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The Black Ball Line operated some of the first sail-powered packet ships, offering a regular passenger service. It began in 1818, transporting passengers between Liverpool, England, and New York. Later, the service expanded to include Boston and Philadelphia, running twice a month. The line became known for its fast ships, exceptional seamanship, and often harsh treatment of low-ranking seamen.
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In 1837, the PO company was awarded a contract from the government to deliver mail to the iberian peninsula.
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The Cunard Line is a British shipping and cruise company headquartered at Carnival House is owned by Carnival Corporation, and since 2011, Cunard and its four ships have been registered in Hamilton, Bermuda. In 1839, Samuel Cunard secured the first British transatlantic steamship mail contract. The following year, he partnered with shipowner Sir George Burns to establish the British and North American Royal Mail Steam Packet Company in Glasgow.
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Britannia is a cruise ship operated by Cunard left Liverpool with cows on board to provide a fresh supply of milk for the passengers.
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The PO Cruises was known as a Peninsula steam navigation company which began operating the first leisure cruises with passengers on board. They would later expand to the British empire. These were originally aimed at those with high level of wealth such as royalty, Nobel, and senior government and business officials.
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The ship, Quaker City, was the first cruise from New York to Europe.
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PO was the ones who launched the first ship called Ravenna which is the first to be constructed with 100% steel superstructure. This was the first created with a more solid design compared to the old fashioned ships that were just made out of wood. (technological development)
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The first ships to have electric lights is launched called SS Valletta. (technological development)
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Princess in Victoria Louise was the world's first purpose built ship. This ship was built in Germany for Hamburg American Line (HAPAG)
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On April 14, 1912, the Titanic sank in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean while on its voyage from Southampton to New York. The ship had approximately 2,224 passengers and crew on board. Due to a shortage of lifeboats, around 1,500 people lost their lives in the disaster. Operated by the White Star Line, the Titanic carried some of the wealthiest individuals in the world.
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These ears were to be considered the most glamorous for passengers who were seeking to cross the Atlantic. The ships catered to the rich and famous, who were able to enjoy the luxurious surroundings and breath taking views. (customer type and demand)
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White Star merge with their main rival Cunard line. The line would then remain as a single company until 2005 when it was merged into Carnival Corporation and PIC. (integration)
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Many cruise ships were used to transport troops heading to war. Cruises and transatlantic sailing which comes to abrupt end. Many ocean liners were destroyed during the war.
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Between 1947 and 1972, over a million people migrated to Australia by paying a fare of just £10, earning them the nickname "Ten Pound Poms". The majority travelled with PO, and among those who lived in Australia as a result of this scheme are well-known figures like Kylie Minogue and Hugh Jackman. (social and economic changes)
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Large passenger aircraft were introduced, with travellers switching from ships to plane to make the journey shorter and more efficient. This caused a rapid decline in passenger numbers.
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The emphasis began to be placed on the entertainment aspect of travelling on board a cruise ship through the 1960s. The lines attempt to appeal to passengers who never had the opportunity or the money to sail on board a transplanted vessels between 1920 and 1940. The large public lounges, formal ball rooms, swimming pools, and on board ceremonies. (social and economic changes)
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During this half century, many more of the modern cruise lines were founded. There was Princess Cruises in 1965, Norwegian Cruise Line in 1966, Royal Caribbean in 1968, MSC in 1970, Carnival in 1972, Celebrity Cruises in 1989, and Silversea in 1994. This significantly increased the number of cruise lines available, each offering a wide range of products and services to attract more customers. (Customer type and demand)
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The TV show love boat, set aboard a Princess Cruises ship, aired from 1977 to 1990 and is thought to have played a major role in the rise and popularity o9f cruising. (customer type and demand)
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New lines such as Celebrity Cruises 1989, Disney Cruises 1995, Regent Seven Seas Cruises 1990, Silversea 1994 and many more were founded. (Customer type and demand)
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Thomson restart their cruise line line called sun cruises. It was rebranded Thomson Cruises shortly after, before being rebranded again in 2017 as Marella Cruises.
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Cunard is purchased by Carnival Corporations in 1998, increasing the number of Cruise lines they own. During this period, Royal Caribbean Group also continue to expand and introduce new cruise lines. (integration)
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The first cruise ship to have internet at sea is launched in 1999. Norwegian Sky becomes the first cruise ship to offer an internet café with paid pay-as-you-go internet access. (Technological Advances)
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PO Cruises is acquired by Carnival Corporation in 2003. (integration)
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Cunard launch three new ships which are known as the Three Queens, Queen Mary 2 (2004), Queen Victoria (2007), and Queen Elizabeth (2010). (Technological Advances)
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Oasis of the Seas. Royal Caribbean's first Oasis Class ship, introduced many world firsts to the cruise industry when it debuted in 2009. These include neighbourhood concept. The ship was the first to feature a neighbourhood concept with seven themed areas, including Central Park, the Boardwalk, and the Pool and Sports Zone. (Technological Advances)
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The Costa Concordia sank on January 13th 2012, after striking a rock while cruising in the Mediterranean sea. The ship was on its way to the island of Isola del Gigilo, Tuscany, when it veered off course to preform a salute. The ship's captain, Francesco Schettino, was found guilty of manslaughter and sentenced to 16 years in prison. 32 people died, including 27 passengers and 5 crew members. The ship hit a rock, creating a 174 foot gash in the hull.
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Virgin Voyages is announced and plan to offer adult only cruises. Their first cruise ship, Scarlet Lady, launched in 2021 (Customer type and demand)
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PO Launch Britannia which becomes the largest vessel created for the British market. It includes Britain's first cookery school at sea and cutting-edge entertainment. (Technological Development)
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The global cruise industry collapses as government's around the world introduces travel restrictions. In 2020, Diamond Princess was guaranteed off Japan for two-week until passengers and crew were evacuated. 712 people were infected with Covid-19. Nearly 30 cruise ships were scrapped during the Covid-19 pandemic and some cruise lines went into administration. (social and economic changes)
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Royal Caribbean launch icon of the seas, which becomes the world's largest cruise ship capable of carrying a maximum of 7,600 passengers and 2,350 crew. It includes the largest swim up bar at else, ice skating and the first suspended infinity pool at sea. (Technological Advances)