A collection of stories from classic passenger ships and liners, that vividly showcase the romance and tragedy of life at sea. This latest book from ex- Queen Mary entertainments officer Paul Curtis collates a lively selection of stories about some of the greatest and most fascinating passenger ships to ever ply the world's oceans. Stories range from tragic to funny, from elegant Cunard Queens to smaller cruise liners, and even the Royal Yacht Britannia. They present vivid snapshots from the lives of these vessels across war and peace, covering such matters as the foibles of captains, the escapades of passengers and crew, the most terrible disasters, and the greatest thrilling rescues. This collection of intimate portraits of the most famous and notorious ships of all time, relayed in the author's trademark humorous style, is sure to be the perfect accompaniment to any voyage, whether on the high seas or simply from an armchair at home. AUTHOR: Paul Curtis went to sea at 18 and worked as a ship photographer aboard ten different passenger ships, before being appointed cabin class entertainment officer aboard the Queen Mary. When the Queens were sold off he moved to New York, then Australia, and worked as a photographer, journalist, magazine publisher and finally Chief Operating Officer for the Imaging and Digital Entertainment Association (IDEA). He has three awards from the Australian Institute of Professional Photography: Hon Life Member, Hon Fellowship and the McCarthy Award for an exceptional long contribution to professional photography. He lives in Queensland. 60 b/w illustrations