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First scheduled Trans-Atlantic service launch
Black ball line operated a scheduled services and was one of the first sail 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 1880's, all black ball 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 is founded
Canard is founded as British and North American royal mail steam-packet company by Samuel Cunard, Sir George Burns and Robert Napier. They began operations with four paddle steamers on the Liverpool Halifax-Boston route. -
Cows travel on board
Britanina, a cruise ship operated by Cunard left Liverpool with cows on board to provide a fresh supply of milk to passengers. -
P&O introduce First 'liesure' cruises
PO introduce the first 'liesure' style cruises from the UK to the Medditterean. These were the first of their kind and was the starting point of modern cruise holidays.
(Customer type and demands)-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 shop Quaker city began operating cruises between New York and Europe. -
First 100% steel structured ship
PO launched the ship Ravenna which is the first to be constructed with a 100% steel superstructure.
(Technological developments)- this marks the first time that a ship has been designed with 100% steel which created a more solid structure compared to traditional wood. -
Electric lights
The first ship to have electric lights is launched called $$ Valetta.
(Technological developments) -
First ship exclusively for cruising launch
Prinzessian Victoria Luise 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 Southampton and New York. Of the estimated 2,224 passengers and crew aboard, 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 on board surroundings. -
Cruise lines merge
White star line merge with their main rival Cunard line. The line remains a single company until 2005 were it was merged into carnival corporation plc.
(Integration) -
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World war 2
Many cruise ships were used to transport troupes 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
Between the years of 1947 and 1972, 1 million people paid £10 to travel to Australia which named them 'Ten pound Poms' who mainly travelled with PO. Kylie Minogue and Hugh Jackman are both living in Australia because of this.
(Social and economic changes) -
Growth of air travel
Large passenger jet aircraft were introduced with travellers 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 travelling on board a cruise ship in the 1960's. Line appealed to passengers who has never travelled on board transatlantic vessels between 1920-1940.
Large public lounges, formal ball rooms and swimming pools started to make Appearances
(Social and economic changes)
(Technological advancment)
(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 and silversea in 1994.
(Customer type and demand) -
Love boat launched on Tv
The show love boat was set on a princess cruise ship that ran during the time 1977 to 1990. This has a big impact on the success and popularity of cruises.
(Customer type and demand) -
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More new cruise lines emerge
Celebrity cruises launched in 1989, Disney cruise line in 1995, Regent seven sea 1990 and Silversea 1994 which all expanded cruise holidays for passengers. -
Thompson (TUI) restart their cruise line
Thompson restart their cruise line called Sun cruises. It was rebranded Thompson cruises shortly after, before being renamed again in 2017, as Marella cruises.
(Tour operator integration) -
Growth of large corporations
Canard is purchased by Carnival Corporation in 1998 which then increased the number of cruise lines that they owned. During this time the Royal Caribbean group continued to expand and introduce new cruise lines.
(Intergration) -
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 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
Canard launch three new ships which are known as the three queens. The Queen Mary 2 2004, Queen Victoria 2007, and Queen Elizabeth 2010.
(Technological advances) -
Oasis of the seas launches
Oasis of the seas was launched by the Royal Caribbean which became the world's largest cruise ship that could carry 6,000 passengers. There was a aqua theatre and the world's first park at sea.
(Technological advances) -
Costs Concordia sinks
The costa Concordia sank after a rock under the water collided with the ship. The ship started to flood and 32 people died with 5 crew. The evacuation took over 6 hours and the captain was found guilty of manslaughter. -
Virgin Group announce Virgin Voyages
Virgin Voyages is announced and plan to offer adult-only cruises. Their first cruise ship, Scarlett Lady, launched in 2012.
(Customer type and demand)
(Tour operator integration) -
P&O launched Britannia
PO launched Britannia which became the largest vessel created for the British market.
(Technological developments)
(Customer type and demand) -
Period: to
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 2 weeks until passengers and crew were evacuated. 712 people were infected with Covid-19.
Nearly 30 cruise ships were scrapped during the pandemic and some cruise lines went into administration.
(Social and economic changes) -
Icon of the seas sets sail
Royal Caribbean launched icon of the seas which became the world's largest cruise ship capable of carrying 7,600 passengers and 2,350 crew. It includes the largest swim up bar at sea, Ice skating and the first suspended infinity pool.
(Technological advances)