When the 84,000-ton RMS Queen Elizabeth was launched in
1938, she was the largest passenger ship ever built.
Before becoming known as one
of the world's most luxurious ocean liners, RMS Queen
Elizabeth was used to transport British troops in
World War II. She sailed all around the world,
deploying troops and returning with German POWs. By
war's end Queen Elizabeth had carried over 750,000
troops and traveled some 500,000 miles.
With the release from
government duty finalized, the Queen Elizabeth
finally set out on its maiden passenger voyage to
New York on Oct. 16, 1946. She became a hugely
popular and glamorous ship that was frequented by
many famous people.
RMS Queen Elizabeth's reign
as largest passenger ship ever ended in 1997 when
Carnival launched the 101,000-ton cruise ship
Destiny. She held the record for 39
years!
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