This travelogue presents transcripts of letters sent to family & friends by Alfred Staehle and his wife Lois,
relating their experiences of places visited on Caronia's 1961 Great World Cruise. Collated by and shared with us
by his grand-daughter, Sharon Atkins.
Introduction & Embarkation
28 January 1961
At New York
Boarding for Great World Cruise begins at 7pm
Depart New York 11.35pm Start of 1961 Great World Cruise
Log Abstract… At: 11.35pm EST left company berth Pier 90 New York
Due to political tensions in Southern Africa, Caronia set off on an amended itinerary. Instead of rounding the Horn to
reach India, her route would be via the Mediterranean Sea and Suez.
A.M.S…
This is written after our first landing at Las Palmas, Canary Islands, chiefly because there wasn't the time
nor energy to do so while crossing the Atlantic.
In this running record of our journey, we shall try to describe our impressions and thoughts as
we travel around the globe in the hope that by so doing we'll have to think a bit more objectively of what we
are seeing, possibly later on refresh our own memories, and perchance write something of interest for our dear
ones and a few friends. We'll not question any one to whom this is sent, so feel free to leave it alone if
it becomes tiresome.
A Wonderful Send-off!
A.M.S…
From previous travels, we have learnt of the unreliability of information readily given to tourists - especially
by other tourists. So we can only relate what we have seen and tell of some things we have heard or read. It will
be the factual truth insofar as it is possible - but there is no time nor opportunity to research and double-check.
Naturally, our very first impression was one of deep appreciation - overwhelming in fact - of the many who braved
the bitter cold, the bad roads and traffic to see us off on 28 January. Thank you so much and God Bless you all
for your loving “send off” and also to those who sent us telegrams and greetings.
Map of Caronia's Amended 1961 Great World Cruise Itinerary
More About the Caronia
A.M.S…
In the early notes we did not speak much about the many thoughtful arrangements made on the ship for the comfort,
entertainment, and enlightenment of passengers. Thos. Cook maintains an office on the ship staffed with really
competent individuals who aid passengers in making shore plans.
Comprehensive Shore-Tour Selection
A.M.S…
Altogether, Cooks has scheduled 95 separate shore programs between arrival at Las Palmas until the last port. Although
detailed descriptions of these programmes was sent to all cruise passengers weeks in advance, many seem to not have
given them much thought before embarking with the result that there's lots of disappointed people who find the most
important tours already fully booked.
In addition, Cooks will provide passengers with the currency of any country well in advance of arrival and also
reimburse us for any foreign currency we may have left after leaving that country, except for coins.
Information Aplenty
A.M.S…
The Cunard company also has a fine staff to aid passengers in providing shopping information prior to arrival in
all ports. This is given to us both in lectures and through printed data for each port. The most interesting and
helpful service is possibly the excellent lectures which give a background for all countries we visit.
Mr. Boxell, the Cruise Lecturer, does a splendid job in providing background information in light of
today's conditions economic, social and political, as well as historical. These make the visits so much more
meaningful for those of us who are interested in such matters.
Never A Dull Moment!
A.M.S…
Entertainment programmes of a varied degree are regularly provided. For example, whilst we were anchored at Malága,
Spain, Cunard brought aboard an excellent group of Spanish dancers who put on a lively and spirited performance, with
an orchestra of their own, guitar soloist, singers, and charming girls. On other nights, special gala dances are held.
Of course, the usual bingo and horse racing help fill out the entertainment. The ship maintains two excellent
orchestras who regularly provide concerts as well as dance music. Every day a printed Daily Programme is placed
in the cabin giving detailed information for the next day regarding all events, shore departure hours, ship's
sailing time, and everything one ought to know or might want to know.
Retail Therapy & Cultural Fulfillment
A.M.S…
There are two shops aboard, both splendidly stocked with anything from aspirin to cameras or even caps and
sweaters. Regarding drugs and medicines, an entire booklet was handed to us itemising every item that is carried in stock.
Room telephones cannot only reach throughout the ship but are also connected for long distance calls anywhere in the
World; this is not available on all ships. Separate cocktail parties were generously given by the Captain and members
of his staff. In addition, private cocktail parties ranging from little affairs to major productions are indeed frequent.
There is a movie show almost every night for those who don't wish to dance. As you can see, there isn't an idle moment
if you want to keep on the go. The big job is to adjust to fully enjoying all the fun, entertainment, sociability, and
sightseeing without undue fatigue.
