Passenger ships have always played a key role in shaping our lives and destinies. From the biggest to the smallest, the most beautiful to the most basic, in peacetime and war, they have carried emigrants, holidaymakers, troops and other travellers on countless life-changing journeys – and many of those passengers have a tale or two to tell about their time on board.

Tales from Great Passenger Ships is a collection of intimate and often humorous portraits of the most famous and notorious ships to ever sail our seas. From the escapades of passengers and crew to terrible disasters, infamous controversies and thrilling rescues, author and former Queen Mary entertainment officer Paul Curtis takes a nostalgic voyage through the history of seagoing.