Vintage Nautical Life Ring Souvenir From The Arcadia Cruise Line London

Charming nautical life ring accent. Features cream and black colors. Rope detailing adds a classic touch. Perfect for coastal decor. Measures about 5.5 inches. This souvenir was likely given to passengers on the P&O Line ship Arcadia, specifically the SS Arcadia which was in service from 1954 to 1979. The SS Arcadia was a passenger liner built in 1953 that initially served the UK to Australia route. Later in its life, it operated as a cruise ship based in Sydney until being scrapped in 1979.  This particular lifebuoy is a miniature souvenir from 1966. Souvenir lifebuoys from the Arcadia were also made by crew members to sell to passengers, like a 1978 version measuring 5 1/2" in diameter.  The Arcadia underwent a major refit in 1970, becoming a full-time one-class cruise ship. From 1975 until being scrapped in 1979, the Arcadia cruised Asia-Pacific routes out of Sydney. In 1978, the ship encountered a severe storm returning to Sydney, sustaining damage from a rogue wave. The Arcadia was a popular and reliable ship, outlasting its sister ship, the Iberia, which was scrapped in 1972.