Caronia - Of Noble Heritage by Gordon Bauwens.

Cunard's most recent liner to bear the name, Caronia (lll), was for many people one of the finest cruise ships afloat. Coupled with her popularity with passengers and crew as an extremely well-appointed vessel, Caronia was admired by ship-lovers everywhere as a truly classic liner with particularly attractive lines and well-balanced profile. Completed in 1973 as the Vistafjord by Swann Hunter Shipbuilders on Tyneside for Norwegian America Line, she was effectively the last major passenger vessel to be constructed in England. Inheriting much of her classic lines from Sagafjord, her older and slightly smaller sistership, Vistafjord's external appearance has remained largely unspoiled throughout her long career as cruise liner. When Vistafjord joined the Cunard fleet in 1983, she retained her name and much of her existing colour scheme, including the attractive dove-grey hull. Externally, only her new red and black funnel and modest Cunard housestyle lettering beneath her bridge wings proclaimed she was now a Cunarder. After Cunard Line came under Carnival ownership, plans ensued to give Vistafjord a new image and in December 1999 she first appeared at a renaming ceremony in Liverpool, resplendent with black hull and additional upper cabins, as the new Caronia. 2003 saw another change of owner, name and livery, but it is in Caronia guise Gordon Bauwens has painted this fine portrait of the popular liner in his highly detailed style.

Signed limited edition of 300 prints.

Image size 16 inches x 10 inches (41cm x 25cm) Overall size 19 inches x 13.5 inches (48cm x 34cm)