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The Great Liners, Gaborone (2026)

10/03/2025

𝑳𝒐𝒏𝒈 𝑳𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑸𝒖𝒆𝒆𝒏 𝑴𝒂𝒓𝒚

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She was almost a ghost before she was ever a queen. In the shadow of the Great Depression, the RMS Queen Mary lay abandoned—an incomplete dream, silent and forgotten by the Clyde. For years, she stood as a symbol of lost ambition, her future uncertain. It seemed her story would end before it began.

But legends don’t fade so easily. In 1934, hope surged through her steel bones as construction resumed. By 1936, she took to the Atlantic—an unstoppable force. Not the boldest in design, yet unmatched in strength and presence. She wasn't just built to sail; she was built to reign. And reign she did.

When war cast its shadow, the Queen Mary shed her luxury, becoming the formidable ‘Grey Ghost.’ She braved perilous waters, carrying over 800,000 troops. She was hunted but never caught. A rogue wave in 1942 nearly ended her journey, but fate was on her side. She endured—because legends are meant to.

When peace returned, she reclaimed her splendor. She wasn’t just a ship but a world of her own—a place where stars, statesmen, and dreamers crossed paths. Each voyage was a memory, each deck a witness to history.

While the glamorous Normandie dazzled in art deco luxury, it was the Queen Mary's enduring spirit that won hearts. She faced storms and wars but survived them all. And now, long after her final crossing, she stands graceful, proud, and undefeated.

Many of her contemporaries were lost to time, but the Queen Mary lives on. Not just as a relic, but as a monument to resilience, ambition, and beauty. How fortunate we are to walk her decks, to feel the heartbeat of history beneath our feet. She reminds us that legends never die.

𝙇𝙤𝙣𝙜 𝙇𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙌𝙪𝙚𝙚𝙣 𝙈𝙖𝙧𝙮! A queen who defied time, tide, and fate—and who shall reign forever in the stories we tell.

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•••

09/03/2025

𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘔𝘢𝘪𝘯 𝘏𝘢𝘭𝘭...

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05/03/2025

The Promenade Deck | QUEEN MARY
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𝙒𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙎𝙝𝙞𝙥𝙨 𝙊𝙛𝙛𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙙 𝙎𝙥𝙖𝙘𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝘽𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙝𝙚

One of the most distinctive features of the RMS Queen Mary is her vast, enclosed Promenade Deck — a design element that made transatlantic travel comfortable and is rarely found on ships today.

Stretching nearly the full length of the ship, this glass-wrapped promenade gave passengers a place to walk, unwind, and breathe in the endless ocean, all while sheltered from the unforgiving North Atlantic weather. Sliding windows could be opened on calmer days, blending the comfort of indoors with the raw beauty of the open sea.

Spaces like these were essential on long voyages. Before stabilizers and tropical itineraries, liners like Queen Mary had to face the Atlantic at its worst. Earlier ships, like Titanic and Lusitania, had fully open promenades that were often unusable in poor weather. But by the 1930s, designers understood that comfort and connection to the sea needed to coexist — and Queen Mary's Promenade Deck was the answer.

Today, these grand promenades are nearly extinct. Modern ships have traded them for shopping malls, casinos, and indoor attractions. Few, if any, allow you to simply walk beside the ocean for nearly a quarter mile, in peace, with nothing but the horizon for company.

The Promenade Deck wasn’t just a passageway. It was part of the rhythm of life at sea — morning walks, afternoon reading in a deck chair, watching the waves roll by under soft lamplight as night fell.

It’s spaces like these that remind us why ships like Queen Mary still hold our hearts. They weren’t built just to entertain us. They were built to carry us across the vastness of the ocean — and to make us fall in love with the journey itself.
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04/03/2025

The Sun Deck | QUEEN MARY
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The Sun Deck of the RMS Queen Mary stood as a grand promenade at sea, offering First-Class passengers an unrivaled setting of comfort, style, and open ocean air.

Stretching the full length of the ship, the Sun Deck was a space of leisure and luxury exclusively for First-Class passengers. High above the Atlantic 🌊, guests strolled along the teak decking, lounged in deck chairs 🪑, and enjoyed the fresh sea air while soaking in breathtaking views 🌅. Whether it was for morning walks or afternoon tea ☕ under the sunshine, the Sun Deck offered an experience unlike any other.

Among its iconic features were the Verandah Grill at the aft 🍽️, the intimate Sports Deck area ⚓, and direct access to the Sun Deck Promenade, making it a social hub where elegance flowed as effortlessly as the ocean breeze. The deck also housed critical parts of the ship’s design, including access to lifeboats 🛟 and beautiful glass-enclosed spaces shielding guests from the wind while still providing panoramic views.

The Art Deco details 🏛️ carried from the ship’s interiors blended perfectly with the deck's serene, airy atmosphere, making it a seamless extension of the Queen Mary’s timeless style.

Even during World War II ⚔️, when the Queen Mary served as a troopship, the Sun Deck became a place of brief respite for weary soldiers—although its luxury was stripped back, the open skies and endless horizon offered comfort during uncertain times.

After the war, she returned to her former glory ✨, and so did her Sun Deck—once again welcoming fashionable travelers seeking the finest travel experience at sea.

Imagine yourself reclining under the sun ☀️, hearing the soft hum of the engines below, with nothing but the Atlantic stretching out ahead 🌊. Wouldn’t you want to experience the golden era of ocean liners from the Queen Mary’s Sun Deck?

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special credits-:

rmsQMwiki

rmsqmwiki.miraheze.org

Photo Courtesy - Heidi Smith

fineartamerica.com/featured/queen-mary-sun-deck-black-and-white-heidi-smith

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01/03/2025

The Verandah Grill | QUEEN MARY
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The Verandah Grill aboard the RMS Queen Mary was one of the ship’s most exclusive spaces, offering an experience of refined elegance for a select few. Located on the Sun Deck at the aft, it was a first-class à la carte restaurant by day and a stylish nightclub by night. Unlike the grand dining rooms that served hundreds of passengers, the Verandah Grill accommodated just 80 privileged guests, making it one of the most sought-after reservations at sea. The "Grill" followed the British tradition of exclusive à la carte dining, while "Verandah" reflected its airy, terrace-like ambiance, a Cunard feature ✨🚢

This was the only place on board where first-class passengers could enjoy gourmet cuisine prepared to order rather than the set menus of the Main Dining Room. It attracted royalty, Hollywood celebrities, and high society elites who sought a more intimate and personalized atmosphere. As the sun set, the space transformed into the Starlight Club, where live music, fine cocktails, and an enchanting ambiance created one of the most glamorous experiences at sea. 🍸🌙

Designed in stunning Art Deco style, the Verandah Grill featured hand-painted murals by Scottish artist Doris Zinkeisen, created in 1935. These intricate artworks depicted scenes of theater and entertainment, enhancing the venue’s sophisticated charm. Elegant wood paneling, plush seating, and mirrored surfaces reflected the luxurious aesthetic that defined the Queen Mary’s interiors. 🎭🌊

During World War II, when the Queen Mary was converted into a troopship, the Verandah Grill was repurposed as an officers’ space, and its lavish décor suffered damage. After the war, Doris Zinkeisen was commissioned to restore her murals, helping bring the venue back to life for the ship’s return to passenger service. ⚓🖼️

Even as the Queen Mary evolved over the years, the Verandah Grill remained a symbol of ocean liner glamour, known for its elegance, exclusivity, and lively atmosphere.

Would you have loved to experience the Verandah Grill in its prime? ✨🍷
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special thanks to rmsQMwiki

rmsqmwiki.miraheze.org

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09/02/2025

𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘶𝘳 𝘮𝘦𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘦𝘢, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘭 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘢 𝘷𝘰𝘺𝘢𝘨𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘪𝘵𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧.

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The largest and most opulent room aboard this legendary ocean liner. Once the heart of first-class dining, this Art Deco masterpiece transported guests to an era of elegance, where the finest meals were served beneath the glow of towering illuminated columns and a celestial mural charting the ship’s transatlantic voyage. A setting fit for royalty, movie stars, and dignitaries—this was more than a dining room; it was a statement of unmatched luxury on the high seas.
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04/02/2025

𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘰𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘥𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘥 𝘰𝘯 𝘤𝘳𝘺𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘭 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘨𝘰𝘭𝘥,
𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘤𝘦𝘢𝘯 𝘵𝘢𝘭𝘦𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘵𝘰𝘭𝘥
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Beneath the soft glow of gilded light,
Where ocean whispers met crystal sight,
A symphony of silver, a dance of wine,
In the Grand Salon, where stars would dine

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31/01/2025

The Grand Salon - 1st Class Dining Room | QUEEN MARY
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The Grand Salon of the RMS Queen Mary was an architectural and artistic triumph, embodying the height of transatlantic luxury. Spanning the entire width of the ship, it measured an astonishing 160 feet long, 118 feet wide, and soared 30 feet high, making it one of the largest dining rooms ever built at sea.

This vast space, designed in the Art Deco style, radiated elegance with richly polished wood paneling, gilded accents, and towering hand-carved columns that exuded sophistication.

This room is known for its fantastic works of art. When you enter the room the first one that catches your eye is the incredible painting by Philip Co***rd depicting the English countryside and done in tapestry technique. At the base of the painting is a beautiful bronze grille double doors by father and son artist Walter and Donald Gilbert. On the nearby ventilator trunks, there are two paintings by Mr. A. Duncan Carse, both facing inward, and located on the port and starboard.

The salon’s grandeur was further enhanced by 14 exquisite wooden reliefs by renowned artist Bainbridge Copnall, each narrating pivotal moments in maritime history.

Presiding over the room was the breathtaking Macdonald Gill decorative map, a masterpiece that traced the ship’s transatlantic crossings, illuminated to showcase the vessel’s real-time position on its journey.

Beneath this lavish setting, first-class passengers indulged in extravagant multi-course meals prepared by world-class chefs, served on fine china and silverware with the melodies of a live orchestra drifting through the air. Yet, this magnificent room also played an unexpected role in history—during World War II, when the Queen Mary became a troopship, the Grand Salon transformed into a military mess hall, where thousands of soldiers dined in tightly scheduled shifts, trading luxury for necessity.

Despite its wartime service, the salon retained its regal essence, and today, it stands as a monument to the golden age of ocean travel, where art, history, and opulence converged in a setting unlike any other.
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special thanks to rmsQMwiki

rmsqmwiki.miraheze.org

•••

16/01/2025

First Class Swimming Pool | QUEEN MARY
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Completed in 1936, the RMS Queen Mary's first-class swimming pool stood as a dazzling example of 1930s Art Deco design, combining architectural brilliance with a luxurious ambiance that defined the golden age of ocean travel. Nestled amidships on what are now R and C decks (formerly C and D decks), the pool was thoughtfully located within the ship’s interior, allowing passengers to enjoy its opulence year-round, shielded from the unpredictability of the open seas.

The architecture of the pool was nothing short of extraordinary. Measuring approximately 60 feet in length and 40 feet in width, it cleverly used balconies, a vaulted ceiling, and shimmering mosaic tiles to create an illusion of grandeur far beyond its actual size. The cascading fountains and imitation mother-of-pearl ceiling lent an ethereal glow, while polished wood paneling added warmth and sophistication. It was not just a pool but a sanctuary of elegance, a social hub where laughter echoed and unforgettable memories were made. Mixed-gender swimming sessions, a forward-thinking feature of the time, exemplified the progressive mindset of this luxurious liner.

Though converted into dormitory space during World War II, the pool resumed its role as a luxurious retreat post-war, serving as a centerpiece of leisure until the ship’s retirement. Closed in the 1970s due to structural concerns, it remains a point of fascination, accessible only through guided tours.

Adding to its allure, the pool has earned a reputation for being haunted, with tales of ghostly apparitions and phantom laughter. Yet, for the passengers of 1936, it was a place of sophistication and joy, embodying the elegance of the Queen Mary’s legacy.

The first-class swimming pool of the Queen Mary remains a testament to the ship's legacy: a blend of artistic innovation, luxurious escapism, and the timeless allure of the sea. Whether viewed as a historic marvel or through the lens of its haunting reputation, let’s remember the beauty of what it once was: a place of elegance, laughter, and unforgettable experiences

13/01/2025

The R Deck Lobby | QUEEN MARY
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The R Deck Foyer (Lobby) was where First Class passengers could enter the First Class Restaurant, arrive for their appointment at the Turkish Baths, go for a swim in the Pool Room, or place a telephone call in one of the lobby's two phone booths. The lobby is paneled in horizontal bands of English Birch, Masur Birch, and Canadian Birch, the dado at the bottom and along the balustrades of the lift areas is English Elm Burr. The metal decorations including the doors and balustrades to the lifts, are all silver-bronze.

In the photo above, showing the whole Foyer, you can see on the left the pre-war staircase doors done in silver-bronze and sand-blasted glass. We don't know why the Main Staircase had doors on every level aside from Promenade Deck, but it must not have been for very good reason, as these glass doors were removed during the 1947 reconversion.

The floors of the Foyer were in Korkoid and done in the same style as the Main Hall which then cascaded down the main staircase to R Deck. After World War II, when the Main Hall received a new linoleum pattern, that style also cascaded down the main staircase to R Deck. The R Deck Foyer was carpeted when the ship became a hotel in Long Beach, and it has remained that way ever since. However, there is a rumor that in the near future, the Foyer will be given new historically accurate linoleum in the 1947 style, the same way the Main Hall appears now.

The R Deck (formerly C Deck) of the RMS Queen Mary is a historic gem, once home to the luxurious First-Class Swimming Pool and the grand First-Class Dining Room (Grand Salon). The Art Deco pool was a social hub, showcasing elegance and exclusivity, while the Grand Salon offered gourmet dining in a setting of timeless sophistication. These spaces symbolized the glamour of transatlantic travel during the ship's golden age. Today, R Deck remains a captivating part of the Queen Mary’s history, blending luxury, design, and mystery. Perfect for those seeking a glimpse into maritime splendor!
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special thanks to rmsQMwiki

rmsqmwiki.miraheze.org

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10/01/2025

The 1st Class Staterooms | QUEEN MARY
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Step back to 1936 and immerse yourself in the unparalleled luxury of the RMS Queen Mary’s first-class staterooms. These accommodations were a true reflection of the Art Deco era, blending elegance, sophistication, and modern innovation. Guests could choose from single staterooms to lavish suites, many featuring private bathrooms—a rarity in the 1930s. The decor was breathtaking, with rich wood paneling inlaid with rare veneers, plush silk and velvet furnishings, and intricate lighting fixtures that exuded warmth and charm. Some rooms even boasted electric fireplaces, adding a cozy touch to the grandeur.
Internal doors connecting adjoining cabins allowed multiple rooms to be configured into suites as desired. Most of the rooms were and are of a roughly L-shaped pattern allowing for the best use of the great width of the ship. The first-class stateroom corridors on the RMS Queen Mary featured marbled linoleum flooring with geometric borders, reflecting the ship's Art Deco
elegance.

First-class passengers were treated to exceptional service, with personal stewards attending to every need. The most exclusive suites, such as the Verandah Grill Suites, included private dining areas and dedicated staff, creating an intimate, hotel-like experience. It’s no wonder celebrities and dignitaries like Winston Churchill, Clark Gable, and Elizabeth Taylor were regulars aboard this iconic liner. Beyond the staterooms, first-class travelers had access to elegantly designed public spaces, such as dining rooms, lounges, and promenades, all embodying the same level of sophistication.

While the staterooms still retain many of the original built-ins and fittings, the custom details and furnishings that made them so luxurious for passengers have mostly been removed making them look stripped down and empty by comparison. Adding those details back from old photos, like archived pieces or closer furniture replicas, could more authentically bring these rooms back to the original appearance famous celebrities and royalty of the time expected and enjoyed, so guests today can as well.
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21/12/2024

The First Class Travel Bureau | QUEEN MARY
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Step inside the 1st Class Travel Bureau on M Deck as it looked in 1947, onboard the RMS Queen Mary. The 1st Class Travel Bureau on the RMS Queen Mary was located on the Main Deck and served as a dedicated space for passengers to arrange future travel plans while onboard. It was a hallmark of luxury travel, designed to provide convenience and seamless service for first-class guests.

The bureau featured elegant Art Deco styling, with polished wood paneling and streamlined furnishings that matched the ship’s overall aesthetic. Staffed by professional travel agents, it offered services such as booking tickets for future voyages, arranging onward travel plans, and handling accommodations at destinations. Passengers could plan their next adventures with ease, all while enjoying the opulent surroundings of the Queen Mary.

Before the internet, travel bureaus were the easiest and most convenient way to plan your travel and lodging. Before World War II, the travel bureau was a small and cramped windowless space that was flanked on either side with phosphor-bronze reliefs by Maurice Lambert. The interior was minimal with a brochure stand, and the bulkheads were paneled in ivory or cream formica with silver-bronze reeds and decorative half-cylinder wall sconces. However, after the war, the room was expanded and given a dual bay window entry and paneled in high-quality quilted maple veneers. Marion Dorn created the fine carpet that was in the cross deck lobby outside the First Class Travel Bureau on Main Deck. It survived from 1936 to 1967.

This space reflected the meticulous attention to detail that defined first-class amenities during the Golden Age of ocean liner travel, ensuring passengers experienced nothing but the finest service.
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special credit -:

rmsQMwiki

http://rmsqmwiki.miraheze.org

RMSQueenMary page

facebook.com/RMSQueenMary
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The Great Liners

10/03/2025

09/03/2025

05/03/2025

04/03/2025

01/03/2025

09/02/2025

04/02/2025

31/01/2025

16/01/2025

13/01/2025

10/01/2025

21/12/2024

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