The Booking Process

As indicated on all of Caronia's brochures, the booking process for her cruises was quite involved, with all fares payable in full up to 2 months before the actual departure date. Once the fare had been paid, there were then other levies to pay including those for shore tours and Visas for several ports, especially in the Far East.

This page illustrates the booking process with artefacts gathered from two sisters who shared accommodation in Stateroom A66 on the 1955 Great World Cruise. Receipts and letters from Cunard in New York to Mrs James Meriwether are shown below…

Deposits Requested & Paid

Deposit Statement

We start with the Statement of Account for her deposit, sent by Cunard on 22 September 1954

The shore excursions programme for this cruise was handled by Thos. Cook and Son, and a letter from Cunard on 24 September 1954 confirmed the arrangements.

Standard Tours Confirmation
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The Sums Are Huge!

On 18 November 1954 Cunard sent out the following Statement of Account…

Cruise Fare Statement

A letter sent by Cunard on 15 December 1954 confirming receipt of Mrs Meriwether's passport. Having paid out nearly $12,000 on the cruise accommodation and shore tours, I do wonder how she felt about getting that request for a measly $2.20?

Passport Receipt
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Finally, a letter sent from Cunard on 30 December 1954 confirming receipt of Mrs Meriwether's final payment for her cruise accommodation…

Accommodation Receipt
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Surprise yourself!

See how much 12,000 1954 USD is worth today