The New Third Class on the "Big 3"

brochure

A brochure for third class travel on Cunard's "Big 3" ships-- the MAURETANIA, AQUITANIA, and BERENGARIA, in Cunard's signature orange and black colors. The text begins with the statement "Today is the era of economy!" and that is the emphasis of this brochure, which dates from about 1932 as the Great Depression and increased competition hit Cunard's transatlantic travel business. The brochure notes that fares have been cut, without sacrificing the quality of the accommodations, and there are several photos of third-class staterooms and public rooms. The brochure also notes that there is now a new deferred payment play that requires a deposit of only 25% of the fare and offers a year to pay off the balance. Both of those measures were taken in 1932. As a result of its Great Depression losses, in 1931, Cunard had to suspend construction of its newest liner, the QUEEN MARY for several years. Construction only recommenced in 1934 when the British government offered funding on the condition that Cunard and the White Star Line merge to become the Cunard White Star Line.