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Have you ever wondered what the difference is between an Ocean Liner and a Cruise Ship? Are you amazed at the size of the Oasis of the Seas, clocking in at 5 times the size of Titanic? Have you ever wondered how ships got so large, or perhaps you are keen to know what sailing on the first ever cruise ship was like?

The SMSA will host Chris Frame who will take you on a journey through the evolution of the passenger ship and explore the changing shape of these ships, including:

  • the race for size and speed on the North Atlantic,
  • how liners became cruise ships,
  • the 1950s boom,
  • and the impact of the Jet Aircraft on ships.

This lecture showcases the birth of modern day cruising and finishes with imagery and an overview of the building of Cunard’s giant Queen Mary 2 — The Last of the Great Ocean Liners.

Chris Frame circle

Maritime Historian Chris Frame has been fascinated by ocean liners since childhood. He published his first website on the QE2 in 1999, which grew to become the Cunard history website. Chris regularly appears on television news, documentaries and radio as a subject matter expert for ocean liner history, cruise ships and aviation. Some of his recent highlights include BBC’s Heir Hunters, Sky News and ABC’s conversations. He is a contributor to various magazines and other publications including Cruise PassengerCruising News & PictorialShips MonthlySea BreezesPortholeCunard PassagesAustralian AviationAirliner World and Airports of the World. Chris is the author of a number of books on ocean liners including (but not limited to) QE2: A Photographic Journey, 175 Years of Cunard and The Evolution of the Transatlantic Line, and most recently QE2: A 50th Anniversary Celebration.

When: Wednesday 10 October, 2.00-3.00pm
Where: Mitchell Theatre, 280 Pitt St, Sydney NSW 2000
Cost: Free. No bookings required.
Contact: 02 9262 7300