RMS Windsor Castle Ocean Liner Cruise Ship Birthday / Blank Greetings Card by Marine Artist John Stewart

The largest ship operated by Union Castle line, the Windsor Castle of 1959 was built by Cammell-Laird on Merseyside and launched on 23 June 1959. Following a work-up, the ship entered service on the Cape Mail service to Durban, completing the journey in thirteen days. As one of the last of its type, the ship witnessed the reduction in sea travel and mail as passenger aircraft made inroads into shipping revenues and traffic. By the late 1970s the situation had so deteriorated that the ship was sold to the Latsis line, with whom she survived until going to the breakers in 2005.

The painting by John Stewart shows the ship in her heyday when, as a thoroughly modern vessel, she offered such features as two swimming pools, air conditioning throughout, health spa and cinema.