IT’s both deeply depressing yet slightly reassuring to read of the profoundly distressing fate of one of the greatest ships of all time, the mighty SS United States, the fastest ocean liner ever built. In a move worthy of Britain’s own abysmal ship preservation achievements, it’s revealing to find that the Americans are equally hopeless. …
Today, 11 April 2025, marks the 113th anniversary of the final port of call of White Star Line’s flagship, RMS Titanic, before heading out across the Atlantic (as in the last known photo above, by Kate Odell). Four days later she met her infamous demise after colliding with an iceberg and sinking on 15 April …
I’ve finally crossed the threshold of Windermere Jetty Museum having been unable to accept an invitation to the official reopening five years ago, but driven past countless times since. My last visit was 25 years ago in its previous incarnation as Windermere Steamboat Museum (a better self-explanatory title as it’s not a museum of jetties). …
THE closure and sale of one of Liverpool’s landmark buildings, the 30 James Street – Home of the Titanic Hotel and former headquarters of the world famous White Star Line, is deeply disappointing news. This is the second time the hotel has gone into administration in two years after conversion from offices, when it was …
SEVENTY-five years ago, this week one of Liverpool’s – if not the world’s – greatest ocean liners sailed into Gareloch, Scotland, under her own steam to be broken up at Faslane. After an incredible 36-year career beginning in 1914, Cunard Line’s RMS Aquitania, the last of the Edwardian four funnelled superliners, finally rang ‘finished with …
DID Birkenhead and Wirral really inspire the greatest science fiction novelist of all time to write some of his world famous books? That’s the belief of John Lamb, 61, who claims he has discovered irrefutable links between Jules Verne and Birkenhead, most famous for its Cammell Laird shipyard, the world’s first public park and Tranmere …
Back by public and parish demand! St Anne’s Church Aigburth Willis Organ Restoration Fund proudly presents The Fizz & Ships Spring Adventure Wine Cruise! A maritime-themed wine tasting armchair cruise aboard Liverpool’s famous shipping lines sampling classic wines en route at our ‘ports of call’. Included in your fare is a mid-voyage bowl of homemade scouse and a final toast …
Listen, do you want to know a secret? On this occasion it’s not the teenage John Lennon’s crooning about his love life, but me eulogising one of the most unusual and enjoyable short breaks you can take to or from Liverpool. Lennon’s lyrics continue ‘Do you promise not to tell?’, but possibly to my detriment …
IT was a big shock to discover that it was only a tad under half a century since I first travelled on the world’s last seagoing paddle steamer and classic day excursion ship Waverley, in 1975. At 77 years old this unique historic vessel, which in my humble opinion is one of the most beautiful …
Yet more evidence for the prosecution to the question ‘Do the authorities in Liverpool hate ships?’ The fabulously restored operational steam tug tender Daniel Adamson berthed in Canning Dock on one of her very welcome but occasional visits to the city. So how did Gower Street Estates who run the Royal Albert Dock public realm …
