Uncover objects from the Titanic, find out about life at sea and learn about the port of Liverpool.
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Uncover objects from the Titanic, find out about life at sea and learn about the port of Liverpool.
Maritime Archive and Library
Luxury liners in Liverpool
Online exhibition
When the steamer 'Britannia' left Coburg Dock at high tide on the evening of Saturday 4 July 1840 with Samuel Cunard onboard it inaugurated an association with Cunard Line and Liverpool which continues to this day with the arrival of 'Queen Elizabeth' and 'Queen Mary 2'.
The collections in the Maritime Archives and Library reflect this historical connection with the port. Click on the images below to view items relating to the distinguished predecessors of today's modern cruise liners.
The arrival of the modern ships in Liverpool in September 2011 is being celebrated with this year's On the Waterfront River Festival.
The full advert reads:
"For BOSTON, Calling at HALIFAX to land Passengers, and her Majesty's Mails. BRITANNIA Captain HENRY WOODRUFF. ACADIA Captain EDWARD C. MILLER. CALEDONIA Captain RICHARD CLELAND. COLUMBIA Captain -. The BRITANNIA will sail from Liverpool on the 4th July. The ACADIA will sail from Liverpool on the 4th August. Passage, including Provisions and Wines, to Halifax Thirty four Guineas, to Boston, Thirty eight Guineas. Steward's Fee, One Guinea. The sailing of the BRITANNIA has been postponed to the 4th of July, in consequence of the Post office authorities having fixed upon the 3rd of each month for making up the North American Mails. The steamship UNICORN plies between PICTOU and Quebec in connexion with the above vessels, carrying the Mails and Passengers. For passage apply to J and G Burns, Glasgow; JB Foord, 52 Old Broad Street London; or in Liverpool to D and C MACIVER, 12 Water Street. The BRITANNIA goes out of the Coburg Dock on the Friday morning and all heavy luggage should be sent on board before that time. On Saturday morning at 10 o'clock a Steamer will be at the Egremont Slip, south end of the Prince's Dock, to take off the Passengers"