RMS Lusitania by fog. On her second voyage in better weather, "Lusitania" arrived at Sandy Hook on 11 October 1907 in the Blue Riband record time of 4 days, 19 hours and 53 minutes. She had to wait for the tide to enter harbour where news had preceded her and she was met by a fleet of small craft, whistles blaring. "Lusitania" averaged westbound and eastbound. In December 1907, "Mauretania" entered service and took the record for the fastest eastbound crossing. "Lusitania" made her fastest westbound crossing in 1909 after her propellers were changed, averaging . She briefly recovered the record in
William Francis Gibbs lighter, enabling higher speeds. The "United States" entered service in 1952, after five years of design and 28 months of construction. On her maiden voyage, she became the fastest ship to cross the Atlantic Ocean, averaging 35.59 knots, and reducing the crossing time by 10 hours. Between 1952 and 1969, the ship completed 400 voyages, with an excellent safety record. She was the largest liner ever built in the United States and the fastest liner built anywhere. While fast and safe, she was panned by some passengers, as the use of exclusively fireproof materials in the décor and furnishings limited