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Firsts scheduled transatlantic service launch
Black ball line operated a scheduled service and was one of the first sailed and steam powered packet ships that had links from Liverpool and New York in 1818. The devices was later expanded to Boston and Philadelphia two times each month. By the 1800's all black line services were removed from history. -
P&O is founded
In 1837, the company won a contract from the government to deliver mail to the Iberian Peninsula. -
Canard line founded
Canard is founded as British and North America Royal Mail steam packed company by Samuel Canard, Sir George Burns and Robert Napier. They began operations with 4 paddle steamers on the Liverpool Halifax to Boston route. -
Cows travel on board
Britannia, a cruise ship operated by Cunard left Liverpool with cows on board to supply fresh milk for passengers. -
P&O introduce first 'leisure' cruises
PO introduce the first 'leisure' style cruises form the UK to the Mediterranean these were the first of their kind and was the starting point of modern day cruise holidays.
(Customer type and demands)- these were originally aimed at those with high levels of wealth such as royalty, nobles and the senior government/business officials -
First cruise between New York and Europe
The shop Quaker city began operating cruises between Europe and New York. -
First 100% steam structured ship
PO launched the ship Ravenna which is the first to be constructed with an 100% steal super structure.
(Technological development)- this marks the first time that a ship has been designed with 100% steal which created a more solid structure compared to traditional wood. -
Electric lights
The first ship to have electric lights is launched called SS Valetta.
(Technological development) -
First ship exclusively for cruising launch
Prinzessian Victoria Luis was launched as the world's first purpose built cruise ships. The ship was built in Germany for Hamburg American line.
(HAPAG) -
Titanic sinks
RMS Titanic sinks on its maiden voyage between south Hampton and New York. Of the estimated 2,224 passengers and crew onboard 1,500 died. The ship was operated by White Star line and carried some of the wealthiest people in the world. -
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Glamour of cruising
This period was 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 onboard surroundings -
Cruise lines merge
White Star line merge with their main rival Cunard line. The line remains a single company until 2005 where it was merged into Carnival Corporation and plc.
(Integration) -
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World War 2
Many cruise ships were used to transport troops heading to war. Cruises and transatlantic sailing come to an abrupt end. Many ocean liners were destroyed during the war. -
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Ten pound poms
Over one million people paid a fare of £10 to Australia, earning them the nickname ‘Ten Pound Poms’, and the majority of these travelled with PO.
(Social and economic changes) -
Growth of air travel
Large passenger jet aircraft were introduced with traveler's switching from ships to plane. 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 traveling on board a cruise ship in the 1960's. Line appealed to passengers who has never traveled onboard transatlantic vessels between 1920-1940.
Large public lounges, formal ballrooms and swimming pools started to make appearances.
(Social and economic changes)
(Technological advancement)
(Changes in customer type and demand) -
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Growth of cruise lines
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
Silversea in 1994
This significantly increased the number of cruise lines available, each offering a wide range of products and services available to customers
(Customer type and demands) -
Love boat launches on TV
The TV programme Love Boat, which was set on a Princess Cruises ship, ran from 1977 to 1990, and is believed to have been a big contributor towards the success and popularisation of cruising.
(Customer type and demands) -
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More new cruise lines emerge
Several new lines such as,
Celebrity Cruises (1989)
Disney Cruise Line (1995)
Regent Seven Seas Cruises (1990)
Silversea (1994) and many more were founded.
This once again expanded the choice customers had when selecting a cruise holiday.
(Customer type and demand) -
Thomson (Tui) restart their cruise line
Thomson restart their cruise line called sun cruises. It was rebranded thomas cruise shortly after being rebranded again in 2027 as Marella cruises.
(Tour operators and integration) -
Growth of large corporations
Cunard is purchased by Carnival Corporation in 1998 increasing the number of cruise likes they own. During this period royal Caribbean also continue to expand, introducing a new cruise line.
(Integration) -
Internet at sea
The first cruise ship to have internet at sea is launched in 1999 Norwegian Sky becomes the first cruise ship to offer an internet cafe with pay as you go internet access.
(Technological advancement) -
Carnival corporation acquire P&O cruises
PO cruises is acquired by carnival corporation in 2003.
(Integration) -
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Launch of the three queens
Cunard launch three new ships which are known as the three queens.
Queen Mary 2 (2004)
Queen Victoria (2007)
Queen Elizabeth (2010)
(Technological advancement) -
Oasis of the seas launches
Royal Caribbean's first Oasis Class ship, introduced many world firsts to the cruise industry when it debuted in 2009. The ship was the first to feature a neighborhood concept with seven themed areas, including Central Park, the Boardwalk, and the Pool and Sports Zone. It also set a new capacity record at the time of construction, carrying over 6,000 passengers.
(Technological advancement) -
Costa Concordia sinks
The Costa Concordia sank on January 13, 2012 after striking a rock while cruising in the Mediterranean Sea. The ship was on its way to the island of Isola del Giglio, Tuscany, when it veered off course to perform a salute. The ship's captain, Francesco Schettino, was found guilty of manslaughter and sentenced to 16 years in prison.32 people died 27 passengers and 5 crew members -
Virgin group announce Virgin voyages
Virgin voyages is announced and planned to offer adult only cruises. Their fist cruise ship called Scarlet Lady launched in 2021
(Customer type and demand)
(Tour operators and integration) -
P&O launch Britannia
PO launch Britannia which becomes the largest vessel created for 5e British market. It includes Britain's first cookery school at sea and cutting edge entertainment.
(Technological development)
(Customer types and demands) -
Period: to
Covid 19
The global cruise industry collapses as government around the world introduce travel restrictions. In 2020 diamond princess was quarantined off Japan for two weeks until passengers and crew were evacuated 712 people were infected.
Nearly 30 cruise ships were scrapped during the Covid 19 pandemic and some lines went into administration.
(Social and economic change) -
Icon of the seas set sale
Royal Caribbean launch icon of the seas, which becomes the world's largest cruise ship capable of carry in a maximum of 7,600 passengers and 2,350 crew. It includes a swim up bar at sea, ice skating and the first suspended infinity pool at sea.
(Technological advances)