Pirate Night luncheon and dinner menu relating to P&O liner FAIR PRINCESS
Date1990s
Object numberANMS1134[101]
NameMenu
Mediumpaper, coloured ink
DimensionsOverall: 297 x 209 mm
ClassificationsEphemera
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Bill Burrell
DescriptionThe front cover of this menu features a yellow map with a black flaming skull and cross bones and the text 'Pirate Night' underneath. Inside are the luncheon and dinner selections on FAIR PRINCESS. The back cover features a Tropicana Festival logo with P&O insignia.HistoryBill Burrell worked as a carpenter on the P&O liner ORIANA from 1962-1966, when it carried 'ten pound Poms' from Britain to Australia. He then worked in the stores department of P&O from 1966-1982, where he made arrangements for food and supplies to be delivered to ships.
The Peninsular & Oriental Steam Navigation Company was founded in 1837. It operated services from Britain to the Mediterranean, with extensions to India in 1840, Singapore and the Far East in 1845 and Australia in 1852. P&O acquired the Australasian United Steam Navigation Company in 1914, the New Zealand Shipping Company in 1916 and the Union Steamship Company of New Zealand in 1917. It also acquired a controlling interest in the Orient Line in 1919.
Today P&O and its sister company Princess Cruises are among the largest cruise operators in Australia, operating voyages to New Zealand, the South Pacific and Asia, with a wide choice of cabins, entertainment and dining options.
Ship menu covers were printed in advance on land and delivered to the ship, where menu selections would be printed on a daily basis. These menus are printed with the name of the ship, date, meal (breakfast, luncheon or dinner) and a vast selection of appetisers, entrees, salads, sweets, cheeses, fruits, desserts, beverages and wines.SignificanceShipboard menus such as this one were often printed to be souvenirs and were collected as mementos by crew and passengers. This menu is part of a collection relating to P&O employee Bill Burrell, who worked for the company for 20 years, starting as a carpenter in 1962. The Burrell menu collection provides an insight into the activities and entertainments on board a range of passenger liners operating between Australia, Britain and North America over a 40 year period.
