Gala dinner menu P&O SS HIMALAYA, 6 December 1954
Maker
P&O
(British, founded 1837)
Date1954
Object number00003570
NameMenu
MediumPaper
DimensionsOverall: 215 mm
Copyright© P&O Heritage
ClassificationsEphemera
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionMenu for Gala dinner aboard SS HIMALAYA fort he night of Monday 6th December, 1954.HistoryThe SS HIMALAYA was the first post war ship built for P & O in 1948 and was initially destined for the England - Australia route. She made her mark on her maiden voyage to Australia by cutting the travel time to Melbourne by 10 days.The HIMALAYA also featured aboard the Weir evaporating plant for distilling water fresh water from sea water which would ultimately produce over 40,000 tons of fresh water a year on board and a large refridgerated cargo hold to make each journey more profitable.
The SS HIMALAYA later took on holiday crusing duties as well out of Southampton and in 1959 took the lead in the popular Pacific cruises from Sydney to Auckland, Suva, Honolulu, Vancouver and San Francisco.
She was broken up in 1975.
SignificanceThis ship menu from SS HIMALAYA highlights the fine dining on board the P & O Line during the 1950s and the role of on board menus as souvenirs of the journey.
