RMS Mauretania (1906) . In September 1909, "Mauretania" captured the Blue Riband for the fastest westbound crossing — a record that was to stand for more than two decades. In December 1911, as in New York City in December 1910, "Mauretania" broke loose from her moorings while in the River Mersey and sustained damage that caused the cancellation of her special speedy Christmas voyage to New York. In a quick change of events Cunard rescheduled "Mauretania"s voyage for "Lusitania", which had just returned from New York, under the command of Captain James Charles. "Lusitania" completed Christmas crossings for "Mauretania", carrying revellers back to
Transatlantic crossing became a symbol of national and company status to build the largest, fastest, and most luxurious ocean liner for transatlantic crossings. The United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany and Italy built the most famous ocean liners. Examples of some famous transatlantic liners are RMS "Titanic" (had only made one voyage that was unsuccessful due to striking an iceberg), , , , , , , , , , , , "Queen Elizabeth 2", and . The Blue Riband is awarded for the record fastest crossing by transatlantic liner. The current eastbound record was set by the American ocean liner "United States"