Vintage Menus of the Cunard Line
Third Class Dining Room - RMS Laconia and Franconia - 1911
The rule was always enforced to sacrifice speed to safety, and never to run any avoidable risk. Even now, though newspapers often speak of "racing" and "making a record," it is believed that the Cunard ships are never allowed to practice either.
Breakfast Menus
RMS Berengaria - 5 August 1927
Elegant Vintage Breakfast Bill of Fare from 5 August 1927 on board the RMS Berengaria of the Cunard Line featured an extensive array of offerings including Calf's Liver - Piquante Sauce, Boneless Codfish—Cream Sauce, Mutton Chops, and a wide variety of cereals, fruits, eggs and omelettes, cakes, breads, and beverages.
An expansive vintage Breakfast Bill of Fare from 18 July 1929 on board the RMS Berengaria of the Cunard Line featured Grilled Spanish Mackerel—Fines Herbes, Omelettes, Hashed Turkey -- Creole style and American and Wiltshire Smoked and Pale Bacon.
RMS Campania - 10 September 1898
Nineteenth Century Bill of Fare Card with a Liquor by the Drink List on the reverse side, served on board the RMS Campania of the Cunard Line. Breakfast Bill of Fare featured Fried Plaice, Broiled Finnan Haddin and Smoked Wiltshire Bacon.
RMS Franconia - 18 October 1931
1931 Bill of Fare Card from the Cunard Line RMS Franconia II offered an extensive array of the typical American breakfast fare including fruit, cereal, eggs, bacon, sausage, toast and preserves.
This 1955 Breakfast Bill of Fare Card from the Cunard Franconia II offered passengers typical American breakfast fare including fruit, cereal, eggs, bacaon, toast and marmalade.
RMS Laconia - 8 September 1914
Breakfast Bill of Fare card from the RMS Laconia on a Westbound voyage from Liverpool to Boston, arriving in Boston on 9 September 1914 featuring Grilled Cod Steaks and Yarmouth Bloaters
RMS Queen Elizabeth - 19 June 1952
Vintage Breakfast Bill of Fare Card from 19 June 1952 on board the RMS Queen Elizabeth of the Cunard Line featured a large selection of breakfast fare including Fried Lemon Sole au Citron, Eggs en Cocotte à la Crème, and Broiled American and Danish Bacon.
1952 Breakfast Bill of Fare Card from the RMS Queen Mary of the Cunard Line offered standard American breakfast fare and treasures like Sauté of Kidney and Finnan Haddie in Milk.
RMS Queen Mary - 31 March 1953
Vintage Breakfast Bill of Fare Card from Tuesday, 31 March 1953 on board the RMS Queen Mary of the Cunard Line featured Scotch Minced Collops, Buckwheat and Griddle Cakes, and Fried, Turned, and Poached Eggs.
Another Breakfast Bill of Fare from This Voyage:
- 2 April 1953
Vintage Breakfast Bill of Fare Card from 2 April 1953 featured Finnam Haddie in Milk, Broiled Breakfast Bacon and Chipped Beef in Cream, and Buckwheat and Griddle Cakes.
RMS Scythia - 24 September 1930
Vintage Tourist Third Cabin Breakfast Bill of Fare from 24 September 1930 on board the RMS Scythia of the Cunard Line featured Broiled Wiltshire, Danish and American Bacon, Bonny Boy Toasted Oats, and Buckwheat Cakes.
Dinner Menus
Vintage Dinner Bill of Fare Card from 6 August 1924 on board the RMS Andania of the Cunard Line featured Fillets of Brill—Cardinal, Salmi of Duckling -- Green Peas, and Prime Ribs and Sirloin of Beef -- Horseradish.
RMS Aquitania - 7 November 1933
Vintage Farewell Dinner Bill of Fare from 7 November 1933 on board the RMS Aquitania of the Cunard Line featured Boiled Codfish -- Oyster Sauce, Croquettes of Veal and Ham, and Plum Pudding for dessert. Two Pages of autographs accompanied this menu.
RMS Aquitania - 23 September 1935
Vintage Farewell Dinner Bill of Fare from 23 September 1935 on board the RMS Aquitania of the Cunard Line featured Supreme of Brill - Vin Blanc, Veal Pöjarskies, and Plum Pudding -- Brandy Sauce for dessert. The Bill of Fare included autographs and great graphics and lyrics for the song "Auld Lang Syne."
Vintage Tourist Third Cabin Farewell Dinner Bill of Fare from Saturday, 19 July 1930 on board the RMS Ascania of the Cunard Line featured Boiled Salmon, Sauce Hollandaise, Roast Turkey, Cranberry Sauce, and Victoria Pudding for dessert.
Vintage Farewell Dinner Bill of Fare from 28 June 1929 on board the SS Aurania of the Cunard Line featured Suprême of Brett, Cardinal, Fillets of Lake Trout, Meunière, and Petits Fours for dessert. Many autographs were included with this menu.
RMS Berengaria - 26 August 1926
Farewell Dinner Bill of Fare Card from Thursday, August 26, 1926 the RMS Berengaria of the Cunard Line on a westbound voyage that arrived at New York the following day Photograph of the RMS Berengaria adorned the top Border.
Vintage Dinner Bill of Fare from Wednesday, 17 July 1929 on board the RMS Berengaria of the Cunard Line featured Tournedos—Mascotte, Croquette of Chicken—Maréchale, and Soufflé Pudding Suchard for dessert.
RMS Berengaria - 16 August 1930
Vintage Tourist Class Dinner Bill of Fare from Saturday, 16 August 1930 on board the RMS Berengaria of the Cunard Line featured Boiled Halibut—Sauce Duglere, Roast Haunch of Mutton—Onion Sauce, and Diplomat Pudding for dessert.
RMS Caronia - 3 September 1927
Vintage Tourist Third Class Farewell Dinner Bill of Fare Card from 3 September 1927 on board the RMS Caronia of the Cunard Line featured Roast Ribs and Sirloin of Beef, Horseradish Sauce, Fried Fillet of Lemon Sole, and Blueberry Pie for dessert.
Exceptional cover graphics define this Vintage Dinner Bill of Fare from 9 August 1933 on board the RMS Franconia of the Cunard Line that featured Hot and Cold Consomme, Roast Turkey, and Ice Cream and Wafers for dessert. While the Bill of Fare selections were limited, the variety show featured artists from Ziegfield Follies, R.K.O. Vauderville and Beaux Arts Club.
RMS Franconia - 6 September 1933
The "Pirate" Farewell Dinner Bill of Fare from the Depression Era Cunard Line Franconia featured Tournedos -- Tourangelle, Calf's Head, Prime Sirloin & Ribs of Beef, and Roast Quail.
RMS Franconia - 22 August 1938
Vintage "Get Together" Dinner Bill of Fare from Monday, 22 August 1938 on board the RMS Franconia of the Cunard Line featured Poached Halibut, Sauce Crevette, Paupiette of Beef, Portugaise, and Vanilla and Strawberry Ice Cream and Wafers for dessert.
RMS Franconia - 24 August 1938
Vintage Dinner Bill of Fare Card from Wednesday, 24 August 1938 on board the RMS Franconia of the Cunard White Star featured Duckling Cutlets, Clamart, Roast Quarters of Lamb, Mint Sauce, and Neapolitan and Vanilla Ice Cream and Wafers for dessert.
RMS Franconia - 25 August 1938
Vintage Dinner Bill of Fare Card from Thursday, 25 August 1938 on board the RMS Franconia of the Cunard Line featured Fillet of Flounder, Meunière, Prime Sirloin and Ribs of Beef, Horseradish, and Chocolate and Vanilla Ice Cream and Wafers for dessert.
RMS Franconia - 26 August 1938
Vintage Dinner Bill of Fare Card from Friday, 26 August 1938 on board the RMS Franconia of the Cunard Line featured Poached Halibut, Ménagère, Entrecote Steak, Crisp Onions, and Seville Pudding for dessert.
RMS Franconia - 27 August 1938
Vintage Farewell Dinner Bill of Fare Card from 27 August 1938 on board the RMS Franconia of the Cunard Line featured Poached Salmon, Lobster Sauce, Fried Filet of Sole au Citron, and Bavarois à la Russe for dessert.
Vintage Dinner Bill of Fare from Wednesday, 8 June 1955 on board the RMS Franconia of the Cunard Line featured Roast Ribs and Sirloin of Beef, Hominy Fritters, Horseradish Cream, Poached Fresh Gaspe Salmon, Cucumber, Parsley Sauce, and Printanière Pudding for dessert.
Vintage Dinner Bill of Fare Card from Friday, 10 June 1955 on board the RMS Franconia of the Cunard Line featured Braised Calf's Sweetbreads, Maintenon, Roast Duckling, Savory and Apple Sauce, and Coupe Edna May for dessert.
Vintage Dinner Bill of Fare Card from Saturday, 11 June 1955 on board the RMS Franconia of the Cunard Line featured Roast Leg, Loin and Shoulder of Lamb. Mint Sauce and Jelly, Roast Young Tom Turkey, Cranberry Sauce, and Meringue Glace Chantilly for dessert.
Colorful Vintage Dinner Bill of Fare from Sunday, 12 June 1955 on board the RMS Franconia of the Cunard Line featured Pied de veau Vinaigrette, Roast Milk-Fed Chicken Financière, and Coupe aux Fraises for dessert.
1955-06-13 RMS Franconia Dinner Menu
Vintage Dinner Bill of Fare from 13 June 1955 on board the RMS Franconia of the Cunard Line featured Tete de Veau, Américaine, Creamed Chicken on Waffle Cake, and Cardinal Pudding, Sweet Sauce for dessert. The cover is a painting of the Cunard Building in Liverpool.
Vintage Dinner Bill of Fare Card from Monday, 30 June 1902 on board the RMS Ivernia of the Cunard Line featured Beef Steak & Oyster Pie, Roast Pork – Stuffing -- Apple Sauce, and Sago Pudding for dessert. Reverse Side of Dinner Bill of Fare contains a Wine, Liqeur and Spirits Menu.
RMS Laconia - 8 September 1914
This is a dinner Bill of Fare card from the steamship Laconia on a Westbound voyage from Liverpool to Boston, arriving in Boston on 8 September 1914. Although not specifically stated, this would have been the Farewell Dinner.
RMS Queen Elizabeth - 11 May 1952
Vintage Farewell Dinner Bill of Fare from 11 May 1952 on board the RMS Queen Elizabeth of the Cunard Line featured Poached Halibut, Marguery, Braised American Ham, Madeire, and Pears Belle Hélène for dessert. Autographs from felow passengers were included.
RMS Queen Elizabeth - 18 June 1952
Extensive Vintage Dinner Bill of Fare from Wednesday, 18 June 1952 on board the RMS Queen Elizabeth of the Cunard Line featured Bitock à la Russe , Rack of Lamb. Mascotte, and Soufflé Mercédès for dessert.
RMS Queen Elizabeth - 14 June 1953
Vintage Dinner Bill of Fare from Sunday, 14 June 1953 on board the RMS Queen Elizabeth of the Cunard Line featured Risotto à la Grecque, Calf’s Feet en Tortue, and Blueberry Sundae for dessert.
RMS Queen Elizabeth - 15 June 1953
Vintage Farewell Dinner Bill of Fare from 15 June 1953 on board the RMS Queen Elizabeth of the Cunard Line featured Vol au Vent à la Reine, Baked Cloved Ham, Marsala, and Pineapple Royale for dessert. Autographs of fellow passengers accompany this menu.
RMS Queen Mary - 8 August 1937
Vintage Farewell Dinner Bill of Fare Card from 8 August 1937 on board the RMS Queen Mary of the Cunard Line featured Fillets of Sole Chesterfield, Chicken Halibut, Sauce Victoria, and Régence Pudding for dessert.
RMS Queen Mary - 11 August 1952
Vintage Farewell Dinner Bill of Fare from 11 August 1952 on board the RMS Queen Mary of the Cunard Line featured Baked Bradenham Ham, Florentine, Roast Stuffed Turkey, Cranberry Sauce, and Orange Pudding for dessert. This Bill of Fare included "Yearbook" style autographs and well wishies from fellow passengers.
RMS Queen Mary - 15 March 1953
Vintage Dinner Bill of Fare from Sunday, 15 March 1953 on board the RMS Queen Mary of the Cunard Line featured Sirloin Steak, Sauce Choron, Ham Slice, Glazed Pineapple, and Soufflé Printanier for dessert.
RMS Queen Mary - 28 March 1953
Vintage Dinner Bill of Fare from Saturday, 28 March 1953 on board the RMS Queen Mary of the Cunard Line featured Poached Turbot. Sauce Riche, Braised Calf's Sweetbreads, St. Cloud, and Charlotte Russe for dessert.
RMS Queen Mary - 29 March 1953
Vintage Dinner Bill of Fare from Sunday, 29 March 1953 on board the RMS Queen Mary of the Cunard Line featured Poached Fillet of Plaice, Sauce Vin Blanc, Veal and Ham Croquettes. Périgourdine, and Almond Sponge Pudding for dessert.
RMS Queen Mary - 30 March 1953
Vintage Dinner Bill of Fare from Monday, 30 March 1953 on board the RMS Queen Mary of the Cunard Line featured Fried Fillet of Flounder and Lemon, Calf's Head, Vinaigrette, and Peach Shortcake for dessert.
Vintage Farewell Dinner Bill of Fare from 1 April 1953 on board the RMS Queen Mary of the Cunard Line featured Suprême of Turbot, Arlequin, Velouté Agnès Sorel, and Peach Melba for dessert. A page of autographs from fellow passengers was included.
Vintage Tourist Third Cabin Dinner Bill of Fare from Tuesday, 20 May 1930 on board the RMS Scythia of the Cunard Line featured Poached Sea Bass Capetienne, Roast Turkey Cranberry Sauce, and Vanilla Bavaroise for dessert. Original Owner inserted photograph of the RMS Scythia on cover of menu.
Vintage Farewell Dinner Bill of Fare from 21 July 1955 on board the RMS Scythia of the Cunard Line featured Contre Filet of Beef, Demi-Glace, Poached Turbot, Hollandaise, and Gateau Au Revoir for dessert.
Luncheon Menus
Vintage Luncheon Bill of Fare Card from 27 June 1921 on board the RMS Aquitania of the Cunard Line featured Fillets of Codfish—Bercy, Boiled Leg of Mutton Caper Sauce, and Rice Pudding for dessert. Cunard Line Republic of France Emblem appeared on the reverse side.
Elegant Vintage Luncheon Bill of Fare from 21 July 1929 on board the RMS Berengaria of the Cunard Line featured an extensive selection including Escalope of Veal-Forestière, Ravioli à Ia Bolognaise, and Gelée au Vin for dessert.
RMS Berengaria - 22 August 1930
Vintage Luncheon Bill of Fare from 22 August 1930 on board the RMS Berengaria of the Cunard Line featured Corned Brisket of Beef and Dumplings , Stewed Veal—Jardinière, and Apple Pie for dessert.
RMS Franconia - 20 August 1938
Vintage Luncheon Bill of Fare from 20 August 1938 on board the RMS Franconia of the Cunard Line featured Sauté of Beefsteak, Bourgeoise, Sea Bass, Portugaise, and Zwieback Pudding for dessert.
RMS Franconia - 21 August 1938
Vintage Luncheon Bill of Fare from 21 August 1938 on board the RMS Franconia of the Cunard Line featured Grey Mullet, Provençale, French Lamb Stew, and Gooseberry Pie for dessert.
RMS Franconia - 22 August 1938
Vintage Luncheon Bill of Fare from 22 August 1938 on board the RMS Franconia of the Cunard Line featured Smelts à l'Anglaise, Canneroni à la Capri, and Ice Cream and Wafers for dessert.
RMS Franconia - 23 August 1938
Vintage Luncheon Bill of Fare from 23 August 1938 on board the RMS Franconia of the Cunard Line featured Braised Ox Tail, Bourguignonne, Poached Hake, Crème au Gratin, and Vermicelli Pudding for dessert.
RMS Franconia - 25 August 1938
Vintage Luncheon Bill of Fare from 25 August 1938 on board the RMS Franconia of the Cunard Line featured Navarin of Lamb, Primeurs, Sirloin Steak, Maître d’hôtel, and Plum Pie for dessert.
RMS Franconia - 26 August 1938
Vintage Luncheon Bill of Fare from 26 August 1938 on board the RMS Franconia of the Cunard Line featured Welsh Rarebits, Lamb Chops , and Apple Pie for dessert.
RMS Franconia - 27 August 1938
Vintage Luncheon Bill of Fare from 27 August 1938 on board the RMS Franconia of the Cunard Line featured Navarin of Lamb, Primeurs, Braised Round of Beef, Jardinière, and Tapioca Pudding for dessert.
Vintage Luncheon Bill of Fare from 11 June 1955 on board the RMS Franconia of the Cunard Line featured Cocky Leeky, Poulet de Grain Grille au Cresson, and Poire Melba for dessert.
Vintage Luncheon Bill of Fare from 12 June 1955 on board the RMS Franconia of the Cunard Line featured Fried Fillets of Whitefish, Rémoulade Sauce, Cote d’Agneau Grillee, aux Petits Pois, and Compote of Peaches for dessert.
RMS Queen Elizabeth - 29 August 1949
Vintage Luncheon Bill of Fare from 29 August 1949 on board the RMS Queen Elizabeth of the Cunard Line featured Corned Brisket of Beef and Vegetables, Vienna Steak, Tomato Sauce, and Ice Cream for dessert.
RMS Queen Elizabeth - 12 June 1953
Vintage Luncheon Bill of Fare from 12 June 1953 on board the RMS Queen Elizabeth of the Cunard Line featured Fresh Haddock, Dugléré, Pork Sausage, Devilled Sauce, and Apple Pie for dessert.
RMS Queen Elizabeth - 14 June 1953
Vintage Luncheon Bill of Fare from 14 June 1953 on board the RMS Queen Elizabeth of the Cunard Line featured Fried Fillet of Flounder and Lemon, Filet Steak, Bordelaise, and Plum Pie for dessert.
RMS Queen Mary - 26 December 1940
Vintage Luncheon Bill of Fare from 26 December 1940 on board the RMS Queen Mary of the Cunard Line featured Broiled Haddock, Sauce Robert, Beefsteak and Kidney Pie, and Sago Custard Pudding for dessert. This Bill of Fare was prepared for "Officers".
RMS Queen Mary - 23 December 1947
This post war Christmas Season Bill of Fare was likely viewed by the many British war brides that made the voyage after the war to their new home and life in America. Bill of Fare featured Potage St. Germain, Grilled Fresh Herrings with Mustard Sauce, Tenderloin Hamburger Steak with Garmi Saratoga Potatoes and Compote de Fruits.
Vintage Luncheon Bill of Fare from 12 June 1952 on board the RMS Queen Mary of the Cunard Line featured Savory Lamb and Vegetable Stew, Baked Pork and Boston Beans, and Rice Custard Pudding for dessert.
Vintage Luncheon Bill of Fare from 15 June 1952 on board the RMS Queen Mary of the Cunard Line featured Roast Loin of Pork, Savory and Apple Sauce, Filets of Haddock, Mornay, and Blueberry Pie for dessert.
RMS Queen Mary - 12 August 1952
Vintage Luncheon Bill of Fare from 12 August 1952 on board the RMS Queen Mary of the Cunard Line featured Grilled Fillet of Cod, Herb Butter, Lamb Chop and Saratogas, and Macédoine of Fruit for dessert.
RMS Queen Mary - 29 March 1953
Vintage Luncheon Bill of Fare from 29 March 1953 on board the RMS Queen Mary of the Cunard Line featured Fillet of Whiting, Orly, Frankfurter Sausage and Sauerkraut, and Lemon Chiffon Pie for dessert.
RMS Queen Mary - 30 March 1953
Vintage Luncheon Bill of Fare from 30 March 1953 on board the RMS Queen Mary of the Cunard Line featured Roast Stuffed Shoulder of Veal, Portugaise, Braised Ox Tail with Vegetables, and Blueberry and Apple Pie for dessert.
RMS Queen Mary - 31 March 1953
Vintage Luncheon Bill of Fare from 31 March 1953 on board the RMS Queen Mary of the Cunard Line featured Boiled Flat Ribs of Beef, Française, Filets of Cod, Grenobloise, and Cherry Flan for dessert.
Vintage Luncheon Bill of Fare from 2 April 1953 on board the RMS Queen Mary of the Cunard Line featured Fillet of Lemon Sole, Meunière, Corned Round and Brisket of Beef with Dumplings, and Rice Custard Pudding for dessert.
Vintage Luncheon Bill of Fare from 11 June 1953 on board the RMS Queen Mary of the Cunard Line featured Spaghetti al Sugo, Grilled Cod, Maître d’Hôtel, and Ice Cream and Wafers for dessert.
Private Party Menus
RMS Laconia Private Dinner Party - 6 October 1913
This is a very rare personalized special embossed Bill of Fare for E. D. Jordon and Dinner guests aboard the Cunard Line Laconia (I) in October of 1913.
RMS Berengaria Private Dinner Party - 21 June 1927
This is a private dinner Bill of Fare for passengers on board the RMS Berengaria of the Cunard Line on a 1927 westbound voyage that originated from Southampton destined for New York. Bill of Fare selections were written in French.
Special Occasion Menus
RMS Mauretania Easter Dinner - 1 April 1934
Beautiful graphic cover provides an entryway to an exceptional and extensive Bill of Fare for this Au Revoir Easter Dinner onboard the Mauretania. Entrées included Fresh Turtle Steaks, Sirloin Steaks Chasseur and Roast Quarter of Lamb.
RMS Franconia Valentine's Day Dinner - 14 February 1930
A very elegant Valentine's Day Dinner Bill of Fare prepared onboard the RMS Franconia of the Cunard Line featured Fillets of Sole, Boiled Salmon, Mousse de Volaille and Tournedos on this Thos. Cook & Son World Cruise in 1930.
Specialty Menus
RMS Aquitania Children's Party - 1 October 1924
Very rare Bill of Fare from Wednesday, 1 October 1924, for a Children's Party on board the Steamship Aquitania. Although it didn't state the class, we suspect that it was for Cabin Class passengers.
RMS Queen Mary Kosher Dinner Bill of Fare - 8 June 1936
Strictly Kosher Dinner Bill of Fare from Monday, 8 June 1936 onboard the RMS Queen Mary, featured Boiled Fresh Salmon, Fried Haddock and Corn on the Cob.
RMS Aquitania Kosher Luncheon Bill of Fare - 8 July 1936
Strictly Kosher Lunch Bill of Fare from the RMS Aquitania for Wednesday, 8 July 1936. Bill of Fare featured Baked Fresh Haddock, Omelette Portugaise and Frankfurters with Sauerkraut.
Vintage Wine, Liquors, and Tobacco - February 1898
Vintage Wine List Bill of Fare Card from the Cunard Line included other items such as liquor, beverages and tobacco. Printed on the reverse side of an 1898 Bill of Fare card.
Vintage Wine Spirits, and Liqueurs - 1902
April 1902 Wine, Liqueur and Spirits Bill of Fare Card from the Cunard Line printed on the reverse side of a Bill of Fare card form the RMS Ivernia, 30 June 1902.
Cunard Line Wine, Spirits, and Tobacco - April 1927
Superb expansive Wine List for the Cunard Line from April 1927 features an extensive Bill of Fare of Champagnes, French Sparkling Wines, Bordeaux, Burgundy, Rhine Still Wines, Moselle Still Wines, Italian Wines, Port Sherry Vermouth, Liqueurs, Cognac, Whisky, Gin, Rum, Cocktails, Cider, Ale, Stout, Beer, Mineral and Medicinal Waters along with the finest tobacco products and Playing Cards... Everything you could possibly want or desire during your meal or after a meal in the Smoking Room or Ladies Lounge.
Vintage Menus from the GG Archives collection are representative of the menus, typically printed on board each steamship during the voyage onto a blank pre-printed graphic cover. The bill of fares was intended as souvenirs of the journey and provided to each passenger for that class (First, Second, Third, Tourist, etc.). Many survive today as delightful displays of gourmet meals served in elegant dining saloons on the ocean liners of yesteryear.
