A Change of World Cruise Itinerary
Being a World Cruise liner, the Caronia was by no means immune from being affected by any adverse world events. 1961 was a case in point, where because of security problems in Southern Africa, the Great World Cruise itinerary of that year had to be quite drastically changed.
This would be one of the only years where a visit to Cape Town and Durban would not happen. Rather than sailing around the Cape on her usual itinerary, the route was altered to include destinations around the Mediterranean before a transit of the Suez Canal would put Caronia back on her planned (and usual) trip around India and the Far East.
The planners at Cunard, along with Thos Cook, had clearly worked overtime to produce this new itinerary, which substituted 18 new ports for 7 that were originally scheduled. In previous years there had been occasions where security concerns had meant that these cruises were by no means fully booked.
Caronia, starboard side view
Image: 1961 Autumn Cruise brochure]
[Larger image requires 1024x768 screen
The 1961 Great World Cruise was the only time when the “Green Goddess” sailed Southbound through the Suez Canal. All the previous 3 transits had been Northbound, with another to feature as part of the 1963 voyage.
At least by substituting the historical treasures of Egypt for the natural wonders of Southern Africa, travel agents still had a great cruise to offer potential clients. The amended itinerary was issued as a 2-fold, 6-page document in October 1960.
What I have done with the Timeline is to branch the months of February and March with two options - the originally planned itinerary and the actual.
If you can contribute any information, do please get in touch…
Great World 
