If you’re struggling, consider therapy with our sponsor BetterHelp. Click betterhelp.com/bigoldboats for a 10% discount on your first month of therapy with a licensed professional specific to your needs. Thank you for watching! What do you think of the Canberra?
Awesome video! I think the SS Canberra's design, like other P&O ships of the era, is excellent. A stylish bridge between the liners of the early 20th century and the builds of the cruise ships heading into the new millenium. My family came to Australia on a P&O ship called SS Himalaya in the mid 60s, so it is always extra cool when I see a new video on UA-cam about one of them.
I think Canberra was a good ship. I like the design but i prefer the Oriana personally. Fun fact: The reason P&O refused to sell Canberra to premier resulted in them buying the Rotterdam. At some point, please could you make a video on the 1959 Rotterdam? Great video as always. Keep up the good work. :)
It's totally okay that you don't want to be on camera. You are a true scholar of maritime history, and have something to contribute to popular knowledge. What you do is fun and educational, and is appreciated. Your voice is perfect for this medium, as well. Take good care, and continue to be well.
She was the last liner built by Harland and Wolff. I always thought the Oriana was awkward looking, but the Canberra was a perfect blend of classic and modern
I sailed on the second last voyage of Oriana, a loop of the Pacific from Circular Quay. Magic. But there were such rumours. The Goan staff were very worried. The Captain had served in the Falklands, and the king of Tonga had dinner aboard. I saw her later laid up in Sydney Harbour, so sad.
Your pronunciation of the ships name is interesting. Here in Australia there's no emphasis on the second syllable, so the 'e' virtually disappears. So in Australian English it becomes "Canbra".
“Ken-Berra”….. girl I’m screaming haha 😂 as a Canberran (as in, I live in the city Canberra), this highly amuses me! Oh and you’re a cutie! No need to hide your face! Your videos are amazing as always.
Canberra was a special ship, and her endurance proved that. She was a beauty, inside and out, and served her company as well as her country well. Great topic BOB!
The Canberra should have been kept as a museum or hotel, I remember it being launched. It had style and character, unlike today's floating apartment blocks !
I joined Canberra the day she arrived back from the Falklands as an engineer and did the 6 week refit on her to get her back into service. I then spent the next three years as an engineer. As she went on machinery became ever more tired, resulting in the failure of her starboard main alternator through a massive short circuit, a day's cruising out of Sydney. Luckily we were able to continue cruising with both screws due her to flexible electrical configuration, while I and mechanics from the Cockatoo Shipyard in Sydney took the alternator apart. At the same time, her boiler casings were rotting and filling the boiler room with flue gases, and one of the aux alternators tripped leaving us blacked out in the south Pacific. But what a ship to be an intimate part of. Sad that she wasn't saved, but she was well past her best.
I sailed on her in 88 and 12 year old me was incredibly impressed by her. Although we slummed it in an interior cabin with no bathroom! Hard to imagine that on one of today's flagships . I always wondered what conversions were made to turn her into a troop ship and you seem like a good person to ask.
I often watched both her and the QE2 sail through the Solent, either going to or leaving from Southampton. All through my childhood we would holiday on the Isle of Wight, and it was almost guaranteed we would see her at some point during our stay on the island. It was almost a tradition that we would go to either Ryde or Cowes on the island to watch her pass by. It was the end of an era when both she and then a decade later, the QE2 retired. Built to look stylish, and be functional, whereas today's cruise liners are simply built to be functional.
Interesting that I also watched both vessels but while they were in Sydney Australia 🇦🇺 We both had a similar experience but from the other side of the world 🌎 🙃
I just got back from a short break on the IOW. Could plainly see the shipping navigating their way round the island so reading your post had me imagining what a sight it would have been to see those old beautiful liners making their way through the Solent back in the day. Must have been an amazing sight
You are a very telegenic, or "YouTubic" (attractive) person! You have NOTHING to hide. Your ship videos are all well researched and presented. Keep up the great work! (So sad all the old liners can't be repurposed instead of being unceremoniously scrapped! 😔😔)
I find it amazing how long she survived. Deep into the 90s. Really an amazing story and an amazing ship. Thank you for your expert telling of her story.
In the early 90s i worked on her for several months. Even though it was a fairly short employ, i felt a true sadness when it went to the scrapyard. It took an age to start to get used to its size and know your way around. It was a proper ocean ship and not just a cruise ship. Went to many places on her, but i suppose the highlight was going to Rio and getting up early that morning to see us sail past Sugar Loaf Mt.
What a terrific tribute to a truly iconic ship! One of my favorites of all time. Thank you! As a kid in the 70's I was convinced that her color scheme was based on the Sulphur-Crested Cockatoo. She was a classic, for sure, and well-deserving of her many devoted fans! And getting to see you on-camera was an added bonus! Nice to be able to put a face to the voice. Your work is valuable and much appreciated!
I travelled on the Canberra in ‘83 and it was quite the remarkable glimpse into fading British ocean liner culture. It was a sort of time capsule of 1950s and 1960s mid-20th century modernism with traditional activities of a bygone era: horse races, deck cricket, fancy dress, black tie, etc… The dining room was particularly magnificent in its homage to Australia.
SS Canberra: "Oh, boy... I'm really exposed out here..." Argentinian Air Force: "Oh, that must be a hospital ship. Don't fire at that one." SS Canberra: "Actually, I'm not-I MEAN YES! I AM DEFINITELY A HOSPITAL! I PROMISE!"
Canberra was put more in harms way than QE2 because the admiralty was worried about the detriment to moral if a ship bearing the name of the monarch was badly damaged or sunk. Both were excellent ships and I’m pleased to have been able to stay on QE2 in Dubai 2 weeks ago, I’m sad Canberra wasn’t preserved though. Canberra was the first liner to have her lifeboats mounted lower down near the water which is standard today. BTW you’ve nothing to worry about by appearing in person in your videos, I know from personal experience that self confidence cannot be manufactured with the wave of a magic wand but life has taught me I put up more walls around myself than anyone else ever did.
"Canberra was the first liner to have her lifeboats mounted lower down near the water which is standard today." No she wasnt, check out SS Imperator from 1912
I love the Canberra. What a nice blend of the style of old ocean liners and the mid century modern look. I also can’t help but love that it’s a Harland and Wolff ship. Love your videos. I’m super grateful for your channel.
I sailed on the Canberra on her third to last cruise in 1997, when I was 7 years old. It was a holiday I will never forget, a real adventure as I had never been on a holiday like this before. I remember being in the aft swimming pool with my brother sailing through the rough bay of biscay and having a great time, as she ship carved its way through the waves unlike the modern ships due to her ocean liner build. Whilst granted, very old and creaky at the time, this just added to my sense of adventure that left lasting memories.
I love your channel and your videos. The personal touch of appearing on screen and your candour about therapy are real bonuses, and I'm sure your positive message reaches many people.
As a fan of the Great Liners since a young age I was not to enamored with her design when I first saw her. However, she defiantly had a way of growing on me. After studying her 23:20 history I’ve come to love her. My late Aunt certainly loved her as she booked passage on her to Australia in the 60’s. She gave me a model of the ship which I wish I still had today.
Living in Woolston I could watch these ships come and go on Southampton Water from our garage roof. The day she sailed up the Western shore returning from the Falklands my whole school walked down to see her in .The Band played Rod's I am Sailing and the soldiers saluted to it. I remember it being very emotional. A memory I cherish all these years later living in Perth Australia.
Thank you for this wonderful footage. I have loved the Canberra since I was a child seeing her in Sydney Harbour and later in Southampton whilst living in London. I have many artifacts from her service life amongst my liner memorabilia collection. With the greatest respect as an Australian, her name (and that of Australia's federal capital after which she is named) is spelled "Canberra" but pronounced "Can-buh-ruh". Many thanks!
I have loved the Canberra since I first saw her docked at Circular Quay in Sydney as a small boy. I build the Airfix model and cherished it for years, now 64 years I would like another model. Great series and nice to see your face. Keep up the great work. Kind regards Mark Dawson.
She took me and my family, as a young boy, to New Zealand in the early 70's. Gorgeous ship and remembering how lovely she truly was watching this. It was a wonderful month.
I was a member of the Royal Australian Navy and joined the HMAS Canberra in the USA where she was built. During our time in the States, we meet up with the SS Canberra. After the HMAS Canberra had returned home to Australia, the Falkland's war started. While I was a little concerned Australia may be asked to help out, this never happened. As an amusing side story, an elderly friend of my mother, would regularly here on the news about SS Canberra and ring my mother about how concerned my mum must be. My mum would reassure her (again) that it was a different Canberra to the frigate I served on. Thank you for producing this UA-cam clip -a bit of nostalgia from my past.
My granny had a cruise holiday on the Canberra in the early 90s. She brought back an approx. 1-foot long plastic toy model of the ship, which was a favourite bath toy when growing up!
You almost had me in tears. Canberra was a very special ship, and I was never that fortunate to have a long voyage on her, but, she was absolutely magnificent. I will never forget my first glimpse of her so many years ago. There will never be another like her, although her replacement Oriana was an equally amazing vessel. They do not make them like that anymore. A real ship, not a block of flats with a pointy end. Thanks for a great vid.
YEEEEESSS!!! Canberra is one of my favorite ships and I've been waiting for one of my ship channels to do a video. I haven't even watched it yet, but I'm stoked. Canberra has such a cool story and is one of the most beautiful ships of all time. Thank you, Big Old Boats!
Thanks for posting this memorable history of a great ship, I served on Canberra as a crew member, joining her at the shipyard n Belfast prior to her trials, I was proud to be on her for her Maiden Voyage and for the subsequent 2 years after, I was a young 20-year-old at the time and worked aboard her as a PRA (Public room attendant) in the ships Cinema as well as other duties during the many functions that were held in the First Class public rooms at each port of call, cocktail parties and the like, showing off Canberra to the world, now in my 82nd year, I still vividly recall when we showed her to the world -
I watched the Canberra sail down Belfast lough when it went out on its sea trials bit of a misty day then it cleared enough for us to view it from Co Antrim side of the lough , it looked majestic with its innovative design, one of the last passenger liners to be built at the yard, greater Belfast people will know what the yard was
My dad was one of the p&o engineers that volunteered to go to the falklands with the ship. I distinctly remember how keen he was to recall to me that the canberra was not *supposed* (according to british strategy) to survive dropping off her first load of troops and how after they would just do any job that was going since they were "free". Beautiful ship, always fascinated by any story he has to tell me from that time
My Uncle was also an engineer on the Canberra during the Falklands (before and after too) x x x I was 12 when it went to the Falklands, and I’d only been on the ship for a day in Cannes in 1979 with other family members x x x I last saw it docked in Egypt next to the Vasco De Gama ship that I was on x x x in 1994 or 95 🤔 x x x
I was born then, but spent a day on the ship in 1979 as my Uncle was an engineer on there and family could visit free when it was docked somewhere for long enough x x x
A very attractive ship with a number of neat features. She had troubles out of the box, but it appears she overcame them and she had a layout and function that carried her well through the years.
I find her beautiful and classy and elegant. I find you to be the same. You’ve an inspiration to many out here who value your dedication and thoroughness. Please don’t be camera shy! It’s really nice to see the face behind all these cool videos!
You're so good looking man. You're actually very camera ready, even if you don't feel like it. Your voice is very soothing to listen to as well. I loved your video of the SS Canberra, a ship I never got to see. As far as I am aware the SS Canberra never visited Hobart, Tasmania where I grew up unlike it's sister the Oriana which used to visit once a year in November. I moved to Sydney in January 1998, just missing the last visit of the Canberra by 3 months. It was never meant to be. I love the look of the liner, such a beautiful ship without all those balconies messing around with the profile. I actually knew some people who went on the Canberra for cruises twice, and I remember them talking about the Canberra breaking down somewhere, so I was interested to hear what you had to say about that. The Canberra used to do twice yearly voyages between Sydney and Southampton to come out for the Australian summer and then travel back to Europe to cruise for the Mediterranean summer. I actually walked past a travel agency in Ivanhoe, Melbourne last week that had a big poster in its window advertising the Canberra's 1982 Sydney - Southampton voyage. Keep up the great work !
Have you looked into the Aurora restoration project? Originally built as the Wappen Von Hamburg built in 1955, We stopped by on our way to Disneyland as it is only 12 miles off Interstate 5 being restored on a river canal. It's odd to be driving through farm fields and all of a sudden there is this large white ship! I know there was a sister ship as well. Rumor has it the original "Love Boat" inspiration was taken from the Wappen Von Hamburg. Might be a cool project to dig into.
The "Wappen von Hamburg" sailed formerly on the route from Hamburg to the island of Helgoland in the North Sea. So happy to hear that she still exists. Many greets from Germany.
A very nice and eleborate tribute to this magnificent ship! My relation is strange: My father got Modelship plans of the SS Canberra, when I was a young boy. I started to build her, but I was not good enough back then. The plan was also a very basic one - in the end I started drawing ship plans myself, making a hobby and a small career out of that. So the Canberra is one of my sweet childhood memories, and I still dream of building a model of her one day. She was such a beautiful ship , with an exceptional long career as the flagship of a great company.
As a 14 yr. old I traveled on her from Vancouver to Sydney, returning home to Australia after almost 10 years away in Canada. For me it was a great adventure. The memories are much stronger than those of the voyage from Sydney to Vancouver, as a 5 yr old on the Orsova.
I emigrated on the Canberra from Britain to Australia with my family in 1963. I returned to Britain in 1982 on holiday and watched her sail out of Southampton. Beautiful ship
Years ago, I had by chance the opportunity to watch the Canberra sailing into Circular Quay in Sydney , Australia. She was a beautiful ship, with its iconic twin funnels.
Great ship and I was lucky enough to do 2 cruises on her in the late 80's. Unfortunately today the cruise ships are getting larger with maybe 6000 passengers and more like floating shopping malls and amusement arcade's !!!
Don't give up finding a therapist who matches your needs. Took us 5x to find a marriage therapist. Here we are 30 years later, 4 grown kids and very happy. ❤
My Grand parents were cruising on the Canberra when I was born. They bought a miniature life ring for their new grandchild to mark the event. 57 years later (and having emigrated to the United States) I still have it.
So interesting to get an American (or Canadian) perspective on the CANberra (with the odd pronunciations!) StrathEDEN (as in Garden of ...) I was an entertainer on the Canberra in 1980 and was well aware of all the things that didn't work! Apologies for being picky about the pronunciation!
My Uncle Paul Green worked on the Canberra ad an engineer then. He met his wife Margaret Pratt there. I can’t remember what job she did on board though.
Wonderful video! As always! I see the Canberra's design as as further development of the design for the Northern Star and the Southern Cross. I think she was an unusual, but attractive ship. The Canberra is special for me because her sea trials took place on the day I was born. I remember reading back in the 90's about how it looked like the Canberra's career would be coming to an end. I didn't think it would happen, but it did. I'm glad she didn't became one of the Premier ships because a red hull, had that paint scheme been used, would have looked awful on the Canberra.
Never heard of this Lady--one of the reasons I love this channel. Thank you so much for the fabulous content, as always. So excited to see you're so close to 100k subs. Much deserved!
I remember about 1961 my Kindergarden teacher saying she was sailing back on the Canberra . We went to see Canberra as she came into Steamer point in Aden. I think it was her maiden voiage
Saw this great lady of the seas, Canberra, on one of its stopovers in Liverpool, docked alongside the Isle of Man Steampacket ships it was enormous and thankfully lived out its entire life at sea. #OurHistory
I always LOVE your videos because they include details that are hard to otherwise find and the images aren't the same old canned ones you see everywhere. Thanks for quality!
Thank you for your cameo. You have a great narrators voice. Now I can put a face to the voice. I love your videos, so much information and detailed specifications about what ever ship you feature. Good to see you. 👍Carry on. 😊
Sometimes I find it difficult to fathom just how far we've come in just the last two centuries, for example we now have direct flights to Australia 🇦🇺 from Great Britain and it's barely a century since flight was invented! What a massive progression and there's hardly any land on earth that hasn't been scoured. I won't broach the future politics of this but suffice to say it's been one hell of a ride and I hope our son has the full benefits of what's come before. #OurHistory 👍 ☘️
I love this story! Thank you so much for telling it! I wish I had been able to take a cruise on her. She was launched just after I was born and, had you been a UA-cam content provider in the 1980s, maybe I would have seen your video and made sure to book passage. I’m sorry I missed her! What a wonderful story of a beautiful, successful ship!!
Matey! If I were as good looking as you, I'd never want to hide my face. you have nothing to be worried about, but I'm glad you've taken the plunge. this ship was such an icon and it was the first time I get upset about a ship dying, I was 21 in 1998, and this ship was seriously famous.
Well nice to meet you. Yours is actually one of the few channels I actually come to UA-cam for. You make great and interesting content. Always looking forward for your next vid 😉
Realy enjoyed our Canberra cruise from Sydney to Singapoure,via Rabaual-Japan-China-& Hong-Kong,Had 4berth inside cabin on E/deck..Comming up for air large on multi-deck pools promiards,mid-ship & arft,Aliice-Springs lounge where passengers had siing-a-longs before lunch.Cricketer"s Tavern & Crows-Nest Lounge were Fab.Also
My father and his family rode on the Canberra from Europe to Canberra (where we live now) when she caught fire, not sure if it’s the one you mentioned, but thankfully they were able to resume their trip. On a side note, happy to hear that you were able to find some strategies that help with your anxieties. I’m currently working on mine as I too like to start doing YT videos.
That tender at 7:15 looks to have been built for White Star. Each vessel kept their colors even after merging with Cunard, until they ended their individual service.
A great watch, but your narration is spot-on. I use youtube as background noise when I build scale models, you are one of the few channels that I'll stop working and actually watch the video. Again, great narration.
Aw.... You're a handsome, charming young man.. You have a great speaking voice, your delivery and your content is always listenable, informative and well done.. Im looking forward to the rest of the video on the "Great White Whale" Work on that confidence, while you're young!! Sadly, we all usually gain it when we are much older and we miss out on so much in life... This will be a great record for you, to have videos of you as you grow and develop as a content provider... Always good to see the face with the voice and content... All the best my friend...
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Thank you for watching! What do you think of the Canberra?
Awesome video! I think the SS Canberra's design, like other P&O ships of the era, is excellent. A stylish bridge between the liners of the early 20th century and the builds of the cruise ships heading into the new millenium.
My family came to Australia on a P&O ship called SS Himalaya in the mid 60s, so it is always extra cool when I see a new video on UA-cam about one of them.
I think Canberra was a good ship. I like the design but i prefer the Oriana personally.
Fun fact: The reason P&O refused to sell Canberra to premier resulted in them buying the Rotterdam. At some point, please could you make a video on the 1959 Rotterdam?
Great video as always. Keep up the good work. :)
It's totally okay that you don't want to be on camera. You are a true scholar of maritime history, and have something to contribute to popular knowledge. What you do is fun and educational, and is appreciated. Your voice is perfect for this medium, as well. Take good care, and continue to be well.
Thanks for your candor about counseling. Good to SEE you too!
As an Australian, your saying Canberra wrong 😑
She was the last liner built by Harland and Wolff. I always thought the Oriana was awkward looking, but the Canberra was a perfect blend of classic and modern
It's strange how successful Camberra was considering her contract lost a significant amount of money for Harland and Wolff Shipyard.
I sailed on the second last voyage of Oriana, a loop of the Pacific from Circular Quay. Magic. But there were such rumours. The Goan staff were very worried. The Captain had served in the Falklands, and the king of Tonga had dinner aboard. I saw her later laid up in Sydney Harbour, so sad.
The shipyard is still there, but Harland and Wolff was bought by a Scandinavian company.
@@garethmoorhead8237 My lovely elderly neighbours years ago LOVED 'Oriana'...they sailed on QE2 but thought of Oriana as 'their' ship.
My Great-Grandfather worked on the Canberra as a plasterer during it's construction at Harland & Wolff.
Your pronunciation of the ships name is interesting. Here in Australia there's no emphasis on the second syllable, so the 'e' virtually disappears. So in Australian English it becomes "Canbra".
Never heard Canbra pronounced in the UK, as it is in this video before either - the place or this ship!
“Ken-Berra”….. girl I’m screaming haha 😂 as a Canberran (as in, I live in the city Canberra), this highly amuses me! Oh and you’re a cutie! No need to hide your face! Your videos are amazing as always.
Canberra was a special ship, and her endurance proved that. She was a beauty, inside and out, and served her company as well as her country well. Great topic BOB!
Good to see you nautical rambing!
The Canberra should have been kept as a museum or hotel, I remember it being launched. It had style and character, unlike today's floating apartment blocks !
I joined Canberra the day she arrived back from the Falklands as an engineer and did the 6 week refit on her to get her back into service. I then spent the next three years as an engineer. As she went on machinery became ever more tired, resulting in the failure of her starboard main alternator through a massive short circuit, a day's cruising out of Sydney. Luckily we were able to continue cruising with both screws due her to flexible electrical configuration, while I and mechanics from the Cockatoo Shipyard in Sydney took the alternator apart. At the same time, her boiler casings were rotting and filling the boiler room with flue gases, and one of the aux alternators tripped leaving us blacked out in the south Pacific.
But what a ship to be an intimate part of. Sad that she wasn't saved, but she was well past her best.
What a fascinating story! Many thanks for posting it.
She was only 38 years old when she went to the scrapper. Worked on her too for a short while. Great looking ship.
I sailed on her in 88 and 12 year old me was incredibly impressed by her. Although we slummed it in an interior cabin with no bathroom! Hard to imagine that on one of today's flagships .
I always wondered what conversions were made to turn her into a troop ship and you seem like a good person to ask.
Did you know my Uncle, Paul Green? He was an engineer on the Canberra. He went with it to the Falklands too.
I often watched both her and the QE2 sail through the Solent, either going to or leaving from Southampton. All through my childhood we would holiday on the Isle of Wight, and it was almost guaranteed we would see her at some point during our stay on the island. It was almost a tradition that we would go to either Ryde or Cowes on the island to watch her pass by. It was the end of an era when both she and then a decade later, the QE2 retired. Built to look stylish, and be functional, whereas today's cruise liners are simply built to be functional.
Interesting that I also watched both vessels but while they were in Sydney Australia 🇦🇺
We both had a similar experience but from the other side of the world 🌎 🙃
I just got back from a short break on the IOW. Could plainly see the shipping navigating their way round the island so reading your post had me imagining what a sight it would have been to see those old beautiful liners making their way through the Solent back in the day. Must have been an amazing sight
You are a very telegenic, or "YouTubic" (attractive) person! You have NOTHING to hide. Your ship videos are all well researched and presented. Keep up the great work! (So sad all the old liners can't be repurposed instead of being unceremoniously scrapped! 😔😔)
I actually genuinely agree with you
I find it amazing how long she survived. Deep into the 90s. Really an amazing story and an amazing ship. Thank you for your expert telling of her story.
In the early 90s i worked on her for several months. Even though it was a fairly short employ, i felt a true sadness when it went to the scrapyard. It took an age to start to get used to its size and know your way around. It was a proper ocean ship and not just a cruise ship. Went to many places on her, but i suppose the highlight was going to Rio and getting up early that morning to see us sail past Sugar Loaf Mt.
What a terrific tribute to a truly iconic ship! One of my favorites of all time. Thank you! As a kid in the 70's I was convinced that her color scheme was based on the Sulphur-Crested Cockatoo. She was a classic, for sure, and well-deserving of her many devoted fans! And getting to see you on-camera was an added bonus! Nice to be able to put a face to the voice. Your work is valuable and much appreciated!
I travelled on the Canberra in ‘83 and it was quite the remarkable glimpse into fading British ocean liner culture. It was a sort of time capsule of 1950s and 1960s mid-20th century modernism with traditional activities of a bygone era: horse races, deck cricket, fancy dress, black tie, etc… The dining room was particularly magnificent in its homage to Australia.
SS Canberra: "Oh, boy... I'm really exposed out here..."
Argentinian Air Force: "Oh, that must be a hospital ship. Don't fire at that one."
SS Canberra: "Actually, I'm not-I MEAN YES! I AM DEFINITELY A HOSPITAL! I PROMISE!"
HMS Ardent: uh oh
Canberra was put more in harms way than QE2 because the admiralty was worried about the detriment to moral if a ship bearing the name of the monarch was badly damaged or sunk. Both were excellent ships and I’m pleased to have been able to stay on QE2 in Dubai 2 weeks ago, I’m sad Canberra wasn’t preserved though. Canberra was the first liner to have her lifeboats mounted lower down near the water which is standard today. BTW you’ve nothing to worry about by appearing in person in your videos, I know from personal experience that self confidence cannot be manufactured with the wave of a magic wand but life has taught me I put up more walls around myself than anyone else ever did.
Actually the SS Imperator was the first ahip to have its lifeboats on the lower deck half were on the top deck and half on the promonade deck
"Canberra was the first liner to have her lifeboats mounted lower down near the water which is standard today." No she wasnt, check out SS Imperator from 1912
Love this ship. We need more cruise ships this size. Aussie Bob 😊😊😊
I live aboard a converted lifeboat of the Canberra. The history of Canberra is fascinating, it's such a shame she was scrapped
Wow!
Have you done a video series documenting the conversion/upgrades?
That would be interesting to watch!
It is to bad it was scraped. But we can't save them all, as much as we would like to. She will be remembered through history. 👍👍👍
Not really a shame it was scrapped. It was a very exciting scrapping with lots of problems. It took over a year to cut the whole thing up.
I love the Canberra. What a nice blend of the style of old ocean liners and the mid century modern look. I also can’t help but love that it’s a Harland and Wolff ship. Love your videos. I’m super grateful for your channel.
I sailed on the Canberra on her third to last cruise in 1997, when I was 7 years old. It was a holiday I will never forget, a real adventure as I had never been on a holiday like this before. I remember being in the aft swimming pool with my brother sailing through the rough bay of biscay and having a great time, as she ship carved its way through the waves unlike the modern ships due to her ocean liner build. Whilst granted, very old and creaky at the time, this just added to my sense of adventure that left lasting memories.
I love your channel and your videos. The personal touch of appearing on screen and your candour about therapy are real bonuses, and I'm sure your positive message reaches many people.
As a fan of the Great Liners since a young age I was not to enamored with her design when I first saw her. However, she defiantly had a way of growing on me. After studying her 23:20 history I’ve come to love her. My late Aunt certainly loved her as she booked passage on her to Australia in the 60’s. She gave me a model of the ship which I wish I still had today.
Living in Woolston I could watch these ships come and go on Southampton Water from our garage roof.
The day she sailed up the Western shore returning from the Falklands my whole school walked down to see her in .The Band played Rod's I am Sailing and the soldiers saluted to it. I remember it being very emotional. A memory I cherish all these years later living in Perth Australia.
I loved this - it's good to see a hero ship finally get a detailed documentary. Well done lad
Thank you for this wonderful footage. I have loved the Canberra since I was a child seeing her in Sydney Harbour and later in Southampton whilst living in London. I have many artifacts from her service life amongst my liner memorabilia collection. With the greatest respect as an Australian, her name (and that of Australia's federal capital after which she is named) is spelled "Canberra" but pronounced "Can-buh-ruh". Many thanks!
I have loved the Canberra since I first saw her docked at Circular Quay in Sydney as a small boy. I build the Airfix model and cherished it for years, now 64 years I would like another model. Great series and nice to see your face. Keep up the great work. Kind regards Mark Dawson.
She took me and my family, as a young boy, to New Zealand in the early 70's. Gorgeous ship and remembering how lovely she truly was watching this. It was a wonderful month.
I was a member of the Royal Australian Navy and joined the HMAS Canberra in the USA where she was built. During our time in the States, we meet up with the SS Canberra. After the HMAS Canberra had returned home to Australia, the Falkland's war started. While I was a little concerned Australia may be asked to help out, this never happened.
As an amusing side story, an elderly friend of my mother, would regularly here on the news about SS Canberra and ring my mother about how concerned my mum must be. My mum would reassure her (again) that it was a different Canberra to the frigate I served on.
Thank you for producing this UA-cam clip -a bit of nostalgia from my past.
My granny had a cruise holiday on the Canberra in the early 90s. She brought back an approx. 1-foot long plastic toy model of the ship, which was a favourite bath toy when growing up!
You almost had me in tears. Canberra was a very special ship, and I was never that fortunate to have a long voyage on her, but, she was absolutely magnificent. I will never forget my first glimpse of her so many years ago. There will never be another like her, although her replacement Oriana was an equally amazing vessel. They do not make them like that anymore. A real ship, not a block of flats with a pointy end. Thanks for a great vid.
YEEEEESSS!!! Canberra is one of my favorite ships and I've been waiting for one of my ship channels to do a video. I haven't even watched it yet, but I'm stoked. Canberra has such a cool story and is one of the most beautiful ships of all time. Thank you, Big Old Boats!
I was actually there that day she came back. So blessed to live where I do. Brilliant video. Well done ♥️
As a kid, both Oriana & Canberra were ships I saw regularly in Sydney Harbour. Beautiful ships,thanks.
Thanks for posting this memorable history of a great ship, I served on Canberra as a crew member, joining her at the shipyard n Belfast prior to her trials, I was proud to be on her for her Maiden Voyage and for the subsequent 2 years after, I was a young 20-year-old at the time and worked aboard her as a PRA (Public room attendant) in the ships Cinema as well as other duties during the many functions that were held in the First Class public rooms at each port of call, cocktail parties and the like, showing off Canberra to the world, now in my 82nd year, I still vividly recall when we showed her to the world -
To me the three most beautiful machines ever built are QE2, Canberra and Concorde. Thanks for your video full of tearful memories.
❤I was on board in the last crossing between NZ to Aussie, Sydney.
Thank you, as an Aussie i didn't know this; nor what P&O stood for. Love your content.
I watched the Canberra sail down Belfast lough when it went out on its sea trials bit of a misty day then it cleared enough for us to view it from Co Antrim side of the lough , it looked majestic with its innovative design, one of the last passenger liners to be built at the yard, greater Belfast people will know what the yard was
My dad was one of the p&o engineers that volunteered to go to the falklands with the ship. I distinctly remember how keen he was to recall to me that the canberra was not *supposed* (according to british strategy) to survive dropping off her first load of troops and how after they would just do any job that was going since they were "free". Beautiful ship, always fascinated by any story he has to tell me from that time
My Uncle was also an engineer on the Canberra during the Falklands (before and after too) x x x I was 12 when it went to the Falklands, and I’d only been on the ship for a day in Cannes in 1979 with other family members x x x I last saw it docked in Egypt next to the Vasco De Gama ship that I was on x x x in 1994 or 95 🤔 x x x
Thanks for this! I spent two weeks on the Canberra in late 1969.
I was born then, but spent a day on the ship in 1979 as my Uncle was an engineer on there and family could visit free when it was docked somewhere for long enough x x x
I've been waiting for this one! Canberra was my first Cruise, aged 9 in 1996/97. Wonderful ship right to the end.
A very attractive ship with a number of neat features. She had troubles out of the box, but it appears she overcame them and she had a layout and function that carried her well through the years.
I find her beautiful and classy and elegant. I find you to be the same. You’ve an inspiration to many out here who value your dedication and thoroughness. Please don’t be camera shy! It’s really nice to see the face behind all these cool videos!
You're so good looking man. You're actually very camera ready, even if you don't feel like it. Your voice is very soothing to listen to as well.
I loved your video of the SS Canberra, a ship I never got to see. As far as I am aware the SS Canberra never visited Hobart, Tasmania where I grew up unlike it's sister the Oriana which used to visit once a year in November.
I moved to Sydney in January 1998, just missing the last visit of the Canberra by 3 months. It was never meant to be.
I love the look of the liner, such a beautiful ship without all those balconies messing around with the profile. I actually knew some people who went on the Canberra for cruises twice, and I remember them talking about the Canberra breaking down somewhere, so I was interested to hear what you had to say about that.
The Canberra used to do twice yearly voyages between Sydney and Southampton to come out for the Australian summer and then travel back to Europe to cruise for the Mediterranean summer. I actually walked past a travel agency in Ivanhoe, Melbourne last week that had a big poster in its window advertising the Canberra's 1982 Sydney - Southampton voyage.
Keep up the great work !
Always loved the design of The Canberra,Nice clean lines and a minimalist aesthetic.
Man i have a been waiting and waiting for a video on canberra for so long.
God bless the Canberra! Thanks for a delightful video.
Have you looked into the Aurora restoration project? Originally built as the Wappen Von Hamburg built in 1955, We stopped by on our way to Disneyland as it is only 12 miles off Interstate 5 being restored on a river canal. It's odd to be driving through farm fields and all of a sudden there is this large white ship! I know there was a sister ship as well. Rumor has it the original "Love Boat" inspiration was taken from the Wappen Von Hamburg. Might be a cool project to dig into.
The "Wappen von Hamburg" sailed formerly on the route from Hamburg to the island of Helgoland in the North Sea. So happy to hear that she still exists. Many greets from Germany.
A very nice and eleborate tribute to this magnificent ship! My relation is strange: My father got Modelship plans of the SS Canberra, when I was a young boy. I started to build her, but I was not good enough back then. The plan was also a very basic one - in the end I started drawing ship plans myself, making a hobby and a small career out of that. So the Canberra is one of my sweet childhood memories, and I still dream of building a model of her one day. She was such a beautiful ship , with an exceptional long career as the flagship of a great company.
I Did a cruise on her back in 1970s and was a great ship. I also cruised on the SS Uganda another ship that was involved in the Falklands
As a 14 yr. old I traveled on her from Vancouver to Sydney, returning home to Australia after almost 10 years away in Canada. For me it was a great adventure. The memories are much stronger than those of the voyage from Sydney to Vancouver, as a 5 yr old on the Orsova.
Great video. I was a travel agent for years and booked her a lot. Good Job!
"Canberra cruises where QE2 refuses" - at 18:10 - best bed-sheet sign when the ship returned to the UK post-liberation.
I emigrated on the Canberra from Britain to Australia with my family in 1963. I returned to Britain in 1982 on holiday and watched her sail out of Southampton. Beautiful ship
Years ago, I had by chance the opportunity to watch the Canberra sailing into Circular Quay in Sydney , Australia.
She was a beautiful ship, with its iconic twin funnels.
Thanks!
Thank you! Really appreciate it!
Great ship and I was lucky enough to do 2 cruises on her in the late 80's. Unfortunately today the cruise ships are getting larger with maybe 6000 passengers and more like floating shopping malls and amusement arcade's !!!
Like hotels with all those balconies...
My grandparents sailed from Vancouver to Sydney in Canberra in the early 80s. They said she was a wonderful ship.
Don't give up finding a therapist who matches your needs. Took us 5x to find a marriage therapist. Here we are 30 years later, 4 grown kids and very happy. ❤
I’m so grateful for these wonderful pieces your producing! And it’s good to see you face on camera, you’re adorable!
My Grand parents were cruising on the Canberra when I was born. They bought a miniature life ring for their new grandchild to mark the event. 57 years later (and having emigrated to the United States) I still have it.
So interesting to get an American (or Canadian) perspective on the CANberra (with the odd pronunciations!) StrathEDEN (as in Garden of ...) I was an entertainer on the Canberra in 1980 and was well aware of all the things that didn't work! Apologies for being picky about the pronunciation!
My Uncle Paul Green worked on the Canberra ad an engineer then. He met his wife Margaret Pratt there. I can’t remember what job she did on board though.
The Canberra cruses where the QE2 refuses (Falklands war slogan)
Wonderful video! As always! I see the Canberra's design as as further development of the design for the Northern Star and the Southern Cross. I think she was an unusual, but attractive ship. The Canberra is special for me because her sea trials took place on the day I was born. I remember reading back in the 90's about how it looked like the Canberra's career would be coming to an end. I didn't think it would happen, but it did. I'm glad she didn't became one of the Premier ships because a red hull, had that paint scheme been used, would have looked awful on the Canberra.
Never heard of this Lady--one of the reasons I love this channel. Thank you so much for the fabulous content, as always. So excited to see you're so close to 100k subs. Much deserved!
My first cruise was aboard the Canberra in 1997 when i was 10 and can remember it quite well!
I remember about 1961 my Kindergarden teacher saying she was sailing back on the Canberra . We went to see Canberra as she came into Steamer point in Aden. I think it was her maiden voiage
Saw this great lady of the seas, Canberra, on one of its stopovers in Liverpool, docked alongside the Isle of Man Steampacket ships it was enormous and thankfully lived out its entire life at sea. #OurHistory
I always LOVE your videos because they include details that are hard to otherwise find and the images aren't the same old canned ones you see everywhere. Thanks for quality!
Thank you for your cameo. You have a great narrators voice.
Now I can put a face to the voice.
I love your videos, so much information and detailed specifications about what ever ship you feature. Good to see you. 👍Carry on. 😊
One of the last
liners that looked like a ship instead of a prone skyscraper. She was a beautiful boat .
I was lucky to be a crew member on SS Canberra in mid 1980s. She was indeed a special ship.
Did you know my Uncle Paul Green? He was an engineer on there and went to the Falklands too x x x
Sometimes I find it difficult to fathom just how far we've come in just the last two centuries, for example we now have direct flights to Australia 🇦🇺 from Great Britain and it's barely a century since flight was invented! What a massive progression and there's hardly any land on earth that hasn't been scoured. I won't broach the future politics of this but suffice to say it's been one hell of a ride and I hope our son has the full benefits of what's come before. #OurHistory 👍 ☘️
I love this story! Thank you so much for telling it! I wish I had been able to take a cruise on her. She was launched just after I was born and, had you been a UA-cam content provider in the 1980s, maybe I would have seen your video and made sure to book passage. I’m sorry I missed her! What a wonderful story of a beautiful, successful ship!!
I’m so glad you did a video on this amazing ship, it doesn’t get enough attention!
Matey! If I were as good looking as you, I'd never want to hide my face. you have nothing to be worried about, but I'm glad you've taken the plunge.
this ship was such an icon and it was the first time I get upset about a ship dying, I was 21 in 1998, and this ship was seriously famous.
You told her story well. Thank you.😊
Well nice to meet you. Yours is actually one of the few channels I actually come to UA-cam for. You make great and interesting content. Always looking forward for your next vid 😉
Canberra and Oriana were both absolutely beautiful boats....
It is so nice to have a face with the voice. I love your channel. I found your channel this past month. 😊
As a kid I sailed aboard her from Vancouver to Sydney on her second cruise back in the early sixties.
It’s so nice to put a face with a voice and narration I have enjoyed so much. Hello from Michigan and the Tug Clyde Fogg!
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Oh my God, finally you featured the Great White Whale of P&O. Thank you so much
Another well made and informative video!!! Thank you...and you are correct, therapy is always worth the time!!!
The wait is over! Seeing the Canberra used as a troop 🚢 and still retaining it's cruise colors 👍
Always a pleasure and thank you once again.
Realy enjoyed our Canberra cruise from Sydney to Singapoure,via Rabaual-Japan-China-& Hong-Kong,Had 4berth inside cabin on E/deck..Comming up for air large on multi-deck pools promiards,mid-ship & arft,Aliice-Springs lounge where passengers had siing-a-longs before lunch.Cricketer"s Tavern & Crows-Nest Lounge were Fab.Also
A wonderful legacy, tho a sad outcome. Scrapping something so noteworthy is such an inglorious end. Rest well dear ship, you deserved it
Remember traveling on this ship in 1972 as a child.
I really like the lines of that ship!
My father and his family rode on the Canberra from Europe to Canberra (where we live now) when she caught fire, not sure if it’s the one you mentioned, but thankfully they were able to resume their trip.
On a side note, happy to hear that you were able to find some strategies that help with your anxieties. I’m currently working on mine as I too like to start doing YT videos.
That tender at 7:15 looks to have been built for White Star. Each vessel kept their colors even after merging with Cunard, until they ended their individual service.
Watched all day. All caught up with your channel now. Can’t wait for the next upload 😊
Sir, you are one person who looks like his voice! Distinctive, intriguing. No reason to hide.
Sailed on her from Sydney to Los Angeles February 1967. Fabulous trip, good memories.
Always good to see you Bradley! 😉 Great research and presentation. 😁👍🏻
It was an absolute crime that this ship wasn't saved! Would've been an amazing hotel ship in Belfast!
Great video, as a young boy I saw this vessel on a few occasions but never sailed on her, yet I was always intrigued by her unique design.
A great watch, but your narration is spot-on. I use youtube as background noise when I build scale models, you are one of the few channels that I'll stop working and actually watch the video. Again, great narration.
My father worked there as an engine fitter, he still kept his old coveralls and some pictures and the farewell calendar.
Your courage is refreshingly - great video!
Happy New Year Brad!!! Thanks for all your hard work this year... All the best in 2024
Aw.... You're a handsome, charming young man.. You have a great speaking voice, your delivery and your content is always listenable, informative and well done.. Im looking forward to the rest of the video on the "Great White Whale" Work on that confidence, while you're young!! Sadly, we all usually gain it when we are much older and we miss out on so much in life... This will be a great record for you, to have videos of you as you grow and develop as a content provider... Always good to see the face with the voice and content... All the best my friend...