Of all the maritime titles produced by lan Allan Publishing, this is the one that has, over more than 40 years and numerous editions, been the most consistently successful and most regularly requested. Providing detailed and authoritative information on the world's ocean going ships, the book is the 'Bible' of maritime enthusiasts worldwide. Listing a total of around 5,000 ships, from the greatest names in the cruise business such as the Queen Elizabeth 2 and the Oriana to the least known tankers and cargo vessels, this 2004 edition of the book has been fully revised and re-illustrated. The new edition reflects the continuing boom in the international cruise business with new vessels either delivered or ordered by many of the world's major cruise lines. Among liners to be incorporated in this new edition is the new flagship of Cunard - the Queen Mary 2 - which will enter service during the course of the year. Listed according to the shipping line that owns them, each entry provides information on flag of registration, weight, year of construction, former names and much else. Information is also provided on the funnel colours of each shipping line and hull colour schemes.