In May, a Carnival Corporation-led consortium purchases
Cunard from Kvaerner for $500 million and merges the
company with Seabourn Cruise Line to form Cunard Line
Limited.

In June the new company announces ‘Project Queen Mary’ –
a proposal to build the biggest passenger liner ever.

In September Royal Viking Sun completes her refurbishment
programme, followed by Sea Goddess II in October.

Also in October the company announces the reorganisation of
the two fleets and the renaming of Vistafjord. The
reorganisation, effective from December 1999, includes:

• The renaming of Royal Viking Sun, Sea Goddess
I and Sea Goddess II as Seabourn Sun,
Seabourn Goddess I and Seabourn Goddess II
and their transfer to the Seabourn fleet.

• The renaming of Vistafjord as Caronia. Together
with QE2, Caronia forms the basis of the ‘new’
Cunard Line fleet.

Cunard Line Limited sweeps the board in the 1999 Berlitz
’Complete Guide to Cruising and Cruise Ships’ with the top
seven places being taken by either a Cunard or Seabourn
ship. QE2 Grill accommodation receives the highest ratings.

1999 On 14 April a lunch is held on board QE2 in Southampton to
commemorate the 30
th
Anniversary of the ship’s maiden
transatlantic crossing (2 – 7 May 1969).

Carnival Corporation acquires the 32% of Cunard it did not
already own, thus taking control of 100% of the company.

Cunard Line Limited once again triumphs in the 2000 Berlitz
’Complete Guide to Cruising and Cruise Ships’ with the top six
places being taken by either a Cunard or Seabourn ship.

The fleet re-organistion takes place with major refurbishments
being completed on QE2, Caronia and Seabourn Sun.

• On 26 November, the Seabourn Sun arrives in
Southampton.

• On 10 December, the Caronia is renamed at a
ceremony in Liverpool

• On 16 December, the Seabourn Sun is renamed at
a ceremony in Fort Lauderdale.
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