Developments of the Cruise Industry

  • First Scheduled Trans-Atlantic Service Launched

    Black Ball Line operated scheduled services between the ports of Liverpool (England) and New York (USA). They later expanded to offer services to Boston and Philadelphia. They were one of the first 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 was founded as British and North America 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

    Britannia, 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 "Leisure Cruises"

    PO introduce the first "leisure" style cruises from the UK to the Mediterranean. They were the first of their kind and would be the starting point of modern cruise holidays. (Customer Type Demand)
  • First Cruise Between New York and Europe

    The ship Quaker City began operating cruises between New York and Europe.
  • First 100% Steel Structured Ship

    PO launch the ship Ravena, 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.
  • Electric Lights

    The first ship to have electric lights is launched calling SS Valetta. (Technological Development)
  • First Ship Exclusively for Cruising Launched

    Prinzessin Victoria Luise was launched as the world's first purpose-built cruise ships. The ship was built in Germany for Hamburg America Line (HAPAG).
  • Titanic Sinks

    The Titanic sinks on its maiden voyage between Southampton and New York. Of the estimated 2,224 passengers and crew onboard, approximately 1,500 died. The ship was operated by White Star Line and carried some of the wealthiest people in the world.
  • Period: to

    Glamour Of Cruising

    For those crossing The Atlantic, this time period was considered a glamorous period catering to the rich and famous. (Customer Type Demand)
    (Social Economic Changes)
  • Cruise Lines Merge

    White Star Line merge with their man rival Cunard Line. The line would remain as a single company until 2005 when it merged into Carnival Corporation plc. (Integration)
  • Period: to

    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 lines were destroyed during the war.
  • Growth Of Air travel

    Large passenger jet aircraft were introduced, with travellers switching from ships to planes. This caused a rapid decline in passenger numbers.