RMS QUEEN MARY - 1964 TICKETS & MORE
September 10-15, 1964 | Southampton UK to New York USA - Transatlantic in Tourist Class
A collection of ocean liner ephemera from a transatlantic crossing aboard the RMS Queen Mary in September 1964. My friend, Jazz musician Alan Rowe, embarking on a journey to attend the Berklee College of Music in Boston on a full scholarship, opted for this voyage over flying. Alan commenced his crossing on September 10th at 2:00 PM from Southampton to New York City, costing £86/15/0—equivalent to roughly £2,184.12 in 2024. Despite rough seas at times, he enjoyed the ship’s luxurious amenities, including superb dining and entertainment, proper English tea time, and playing with the onboard band. Before his passing in 2009, Alan entrusted this cherished collection to me, adding to my ocean liner memorabilia collection. Through sharing these images in a larger format, I hope to offer everyone an opportunity to explore the detailed menus, programs, and original tickets from this historic voyage.
The images below are presented in larger format and not in a gallery so please scroll down for all of the images and you can click on any to expand their size.
Launched in 1936, the RMS Queen Mary is an iconic ocean liner of the Cunard Line, revered for its elegance and pivotal roles throughout world history. During World War II, it served as a troopship, carrying thousands of soldiers across the Atlantic, and was famed for its speed and camouflage, earning the nickname "Grey Ghost." After the war, it returned to luxury service, captivating passengers with its opulence until it’s retirement in 1967. Today, it stands as a floating hotel and museum in Long Beach, California, a testament to its enduring legacy.
Renowned for its Art Deco style, the Queen Mary features elaborate interiors that include intricate wood paneling, unique murals, and opulent furnishings that exemplify the elegance of the era. The ship’s aesthetic and architectural details remain a major draw, preserving its status as a historical artifact of maritime history.
Following World War II, the Queen Mary resumed transatlantic service alongside her sister ship, the RMS Queen Elizabeth. Together, they dominated the transatlantic passenger route, offering unmatched luxury and speed. The Queen Mary was one of the fastest ships of her time, once holding the prestigious Blue Riband for the fastest Atlantic crossing. However, her record was eventually surpassed by the SS United States in 1952, marking a significant moment in ocean liner history.
Information List
Name: RMS Queen Mary
Operator: Cunard Line
Launched: 1936
Retired: 1967
Current Use: Floating hotel and museum in Long Beach, California
Length: 1,019.4 feet (310.7 meters)
Beam: 118 feet (36 meters)
Draft: 39 feet (12 meters)
Speed: 28.5 knots (52.8 km/h; 32.8 mph)
Tonnage: 81,237 GT
Capacity: 2,139 passengers (as a liner), 5,500 (as a troopship)
Notable Roles: Luxury liner, WWII troopship
Refits/Upgrades:
1940: Converted into a troopship, enhancing its capacity and speed.
1947: Restored to a passenger liner with upgraded amenities and interiors to reflect post-war luxury standards.
1955: Added stabilizers to improve the ship’s stability at sea.
