Historical information

Menus used on P&O liners SS Himalaya and SS Arcadia 1955-56.

Significance

After the Great war of 1914-18, Australia experienced what up until then had been its biggest surge in immigration from Europe. Australia was seen as the great land of opportunity and became one of the top places to migrate to, particularly from Britain. The increase in migration to Australia led Britain’s leading shipping line to the Far East, the Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company (P&O;), to invest in a fleet of new ships of around 20,000 tonnes each to handle the business coming their way.

Physical description

29 Cruise Ship Menus from P&O cruises 1955-56

Inscriptions & markings

Peninsula & Oriental Steam Navigation Company

References