Canberra Today
Date1994
Object numberANMS1134[111]
NameNewspaper
Mediumpaper, coloured ink
DimensionsOverall: 297 x 219 mm
ClassificationsEphemera
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Bill Burrell
DescriptionThis archive series consists of breakfast, luncheon and dinner menus collected from P&O and Princess Cruises ships from the 1960s to 2000s. Vessels represented include ARCADIA, CANBERRA, HIMALAYA, ORIANA, SEA PRINCESS, PACIFIC PRINCESS and FAIR PRINCESS.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 1836. 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.SignificanceWith their delightful cover illustrations, ship menus have always been cherished mementos of a long sea voyage. These menus feature illustrations by well-known Australian and international artists and graphic designers, as well as images of exotic ports of call in Europe and the Far East. They provide insight into the activities and entertainments onboard a range of passenger liners operating between Australia, Britain and North America over a 40 year period.
