The Golden Age of Cruising: How it used to be from the 1930s to 60s!

Welcome aboard a time machine... a journey back in time, delving into the opulent and glamorous world of cruising, and ocean liners, during the period spanning the 1920s to the 1960s. Join us as we unveil the allure of this bygone era, exploring what it was truly like to travel on an a ocean liner, and then later on as a cruise ship, during the golden age of ocean voyages.
We look at the original, and magnificent Cunard liners, Including the Queen Mary, and the Queen Elizabeth, and other luxury ships of the era.
And the battle for the trans Atlantic route with the SS Normandie, and the SS United States. This is a light hearted documentary, looking through the archives at how world travel really used to feel like!
Up until the 1950s and 60s the majority of these famous ships were in fact Ocean Liners, going from point A to point B, as a means of transportation; later on, as the aviation industry cut into their business, and they were in financial danger, they evolved into travelling for leisure. Circling the globe for vacations. And thus 'Cruising' was born. The ship and hull designs changed, and they became more leisure resorts at sea. Some of the existing ships converted, and the cruising mentality developed.
Picture yourself stepping onto these magnificent vessels, where every detail was meticulously designed to offer the utmost comfort and style.
Our immersive journey will vividly paint the picture of life aboard these majestic ships. From the grand ballrooms hosting glamorous soirées to the sumptuous dining experiences that defined culinary excellence, every moment was a celebration of refined living.
The 1920s marked the resurgence of ocean travel, with liners like the RMS Queen Mary and SS Normandie setting new standards of elegance and speed. As we progress through the decades, witness the evolution of onboard entertainment, from classic orchestras and Broadway-style shows to the emergence of cinema and onboard activities that catered to every passenger's taste.
But beyond the luxury, the golden age of sea travel and cruising was a melting pot of cultures and stories. Passengers embarked on these voyages for various reasons - be it exploring exotic destinations, socializing with fellow travelers, or simply experiencing the thrill of transatlantic crossings on ocean liners.
Join us as we uncover the reasons why revisiting this era is more than a nostalgic trip down memory lane. Understanding the historical significance of the shift from ocean liner transport to leisure cruises sheds light on the evolution of travel and its impact on modern-day cruising. The nostalgia and romanticism attached to this period continue to influence the cruise industry, making this exploration both a historical narrative and a reflection on contemporary travel trends.
This video promises an enriching experience for history enthusiasts, travel aficionados, and anyone intrigued by the evolution of luxury travel. Dive deep into the past and discover why this form of travelling holds a timeless charm that continues to captivate and inspire.
Join us on this voyage through time and witness firsthand the elegance, luxury, and allure of cruising during its most glorious epoch.
Don't miss the chance to embark on this nostalgic journey and gain a newfound appreciation for the legacy that continues to shape our modern-day travel aspirations.
Remember to subscribe, like, and share this video to spread the love for the golden age of cruising and to explore more fascinating historical content!
We look at:
Cruise ships in history
Transatlantic crossing
Buffet
Cruise cabins
Room Service
Ports of Call
Looking at the various Cunard ships in history
Cunard Queen Mary
Cunard Queen Mary 2
Cunard Queen Elizabeth
Normandie
In this video :
00:00 - The Great Ocean Liners
01:24 - Cruising in the 1950s
02:22 - Embarkation back in the Day
03:44 - The Layout of Old Liners
04:44 - The different Cunard Classes
07:39 - The Forgotten Cruise Lines
10:21 - Cruising to the Colonies!
13:00 - Cruising in the 60s
15:00 - The start of the World Cruise!
20:15 - The Swagger of Cunard!
25:00 - Flying in the 1950s
25:17 - Low cost Cruising in the 50s & 60s
27:18 - Cruising in the 1920s and 30s
28:28 - The Beautiful Normandie
30:10 - The SS United States
30:23 - How to end a cruise!
31:32 - Upcoming videos
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ABOUT ME:
Hi, my name is Bill! Together with my family we have lived in 5 countries around the world. The aim of this channel is to give an honest, practical viewpoint, showing exactly what we found, and what tips we may be able to offer. We do not sell vacations, and the objective is to give a fully independent, and real picture. We hope you enjoy the reviews we post.

[@ritzytravelguide]

If you enjoyed this video, please drop a comment in the box! You can watch Part 2...'How Flying Used to Be' , here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bZ6Zi6Olm9aro68 By the way you might also like to take a look at our latest video aboard the Queen Elizabeth. You can see that video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jKjMlKSifKukhdE

[@IslaSkye123]

This looks much more enjoyable than the over crowded, floating amusement parks of today.

[@annabellesnightmares]

My friend went on a cruise, her thoughts on it was a Walmart on the Sea.

[@ritzytravelguide]

Depends which cruise line you choose!

[@annabellesnightmares]

@@ritzytravelguide She didn't tell me which one.

[@HectorLuisdotcom]

Book a longer cruise on a smaller ship. No waterslides and fewer kids

[@jurgenmuck3102]

There are ships and cruise lines for every taste. I'm glad we have so much choice nowadays.

[@ruthm.6071]

I am sure that today's cruisers would find even the finest 1950s cruise experience a bit boring. But to my eyes, these bygone days of cruising were gorgeous. Even the tourist class had a sense of luxury. I loved seeing it. Thank you for a well produced video showing time that will never be recaptured again.

[@ritzytravelguide]

Thanks Ruth. No, I don't think that era will ever be fully recaptured as it was!

[@tias.6675]

This is way before my time, but I prefer this atmosphere in general.

[@brendadrew834]

Watch some old classic movies from the 1930s and 40s that also show how being on a cruise ship was back then, much classier and romantic than today, unfortunately!

[@MicheleOverton-mb8it]

100 percent agreed!! I'd rather have this. I'm a big reader so on one of these cruises with my books while soaking the sun before a dinner I have to dress for and the music of the times and the cocktails and the wonderful fashion! I'd take this any day 💖

[@merrywidow6578]

I crossed the Atlantic on the Queen Mary in 1964, first class. What a wonderful experience.

[@ritzytravelguide]

Hi there, I can imagine it really was. What a wonderful memory!

[@Gilded-girl]

@merrywidow6578, we just crossed the Atlantic on the Queen Mary 2. It was so wonderful and luxurious. On the walls, all over the ship were huge black and white photos of stars that were in the Queen Mary in her hay day. Do you know if any celebrities were on board when you crossed?

[@ritzytravelguide]

@Gilded-girl Hi. Some of the invited speakers can be reasonably well known. Such as Astronauts, or Writers, or experts in their field. It's very rare to get genuine Hollywood stars these days!

[@kcjd8659]

I just want to know the story behind your handle. “Merrywidow”-I feel like there’s a story there…

[@pamelaspooner7183]

Yes, on the original Queen Elizabeth twice and the United States once. Lovely memories.

[@stephaniestanley8041]

My grandparents took their honeymoon cruise in 1938. I have the menu card from one of their dinners. It was an amazing menu and the card itself is beautiful.❤️

[@ritzytravelguide]

Fantastic that you still have it 😊

[@dboutier5636]

They really did have bon voyage parties in their room. I grow up in New York, and several of my parents friends went to Europe by ship. A few times they were invited to the bon voyage party. I think it was a way of really showing off. There were cocktails and hors d’oeuvres in the room. My dad always griped, “ why are we getting these people a present when they can afford to take a trip to Europe.” But, my mom who never went anywhere without bringing something always brought a box of Schraff’s candies .

[@ritzytravelguide]

What a great story! Thanks so much for that! Can you imagine that today... people giving you a going away present, before you hop on a cruise!!

[@reinardinaarreman1461]

it was the first leg of an extended journey, not a 'stand alone' cruise holiday!

[@rongendron8705]

Just before 09/11/01, my wife & I were on an Alaskan cruise in Ketchican, when a friend, who lived in Alaska, flew there by seaplane & was allowed to come onboard, have free lunch & tour the ship! After 09/11, security tightened & the practice ended! Times have changed, but with all the new ship's amenities, not all for the worse!

[@ritzytravelguide]

@rongendron8705 They were allowed on for a free meal!! Times have changed!

[@loriloristuff]

Your mom was a lady, who knew one never went empty handed.

[@chrisgreek4285]

We did a Panama Cruise trip over Christmas 2019 and New Year’s 2020 on the Princess Emerald. It had a bit of a nostalgic and elevated feel - perhaps because of the holiday season - that I had not seen on other cruise lines. On regular nights, most people still dressed for dinner; cocktail dresses and suits seemed to be da rigeur and I loved it! The formal nights were filled with tuxedos and evening gowns and it looked magical. Even on our Caribbean resort vacations, we have always mwde a point of dressing for dinner. It just seems to enhance our own experience, not to mention that the photos taken by both us and the ship’s or resort photographer all look amazing❣️ I get it that it’s not everyone’s style, but it’s ours and makes our vacations a bit more special for us. I don’t know about everyone else reading these comments, but we do not dress like this at home (there no restaurant, pavement nor a traffic light in our town). Getting all dolled up to cook our own dinner, sit in the kitchen and eat it and then clean up seems a bit pointless so it is nice to be able to when we can. Hugs from Canada’s Arctic❣️❣️🇨🇦

[@ritzytravelguide]

Hello Canada's Artic Circle! Great to hear from you. I'm right with you, whilst in everyday life you don't have the time to dress up... that's exactly what cruises are for! Not every cruiseline, not every itinerary... but pick just the right one, and it feels magical!

[@bradeugene1]

Bravo - well said.

[@health1951]

I was an 11 year old girl in 1962 sailing to England with my auntie to visit relatives in London on the Queen Mary. Came home on the Queen Elizabeth after a summer in the UK. Did a lot of traveling as a young adult in the 70's & 80's, but nothing compares to my time on the Queens. A trip of a lifetime that can never be duplicated.

[@ritzytravelguide]

Hi, thanks so much for that lovely story. Fantastic for you to experience both Queens!

[@LisbethIvy]

I had the privilege of being able to travel from Australia to Europe in the 50's & 60's with my parents - The Orcades, Neptunia and the Oriana. Wonderful, wonderful memories. You couldn't give me the cruise ships of today - such monstrocities and completely classless!!!

[@ritzytravelguide]

What amazing memories for you!

[@user-do7up9eu9i]

Not all of them. Read my comment above.

[@kaamkmca]

The Cunard Ships still has that class you speak of. I agree there a lot of monstrosities out there. They are amusement fun fair parks which you could have on land. Not for me.

[@sharonpolikoff7282]

I like the look of the old liners/criuse ships - they look like actual boats, complete with smokestacks, instead of resembling multi-story buildings as the modern ones do. Will be interested in your videos about luxury air travel too....

[@ritzytravelguide]

Yes, the ships had elegant lines in those days 🙂

[@susanpayson7843]

I liken them to Soviet style apartment buildings.

[@PRR-xx2hp]

They were actual boats. They were not cruise ships. They were ocean liners. The difference is that an ocean liner is seaworthy.

[@trudilm3864]

What we're not acknowledging is that those were Liners - designed to cut through rough sea and remain steady as a rock. Today's ships are designed for maximum capacity: they're big floating bath tubs that get tossed around accordingly.

[@sonaterese799]

I wouldn't want to book a cruise on todays horrendous cruise ships but this nostalgic video makes me wish I had been old enough to enjoy cruises of the past - thank you

[@ritzytravelguide]

Thanks for watching!

[@sheilacrosby4894]

Thank you people seemed to be a lot classier back then

[@jacquelinearcher1158]

The men on deck in deck chairs are better dressed than many turning up for dinner on a ship today.

[@ritzytravelguide]

That is quite possibly the case 😂

[@user-yq2rn2hy8p]

Men in suits and shined shoes. No baggy shorts, tank shirts, and filthy "athletic ' shoes. And every other word is eff you !!!. Women witg skin tight pants, artfukly ripped or cut jeans. Tops with holes cut willynilly, allowing bosoms to hang out or flop around , flip flops and cell phones in hand . Women still wore stockings and high heels,and were well groomed. I remember my mom wearing a skirt and 3 petticoats, and a short sleeved cherry. colored cashmere sweater. My dad was neat in his suit and wingtip shoes. When they danced togetger; and twirled around; her skirt flared out around them both😊 she wore dior perfume and he wore old spice. She had her hair up in a french twist, and he had a fedora. I always. Wanted to go with them, but i was too young. Later, when i was grown up enough to go with them ; they had both died . But in my memories I'm with them My Mom taught our girl scout troop to dance we all had crushes on Ricky Nelson !!😅😅😊

[@geezygee]

Turns out, it was the US TV show 'Love Boat' that helped bring cruising to the gen pop. Prior to that, it was even more niche as a from of travel than it is today. It was a Princess ship that was featured in the show, and they attributed the show to their and the industry's growth

[@ritzytravelguide]

Yes, agreed, I think the Love Boat did contribute to the pickup in cruising!

[@annlewallen964]

I was on the QE2 in 1978 on a Caribbean Cruise out of NYC. As. 19 year old it was a wonderful 17 day cruise. Women in long dresses at dinner. men in suits. We had the same waiters everyday all three meals. Great memories.

[@ritzytravelguide]

Hi Ann! Yes elegance, attentive waiters, dressing to the nines.... how fabulous!

[@dankelly5150]

@@ritzytravelguide Don't know if the eastern part of Africa is a cruise spot now with pirates and the like? 🤔

[@ritzytravelguide]

@dankelly5150 A lot of cruises going near the Suez are now being cancelled

[@rags3901]

Excellent and interesting video, but,unfortunately, it also highlighted how far people have allowed their standards to drop! I doubt that care, class and elegance will ever recover fully…the best we can hope is that some will hang on! Edited to add: I don’t miss everything about that era…but do miss the courtesy and general respect for yourself and others…you could very easily bring back elegance and grace if people would just bring back being thoughtful and caring bth about themselves and others….dressing up never killed anybody…caring about how you act never did either…something to think about!

[@cherylmaden5989]

Interesting fact a lot of the standard started dropping when people stopped wearing hats

[@ritzytravelguide]

@cherylmaden5989 that's an interesting thought!

[@marcusnz232]

I wish the world was still this wonderful.

[@markmh835]

It was wonderful only if you were white and had money. For everyone else ..... not so wonderful. Not too different than today actually.

[@Di0rderL33]

It is. If you can afford it

[@hewitc]

Except back then everyone smoked. Every room smelled of smoke. Otherwise great!

[@natalieb6193]

I see why people traveled with trunks. If I had to be in a different gown every night for dinner not to mention day clothes, exercise clothes, and a swimsuit outfit, I’d need several trunks, too. How amazing that would have been ❤

[@ritzytravelguide]

🙂

[@user-do7up9eu9i]

When we went around the world in 1971 My parents had two trunks and 8 suitcases. I had 1 trunk and 6 suitcases. Every night formal meant shoes and handbag to match each outfit. And casual clothes meant business caual. Not they way so many dress like slobs nowadays.

[@jessschafer1328]

My mother and I traveled from Quebec to France and returned 2 months later in 1955 on the Cunard's SS Samaria and the SS Franconia. I was 5 years old and remember my mother was sick almost the entire time! I made friends everywhere (I remember roaming the ship and seeing whales and an iceberg in the distance!) and I remember the stewards being so nice and helpful. When I was 12, we crossed on the SS America out of New York, in 1961, but ended up stranded in Europe due to some kind of port scheduling problem and we were offered a date change for our return or a plane ticket. We flew back for the first time on an airplane. After that I returned to visit family in Europe many more times, but sadly, never again on one of the wonderful cruise ships…

[@ritzytravelguide]

Hi Jess, great to hear from you! What a lovely series of memories. Seeing whales and icebergs, and on such glorious ships of the day! Grand times indeed!

[@gtlfb]

Among my husband’s earliest memories are those of his five year old self and his mother taking the Ile de France to join his father in England. He remembers the long gangplank and watching their new Studebaker being lowered into the hold. We were watching “The Last Voyage”, the movie in which the ship was so ignominiously destroyed, and during a scene in the dining room he shouted, “I sat right there!”. We had to stop watching when the mayhem started, too painful. In the early 80s, I visited the Queen Mary at Long Beach, and I swear there was almost no one there. I bought that famous cutaway print and used it as my guide. I was everywhere, all the main rooms, the pool, the silver vault, even the projection booth high in the forward wall of the main lounge. No one bothered me. I was not able to get into any of the cabins, though. The Spruce Goose was next door, and I was able to take a very leisurely tour of that, too. No chance of ever doing that again.

[@ritzytravelguide]

Hi, thanks so much for those lovely stories. He was one of those we saw in the video with cars being winched on and off!

[@rt66vintage16]

We did that double tour (QM & Spruce Goose) also in the 80s, and I think we were pretty much alone. The SG is now located in a small Oregonian town. It's definitely worth a visit, kinda like the Grand Canyon, lol, you can't imagine how big it is until it's seen in person.

[@ritzytravelguide]

That would have been a fantastic double!

[@douglasjaeger1559]

I did the double tour in 1984 when I was 33. The H-4 Hercules, aka the Spruce Goose, was spectacular. One could tour the inside and cockpit. Then the Queen Mary was the first ocean going vessel I’d ever been on, and it was truly grand. At some point she was a hotel, but I suspect most guests stayed only one night aboard. Unlike today’s cruise ships the Queen Mary was a beautiful ocean liner.

[@Istandby666]

I remember the double tours. I also remember when the H-4 was being moved from Long Beach. It was a sad day when they broke the H-4 and Queen Mary up. Southern California in the 80's was a great time.

[@66el]

And no cell phones, imagine that. Who else wants to go back in time ?

[@PaulStClair-or3gj]

Yes.. people used to TALK to each other. And they could also read well;....🔞.. today...❓❓❓

[@brendadrew834]

Me, old soul here!

[@jurgenmuck3102]

No, thanks!

[@GlobalAdventurer]

Thank you for this wonderful video. I really like how the passengers really got to enjoy the "now" and not on cellphones and computers :) I would love to see the Premium Class passengers on those airplanes back in the day.

[@ritzytravelguide]

Thanks for watching, yes it's really insightful to see the old footage!

[@mattrost2574]

This makes me feel old! My first cruise was in 1990, and much has changed since then. I remember small ships with "bon voyage" parties on the top deck, with paper streamers to throw to your well-wishers ashore; and in the water. I remember midnight buffets, chocolate buffets, tuxedos on formal night, smoking in the cabins, room keys (instead of cards), in-person muster drills and a more sophisticated crowd aboard. Anymore, cruising attracts a more budget-minded demographic.

[@ritzytravelguide]

You don't get clay pigeon shooting on deck any more either! One errant wave, and you could be shooting the wrong direction altogether!

[@meman6964]

1st cruise 1982 on Song of Norway Still Dress for Dinner, assigned seating, same waiter, all the young couples seated at same table. Lovely trip. It was my gift for graduation from college. Still prefer this size ship, so we cruise with Oceania now

[@ritzytravelguide]

@meman6964 Oceania does indeed give a great experience

[@codetwohigh]

I’m 51 and I remember the bon voyage parties as recently as 1986 on Royal Caribbeans M/S Song of Norway. We even threw confetti towards the dock as we were pulling out of Miami.

[@allisonvachon5148]

I sailed with my family from New York to Amsterdam aboard SS Maasdam (Holland-America Lines) in 1962, and we returned to the States aboard SS Prinses-Margriet in 1965. Real passenger ships. Always something to do. even for the kids. A library, games on the deck, the food. I was old enough that I could stay up with my parents for evenings in the Salon; horse-racing--carved and painted horses that stewards would move around a wooden track on the floor based on numbered balls from a Bingo-style cage. I remember there was a famous opera diva with us from South Africa. And once, I wanted a snack between meals, and a steward brought me vanilla ice cream with stewed figs and lady fingers. It was fabulous!

[@ritzytravelguide]

What fabulous memories for you Allison! Lovely story

[@bradleysimonson1160]

This civilization, extinct now, is almost like Atlantis. A great and beautiful society lost to the ages.

[@ritzytravelguide]

A bygone era!

[@brendadrew834]

Sad! smdh

[@andreatuckman1084]

I still recall when passengers dressed up to fly . The vast majority of people hadn’t even gotten on a plane since travel for ordinary Americans was an extravagance. So, yes, I would very much enjoy a video on air travel.

[@ritzytravelguide]

Hi there, yes extravagance is a good word! A real treat!

[@dianapearson1771]

Oh, remember, a couple of years ago, a woman was taken off a flight because she was inappropriately dressed!!😮

[@alexandrawallner8814]

One thing I forgot to add in my comment below: The way people dressed then and now is striking! People actually got DRESSED UP when traveling!!! Oh, no!!!! Heavens forbid anyone nowadays would leave their baggy shorts and flip-flops at home!!! Comfort, comfort, comfort! Too bad these people haven't ever heard of mirrors! Oh, well. Call me old fashioned to think that people could be stylish and comfortable at the same time.

[@JJVPYOU]

I find it funny to see men in suit and tie lounging in the pool deck.

[@ritzytravelguide]

That was very much the way, back in the day. Men tended to dress formally, no matter the occasion

[@Angiehere-1]

If you watch some documentaries on NewYork, people were dressed up just to walk down the street!

[@ritzytravelguide]

@Angiehere-1 That's so funny 🤣

[@Gottaknow]

I cruise and I love formal night! I also dress up when going out.

[@livinhiswill525]

I love the elegance of cruising in the past but I also love how cruising has become an affordable and accessible vacation for all types of individuals and families today. Thank you for posting this wonderful video!❤

[@ritzytravelguide]

Hi Nicole. Many thanks for your kind words, and for watching 🙂

[@jansupronowicz1300]

Exactly. Who could afford crusing in those "Golden years"? Only the very wealthy.

[@carolstearns3683]

We sailed on The Norway before the scraped her. Was wonderful and the lounges were stunning. Learned to ballroom dance on that ship.

[@ritzytravelguide]

That would have been interesting! The Norway, and before that as the SS France, was also a very graceful ship!

[@CatMom-uw9jl]

My parents were lucky enough to sail on the Norway shortly after she debuted. Mom talked about that beautiful ship for years.

[@davidawilliams252]

Nice video! The show The Love Boat made cruising exciting, popular and yet still exotic.

[@ritzytravelguide]

Thank you 😊

[@nancyhillard6456]

Back when people had manners and class.

[@AnahataMaryjane]

these are advertisements. of course everyone has manners or class, you think they're gonna show the bad things?

[@d.808lf5]

Truth. We finished a 113-day World Cruise this year, 2024, and people were 'animals'. I don't know what it is but since covid people are uber-rude and out for themselves. We didn't see this before the pandemic. (Our ship had 1,500 French, 400 Germans, 200 Italians, 200 English speaking, 200 Chinese Nationals and 500 other.)

[@jurgenmuck3102]

@@d.808lf5 Insolent people who call other people 'animals'? Bravo!

[@c.d.6371]

Manners are not taught any more. No one is concerned about others. We are in a selfish society.

[@videofan1010]

And wealth and access to dignity was truly exclusive to certain people. It was just the best 🥲!

[@alexandrawallner8814]

Thanks for the journey! I crossed the Atlantic from N. Y. C. to England as a teenager with my parents on the Queen Mary 1 and crossed back on the Queen Elizabeth 1 in 1968, both in Cabin Class. My father's Cadillac Seville also crossed for the price of another passenger. I loved both ships but the Queen Mary "The Queen of the Atlantic" was more beautiful and warmer in a friendly way. It was the journey of a lifetime! I loved exploring the ships. The British crew was very friendly. The food generally good but now, when I think back, old fashioned. I still have the menus, photos and luggage tags. Just great! Also LOVED the dimly lit pool and the movie theater. Thanks for taking me down memory lane!!!!!

[@ritzytravelguide]

Hi Alexandra, how lovely that you still have the keepsakes from your Atlantic Crossing! Real personal treasures! Many thanks for watching!

[@mrclaypole]

Thoroughly enjoyed that. Hopefully there will be more of this type of content to come in the future

[@ritzytravelguide]

Hi Mr C.... will do my very best!

[@gardengeek3041]

Happy to be a new fan of this channel. Just the right mix of intelligent, trans-Atlantic narrative with well-chosen vintage footage. A salute of thanks to those who track down these historic film records , and reformat them to be enjoyed by future generations. As a baby boomer who did my first cruise in my teens in 1966, what strikes me is the subtle level of sexism in all the old travelogues. It was assumed that men were buying the tickets. So, the swimming and sunbathing scenes always emphasized good looking females in skimpy attire. The reality on most cruises is quite different, both then and now. It's a marketing ploy that still works.

[@ritzytravelguide]

Hello. Many thanks for your kind comments, and great to have you with us!

[@charlescrawford7039]

In 1958 I traveled as a 15-month-old with my parents to England on the Queen Elizabeth. I have a picture of little me at the Children's Tea in the first-class dining room.

[@carolstearns3683]

Our bucket list on Cunard to experience this elegance.

[@ritzytravelguide]

The new Cunard Queen Anne is coming very soon. If you haven't seen our video on this new ship, you can find it in our playlist!

[@georgesboutz8080]

My family moved from France to the US on the SS Liberté in September of 1958, from Le Havre to New York, we were greeted by Hurricane Helen on the 4th day of the crossing...what a fun trip that was for a 10 year old kid.

[@ritzytravelguide]

I bet! Somewhat like a roller-coaster!

[@louise7552]

These videos are brilliant. One of my favourite movies is An Affair to Remember with Deborah Kerr and most of it is set on the ship. The beautiful dresses, rooms, dancing of the late 40s , early 50s is exquisite. Ive been on a few Cruises, but id sell a kidney to be able to experience an old fashioned luxury cruise. Thanks for the time warp.😊😊

[@ritzytravelguide]

Maybe keep your kidney! You need that for drinking the cocktails 🍹

[@dereklwashington1132]

I can't imagine wanting to go on a modern cruise after see this

[@Maggie-rr8gi]

Too crowded and too noisy!

[@steveunangst]

This does bring back memories. As a teenager, I cruised with my family a couple times in the late 60s. Was a lot of fun and is the reason I still cruise frequently. Frankly I was a bit uncomfortable that we were in first class when not everyone was having the same experience. Still that way although there are splurges we take now that are probably the equivalent, such as dining at specialty restaurants and maybe staying in a more expensive cabin. There is some nostalgia but I enjoy cruises just as much now as before... especially sea days!

[@davidfrost1685]

As a child we travelled on the Q Mary, the France, and the United States. The first class passengers would always slum in the tourist bars and clubs. Plenty of stuffed shirts! First class was boring. I remember sneaking into the first class pool and it was usually deserted. Marvelous times!

[@ritzytravelguide]

Amazing experiences for you David. How revealing you mention First Class used to frequent the tourist bars and clubs, for a bit of excitement

[@alisons9979]

My first cruise was in 1977 on the SS Uganda at the age of 15! We cruised for two weeks on the Mediterranean, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Egypt and Israel. Absolutely amazing and I felt incredibly fortunate to have experienced it at such a young age. I didn’t cruise again until 2018 and have now cruised 7 times, mainly Royal Caribbean and Cunard, I love it. Really enjoyed this video, thank you!

[@ritzytravelguide]

Hi Alison, what a lovely treat to be on the Uganda! That would have been a fabulous Mediterranean itinerary By the way, f you haven't already seen them, we have several videos on our channel covering cruising on Cunard!

[@alisons9979]

It was, thank you. Subscribed 🙂@@ritzytravelguide

[@bradeugene1]

I sailed NY to Southampton on the S.S. France in 1965. I don’t remember much about the ship other than my many excursions to the children’s game room where I became an Expert Rifleman on one of the numerous pinball machines. I also snuck into an R rated movie (A Man And A Woman). I do remember my parents dressing for dinner, which meant I had to wear a monkey suit too. I went on deck once and was the only one there, perhaps because it was stormy and cold in the mid-Atlantic. Even at age 12 I considered myself an old salt because I had spent three weeks cruising the Med on the MS Dunera with some of my schoolmates a year before. This documentary takes me back to those heady days - We’ll done!

[@ritzytravelguide]

SS France was such an iconic ship. Fantastic that you were able to experience it first hand, as a youngster!

[@barbarapritchett8698]

YES... would LOVE the videos of the golden age of flying! THANK YOU

[@ritzytravelguide]

Thanks Barbara!

[@lynnfranklin5098]

In 1976 I sailed on the Statendam that use to be the Independence (aka Grace Kelly ship to marry the Prince) they gave us a tour of how the stairs were designed so the classes didn’t see each other. They even showed us a whirlpool that use to be the dog walking area for 1st class pups😀

[@mchapman1928]

In 1957 we traveled from New York to Southhampton, England on the RMS Queen Elizabeth. It was a wonderful trip, a beautiful memory. It took 5 days each way. We lived in Brooklyn, two blocks from the water and from our back window we could see the big ocean liners sail by. Mom could recognize all of them by their smoke stacks.

[@ritzytravelguide]

How fabulous for you. I hope you looked out for yourself on the video! 5 days, as we know, is much faster than crossings of today. They really powered through the water.

[@mchapman1928]

@@ritzytravelguide- Yes, it’s seven days now I believe. Today the crossing is considered a cruise, back then it was just nice transportation to your destination. We made that crossing a few times because we stayed with our grandparents in Birmingham for the summer when we were young.

[@dan797]

Excellent video, well produced, and documented- love looking at all these elegant ship interiors from the 30s 40s and 50s

[@ritzytravelguide]

I totally agree, it's fascinating isn't it! Oh for a time machine, to be able to visit for a day!

[@sheri1972]

After my dad passed, I found the passenger list brochure from his 1950’s voyage from England to New York when he immigrated to the U.S. He had taken notes next to each person he must have met on board with their contact information. It was so interesting to find since nowadays such a thing would never be distributed to passengers.

[@ritzytravelguide]

Hi, that's a lovely story. Yes, Passenger Lists were a part of Cruising life back in the day, particularly with Cunard. Definitely wouldn't happen now!

[@Duchess_of_Cadishead]

My parents came to Australia in 1963 as £10 “poms” along with me, aged 12 and 4 younger siblings. A 28 day voyage aboard the Sitmar ship Fairsky was a wonderful adventure which started my love of ships and the sea. I repeated the voyage in 1976, this time as a paying passenger on the Chandris ship Australis.

[@ritzytravelguide]

In some ways I wish Chandris was still around. They had panache and style. They were folded into Celebrity Cruises, and whilst John Chandris remains on the board, it's not quite the same.

[@Duchess_of_Cadishead]

@@ritzytravelguide I agree. Chandris certainly had class.

[@kdbee6086]

How wonderful to see the QE and QM in their prime

[@ritzytravelguide]

Yes indeed!

[@daveduffy2823]

Man, cruises today aren’t much removed from a plane flight! What a difference! Even then, a cruise was an enemy to your waistline.

[@CanaryCaia]

My Basque aunt's mom used to cruise from San Sebastián to Río to visit her godmother. My aunt used to cruise to North Africa and Spain in the 50s before changing to airplanes. My grandma travelled by cruise to Europe several times until the 80s. 15 days from Buenos Aires. It was luxurious, fun and a good way to arrive rested and happy. Now you arrive groggy and without much rest to do anything even if you fly business class.

[@ritzytravelguide]

What a fabulous era to be visiting such icon destinations as Rio and North America!

[@CanaryCaia]

​@@ritzytravelguideyes! I wish today cruises were like those.

[@Retiredtraveler1961]

I did two crossings as a kid 1965 & 1966, NYC to Spain on SS Independence. I had. Fond memories but the rooms were small and there were 2 classes. We were in 2nd class.

[@sabrinamerrick1271]

In the 70s my parents went on a cruise to BDA out of NY. They actually let visitors of passengers board the ship. We got to have a soda in my parent's stateroom. At some point an announcement was made advising visitors to get off. It waa special.

[@ritzytravelguide]

Hi Sabrina, you're absolutely right, back in the day Cruise Lines did permit visitors on board for the day. These days however, practically impossible!

[@sabrinamerrick1271]

It was such a a big deal as I was 10. They had an inside room. And it had a fully stocked mini fridge! Afterwards, we watched the ship depart and waved at it from the pier.​@@ritzytravelguide

[@frankrisucci5792]

What a treat that was. Keep up the great work. Love your channel, and all your content.

[@ritzytravelguide]

Thank you so much Frank! Very kind

[@gottaloveme90210]

My first cruise was when i was about 10 and thats exactly how it was for kids and teens. A free for all with absolutely no parent supervision

[@ritzytravelguide]

😂

[@jb_makesgames2264]

Wow - get me a time machine and get me back there.

[@ritzytravelguide]

I'll call HG Wells immediately!

[@thecapone45]

Great video! I’ve seen vintage bus, plane, and train videos but not cruise ships! It did look glamorous. Today things may not be as glamorous but when I travel by car and go to hotels, I like to do my little part and dress up and dress well! In my own little way, maybe I can encourage others to dress a little sharper like back then.

[@ritzytravelguide]

Thank you so much, glad you enjoyed it!

[@kittyfarkas]

In 1962 we came to US from Le Havre, Paris on the SS United States liner. This ship looks like that. Took 4 days to cross Atlantic,

[@valeriebolton2607]

Love, love the beautiful attire that all people took pride in wearing, as each activity is a event.

[@ritzytravelguide]

Yes indeed! Those were the days!

[@flashbazbo3932]

I sailed the QE with my family from NYC to Europe. I remember the intensely yeasty rolls at dinner with unsalted butter as well as the yummy consomme soup served on deck in the stiff cold breeze. Sailed back from Germany on the SS United States in June of 1969. Only a few months later, she was removed from service. No surprise, our cruise was hardly half filled.

[@ritzytravelguide]

Hi there, it's great to hear your stories. Isn't it funny how one's mind remembers certain things... such as the "intensely yeasty rolls!"

[@Angiehere-1]

I was on the SS United States with my parents on our way to Belgium.

[@lisathaviu1154]

I think that what is depicted here is First Class. We went to France when I was very young, about 65 years ago, in a Holland America ship. My father worked out a discount with them for my brother’s and my tickets by giving a couple of concerts on board. If they had had a cheaper class with hammocks for everyone, my dad would have had us travel that way. Unsurprisingly, my dad got seasick when we hit rough weather. Happily, I found out that I didn’t get seasick, despite being constantly carsick for the next 3 months of car travel! However, although it was nice, I didn’t call any of it luxurious.

[@ritzytravelguide]

Hi, was your father a famous musician? That was a clever idea for a discount!

[@lisathaviu1154]

@@ritzytravelguideHe wasn’t super famous, but he was the 1st violinist of the Pittsburgh Symphony. I think he enjoyed having a concert or two wherever he went. He probably would have done it discount or no, but he was never one to pass up a deal.

[@im1who84u]

3:22 Just a noted difference here from then and now. When I recently left on a cruise that departed Miami, nobody was there on shore waiving to anybody. The ship just quietly left port.

[@christinalittle3708]

Basking in the deck chair in a four piece suit, what splendor 😅

[@ritzytravelguide]

Yes indeed 🙂

[@postscript67]

You often get pedantic people commenting under videos about old liners saying that they were liners (operating a scheduled service from A to B) and not cruise ships (going on journeys for pleasure round ever-changing routes), but this entertaining compilation shows that the liners sold their services by emphasising the cruise-like attractions to be found onboard (and isn't it amazing how many of those attractions were young, female and clad in swimsuits)?

[@ritzytravelguide]

Hi there. Many thanks indeed for your comments. Whilst Ocean Liners were the forerunner to Cruise ships, and offered transportion from A to B, on a fixed schedule, and had a different hull design.... that being said, the offerings and facilities aboard, were almost identical to cruise ships. Day to day life onboard mirrored each other: swimming pools, promenade decks, dining rooms, theatres, shops, bars, children's facilities, hair salons, casinos, activities, butler services, room service and entertainment.

[@SassyyjuicyMaria]

@@ritzytravelguide I'm curious... What would a butler do on a cruise ship? Was his role more akin to that a concierge?

[@Bill_N_ATX]

The SS United States came on scene just in time for the jet airliner to make her redundant. She still holds the record for a passenger ship crossing the Atlantic. She had a powerplant every bit the equal of an aircraft carrier and she was just as thirsty. So she didn’t survive to the resurgence of cruising for cruising sake, not as transportation across the ocean. Which is a real shame as she was the pinnacle of the ocean liner.

[@ritzytravelguide]

Hi Bill, indeed The SS United States was an absolute powerhouse and behemoth!

[@simonf8902]

Flying in the golden era. Yes please.

[@ritzytravelguide]

Will do!

[@jessy4935]

As an ex-pat child of the 50s, I made several trips to and from San Francisco to my dad’s posting in Asia. I remember ticker tape departures and the children’s play room, running wild with a gang of 7 to 10 year olds. Our Nanny had a room in another class but was allowed to spend her days with us looking after my younger brother. I have a passenger list booklet, and several photographs taken at what must have been a children’s party. It was a mode of transportation…airplanes were only used if someone back home was very ill and expected to pass away! I remember passing under the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. For the adults, there were Galas, costume parties, dances, and a lot of clothing packed in large trunks which were emptied, then sent off to a cargo area for the rest of the trip!

[@ritzytravelguide]

Hi Jessy, how lovely to hear from you! Thank you so much for letting us know your first hand experiences from the 50s, many of which we saw in the video! Your experiences closely match exactly how it was portrayed in these documentaries and promotional films. We might almost have seen you in there! It also amazes me how passenger lists were public in those days. Confidentiality laws would certainly prevent that now!

[@benjaminsmith2287]

While I certainly wouldn't want to bring back all aspects of cruising of the golden days, the idea of romance and elegance is worth retaining. The ships certainly lacked diversity and it's interesting how class division is coming back. That leads to that Celebrity Ascent, a ship I'm highly critical of and have a lot to say about (that isn't very positive). Some of the aspects of cruising are remarkably similar to what exists now.

[@Mr.SLovesTheSacredHeartofJesus]

I knew someone would wave the race card. Shame on you, sir.

[@benjaminsmith2287]

@@Mr.SLovesTheSacredHeartofJesus What race card? You're out of line. I'm talking about class division not race division. No one in their right minds talks of the good old days without bringing up diversity in terms of respecting women's rights, and any person's right, not just the rights of Black people so you're being presumptuous. Shame on you. This is about the ships and the cruise product. The romance of being at sea is being replaced with hanging out on your balcony and having special perks due to being in a larger space. The idea of restricting passengers to a part of the ship while others have their own area and the run of the ship is what I'm objecting to. And this is NCL, Celebrity and MSC doing this and I'm objecting to that.

[@AshleySpeaks09]

Yea but if someone has more $$ to afford more perks I mean that’s life. That’s why I don’t go anywhere unless I can be at my level of comfort. I am taking my first cruise in Nov because I got a great deal on an ocean view. You have to do what’s best for you and your budget. I am fine with my Corolla even though my neighbor has a BMW! That’s their business and that’s life.

[@benjaminsmith2287]

@@AshleySpeaks09 I'd take the Corolla as well. The issue with the Celebrity Edge ships and the NCL Haven ships would be like saying only BMW and luxury car drivers are allowed to drive in certain areas of the resort. That's the class division that I'm objecting to. I don't mind a few perks here and there but ship within a ship with some prime areas reserved for suite passengers is a something worth debating IMO.

[@robingriffith769]

Oh!!! It's coming back to me nowww!!! The OCEANIC in the 70's/80's out of NYC (where we lived)!!!!😊

[@ritzytravelguide]

The Grand Old Days!

[@ruthiemay423]

This is how I deserve to live...❤❤❤

[@ritzytravelguide]

You do!

[@usnavye9]

I would love to see a video about air travel in the 50's and 60's. Really enjoyed your video.

[@ritzytravelguide]

Thank you so much John. It's been a couple of months since I mentioned the Air Travel video, I really should get it out!

[@nanetteyauger5163]

This was so interesting. I envy those who cruised back then. I would love to see an episode on flying in the past.

[@ritzytravelguide]

Hi, the episode is now out!

[@GJALBARR1]

Hey Bill! Really great video! Your clips of old bring the past back and all the glamor that once was! Past, present, future! All are good!

[@ritzytravelguide]

Thanks George, glad you enjoyed it!

[@warrier007]

Loved it.Nostalgic.Thank You.

[@ritzytravelguide]

Yes and, it is indeed nostalgic!

[@johnmiller4973]

I'm only 44 years old but I'm the steward of my family's extensive archives and we have in the archive four generations of travel journals starting with my great great grandparents in 1893 and ending with my account of the QUEEN MARY 2's maiden voyage 20 years ago so I feel that I was there

[@ritzytravelguide]

Hi John. How fabulous. Four generations of family travels journals. You really can imagine you were there

[@draggonsgate]

Just watched the plane video and had to pop over here. I started cruising in '11 and while I love it, I always longed for that old feeling of sailing "back in the day" . In '19 I booked a trans-Atlantic on the QM2. Blew me away. Yes, it's more modern, and probably not as "glitzy" as the Queens of the 30's, but it was an amazing experience. Seeing the Statue of Liberty at 4am was an emotional experience, thinking of the millions of people who came to the States to start a new life. I still enjoy cruising, sucking down my Bahama Mama on the deck of the Elation in Cozumel or Nassau, but I'm booked for trans-Atlantic number 4 on the Queen. It's just a whole different and wonderful experience being at sea that I truly treasure and am grateful for being able to do.

[@ritzytravelguide]

So wonderfully expressed. It's a delight, and very fortunate to be able to travel and cruise, and imagine those who did it before us. I can fully imagine it was emotional for you as you arrived at 4am. Have a amazing time on your next transatlantic crossing!

[@samlbrown6665]

Thanks for bringing back many great memories. I took a cruise back in August of 1973 aboard the S.S. Nieuw Amsterdam ( Holland America ). She was built in the mid 1930's. I remember feeling like I stepped thru a time portal. God that was beautiful ship. Could you possibly include her in one of your next nostalgia films ? Thanks so much.

[@ritzytravelguide]

Hi, that's a nice idea. I will try to include some in any next one I do!

[@stephenwassell3650]

I cruised in the early 70s and then had to wait until 2018 for my next one. Quite different experiences but each had its attraction. I have to say the food was better in 1971. Very enjoyable video, thanks.

[@ritzytravelguide]

Hi Stephen, great to hear from you. Wow, 40 years between cruises! Next one 2050s!

[@stephenwassell3650]

@@ritzytravelguide No, 2025 for a world cruise! I'll be long gone by 2025.

[@strattonskier7229]

When I was 9 my mother, brother and I left Canada on a freighter to Amsterdam to then train down to Austria where we immigrated from. The freighter was a blast for us but the trip home was on an ocean liner. Wow what fun that was, during the day we explored every inch of the ship. Then after dinner and a story Mom would put us to bed and go see the movie which we had seen in the afternoon. My brother and I would sneak into the 1st class balcony and watch the movie again, leave just before it ended and fell into bed. Both ocean trips were a blast for a kid and i will remember it forever. My bother and I often discuss those trips.

[@ritzytravelguide]

Hi, what lovely memories you have from those days! Thanks so much for sharing!

[@almeggs3247]

Please bring back the world cruise!

[@user-do7up9eu9i]

There are still many ships that do world cruising. Not the monsters that only sail around the Caribbean and have a 1,000 screaming kids.

[@patricianolan5053]

What a beautiful fairytale loved it ❤❤

[@ritzytravelguide]

Thanks so much!

[@stevebass3992]

A great video. Thank you. looking forward to the next one

[@ritzytravelguide]

Thanks Steve!

[@timoldfield882]

I loved this . Thank you

[@ritzytravelguide]

Thank you Tim!

[@czeshirecat6278]

Yes please for passenger planes. You've an enjoyable voice for commentating.

[@ritzytravelguide]

That's very nice of you to say! Thanks for letting me know!

[@sp-bl1sl]

I used to lament the demise of the elegant, great liners of the past and feel like I missed out. But watching this confirms what I realized awhile back; everyone pretty much smoked every where on the ship. So much for luxury travel.

[@creambabyjazz]

❤The Gloria days… more more more the video like this🎷🍾️

[@ritzytravelguide]

I'll try to bring out more!

[@Aprilsraven629]

Can we please go back to somewhere between the 1920 and 1960 cruising was just beautiful, everything was a delight to the sensors unlike today its so busy, noisy, crowded, dangerous ....not a nice place to spend a holiday

[@swjumbo747]

Very enjoyable viewing. Great to see how people dressed up for this sense of occasion. Please keep up the great work and you mentioned a future instalment on aviation. Absolutely. Thanks for keeping us entertained and great to see your subscriptions increase rapidly and rightly so.

[@ritzytravelguide]

Thank you so much, that's very kind of you. I'll add 1 more to the Aviation installment!

[@bymyhandsworked]

My mother travelled aboard the Cunard Samaria in 1952, to and from a two month tour of Europe following her graduation from university. At the time, it was one of the older boats in the fleet (scrapped three years later), but she had a marvelous time and would always mention how it left her with a lifelong desire to cruise. I would like to imagine she's one of the young women by the pool in the video! Thank you! PS would love to see your air travel footage.

[@ritzytravelguide]

Hi, she might well have been in there. Thanks for your lovely story!

[@abdvantage]

Thanks for this!

[@ritzytravelguide]

Thanks for watching!

[@beesnort3163]

So so cool to see how it was back in the day. People really took care of their appearance back then. I wonder how much it was comparatively to now.

[@ritzytravelguide]

Yes, back in the day they wore suits to the pool deck! And all their relatives came to the dock to wave them off!

[@beesnort3163]

@@ritzytravelguide seems so glamorous! My mom told me that she used to spend hours on her hair and clothes! Now us ladies just wear sweats lol. More comfortable for sure but oh the beauty back then!

[@larandy2]

Brilliant more please G

[@ritzytravelguide]

Thanks! Will do!

[@brianrobson5208]

Just the tonic after a hard week at work (post Christmas) . Thank you sir I am looking forward to more please 🙏.

[@ritzytravelguide]

Cheers! Raising a 1960s Martini to you 🍸

[@Slonge92]

Great video, thank you.

[@ritzytravelguide]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@user-vg4iz6up4j]

Thank you Mr Ritzy for another great vlog, neatly put together. How those early days compare favourably in contrast to the benidorm on boat rabble who are ever more present on modern day cruises. God help us for bigger boats.

[@ritzytravelguide]

Thanks for watching!

[@AnahataMaryjane]

Don Draper made the 50s ad!!!