Disembarkation in France and England
Under normal circumstances arrival in either Cherbourg or Southampton would evoke a number of mixed emotions. For the passengers, especially the Americans, it would mean the prospect of being landed in Europe a long way from home, and the removal of the home-from-home cocoon that was the RMS Caronia. For the crew, especially after this Spring Mediterranean Cruise it would mean being back on home soil after being away for 6 months.
However, on this occasion, there was an added twist. The 1966 Seamen's Strike was at it's height! For the passengers it meant no way home by sea until it ended, and it has to be remembered that at this time flying across the Atlantic was by no means either as safe or as popular as it is today.
For the crew it meant facing a reality that, despite hoping against hope, the strike which most of us did not really support, would be ended before our arrival; it hadn't! By the time the Caronia steamed up Southampton Water, the impact was there for all to see. Probably never before, nor since, had there been so many ships tied up in the port.
It was indeed very rare to see both of the Cunard Queens at Southampton together. There were several of the Union Castle liners in port - their weekly schedule to South Africa now severely disrupted. As we entered the New Docks, we began to wonder where we would be berthed. There were no vacant berths, and most had at least two ships tied up abreast. Eventually, we were turned and became tied 3rd abreast alongside the RMS Carmania.
Strangely, no mention of any arrangements due to the strike were shown in Caronia's ephemera!
