History
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Transatlantic calls
Most of the more prestigious liners/cruise ships of the world have made a stopover at Cherbourg: Titanic (1912), Queen Mary (1937-1967), Queen Elizabeth (1948-1968), France, Norway, Queen Elizabeth 2 (1974 - 2008), Queen Mary 2 (2004), Bremen, Pasteur, Lusitania
In 1913, six big companies made frequent calls at Cherbourg, of which 3 British ( White Star Line, Booth Line, Royal Mail Steam Packet), 2 German (Hamburg Amerika Line, Norddeutscher Lloyd) and one American (American Line).
The best year ever is 1929, when cruise ships/liners made 985 visits with a total of 300,000 passengers..
The Transatlantic Terminal
In 1933, the Transatlantic terminal is officially opened by the French Republic President (Albert LEBRUN).This building was considered as the masterpiece of Art-Deco style. The building was listed as historical monument in 1989.
This is only monument of this period still existing in Europe. The atmosphere and the feeling of this building are quite unique. This is the witness of the time when the cruise ships or liners were the only transportation mean to go to America. Luxury trains were operated between Paris and Cherbourg Transatlantic Terminal.
At the end of the Second World War the building was mostly damaged. The clock tower has been demolished and was never rebuilt.
Depuis 2002, il abrite La Cité de la Mer, musée entièrement dédié à la mer et à sa conquête par l’homme.
Refurbishment of the Cruise Terminal
In 2004, works covered the entire renovation of the building; including the new cruise terminal. Cruise passengers still walk through the rooms that have seen so many stars in the 1960’s. They feel also the atmosphere of the great migrations with pictures, photos, films dating back to the 30’s ofr the 50’s and showing the life of the emigrants in Cherbourg and in Ellis Island / New York.
Once they have walked through this splendid room, the cruise passengers have direct access to the ship through electric covered gangways.
