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First Schedules Trans Atlantic Service Launched
The Black Ball Line was one of the first operated sail/steam powered ships that offered passenger service between Liverpool and New York in 1818. The service expanded later on including Boston and Philadelphia twice a month. They had a wide reputation for having fast ships and excellent seamanship however they were also known for often brutal treatment of low ranking seaman. By 1818, all of the packet ships were removed from regular service and the Black Ball Line was forgotten. -
P&O is Founded
In 1837 the company received a contract from the government to deliver mail to the Iberian Peninsula. -
The Cunard Line
In 1839 Samuel Cunard formed the British and North American Royal Mail Steam-Packet Company in Glasgow. For most of the next 30 years Cunard held the Blue Riband for the fastest Atlantic voyage however in the 1870s Cunard fell behind its rivals. To meet this competition in 1879 the firm was reorganised as the Cunard Steamship Company Ltd to raise capital. -
Cows Travel Onboard
Britannia, a cruise ship operated by Cunard left Liverpool with cows on board to provide a fresh supply of milk for passengers. -
P&O Introduce First ''Leisure'' Cruises.
In 1844, PO expanded into leisure cruising and began offering sailing from the UK to the Mediterranean. They first introduced passenger services in 1844 with a leisure cruise departing from Southampton to the Mediterranean. These voyages were the first of their kind. They began operating the first leisure cruises which were later expanded to travel to much of the British Empire.
(Customer type and demand) - These were originally aimed at those with a high level of wealth such as Royalty. -
First Cruise Between New York and Europe
The ship, Quaker City, was the first cruise from New York to Europe. -
First 100% Steel Structured Ship
PO launch the ship Ravenna which was the first ship to be constructed with a 100% steel superstructure.
(Technological Development) - This marked the first time a ship has been designed using 100% steel creating a more solid structure compared to traditional wood. -
Electric Lights
The first ship to have electric lights is laughed called SS Valetta. (Technological Advancement) -
First Ship Exclusively for Cruising Launched
The first ship built exclusively for luxury cruising was the Prinzessin Victoria Luise of Germany. It was the worlds first purpose-built cruise ship launched for Hamburg America line. Most of her cruises were from Hoboken, New Jersey to the Caribbean. Between September 1904 and January 1905 she made a pioneering round-the-world cruise from Hamburg to San Francisco. -
Titanic Sinks
Of the estimated 2,224 passengers and crew abroad, approximately 1,500 died making the incident one of the deadliest peacetime sinkings of a single ship. Titanic carried some of the wealthiest people in the world as well as hundreds of emigrants from the British Isles, Scandinavia and elsewhere in Europe who were seeking new life in Canada and the United States. -
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Glamour of Cruising
These years were considered the most glamorous for passengers seeking to cross the Atlantic . The ships catered to the rich and famous who were able to enjoy the luxurious on board surroundings. (Customer Type Demand)
(Social Economic Changes) -
Cruise Lines Merge
White Star Line merge with their main rival Cunard Line. The line would remain as a single company until 2005 when it was merged into Carnival Corporation plc.
(Integration) -
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WW2
Many cruise ships used to transport troops heading to war. Cruises and transatlantic sailing come to abrupt end. Many ocean liners were destroyed during the war. -
Growth of Air Travel
Large percentage jet aircrafts were introduced with travellers switching from ships to planes. This caused a rapid decline in passenger numbers. -
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Increasing the Appeal
Emphasis began to be placed on the entertainment aspect of travelling on board a cruise ship throughout the 1960s. Lines attempted to appeal to passengers who would never have the opportunity to sail on board the transatlantic vessels between 1920 and 1940. Large public lounges, formal ball rooms, swimming pools and on board ceremonies begin. Golden age for cruises. Cruises became social events.
(Social Economic Changes)
(Technological Advances)
(Changes in Customer Type Demand) -
Oasis of the seas
Launched in 2009, Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas was the first Oasis Class ship and introduced several industry firsts. It featured a unique neighborhood concept with seven themed areas like Central Park and the Boardwalk, an outdoor AquaTheater, and spectacular boardwalk lightshows with high diving and trampolining. It also set a new record by carrying over 6,000 passengers, making it the largest cruise ship of its time. -
The Costa Concordia
The Costa Concordia cruise ship struck a rock off the coast of Isola del Giglio, Tuscany. The impact tore a 174-foot gash in the hull, causing the ship to flood and lose power. It eventually rolled onto its starboard side, coming to rest near the shore. The evacuation took over six hours, and 32 people died, including 27 passengers, 5 crew members, and 2 others. The ship’s captain, Francesco Schettino, was later found guilty of manslaughter and sentenced to 16 years in prison.