Books by Chris Frame & Rachelle Cross
Maritime History & Cruise Ship Books
When I was growing up, easy to read books about ocean liners helped shape my understanding of the significance of these great ships. Both Rachelle Cross and I think it’s important to make maritime history accessible, interesting and understandable. Our books are written with this in mind, with an aim of keeping the narrative punchy and entertaining. If you’ve read our books and want to provide feedback, get in touch.
Check out our books by browsing here and clicking on the blurbs below to read more. Or you can choose any of our books, based your preferred topic, using the menu to your left.
Note: These pages contain affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission if you purchase through it. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
The Evolution of the Passenger Ship
Take a voyage through the rich history of passenger ships. From mass migration through to luxury holidays, passenger shipping has played a central role in the collective human story.
Accompanied by captivating photographs, The Evolution of the Passenger Ship explores the way ships were shaped over time and how they in turn helped to shape the world around them.
Queen Anne: A Photographic Journey
Queen Anne is the 2nd largest Cunard ship ever built, and elevates Cunard to a new, modern audience. She combines a new style of interior design, with classic elements of Cunard’s heritage. Favourites include the iconic Queens Room Ballroom, Golden Lion Pub and Britannia Restaurant.
This full-colour book is a perfect souvenir for travellers, as well as being a fantastic coffee-table feature for anyone with a love of ships and the sea.
QE2: A 50th Anniversary Celebration
A comprehensive and thoughtfully written history of the world’s most loved ship. Fast, smart and sleek, the one and only QE2 sailed over 5.8 million miles and carried more than 2.5 million passengers. She transported more people, further than any ship before her.
QE2 remains the longest-serving express liner in history, sailing for 39 ½ years!
Through words penned by passionate QE2 historians, and with tribute stories from QE2’s captains, crew and passengers, as well as a wide selection of carefully selected photographs, this wonderful ship is brought to life.
180 Years of Cunard
This book is a celebration of Cunard and its 180 year history. It includes stories from Cunard captains, crew and shore side staff combined with stunning archival photography.
This new paperback edition is updated to cover events since the line’s 175th anniversary.
With new and updated stories from people involved with line, Cunard’s 180-year history is shared in stunning photographs and engaging text to explore the legacy of the great Cunard liners.
QM2: A Photographic Journey
Take a virtual transatlantic crossing or a cheerful holiday cruise any time you wish, on board the last of the great transatlantic liners, Queen Mary 2. With over 200 beautiful photographs, updated during the QM2 Remastered Refit.
QM2: A Photographic Journey, showcases QM2’s public rooms, dining venues, lounges and accommodation. It also features stunning exterior details and behind-the-scenes insights.
This book is delightfully complemented by little-known facts and fascinating information about this grand ship.
Queen Victoria: A Photographic Journey
Take the voyage of a lifetime through the public rooms of this stately ship. From Queen Victoria’s ornate Victorian styled Grand Lobby to the lavishly decorated Royal Court Theatre you can experience Queen Victoria from the comfort of their living room!
Complimented by amusing anecdotes and stories from those who work and sail aboard her. With a foreword by Captain Andrew Hall and an afterword by Commodore Christopher Rynd, this book is a must have addition for anyone who has sailed aboard Queen Victoria or loves the history of Cunard.
Fully updated following Queen Victoria’s ‘Refit for a Queen’ update.
Queen Elizabeth: A Photographic Journey
Explore Cunard’s 2010-built Queen Elizabeth. From the Art Deco inspired Royal Court Theatre, to her Sports Deck, each room is described by detailed narrative, with complementing photographs taken by the authors.
This book also features an extensive tour behind the scenes, including the Bridge, Engine Room, Galley, Store Rooms and Cellars. This edition was updated in 2021.
Complimented with stories from those who work and sail aboard her, including an interview with Captain Hashmi and tributes from Captain Thorhauge and Captain Wells.
QE2: A Photographic Journey
Our first ever book, QE2: A Photographic Journey, takes the reader on a voyage of appreciation of the best-known and most-loved ocean liner: Queen Elizabeth 2.
Tour the iconic QE2, as she appeared in 2008 during her final year of Cunard service, with unique photos taken by Chris Frame and Rachelle Cross.
With a foreword by noted maritime historian Bill Miller and Captain’s Perspective from Captain Sir Ian McNaught, as well as stories from Commodore R. W. Warwick, this book is a must have keepsake for all maritime libraries.
This book is also available as an e-book.
A Photographic History of Orient Line
There is no more important shipping line to the Australian immigration story than the Orient Line. In this fabulous book, four expert authors trace the fascinating history of Orient Line and its unparalleled impact on Australia.
From the early days of the Orient Line of Clipper Ships, through the era of steam driven ocean liners, to the final Orient Line voyages, this book showcases the history of Orient Line.
With the authors having direct access to source material from the Henderson & Cremer Collection, as well as Orient Line board minutes, this story takes a deep dive into the behind the scenes activities that made Orient Line a great name in shipping.
It is complemented by exquisite photographs from the Henderson & Cremer Collection.
A Photographic History of P&O Cruises
New Edition: Today, one of Britain’s most loved cruise lines, P&O Cruises can trace its history back well over 180 years.
Penned by four expert authors, A Photographic History of P&O Cruises tells the P&O story from the early days of steam ship services to the Iberian Peninsular, to the growth of the modern P&O Cruises fleet.
It contains an impressive collection of imagery, from the unrivalled Henderson & Cremer Collection. This book details the history of P&O Cruises and explores the impact P&O had in shaping the British Empire.
It was updated and relaunched in 2024.
Oriana: A Photographic Journey
A lovingly created, and detailed photographic tribute to P&O’s much loved (and now retired) cruise ship, the 1995-built Oriana.
This book features beautiful interior images, that capture the interior of Oriana just months before she left service.
It features a contribution from the ship’s first Captain, and is a must-have keepsake for anyone who has sailed aboard Oriana as well as those with a love of cruising with P&O Cruises.
Aurora: A Photographic Journey
Take a tour of the last passenger ship built for the Peninsular & Oriental Steam Navigation Co., the elegant and much loved Aurora.
Featuring fabulous photographs of Aurora’s interior, this book is a must-have keepsake for anyone who has sailed aboard P&O’s Aurora.
It is also a book that will be most appreciated by anyone who has a love of classic cruising, the history of cruise ships and maritime interior design.
The P&O Cruises Colouring Book
A beautifully crafted colouring book celebrates the long heritage of P&O.
This colouring book celebrates the long heritage of P&O, the stunning interiors and exteriors of the vessels, and much more besides.
Supplemented with fascinating text from Chris Frame and Rachelle Cross, it is sure to captivate and educate children and adults alike.
The Cunard Colouring Book
This beautifully designed colouring book celebrates the long heritage of the Cunard Line.
It features the stunning interiors and exteriors of the Cunarders, including many of your favourite ships!
Peppered with fascinating text from Chris Frame and Rachelle Cross, it is sure to educate and entertain adults and children alike.
The Evolution of the Transatlantic Liner
Follow the changing form of the transatlantic ocean liner from inception – to the jet age, and learn how ship design has been influenced over time.
The book answers many questions and explains the differences between a liner and a cruise ship.
The QE2 Story
Learn about the QE2’s four decades of service, in a fast paced and fun pocket book. Written by two of the foremost QE2 experts, Chris Frame and Rachelle Cross, The QE2 Story is an interesting and engaging staring point for anyone interested in Maritime History.
The QM2 Story
Take a journey through the development, build and first ten years of Queen Mary 2 with The QM2 Story. Written by two of the foremost QM2 experts, Chris Frame and Rachelle Cross, The QM2 Story is an engaging staring point for anyone interested in Cunard Line.
The Cunard Story
Updated 2025: Since 1840, Cunard ships have been transiting the North Atlantic with speed, grace and elegance. These great ships helped to populate nations, served during both world wars and have transported millions of passengers, amongst them celebrities, politicians and royalty. Through tales of ships such as Britannia, Lusitania, Mauretania, Aquitania and the immortal Queens, The Cunard Story gives readers an insight into the heritage of this historic line.
Today the Cunard Line operates a fleet of modern ships, offering passengers exciting and varied itineraries to exotic locations across the globe. The Cunard Story is a must-have for all maritime historians and ocean-travellers, especially those with affection for this historic line and its grand vessels.
Note: These pages contain affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission if you purchase through it. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
