The Blue Riband is an unofficial accolade given to the passenger liner crossing the Atlantic Ocean in regular service with the record highest average speed. The term was borrowed from horse racing and was not widely used until after 1910. The record is based on average speed rather than passage time because ships follow different routes.
Also, eastbound and westbound speed records are reckoned separately, as the more difficult westbound record voyage, against the Gulf Stream and the prevailing weather systems, typically results in lower average speeds.
SS United States, last winner of the Blue Riband. Formally, she still holds the title
Cunard's Mauretania. She held the Blue Riband for the second-longest period of any ship, for 20 years, from 1909 to 1929
Sirius is considered the first Atlantic record-holder for her 1838 voyage to New York at 8.03 knots (14.87 km/h)
In 1843, Great Western recorded a record-breaking voyage of 10.03 knots (18.58 km/h)
Cunard Line is a British shipping and cruise line based at Carnival House at Southampton, England, operated by Carnival UK and owned by Carnival Corporation & plc. Since 2011, Cunard and its four ships have been registered in Hamilton, Bermuda.
Sir Samuel Cunard, 1st Bt
Britannia of 1840 (1150 GRT), the first Cunard liner built for the transatlantic service
Europa of 1848 (1850 GRT). This is one of the earliest known photos of an Atlantic steamship.
Cunard Line, from New York to Liverpool, from 1875
