RMS Caronia Timeline

Ship's Course & Activities
September 1960

The Cunard White Star Line's ‘Green Goddess’

Luxurious ocean travel aboard a world-famous British cruise liner

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Who Could Resist?
The Summer Vacation brochure exhorts…

Your resort, your home, your magic carpet ready to glide you away into exotic realms - this is your beautiful pale green “yacht”, the Caronia. Because she was especially built for cruising, the Caronia has all the facilities, all the wonderful spaciousness and luxury to make your sailing holiday a glorious experience. But perhaps the most important point is the fact that the fully air-conditioned Caronia is just plain fun to be on.

Summer Vacation Leaflet Pocket flyer for 2 summer vacation cruises
[Image: Braun Bros. Collection]

Every day aboard is crowded with a million gay activities - sports on broad decks, swimming in her outdoor tiled pool, and in the evenings, special cocktail parties, costume balls, dances, and first-run movies - all the gaiety you can fit into two-weeks as the Caronia cruises the Caribbean.

Shortly after you sail, you will receive an invitation to the Captain's gala cocktail party and to the Get-Together Dance. From that time on, you will find yourself swept into a whirl of merriment and laughter that will make each day more sparkling than the last.

But, should you wish to curl up in your deck chair to read or dream the hours away, you will be undisturbed. This is your cruise to plan as you choose. You'll find too, that dining aboard the Caronia is a delight in itself. From breakfast in bed to a superb dinner complemented by fine wines, yours will be a gourmet's adventure.

And everywhere aboard there will be courteous, attentive stewards ready to respond to your every wish and whim in the famed Cunard tradition of gracious service. Do come aboard this summer. You'll have the time of your life.

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Hurricane Donna
It Doesn't Always go to Plan!

Think of a Caribbean Cruise and all of the above is the invariable picture that is painted. However, as the daily programmes for the first of these cruises reveal, there is one factor that can change everything very quickly - the weather! This is one area of the World where dramatic changes can occur within hours.

Summer Vacations Flyer
Flyer for 2 vacation cruises
Image: Braun Bros. Collection

Although itineraries can be changed in advance due to changing political circumstances, the prevailing weather can often force immediate diversions. This is particularly so where in heavy seas the ship can often be safer out at sea, rather than being tied at anchor.

In this instance, the passengers can go to bed believing that they are heading for one port, and wake up realising that the ship is still at sea and heading for somewhere different. Coping with heavy seas can be disorientating enough; itinerary changes only add to that. One over-riding factor in deciding upon any changes is everyone's safety on board, and of the ship itself.

For this early September “Sunshine Cruise” there was exactly this kind of disruption. Instead of the originally booked call at St. Thomas on 05 September 1960, Caronia sailed further south, down to Martinique. Thanks to feedback from James Franzese of Stamford CT, I've learned that this was to avoid Hurricane Donna which, by 04 September 1960 had hit the Leeward Islands.

Heavy rainfall and hurricane-force winds also affected Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, the Bahamas, Cuba and the eastern US seaboard. Storm surges of up to 13 feet impacted areas near its track across the Florida Keys.

Over the fortnight, from 31 August 1960, the cyclone caused billions of US dollars worth of damage and killed over 150 people. In deference to its severity, “Donna” was retired as a storm name assignation in 1964 and replaced with “Dora”.

As the Ship's Log entries below show, the “Green Goddess” had not only avoided what was very clearly a nasty storm, but also found much calmer waters. Nevertheless, with the hurricane season not yet at an end, there were still reminders of ship's practices in unpredictable weather being brought to everyone's notice.

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A Triplicate Menu Conundrum

Over the years I have encountered several instances of duplicate meal menus having different covers. However, for the Luncheon Menu of Sunday 18 September 1960 I have a choice of three! The originally obtained cover was the Woodland Birds and like its duplicate, the Marine Majesty cover, it is not hole-punched for adding to a cruise folder.

In the previous duplicate instances one of the covers has invariably been hole-punched, so I have discounted its use in the restaurants. The Bluebell Wood cover, seen below, was part of a cruise folder.

As there were 2 sittings in the Balmoral Restaurant on this date, it could be that one run was for the first sitting and another for the later sitting. Inside, all 3 menus have identical meal choices, though there is no indicator of any alternate use.

1st Sitting? 2nd sitting? Folder

Marine Majesty

The first menu cover I've dubbed with the title of “Marine Majesty” is a very ornate illustration of a 17thC John Milton poem…

But who is this, what thing of sea or land?
Female of sex it seems,
That so bedeck'd, ornate, and gay,
Comes this way sailing Like a stately ship Of …
With all her bravery on, and tackle trim,
Sails fill'd, and streamers waving,
Courted by all the winds that hold them play;
An amber scent of odorous perfume Her harbinger?

Sadly, no mention of who the artist was.

If you can contribute any information, do please get in touch…

01 September 1960

At Sea


01 September
programme

Steaming South - New York to Haiti 1,369 miles

Log Abstract…
At: 12 Noon 17.00 (GMT) Position: 32.38N | 74.01W
Travelled: 470 miles
Light airs, smooth sea, fine and clear

OUR MAN IN HAVANAFeaturing: Alec Guinness | Maureen O'Hara


shown at 4.30pm, 8.45 & 10.45pm

02 September 1960

At Sea


02 Sept
Concert


02 September
programme

Steaming South, New York to Haiti 1,369 miles

Log Abstract…
At: 12 Noon 17:00 (GMT) Position: 24.23N | 74.20W
Travelled: 495 miles
Smooth sea, fine and clear
385 nmi to Port au Prince, Haiti

INHERIT THE WINDFeaturing: Spencer Tracy | Frederick March at 2.30pm

03 September 1960

Arrive Port au Prince, Haiti 7.30am - Depart Midnight


03 September
programme

Log Abstract…
At: 07:30 (LT) 12:30 (GMT) Lamentin Point, Haiti arrival
Passage: 2 days, 19 hours, 6 mins.
Voyage Distance: 1,350 miles
Average Speed: 20.12 knots

ELMER GANTRYFeaturing: Burt Lancaster | Jean Simmons at 10pm

The Caronia at Haiti
The Carmania (not Caronia) at Haiti in 1965
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Photo shows the method by which the steps to her launches were suspended. Note all the “bum boats” plying their wares in the background.
Photo: © Peter Stevens

04 September 1960


04 Sept
Concert

Sunday At Sea
Steaming Port au Prince to Fort de France, Martinique 989 miles

Log Abstract…
At: 00:06 (LT) 05:06 (GMT) Lamentin Point, Haiti departure


04 September
programme

Cruise originally booked to St Thomas

Log Abstract…
At: 12 Noon (LT) 17:00 (GMT) Position: 18.09N | 74.44W
Travelled: 168 miles
Light East South Easterly breeze, cloudy, fine and clear

IT STARTED IN NAPLESFeaturing: Sophia Loren | Clark Gable at 8.45 & 10.45pm

05 September 1960

At Sea

Log Abstract…
At: 12 Noon (LT) 16:00 (GMT) Position: 16.06N | 67.22W
Travelled: 445 miles
Light to moderate variable breeze, slight swell, fine and clear
376 nmi to Fort de France, Martinique

BELLS ARE RINGINGFeaturing: Dean Martin | Judy Holliday at 2.30pm

Horse Racing meeting
“Owners Championship Stakes” held on Lido Deck at 4.30pm

Although booked to arrive at St Thomas this morning, no mention is made in the daily programme of arrival and departure here. With a full day of events shown, including a crew boat drill at 11am, every indication is that the Caronia sailed on to Fort de France, Martinique, 317 miles further on.

This is now confirmed by the log entries. Caronia had sailed further south into calmer waters to avoid Hurricane Donna.

06 September 1960

Arrive Fort de France, Martinique 8am


06 September
programme

Log Abstract…
At: 07:54 (LT) 11:54 (GMT) Pte. de Negres, Martinique arrival
Passage: 2 days, 6 hours, 48 mins.
Voyage Distance: 989 miles
Average Speed: 18.05 knots

Depart Martinique 5.36pm - Steam to Trinidad 258 miles

Log Abstract…
At: 17:36 (LT) 21:36 (GMT) Pte. de Negres, Martinique departure

SONS AND LOVERSFeaturing: Dean Stockwell | Trevor Howard at 8.45 & 10.45pm

07 September 1960

Arrive Port of Spain, Trinidad 7.06am - Depart 1.30pm


07 September
programme

Steam to La Guaira 342 miles

Log Abstract…
At: 07:06 (LT) 11:06 (GMT) Five Islands, Trinidad arrival
Passage: 13 hours, 30 mins.
Voyage Distance: 258 miles
Average Speed: 19.11 knots
At: 13:30 (LT) 17:30 (GMT) Five Islands, Trinidad departure
342 nmi to La Guaira

THE LEAGUE OF GENTLEMENFeaturing: Jack Hawkins | Nigel Patrick at 2.30, 8.30 & 10.45pm

Clocks retarded 30 minutes at Midnight

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08 September 1960


08 Sept
Repeat Concert

Arrive La Guaira 7am - Depart 6.04pm


08 September
programme

Steam to Curaçao 148 miles

Log Abstract…
At: 06:30 (LT) 10:30 (GMT) Arrival breakwater La Guaira
At: 07:00 (LT) 11:00 (GMT) in berth La Guaira arrival
Passage: 17 hours, 00 mins.
Voyage Distance: 342 miles
Average Speed: 20.12 knots
At: 18:04 (LT) 22:34 (GMT) left berth La Guaira
At: 18:24 (LT) 22:54 (GMT) La Guaira breakwater departure
143 nmi to Curaçao

SS Independence at La Guaira in March 1965
SS Independence at La Guaira in March 1965
Seen from the RMS Carmania
Photo: © Peter Stevens 1965
09 September 1960

Arrive Willemstad, Curaçao 8am


09 September
programme

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Curaçao 1959

Floating market at Curaçao
Floating market at Curaçao

Photo: © Peter Stevens

Log Abstract…
At: 05:24 (LT) 09:54 (GMT) Caracas Bay, Curaçao arrival
Passage: 17 hours, 00 mins.
Voyage Distance: 342 miles
Average Speed: 20.12 knots

DOCTOR IN LOVEFeaturing: Michael Craig | James Robertson Justice at 10pm

10 September 1960

Depart Curaçao 2am


10 September
programme

At Sea
Steaming Curaçao to St Thomas 448 miles

Log Abstract…
At: 02:15 (LT) 06:45 (GMT) Caracas Bay, Curaçao departure
At: 12 Noon 16:30 (GMT) Position: 14.16N | 67.27W
Travelled: 165 miles
Moderate sea, breeze and swell, fine and clear
283 nmi to St. Thomas

THE BATTLE OF THE SEXESFeaturing: Peter Sellers | Angela Barrows at 2.30, 8.45 & 10.45pm


10 Sept
Concert

On leaving Curaçao the Caronia should have been bound for Nassau. However, the decision was made at some point to return to St Thomas instead. All these clues indicate that this cruise had been disrupted by bad weather further North.

Another clue to this was printed in the Cruise News. The standard method of calling passengers back to the landing stage for instructions, in instances of unpredictable weather, was repeated blasts of the ship's horns whilst at anchor.

Clocks advanced 30 minutes at Midnight

11 September 1960

Sunday


11 September
programme

Arrive St Thomas 6.42am - Depart 5.12pm

Log Abstract…
At: 06:42 (LT) 10:42 (GMT) St Thomas arrival
Passage: 1 day, 3 hours, 57 mins.
Voyage Distance: 448 miles
Average Speed: 16.03 knots
At: 17:12 (LT) 21:12 (GMT) St Thomas departure

THE ROYAL BALLETFeaturing: Margot Fonteyn | Michael Soames at 8.45 & 10.45pm

12 September 1960

At Sea


12 September
programme

Steaming North
St Thomas to New York 1,413 miles

Log Abstract…
At: 12 Noon 16.00 (GMT) Position: 24.02N | 67.19W
Travelled: 376 miles
Moderate breeze, slight sea and swell, cloudy fine and clear

THE TRIALS OF OSCAR WILDEFeaturing: Peter Finch | Yvonne Mitchell at 2.30, 4.30, 8.45 & 10.45pm

Boxing Tournament held on Promenade Deck Aft at 3.30pm

Programme Cover Programme

13 September 1960


13 Sept
Repeat Concert


13 September
programme

At Sea
Steaming North, St Thomas to New York 1,413 miles

Log Abstract…
At: 12 Noon 16.00 (GMT) Position: 31.19N | 70.25W
Travelled: 467 miles
Slight sea, becoming moderate, moderate N.W. swell, overcast, cloudy

14 September 1960

Arrive New York 7.30pm

Log Abstract…
At: 12 Noon 16.00 (GMT) Position: 38.47N | 73.18W
Travelled: 468 miles
Moderate to rough sea, moderate swell, cloudy, fine and clear
105 nmi to New York
At: 17:24 (LT) 21:24 (GMT) Ambrose C.L.V. abeam, NYC arrival
Passage: 3 days, 0 hours, 12 mins.
Voyage Distance: 1,413 miles
Average Speed: 19.57 knots
At: 19:30 (LT) 21:30 (GMT) Pier 90 New York arrival

West Indies Cruise Voyage Log

[Log Images: Blouin Collection]

End of 1st Summer West Indies Cruise

15 September 1960
16 September 1960


At New York

17 September 1960

Depart New York 10.54am
Start of 2nd Summer Cruise to W. Indies and S. America

Log Abstract…
At: 10:54 (EDST) 14:54 (GMT) left company berth Pier 92 New York
At: 13:06 (EDST) 17:06 (GMT) Ambrose C.L.V. abeam, NYC departure

17 September Dinner Suggested Menu

18 September 1960

Sunday At Sea


18 September
programme

Steaming South
New York to St Thomas 1,415 miles

Log Abstract…
At: 12 Noon Position: 33.30N | 70.42W
Travelled: 442 miles
Fresh to strong breeze, rough sea, moderate swell, cloudy & clear

18 Sept Luncheon Suggested Menu

CONE OF SILENCEFeaturing: Michael Craig | Peter Cushing at 4.30, 8.45 & 10.45pm

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18 September Dinner Suggested Menu

19 September 1960

At Sea

Log Abstract…
At: 12 Noon Position: 25.57N | 67.49W
Travelled: 478 miles
Fresh to strong head-wind, rough sea & moderate swell, frequent rain
495 nmi to St. Thomas

19 Sept Luncheon Suggested Menu
Images: Blouin Collection

20 September 1960

Arrive St Thomas 1pm


20 September
programme

Log Abstract…
At: 13:00 (LT) 17:00 (GMT) Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas arrival
Passage: 2 days, 23 hours, 54 mins.
Voyage Distance: 1,415 miles
Average Speed: 19.68 knots

20 September Dinner Suggested Menu

THE APARTMENTFeaturing: Shirley MacLaine | Jack Lemmon at 10pm

21 September 1960

Depart St Thomas 1am


21 September
programme

Steam to La Guaira 479 miles

Log Abstract…
At: 01:00 (LT) 05:00 (GMT) St. Thomas departure
At: 12 Noon Position: 15.15N | 64.41W
Travelled: 186 miles
Moderate breeze & swell, low swell, cloudy, fine & clear
290 nmi to La Guaira

DOCTOR IN LOVEFeaturing: Michael Craig | Virginia Maskell at 2.30 & 10.30pm

Clocks retarded 30 minutes at Midnight

22 September 1960

Arrive La Guaira 5.48am - Depart 6.18pm


22 September
programme

Steam to Curaçao 148 miles

Log Abstract…
At: 05:48 (LT) 10:18 (GMT) La Guaira, Venezuela arrival
Passage: 1 day, 5 hours, 18 mins.
Voyage Distance: 476 miles
Average Speed: 16.25 knots

22 Sept Luncheon Suggested Menu
Images: Blouin Collection

Log Abstract…
At: 18:18 (LT) 22:48 (GMT) La Guaira departure
143 nmi to Willemstad, Curaçao

23 September 1960

Arrive Willemstad, Curaçao 5.24am - Depart 10.18pm


23 Sept
programme


23 Sept 1960
Breakfast Menu

Curaçao 1959

Log Abstract…
At: 05:24 (LT) 09:54 (GMT) Lijhoek Light, Curaçao arrival
Passage: 11 hours, 6 mins.
Voyage Distance: 143 miles
Average Speed: 12.88 knots
At: 22:18 (LT) 02:48 (GMT 24 Sept) Curaçao departure

23 Sept Luncheon Suggested Menu

23 Sept Dinner Suggested Menu
All Images: Blouin Collection

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INHERIT THE WINDFeaturing: Frederic March | Spencer Tracy at 10pm

Clocks retarded 30 minutes at Midnight

24 September 1960

At Sea


24/25 September
programme

Steaming Curaçao to Port au Prince 663 miles

Log Abstract…
At: 12 Noon Position: 15.30N | 72.17W
Travelled: 288 miles
Fresh S.Easterly breeze, moderate sea, following swell, fine
375 nmi to Haiti

24 Sept Luncheon Suggested Menu
Images: Blouin Collection

THE BATTLE OF THE SEXESFeaturing: Peter Sellers | Robert Morley at 2.30, 8.45 & 10.45pm

25 September 1960

Sunday Arrive Port au Prince, Haiti 6.57am

Log Abstract…
At: 06:57 (LT) 11:57 (GMT) Port-au-Prince, Haiti arrival
Passage: 1 day, 9 hours, 9 mins.
Voyage Distance: 663 miles
Average Speed: 20 knots

25 Sept Luncheon Suggested Menu
Images: Blouin Collection

26 September 1960

Depart Port au Prince 2.12am


26/27 Sept
programme


26 Sept
Caronia Varieties

Steam to Nassau 561 miles

Log Abstract…
At: 02:12 (LT) 07:12 (GMT) (LT) Port-au-Prince departure
At: 12 Noon Position: 21.15N | 74.12W
Travelled: 196 miles
Light breeze, slight sea, fine & clear
393 nmi to Nassau

26 Sept Deck Buffet Full Menu
All Images: Blouin Collection

TRIALS OF OSCAR WILDEFeaturing: Peter Finch | Yvonne Mitchell at 2.30pm

27 September 1960

Arrive Nassau 7.30am - Depart 5.30pm


27 Sept 1960
Breakfast Menu

Log Abstract…
At: 07:30 (LT) 12:30 (GMT) Nassau arrival
Passage: 1 day, 5 hours, 18 mins.
Voyage Distance: 589 miles
Average Speed: 20.10 knots
At: 17:30 (LT) 22:30 (GMT) Nassau departure

Clocks advanced 30 minutes at Midnight

28 September 1960

At Sea


28 September
programme

Steaming North Nassau to New York 941 miles

Log Abstract…
At: 12 Noon Position: 30.39N | 75.57W
Travelled: 341 miles
Light variable breezes, slight sea, low Northerly swell, cloudy & clear

ALL THE FINE YOUNG CANNIBALSFeaturing: Robert Wagner | Natalie Wood at 2.30 & 4.30pm

Clocks advanced 30 minutes at Midnight

29 September 1960

At Sea
Steaming North Nassau to New York 941 miles

Log Abstract…
At: 12 Noon Position: 38.32N | 74.11W
Travelled: 481 miles
Light airs, fine rippled sea, low swell, misty patches
119 nmi to New York

Arrive New York 6.06pm

Log Abstract…
At: 18:06 (EDST) 22:06 (GMT) Ambrose C.L.V. abeam, NYC arrival
Passage: 1 day, 23 hours, 36 mins.
Voyage Distance: 941 miles
Average Speed: 19.77 knots

2nd W.Indies Cruise Voyage Log

[Log Images: Blouin Collection]

End of 2nd Summer W.Indies Cruise

Programme Card images from 18 September onward: Blouin Collection

30 September 1960

At New York

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Page last updated on Tue, 04 Nov 2025

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