Cunard Princess

Cunard Princess was originally intended to be used by Overseas National Airways as a floating playground. A new concept, the ship was to be managed in conjunction with MGM.

In fact, Playboy boss Hugh Hefner was involved in the original design of the ship.

However, when that venture fell over, Cunard acquired the ship naming her Cunard Conquest. At the same time, they acquired the sister Cunard Countess.

Cunard Conquest never sailed under her original name and was christened by Princess Grace of Monaco as Cunard Princess. Cunard deployed the Cunard Princess to the Caribbean, running services from Fort Lauderdale. She was also popular in the Mediterranean.

During the Gulf War the Cunard Princess was used as a recreation ship for troops operating in the middle east, adding to the long line of Cunarders who have answered the call of service during wartime.

From 1993 the ship was operated within the Cunard-Crown division. Cunard Princess enjoyed a loyal following until she was retired from Cunard service in 1995 and sold to Star Lauro, which used the ship to replace the recently lost Achille Lauro.

Cunard Princess was re-named Rhapsody and sailed for the newly renamed MSC Cruises. She remained with MSC until she was sold to Mano Marine in 2009.

Re-named Golden Iris, the ship currently operates for Mano Marine on voyages in the Mediterranean, before being laid up. The ship was scrapped during the COVID-19 global cruise shutdown.

Image sourced with permission from: Simplon Post Cards