And within a few decades, travel by ship meant cruising warn waters, climbing rock walls, freestyle dining and casual attire.

But that most traditional of lines, founded by Nova Scotian Samuel Cunard, soldiered on with the Queen Elizabeth 2 which seemed destined to represent the end of an era.

But Cunard Line got a new lease on life when if was bought by hugely-profitable carnival Corp. which provided the money to revive the line and preserve some of the elegance of traveling by ship.

"This is an ocean liner, not a cruise ship," said Cunard president Carol Marlow at a press conference on board the new Queen Victoria which was officially launched by Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, accompanied by her husband Prince Charles, at an elaborate ceremony here last month. 

Mary Jean Tully, CEO of The Cruise Professionals in Mississauga, was impressed.  She runs one of the most successful cruise agencies anywhere and was one of the only three guests to meet Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall at the ceremony and feels there are clients who are looking for the ocean liner experience. 

"Yes there definitely is a market where passengers still enjoy 'dressing up' and going for High Tea.  Everything has gotten so much more relaxed and casual, and I have yet to meet a women who does not want to put on a nice evening dress.  I think the ship has a fantastic ambience about it.  It has all the classic lines of a truly great ocean liner."

"I think Cunard did an outstanding job with the ship.  I think it is their best ship to date.  I felt like I had stepped back in time when I was in both the Princess and Queens Grill is outstanding.  The traditional British Pub with different draught beers was truly a great touch." 


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