The RMS Mauretania (1938) was a luxurious ocean liner built for the Cunard Line, launched in 1938 as one of the largest and fastest ships of its time. It was the second Cunard ship to bear the name Mauretania and was designed for transatlantic passenger service. The ship was known for its elegant Art Deco interiors and advanced engineering, including a high-pressure steam turbine propulsion system that allowed it to reach speeds of up to 27.8 knots. During World War II, the Mauretania served as a troop transport ship, carrying thousands of Allied troops to various theaters of war. After the war, the ship returned to passenger service and underwent several refits to modernize its amenities and increase its passenger capacity. However, as air travel became more popular, the demand for transatlantic ocean liners declined, and the Mauretania was eventually retired from service in 1965. Despite several attempts to preserve the ship as a museum or hotel, it was ultimately sold for scrap in 1965. The RMS Mauretania left a lasting legacy as a symbol of the golden age of ocean liners, known for its speed, luxury, and contribution to both civilian and military transportation during a pivotal era in maritime history.

This description has been generated using GPT-3.5-TURBO based on the Vessel's wikidata information and then modified by ShipIndex.org staff.