Cunard Line: Not since the conversion of the GREAT EASTERN into a carnival side-show has such a glorious ocean liner met such an ignominious end. After 30 years as the Cunard flagship, the QUEEN ELIZABETH was retired in November 1968 and sold to promoters in Port Everglades, Florida, to become a tourist attraction like her older sister. She arrived on December 8, 1968, and soon opened up as THE ELIZABETH. Cunard, suspicious of the financial strength of the promoters, prohibited them from using the name QUEEN ELIZABETH. They were right to be concerned as the ship quickly fell into disrepair and the local fire marshall was very concerned about a fire onboard. By 1970 the promoters were bankrupt and the faded QUEEN was sold to C.Y. Tung to become a floating university. That venture ended when the ship caught fire and capsized. This 5" tall amber glass mug is a souvenir from the Port Everglades days. "The ELIZABETH, Queen of the Seas" is printed on both sides along with a portrait of the ship clearly showing her banned Cunard name. A rough wooden handle, looking like a high school shop class reject, is strapped onto one side. This reminder of those sad days is in excellent condition.