Since 1840 Cunard has helped shape the world

That’s a big claim, however it’s founded in truth. The Cunard Line was instrumental in establishing regularly scheduled transatlantic crossings which revolutionised the way people travel.

From the first crossing of Unicorn in June 1840, the brand showed much promise with thousands of people heading to the ports of Halifax and Boston to witness the arrival of the ship. When Britannia made the first commercial voyage a month later, she inaugurated a service of regularly scheduled passenger crossings that endures to this day.

Regularity brought with it a significant shift in society. From the ability to plan travel and transportation months in advance, to the establishment of safe and reliable movement of people, countless aspects of daily life were influenced by the Cunard service.

In these pages you can learn more about the impact Cunard has made. From learning about the founder Sir Samuel, to witnessing the establishment of world cruises almost a century later; to how Cunard overcame the perils of war and pandemics; you’ll gain insight into the various ways Cunard helped shape the world.

Image: Cunard Steamer circa 1870s CC.0