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First Scheduled Trans-Atlantic Service Launched
Black Ball Line operated scheduled services between the ports of Liverpool, England and New York, USA beginning in 1818. Later the service expanded to include Boston and Philadelphia two times a month. The services were offered by sail/steam powered packet ships. -
P&O is Founded
In 1837 the company won a contract from the Government to deliver mail to the Iberian Peninsula. -
Cunard Line is Founded
Cunard is founded as British and North American Royal Mail Steam Packet Company by Samuel Cunard, Sir George Burns and Robert Napier. They started to operate the lines four pioneer paddle steamers on the Liverpool-Halifax-Boston route. -
Cows Travel On Board
Britannia, a cruise ship operated by Cunard left Liverpool with cows on board to provide a fresh supply of milk to passengers. -
P&O Introduced First "Leisure" Cruises
In 1844, PO expanded into leisure cruising and began to offer sailings from the UK to the Mediterranean. This was later expanded to much of the British Empire, including calls to India, Australia and New Zealand.
(Customer Type Demand)- These were originally aimed at those with high levels of wealth such as Royalty, Nobles and Senior Government/Business Officials. -
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 is the first to be constructed with a 100% steel superstructure. (Technological Development)- This marked this time a ship had been designed using 100% steel. This created a more solid structure compared to traditional wood methods. -
Electric Lights
The first ship to have electric lights is launched called SS Valetta. (Technological Development) -
First Ship Exclusively for Cruising Launched
The first ship that was built exclusively for luxury cruising was the Prinzessin Victoria Luise of Germany. The ship was built in Germany for Hamburg American Line (HAPAG). -
Titanic Sinks
The Titanic was a British ocean liner that sank on her maiden voyage from Southampton, England, to New York City, United States. Of the estimated 2,224 passengers and crew aboard, approximately 1500 died (figures very) making the incident one of the deadliest sinkings of a single ship. Titanic operated by the White Star Line and carried some of the wealthiest people in the world. -
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Glamour of Cruising
The years between 1920 and 1940 were considered the most glamourous 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)
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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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World War 2
Many cruise ships we use to transport troops heading to war. Cruises and transatlantic sailing come to abrupt end. Many ocean liners were destroyed during the war. -
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Ten Pound Poms
Between 1974 and 1972 over one million people paid a fare of £10 for passengers to Australia, earning them the nickname, 'ten pound poms', and the majority of these travelled with PO. Famous names such as Kylie Minogue and Hugh Jackman are among those who lived in Australia as a consequence of this. (Social Economic changes) -
Growth of Air Travel
Large passenger jet aircrafts were introduced, with travelers switching from ships to planes. This caused a rapid decline in passenger numbers. -
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Increasing The Appeal
Cruise lines began to focus on improving the passenger experience to attract more customers. This includes large public bathrooms, public lounges, swimming pools, with some cruise lines also introducing on board ceremonies. (Social Economic changes)
(Technological Advances)
(Changes in Customer Type Demand) -
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Growth Of Cruise Lines
During this period several major cruise lines were founded including Princess Cruises in 1965, Norwegian Cruise Line in 1966, Royal Caribbean in 1968, MSC in 1970, Carnival Cruises in 1989 and Silversea in 1994. This increased the number of cruise lines available, each offering a wide range of products and services to attract more customers. -
Love Boat Launches on TV
The TV programme Love Boat, which was set on a princess Cruise ship, ran from 1977 to 1990, and it is believed to have been a big contributor towards the success and popularisation of cruising. (Customer Type Demand -
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More New Cruise Lines Emerge
New lines such as Celebrity Cruises in1989, Disney Cruise Line in 1995, Regent Seven Seas Cruises in 1990. Silversea in 1994 and many more were founded. This once again expanded the choice customers had when selecting a cruise holiday. (Customer Type Demand -
Thompson (TUI) Restart Their Cruise Line
Thompson restart their cruise line called Sun Cruises. It was rebranded Thompson Cruises shortly after, before being rebranded again in 2017 as Marella Cruises. (Tour Operator Integration) -
Growth Of Large Corporations
Cunard is purchased by Carnival Corporation 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) -
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 café with paid pay-as-you-go internet access. (Technological Advances) -
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 launched three new ships which are known as the 'Three Queens'. Queen Mary 2 (2004), Queen Victoria (2007) and Queen Elizabeth (2010). (Technological Advances) -
Oasis of the Seas Launches
Oasis of the Seas, Royal Caribbean's first Oasis Class ship, introduced many world firsts to the cruise industry when it debuted in 2009. It became the worlds largest cruise ship, capable of carrying over 6000 passengers. It includes an outdoor ArguaTheatre and the worlds first park at sea. (Technological Advances) -
Costa Concordia Sinks
The Costa Concordia sinks after hitting an underwater rock near the island Isola del Giglio. The evacuation took over 6 hours and 32 people died. The accident raised concerns about cruise ship safety. -
Virgin Group Announce Virgin Voyages
Virgin Voyages is announced and plan to offer adult only cruises. There first cruise ship called Scarlet Lady, launched in 2021. (Customer Type Demand)
(Tour Operator Integration) -
P&O Launch Britannia
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)
(Customer Type Demand) -
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Covid-19 Pandemic
The global cruise industry collapses as Governments 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 with Covid-19. Nearly 30 cruise ships were scrapped during the Covid-19 pandemic and some cruise lines went into administration. (Social Economic changes) -
Icon of the Seas Set Sail
Royal Caribbean launch Icon of the Seas, which becomes the worlds largest cruise ship capable of carrying a maximum of 7600 passengers and 2350 crew. It includes the largest swim-up bar at sea, ice skating and the first suspended infinity pool at sea. (Technological Advances)