Twentieth Century Travel: The R.M.S. Aquitania
By Joseph B. Rayder & Eric K. Longo
“The AQUITANIA is Britain's largest liner. It is well over a quarter of a mile's walk round the ship. As to the width, there is space enough for a broad highway with room for tramways, footpaths and vehicular traffic to pass and repass the huge funnels, each of which is as large as a railway tunnel, towering above the Boat Deck. So completely is the AQUITANIA protected with water-tight compartments that she is a ship within a ship. Lifeboats, including two motor boats fitted with wireless telegraphy, are provided to accommodate all on board. The wireless installation will ensure the vessel being always in communication with the land”.
- Cunard Line Brochure 1930
- Cunard Line Brochure 1930
In 1909, heavy competition within the North Atlantic Passenger Trade between Europe and North America began to take on a form that it is best remembered for. In an era that didn't have aeroplanes or any other methods of travel, ocean liners were the only means of crossing between the United Stated and Europe. With an influx of immigration, and a desire to create "the fastest" ship in the world, this competition held nothing back, financially, architecturally, or socially.
During this time, the North Atlantic Passenger Route was commonly referred to as the "Big and Fast Steamer Route", a fitting reference to the activity and progress that created a rivalry among the lines to develop bigger and better liners, resulting in some of the most beautiful vessels to traverse the Atlantic.
In 1902, the Cunard Line began to envision a new class of liners which could successfully compete with the German Line and regain the coveted Blue Ribband for Britain. The Blue Ribband was an award for the fastest crossing and had been held by the Germans since 1897. This was a matter of pride for Britain and the British Lines, so Cunard chose Naval Architect Leonard Peskett to design two liners, the Mauretania and Lusitania, to regain the Ribband and demonstrate complete dominance over the North Atlantic (with good reason – an eye on coming war). The Mauretania was launched in 1906 and had her Maiden Voyage in 1907. During her inaugural season, the Mauretania proved to be a great success, and the Cunard Line proved its worth in the trade.
While serving together on the North Atlantic run, the Mauretania and Lusitania enjoyed much popularity, earning the nicknames “ocean greyhounds” because of their unsurpassed speed.
During this time, the North Atlantic Passenger Route was commonly referred to as the "Big and Fast Steamer Route", a fitting reference to the activity and progress that created a rivalry among the lines to develop bigger and better liners, resulting in some of the most beautiful vessels to traverse the Atlantic.
In 1902, the Cunard Line began to envision a new class of liners which could successfully compete with the German Line and regain the coveted Blue Ribband for Britain. The Blue Ribband was an award for the fastest crossing and had been held by the Germans since 1897. This was a matter of pride for Britain and the British Lines, so Cunard chose Naval Architect Leonard Peskett to design two liners, the Mauretania and Lusitania, to regain the Ribband and demonstrate complete dominance over the North Atlantic (with good reason – an eye on coming war). The Mauretania was launched in 1906 and had her Maiden Voyage in 1907. During her inaugural season, the Mauretania proved to be a great success, and the Cunard Line proved its worth in the trade.
While serving together on the North Atlantic run, the Mauretania and Lusitania enjoyed much popularity, earning the nicknames “ocean greyhounds” because of their unsurpassed speed.
Above - A colour tinted postcard showing the Mauretania leaving the Liverpool landing stage.
Image Copyright © Joseph Rayder.
Image Copyright © Joseph Rayder.
By 1911, with the White Star Line trio of Olympic class liners Olympic, Titanic, and the coming Britannic, Cunard was prepared to respond to this rivalry with a third ship. Peskett was again called upon by Cunard to create a liner larger than the Mauretania and Lusitania – the Aquitania. Already having the two fastest liners on the Atlantic, the Aquitania was designed to compete in the area of luxury – specifically with Olympic. Leonard Peskett even traveled on the competing Olympic to make notes for the design of the Aquitania.
It had been decided by the Cunard Line, its directors and designers, that the Aquitania would be constructed to accommodate no more than 3,500 persons; resulting in 750 First Class, 600 Second Class, 2,000 Third Class, and no less than 900 crew. And to sustain an efficient service between Liverpool and New York, Parson Turbine Engines had been fitted into the Aquitania. Peskett has designed the Aquitania to have a double bottom to run the full length of the hull from bow to stern. A major improvement in safety was Peskett’s innovations on the watertight bulkhead system. Forty one watertight compartments have been installed, and each is able to be filled or pumped with water separately. In all, the Aquitania’s hull is divided into 84 separate compartments.
Following the loss of the White Star Liner Titanic in April 1912, many changes were incorporated with regard to vessel design, safety, the number of lifeboats and navigation itself. It should also be noted that all three Cunard liners, the Lusitania, Mauretania and Aquitania, were designed and constructed to be easily converted to armed merchant cruiser service in the event of war.
On April 21st, 1913, hull number 409, the Aquitania, was launched from her builder’s yard and entered Clyde water for the first time. The Countess of Derby, Alice Stanley, was the honoured guest who christened the ship. Nearly one hundred thousand spectators had come together to see the great Aquitania launched; many of whom had watched the Aquitania slowly rising above the skyline of Clydebank as she was built Tons of lubrication, soft soap and tallow are used to grease the Aquitania's launch cradle, keel and underside. Three minutes passed from the moment of christening and, starting with no visible motion and a rising groan from within the vessel, the great liner slowly began to slide along the gantry stern first into the water. And then, with increased momentum, the liner picks up speed, and in the final moments is in the water, afloat for the first time. Eventually moving at 10 feet per second maximum, the launch itself lasted 1 minute and 31 seconds. Weight chains and cables help to slow the liner to a stop, and the ship is manoeuvred under escort of tugs to her Fitting Out Basin.
The Aquitania, now afloat, is still without her boilers, machinery and interiors, After being moved to her Fitting Out Basin near her launch gantry, large cranes drop her boilers into the hull and workers by the thousands complete the installation of everything from her immense machinery to her delicately carved luxurious interiors. The Cunard Line contracted Arthur Joseph Davis to design the ships interior decor, and with special consideration to her many features and design motifs, the Aquitania would be among the most luxurious of the great liners.
It had been decided by the Cunard Line, its directors and designers, that the Aquitania would be constructed to accommodate no more than 3,500 persons; resulting in 750 First Class, 600 Second Class, 2,000 Third Class, and no less than 900 crew. And to sustain an efficient service between Liverpool and New York, Parson Turbine Engines had been fitted into the Aquitania. Peskett has designed the Aquitania to have a double bottom to run the full length of the hull from bow to stern. A major improvement in safety was Peskett’s innovations on the watertight bulkhead system. Forty one watertight compartments have been installed, and each is able to be filled or pumped with water separately. In all, the Aquitania’s hull is divided into 84 separate compartments.
Following the loss of the White Star Liner Titanic in April 1912, many changes were incorporated with regard to vessel design, safety, the number of lifeboats and navigation itself. It should also be noted that all three Cunard liners, the Lusitania, Mauretania and Aquitania, were designed and constructed to be easily converted to armed merchant cruiser service in the event of war.
On April 21st, 1913, hull number 409, the Aquitania, was launched from her builder’s yard and entered Clyde water for the first time. The Countess of Derby, Alice Stanley, was the honoured guest who christened the ship. Nearly one hundred thousand spectators had come together to see the great Aquitania launched; many of whom had watched the Aquitania slowly rising above the skyline of Clydebank as she was built Tons of lubrication, soft soap and tallow are used to grease the Aquitania's launch cradle, keel and underside. Three minutes passed from the moment of christening and, starting with no visible motion and a rising groan from within the vessel, the great liner slowly began to slide along the gantry stern first into the water. And then, with increased momentum, the liner picks up speed, and in the final moments is in the water, afloat for the first time. Eventually moving at 10 feet per second maximum, the launch itself lasted 1 minute and 31 seconds. Weight chains and cables help to slow the liner to a stop, and the ship is manoeuvred under escort of tugs to her Fitting Out Basin.
The Aquitania, now afloat, is still without her boilers, machinery and interiors, After being moved to her Fitting Out Basin near her launch gantry, large cranes drop her boilers into the hull and workers by the thousands complete the installation of everything from her immense machinery to her delicately carved luxurious interiors. The Cunard Line contracted Arthur Joseph Davis to design the ships interior decor, and with special consideration to her many features and design motifs, the Aquitania would be among the most luxurious of the great liners.
Above - A photographic rendering of the Aquitania on her sea trials at night, off Skelmorlie.
Rendering Copyright © Joseph Rayder.
Rendering Copyright © Joseph Rayder.
On May 10th 1914, the Aquitania took on a head of steam and left her basin at the Clydebank works, and headed for her port of registry at Liverpool, from where she would undergo her Sea Trials. With twelve boilers alight, she steamed into the waters outside Liverpool, where she took on coal in preparation for her trial runs. To test and demonstrate the ships manoeuvering ability, engines and speed were the main focus of the steaming trials. Beginning at 12 knots, the ship commenced her trials. She had completed her measured mile satisfactorily, and upon a full run of her engines, she made a speed of 24 knots, proving she would make the service speed of 23 knots on the North Atlantic which she was designed for. Having met the requirements of the British board of trade and given a satisfactory display of her capabilities, the Aquitania was now ready for her maiden departure.
On May 30th, 1914, the Cunarder Aquitania left Liverpool on her maiden voyage to New York, as this was her port of registry. Although the spectacle of Britain’s finest passenger liner and the largest ship in the world should have been a spectacle like that of the Mauretania in 1907, it should be remembered that only a day before the Empress of Ireland had sank in the St. Lawrence river, and as the Aquitania was departing on her maiden voyage the news of this disaster was just making headlines. Achieving an Atlantic crossing in 6 days and making a 5 day turnaround, the Aquitania made excellent time, and would continue this pace throughout her entire passenger career.
Looking back in his memoirs, Captain E.G. Diggle said in reference to the Aquitania's Steaming Trials, “These trials are essentially an occasion for the demonstration by the shipbuilder that the organs which give the ship life are running efficiently.”
Although many remember First Class with its luxurious interiors and wealthy passengers, immigration was the true source of revenue for these large liners. Second Class was considered to be the choice among middle-class families but in sheer numbers Third class represented the experience that most of her passengers had.
However, the Aquitania's career as a passenger liner was quickly interrupted by the outbreak ofWW1, and with little time the Admiralty had requisitioned the Aquitania into military service. Within four days of Britain’s declaration of war in 1914, the Aquitania had been commissioned as an Armed Merchant Cruiser and was ready for military service. It should be mentioned that this conversion process, including the installation of 6” guns to existing gun mounts most visibly on her foredeck, went quickly due to Peskett’s design which allowed for just such a fast conversion.
On May 30th, 1914, the Cunarder Aquitania left Liverpool on her maiden voyage to New York, as this was her port of registry. Although the spectacle of Britain’s finest passenger liner and the largest ship in the world should have been a spectacle like that of the Mauretania in 1907, it should be remembered that only a day before the Empress of Ireland had sank in the St. Lawrence river, and as the Aquitania was departing on her maiden voyage the news of this disaster was just making headlines. Achieving an Atlantic crossing in 6 days and making a 5 day turnaround, the Aquitania made excellent time, and would continue this pace throughout her entire passenger career.
Looking back in his memoirs, Captain E.G. Diggle said in reference to the Aquitania's Steaming Trials, “These trials are essentially an occasion for the demonstration by the shipbuilder that the organs which give the ship life are running efficiently.”
Although many remember First Class with its luxurious interiors and wealthy passengers, immigration was the true source of revenue for these large liners. Second Class was considered to be the choice among middle-class families but in sheer numbers Third class represented the experience that most of her passengers had.
However, the Aquitania's career as a passenger liner was quickly interrupted by the outbreak ofWW1, and with little time the Admiralty had requisitioned the Aquitania into military service. Within four days of Britain’s declaration of war in 1914, the Aquitania had been commissioned as an Armed Merchant Cruiser and was ready for military service. It should be mentioned that this conversion process, including the installation of 6” guns to existing gun mounts most visibly on her foredeck, went quickly due to Peskett’s design which allowed for just such a fast conversion.
Above - An artistic impression of the Aquitania as an Armed Merchant Cruiser during World War I.
Image Copyright © Joseph Rayder.
Image Copyright © Joseph Rayder.
Her first assignment as an Armed Merchant Cruiser was to patrol the Western Approaches (the Irish Sea and the North Atlantic). After a brief lay up, she served as a troopship in 1915 supporting the Dardanelles Campaign, and then she served as a hospital transport in August 1915 while in the Mediterranean. Following full conversion to a Hospital Ship in Southampton in late 1915 she continued in this guise until January 1917. After another lay up she was recalled in November 1917 for use as a troopship, carrying U.S. and Canadian soldiers to the front lines. It was at this time she was painted into dramatic geometric dazzle schemes, intended to disguise her true heading in an effort to confuse attacking German U-boats.
She made her last voyage carrying troops to war in November 1918, repatriating troops until March 1919 and returned to passenger service in June of the same year.
She made her last voyage carrying troops to war in November 1918, repatriating troops until March 1919 and returned to passenger service in June of the same year.
Above - The Aquitania discharging mail in Southampton waters.
Image Copyright © Joseph Rayder.
Image Copyright © Joseph Rayder.
After being returned to commercial passenger service in 1919 she completed several crossings. By the autumn of that year it was decided she would be converted to burn oil instead of coal, increasing her speed, efficiency and reducing labour costs. This refit was carried out in Newcastle and included the construction of an improved bridge for increased visibility along with the installation of some new navigational devices never before fitted to a merchant ship.
As the Aquitania resumed passenger service, she also resumed her contract with the United States and Royal Mail services. The Aquitania was prefixed with RMS, or Royal Mail Steamer, indicating that she transferred mail between the continents. Alongside ships like the Mauretania and the Olympic, the Aquitania was equipped with a fully functioning Post Office and Mail room. A common event that passengers enjoyed at sea was writing correspondence to family and friends. Passengers could obtain Cunard stationary, carbon paper and envelopes in the Writing Salon. And then came the fun of mailing a letter at sea which is very different than sending an email or Tweet. Due to the sheer volume of letters being written it wouldn't be uncommon to have a shortage of ships stationary, so passengers would improvise and number postcards 1,2,3...to complete their letters.
As the Aquitania resumed passenger service, she also resumed her contract with the United States and Royal Mail services. The Aquitania was prefixed with RMS, or Royal Mail Steamer, indicating that she transferred mail between the continents. Alongside ships like the Mauretania and the Olympic, the Aquitania was equipped with a fully functioning Post Office and Mail room. A common event that passengers enjoyed at sea was writing correspondence to family and friends. Passengers could obtain Cunard stationary, carbon paper and envelopes in the Writing Salon. And then came the fun of mailing a letter at sea which is very different than sending an email or Tweet. Due to the sheer volume of letters being written it wouldn't be uncommon to have a shortage of ships stationary, so passengers would improvise and number postcards 1,2,3...to complete their letters.
Above - Well wishers see the Aquitania off from the Cunard pier in New York during one of her departures.
Image Copyright © Joseph Rayder.
Image Copyright © Joseph Rayder.
Another popular activity among passengers was the use of deckchairs and steamer rugs. For a small fee, a ticket could be purchased from the deck steward for the use of a single deckchair or rug. Many passengers would enjoy reading a book from the ships library, writing or talking with fellow passengers while being served hot bullion just before lunch.
For passengers with athletic interest, deck tennis and badminton were always an option, apart from the use of the gymnasium on E Deck. Events ranging from tug of war to a biscuit and whistle race were a common sight on the aft decks. And no voyage is complete without the excitement of contract bridge and shuffleboard tournaments!
As the roaring twenties progressed, the Aquitania became Cunard’s most profitable asset, as she was the first choice amongst travelers of all classes. But as the twenties brought a close to immigration, a new chapter in the Aquitania’s glorious career opened, as Royalty and film stars chose to sail on the Aquitania. Aside from her glamorous passenger list, the Aquitania was frequently found to be a centre of politics as well, especially in the recesses of the Smoking Room, typically a male haunt.
The Aquitania remained a sound choice and was reliable to those who commuted frequently across the Atlantic. The Stock market crash of October 1929 proved to be a near fatal blow the Cunard Line and revenue fell quickly. In addition to this misfortune, Cunard had previously lost its claim to the Blue Ribband after a 22 year hold with the Mauretania’s speed record. Major cutbacks had to be made in everyone’s budgets, and the Aquitania was found to be carrying very few passengers in the wake of the great depression. Being unable to balance their growing deficits in the Aquitania’s operations and costs, it was the decision of Cunard to send the Aquitania and Mauretania on affordable and inexpensive cruises to the Mediterranean. Featuring at times exclusive cruises to Egypt, the Holy Land, and eventually Brazil in the South Atlantic, Cunard was able to attract business and keep their liners profitable. And even as prohibition in the United States was taking its toll, Americans would take advantage of these Cunard cruises as an opportunity to drink liquor, thus the term ‘Booze Cruise’ was used when referring to Cunard’s Mediterranean service.
Also at this time, with immigration coming to an end, Cunard began to replace its third class with an all new class called the "Tourist Class", which offered inexpensive service to holiday makers and commuters on strict budgets. As society continued to change, so did the class structure on ocean liners. The restrictions that had been in place when Third Class existed were no longer present, and passengers of all classes could now go anywhere they pleased, meeting new people and having experiences not previously generally encouraged or accepted.
The following excerpt from a period Cunard brochure will describe the Aquitania’s interiors in an attempt to convey the splendor, beauty and welcoming spaciousness this ship is remembered for:
“Actually to appreciate the Aquitania to the degree which she deserves it is necessary to be well versed, not only in the refinements of the ships architecture, but in the architectural and decorative history of the periods of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries which produced some of the finest domestic and public buildings in England. To enjoy her graciousness in the matter of big, sunny rooms, an impressive area in the matter of the deck spaces, and staterooms as big as sitting rooms, it is necessary to know no history at all. Her attractions are too apparent to need the aid of any sort of guide book.”
For passengers with athletic interest, deck tennis and badminton were always an option, apart from the use of the gymnasium on E Deck. Events ranging from tug of war to a biscuit and whistle race were a common sight on the aft decks. And no voyage is complete without the excitement of contract bridge and shuffleboard tournaments!
As the roaring twenties progressed, the Aquitania became Cunard’s most profitable asset, as she was the first choice amongst travelers of all classes. But as the twenties brought a close to immigration, a new chapter in the Aquitania’s glorious career opened, as Royalty and film stars chose to sail on the Aquitania. Aside from her glamorous passenger list, the Aquitania was frequently found to be a centre of politics as well, especially in the recesses of the Smoking Room, typically a male haunt.
The Aquitania remained a sound choice and was reliable to those who commuted frequently across the Atlantic. The Stock market crash of October 1929 proved to be a near fatal blow the Cunard Line and revenue fell quickly. In addition to this misfortune, Cunard had previously lost its claim to the Blue Ribband after a 22 year hold with the Mauretania’s speed record. Major cutbacks had to be made in everyone’s budgets, and the Aquitania was found to be carrying very few passengers in the wake of the great depression. Being unable to balance their growing deficits in the Aquitania’s operations and costs, it was the decision of Cunard to send the Aquitania and Mauretania on affordable and inexpensive cruises to the Mediterranean. Featuring at times exclusive cruises to Egypt, the Holy Land, and eventually Brazil in the South Atlantic, Cunard was able to attract business and keep their liners profitable. And even as prohibition in the United States was taking its toll, Americans would take advantage of these Cunard cruises as an opportunity to drink liquor, thus the term ‘Booze Cruise’ was used when referring to Cunard’s Mediterranean service.
Also at this time, with immigration coming to an end, Cunard began to replace its third class with an all new class called the "Tourist Class", which offered inexpensive service to holiday makers and commuters on strict budgets. As society continued to change, so did the class structure on ocean liners. The restrictions that had been in place when Third Class existed were no longer present, and passengers of all classes could now go anywhere they pleased, meeting new people and having experiences not previously generally encouraged or accepted.
The following excerpt from a period Cunard brochure will describe the Aquitania’s interiors in an attempt to convey the splendor, beauty and welcoming spaciousness this ship is remembered for:
“Actually to appreciate the Aquitania to the degree which she deserves it is necessary to be well versed, not only in the refinements of the ships architecture, but in the architectural and decorative history of the periods of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries which produced some of the finest domestic and public buildings in England. To enjoy her graciousness in the matter of big, sunny rooms, an impressive area in the matter of the deck spaces, and staterooms as big as sitting rooms, it is necessary to know no history at all. Her attractions are too apparent to need the aid of any sort of guide book.”
Above Left - The Aquitania's Second Class Veranda.
Above Right - The Aquitania's Second Class Boarding area and Staircase with elevator to left.
Images Copyright © Joseph Rayder.
Above Right - The Aquitania's Second Class Boarding area and Staircase with elevator to left.
Images Copyright © Joseph Rayder.
In general, the first night on board is informal as passengers get familiar with the ship and each other. A dance called a “Paul Jones” was often arranged by the cruise director. This version of 'human musical chairs' had dancers change partners when the music halted - allowing everyone to get to know each other quickly despite some lingering social barriers. The Cruise Director was responsible for the operational side of the passenger activities, while the Social Director, usually a woman, served an entirely different role. It wasn't unusual for some passengers to be shy, in fact; the Cunard Line placed guides in each stateroom explaining how passengers could make friends with each other. However, if a person was still unsure about all this, they could go to the Social Director, who would find someone who you could meet.
In addition, it should be mentioned that the 1930's brought about a whole new concept in societal interaction and behavior. In contrast to the era before when things were rather strict, the 30's lead to more open clothing options; men being less conservative in their fashions as well as the introduction of women’s 2 piece bathing suites and one piece suites for the men. It was also at this time other roles began to reverse - for example, a young lady might seek out a young man for a deck game instead of waiting to be asked.
In addition, it should be mentioned that the 1930's brought about a whole new concept in societal interaction and behavior. In contrast to the era before when things were rather strict, the 30's lead to more open clothing options; men being less conservative in their fashions as well as the introduction of women’s 2 piece bathing suites and one piece suites for the men. It was also at this time other roles began to reverse - for example, a young lady might seek out a young man for a deck game instead of waiting to be asked.
Above Left - The Aquitania's Second Class Lounge.
Above Right - The Aquitania's Second Class Smoking Room.
Images Copyright © Joseph Rayder.
Above Right - The Aquitania's Second Class Smoking Room.
Images Copyright © Joseph Rayder.
It is worth pointing out that throughout the Edwardian era, in which the Aquitania was conceived, and through the 20's and 30's, it was a priority of passengers to get to know each other, since they would be traveling together for close to six days. Everything from the design of the Reception Room and Restaurant to the Promenade Decks suggests that people should mingle with each other. For every sort of reason, passengers traveled on the Aquitania. Whether they were honeymooning couples, politicians or film stars, soldiers or immigrating families, each person had a different reason for traveling. With this comes a great deal of different personalities and character, all of which created the society Aquitania served.
Above - The Aquitania departing Southampton Waters, circa the mid 1920's.
Image Copyright © Joseph Rayder.
Image Copyright © Joseph Rayder.
By the close of the 1930’s, with war once looming on the horizon, the Aquitania was poised to serve her country and allies in wartime again. She was the only liner to serve in both World Wars; indeed she was the last of the fourteen four-funneled liners of the 20th century, starting with the German liner Kaiser Wilhelm der Grosse in 1897. The Aquitania served well in the war starting with the transportation of evacuees fleeing Hawaii to San Francisco and ending most notably with bringing troops for the invasion of Europe. By 1945 she was repatriating troops and returning war brides to Canada, which she did until 1948 when was released from war service. In November of 1949 the Aquitania made her last eastbound crossing and arrived at Southampton on December 1st, 1949 when she was withdrawn from service. On February 13, 1950 she was sold as scrap to British Iron and Steel. Following several auctions to disperse her furnishing, the Cunard flag was lowered for the last time on February 18, 1950 and she departed Southampton forever the next day, heading to the scrap yard where she would meet her end under the acetylene torch. She reached the scrap yards at Faslane in Scotland on February 21, 1950. She caught fire in October of 1951 and was completely dismantled by November of 1951.
This article is Copyright © Joseph Rayder & Eric K. Longo 2012-2015. All Rights Reserved. No part of this article may reproduced, including text and photographs.
Copyright © 2008, 2012, 2018 Joseph B. Rayder
Copyright © 2008, 2012, 2018 Joseph B. Rayder