The RMS Queen Elizabeth conjures connotation of patriotic ­glamour and luxury dating back over 70 years and still going strong today. After the depression of the 1920’s the hull of her sister, Queen Victoria, was left almost derelict at Clydebank. Salvation came after Cunard was offered a government issued loan on the provision they teamed up with the faltering White Star company, this enabled work to not only continue on the abandoned Queen Victoria but also on a new ship, the RMS Queen Elizabeth too..

Once completed the Queen Elizabeth was due for a royal launch into her maiden voyage. The outbreak of the Second World War required she launch as an aid to the war effort rather than the luxury liner was intended as. her unplanned war career was rewarded by Churchill as he credited both her and her sister the Queen Victoria responsible for helping end the war. After coming out of the war in pretty much one piece, the Queen Elizabeth was finally able to enjoy her job as a cruise ship across the Atlantic. For over 20 years these magnificent ships sailed the Atlantic symbolising the golden era of the cruise industry for Cunard Cruises.

It wasn’t until the end of the 1960’s that both ships were replaced in an attempt to keep up with the times. With transportation like air travel become more accessible, sea travel needed to become both cheaper and quicker to keep up. Launched in 1969 the RMS Queen Elizabeth 2 would go onto become the flagship of Cunard Cruises and one of the most iconic ships in the world. She was designed to be smaller and cheaper and a practical alternative to the ever increasing popular air travel. After being the flag ship of not only Cunard cruises but the epitome of luxury 5 star cruises in general, she was brought by a Dubai investment company in 2007. The uncertain financial future of Dubai has halted the original plans to convert it into an opulent floating hotel. As the crew who were commissioned to work on her were scaled back, she now lies almost derelict.

Not long after the sale of the QE2, Cunard announced they’ll soon be launched the third Elizabeth ship. With the launch of the MS Queen Elizabeth expected in the autumn of 2010 it’s promised to be the very embodiment of five star cruises and one of the most advanced ships on the water. Said to have the essence of the 1930’s in its interior decor it will exemplify the spirit and the class of its name sake predecessor.