The True Transatlantic Superliners An Exclusive Class from Imperator to QM2

by Williams, David L.; Kerbrech, Richard P.

• ISBN13: 9781803995519
• ISBN10: 1803995513
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2025-06-03
• Publisher: The History Press

Summary

Before the modern era of passenger air travel, the ocean liner was the only means of travelling overseas to countries all around the globe. Of the routes established, the most prestigious was the North Atlantic run from north European and Mediterranean ports to New York, and the demand for speed, regularity and luxury on this route was the driving force for the introduction of ever greater, more magnificent ships. By 1913, the expansion in size and splendor occasioned the adoption of the term ‘super-liner’, a definition based on precise and unambiguous criteria. Only thirteen ships were entitled to be singled out for this exclusive accolade: the Imperator trio; Bremen *and *Europa; Rex; Normandie; Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth; United States; France; QE2 *and *QM2. This is their story.

Author Biography

Richard P. De Kerbrech's marine engineering apprenticeship was with Shaw Savill & Albion Co. and Cammell Laird shipyard. Later an inspector with the Naval Overseeing service, he went on to lecture in mechanical engineering. He's a life member of the World Ship Society and a member of The Royal Institution of Naval Architects.

David L. Williams is a commercial & industrial photographer and author, previously responsible for the aircraft and hovercraft in service support operation of Westland Aerospace. He spent time working aboard lighthouse tenders and cable layers and is an Associate of the British Institute of Professional Photographers and member of the World Ship Society.