The majesty of the Pre-WWI era is perhaps best characterized by Rosenvinge's classic image of the newly launched Aquitania heading out to sea under full steam.
The Aquitania was the product of the intense rivalry between Cunard and White Star, the dominant British lines. While Cunard’s new express ships were faster, White Star’s Titanic and its sister Olympic were more luxurious. Cunard’s solution was to supplement its Mauretania and Lusitania with the larger and more richly appointed Aquitania, which made its first transatlantic run just a year after the Titanic disaster.
The newest of Cunard’s “Grand Trio” would prove to be lucky in peace and war, serving for a remarkable 36 years. The last four funneled liner to be built, the Aquitania would be one of the most beloved and profitable ships to ever ply the Atlantic.