Secrets of the Lost Liners

Entering service in 1935, the SS Normandie was the most expensive and extravagant ocean liner ever built. A symbol of French national pride, her designer was in fact a brilliant Russian immigrant. But even he could not stop fire destroying his art deco masterpiece in 1942. Was her demise during WWII an accident or potential Nazi sabotage?

This incredible floating palace served as a troopship during the Second World War, ferrying American soldiers to Europe while dodging the attention of Hitler’s U-Boats. In peacetime, she then became one of the most beloved liners ever to sail the ocean. But when she was sold to a Hong Kong shipping tycoon in 1970, this grand old vessel faced a disastrous demise.

When she launched in the 1950s, this elegant vessel was the envy of the shipping world. With her sleek lines and stylish interiors, the Andrea Doria attracted the most glamorous Hollywood stars. But on her 51st voyage across the Atlantic, she collided with another liner and capsized. How could this high-tech vessel with the latest navigation equipment founder on the high seas?

A prized procession of Italian dictator Benito Mussolini, the Rex was once the fastest liner on the high seas. She was considered so precious that when the Second World War broke out, the Rex was not turned into a troopship but was carefully protected throughout the conflict. So why was she still attacked and destroyed by the Allies after Italy's surrender?

This German flagship of Hitler’s fleet doubled as the Titanic in a 1942 Nazi propaganda film. Her eventual demise would be equally tragic. As the Second World War came to an end, the ship was housing thousands of concentration camp prisoners. Then it was inexplicably bombed by the British. Thousands of innocent people died. But how could such a dreadful mistake happen?

Two of America’s best female designers helped create this elegant vessel, which went on to become one of the longest serving liners in history. It became a much-loved, well-traveled cruise ship. But after changing hands many times over the decades, the SS America ended her gallant life as a dramatic wreck on the shores of the Canary Islands. What went wrong?