Evolution of the Passenger Ship (Ocean Transport) -->

  • Ferries, which are vessels for day to day or overnight short-sea trips moving passengers and vehicles
  • Ocean liners, a passenger or passenger-cargo vessels transporting passengers and often cargo on longer line voyages
  • Cruise
  • Black Ball Line in New York, in 1818, first shipping company to offer regularly scheduled service from the United States to England --> concerned with the comfort of their passengers.
  • 1830's, steamships were introduced and dominated the transatlantic market of passenger and mail transport.
  • July 4, 1840: Britannia, first ship under the Cunard name, left Liverpool with a cow on board to supply fresh milk to the passengers on the 14-day transatlantic crossing.
  • The advent of pleasure cruises is linked to the year 1844, and a new industry began.
  • 1850s & 1860s: Dramatic improvement in the quality of the voyage for passengers --> Began to cater solely to passengers, rather than to cargo or mail contracts, added luxuries like electric lights, more deck space, and entertainment

Ships began to carry immigrants to the United States in the “steerage” class. --> passengers were responsible for providing their own food and slept in whatever space was available in the hold

  • Early 20th century: the concept of the superliner was developed --> Germany led the market. The design attempted to minimize the discomfort of ocean travel through elegant accommodations and planned activities.
  • Mauritania and the Lusitania --> tradition of dressing for dinner and advertised the romance of the voyage --> no space for large public rooms, passengers were required to share the dining tables.
  • The White Star Line --> introduced the most luxurious passenger ships ever seen, space and passenger comfort now took precedence over speed in the design
  • World War I interrupted the building of new cruise ships, and many older liners were used as troop transports.
  • 1920 and 1940: considered the most glamorous years for transatlantic passenger ships, catered to the rich and famous. American tourists interested in visiting Europe replaced immigrant passengers. Advertisements promoted the fashion of ocean travel, featuring the elegant food and activities.
  • Cruise liners again were converted into troop carriers in World War II
  • Increasing air travel and the first non-stop flight to Europe in 1958 marked the ending of transatlantic business for ocean liners. Passenger ships were sold and lines went bankrupt from the lack of business.
  • 1960s - beginnings of the modern cruise industry. Cruise ship companies concentrated on vacation trips in the Caribbean, and created a “fun ship” image which attracted many passengers who would have never had the opportunity to travel on the superliners of the 1930s and 1940s. Cruise ships concentrated on creating a casual environment and providing extensive on-board entertainment.

Who holds the Blue Riband?
The last Atlantic liner to hold the Blue Riband is the American ship SS United States. She won the title and the trophy in 1952 by crossing in 3 days, 10 hours and 40 minutes. The Hales trophy still belongs to the now-mothballed ship and is on display at the American Merchant Marine Museum at King's Point, New York.

Royal Caribbean International's 228,081-ton Symphony of the Seas is the world's largest cruise ship. It debuted in 2018. The ship has 22 restaurants, 42 bars and lounges, theaters, an ice rink, and a zip line.

START:

<--