Queen Mary as an offshore "hotel" at Gibraltar or Los Angeles. Otherwise, the ships figure to be worth $1,800,000 each as scrap.
* The Mary's shortest Atlantic crossing was a record three days, 20 hr. 42 min., since surpassed by the S.S. United States' three days, 10 hr. 40 min.