The 1953 Coronation Cruise is Announced
Just 4 months after the death of King George VI, and with Cunard always ready to grasp any marketing opportunity, the announcement of Caronia's “Coronation Cruise” appeared in the New York Times.
To avoid complications with finding suitable overnight accommodation, a unique selling point of this cruise was that the Caronia could be used as a floating hotel for the duration of the festivities in London. Return to the USA would be offered aboard one of the Queens immediately afterward, if desired.
This would be the only time in her career when passengers would be able to stay aboard for more than one night whilst Caronia was tied up at Southampton. Occasionally, there were single overnight stays available when arrivals there were later than 6pm in the evening.
Also included within this cruise was a reserved viewing of the Coronation procession at Aspley House in London. So, with every possible ship planned to be placed on the transatlantic run to carry eastbound passengers early in 1953, Cunard could also offer a cruise for those who wanted to be part of this historical event, and really do it in style!
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