MAURETANIA: 1939 - Flopped Mediterranean route 1963

Cunard Line: From 1963, an eight-page brochure promoting the Cunard's new Mediterranean service from New York onboard the "merry MAURETANIA".Transatlantic business was nonexistent for the old gal, so why not paint her green and sail her away to Italy? Sadly, the move was a flop. In this brochure are color interior photos of the MAURETANIA's late-1930s interiors. They didn't compare well with the mid-century modern designs found on her Italian Line competitors. A two-page aerial shows the once-proud lady sporting an apple green hull that makes her look as dignified as grandma in a tank top. "Presto, change!," wrote a copywriter with limited skills. "Step aboard the MAURETANIA and let the magic of Cunard turn your world into a merry-go-round of vacation pleasures." Alas, the MAURETANIA was soon laid-up due to poor bookings. The Apple Lady couldn't compete against the flashy Italians. She lumbered on until 1965 when she finally was put out of her green misery. Excellent condition.