First Class Cargo - A History of Combination Cargo-Passenger Ships

This book is about the unique, largely ignored and forgotten passenger-cargo ships that were not liners but more than ordinary freighters. The first appeared in the 1930s but their heyday was post-war until the 1960s. There were dozens of these ships, often carrying 50-300 passengers in very comfortable, sometimes quite luxurious quarters. They were club-like, even yacht-like, and preferred by many, pre-jet travelers who wanted a longer, more restful journey, away from the often hotel-like quality of the big ocean liners. They also happened to be cargo vessels, carrying holds of cargo while adhering to scheduled sailings. William Miller presents an important record of a little-documented aspect of maritime history.

About the author

William H. Miller, or "Mr. Ocean Liner," has written 85 books on passenger ships and is an acknowledged world expert in his field. Along with appearing in numerous TV documentaries and news broadcasts, he has been a guest lecturer aboard 75 different ships, including over 100 voyages with the Cunard Line. He has sailed on over 350 voyages on 300 ships.

Summary

An unusual blend of cargo freight, holiday-making passengers and government officials, the combination cargo-passenger ship is an oddity now all but relegated to the past.

Product details

• Authors: William Miller, William H Miller, William H. Miller
• Publisher: The History Press Ltd
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 29.02.2016
• EAN: 9780750965088
• ISBN: 978-0-7509-6508-8
• Dimensions: 249 mm x 228 mm x 10 mm
• Weight: 456 g
• Illustrations: 56 Illustrations, color; 100 Illustrations, black and white
• Subject: Guides > Motor vehicles, aircraft, ships, space travel > Ships