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Steam Ships Introduced
Introduced in the early 1800s, changed sea travel by using steam engines instead of sails making journeys faster and more reliable. Early steamships like Robert Fultons Clermont used paddle wheels but later ships such as Brunel's SS Great Britain used more efficient screw propellers. This innovation helped steamships travel further and opened up global trade making ocean voyages more regular and faster. Overtime they switched from coal to oil, improving their performance even more. -
SS Great Britain
Launched in 1843 and designed by Isambard Kingdom Brune. It was a revolutionary ship in maritime history. It was the first large ocean liner to feature an iron hull and screw propeller, setting it apart from the traditional wooden, paddle powered ships of the era. Originally intended for transatlantic service, the ships innovations made it faster, stronger and more efficient, influencing future ship design. -
Electricity Introduced To ships
Electricity began to be introduced to ships in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Early implementations included electric lighting which replaced gas lamps and significantly improved visibility and safety. By the early 1900s ships like the Mauretania and the Titanic featured electric lighting and eventually electricity was used to power various systems including communication equipment and engine controls. This advancement greatly improved passenger comfort and operational efficiency. -
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Luxury ships introduced
Luxury ships began to become more popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries transforming sea travel into more luxury experiences. Vessels like the Titanic and Queen Mary were renewed for their luxury accommodations and high quality amenities including fine dining and elegant lounges. these ships set new standards for comfort and sophistication on the high seas and their influence continues today in modern cruise ships. -
The Titanic Sank
The sinking of the Titanic happened on April 15th 1912 after the ship hit an inborn during its voyage from Southhampton to New York. The Titanic was named 'unsinkable', it hit an iceberg at around 11:40pm causing extensive damage to its hull. Over the course of 2 and a half hours, the ship sank resulting in the deaths of more than 1,500 people out of the 2,224 on board. This disaster showed serious safety problems like not having enough lifeboats. -
1840 Cunard World First Cruise Liner
In 1840, Cunard line introduced the Britannia which is the worlds first ship designed specifically for leisure cruising rather than just transportation. Unlike early vessels primarily used for transatlantic crossing or cargo. The Britannia focused on passenger comfort and enjoyment marking the beginning of the modern cruise industry. This innovation improved developments in cruising emphasising travel as a pleasurable experience rather than just getting from one destination to another -
Wireless Communication At Sea
Wireless communication at sea began with the advent of radio technology in the early 20th century. The introduction of radio systems allowed ships to send and receive messages without needing physical cables, revolutionising maritime communication. One of the earliest and most notable uses was during the Titanic disaster in 1912 when ships wireless operator sent out distress signals that were important in coordinating the rescue efforts. This developed significantly and improved safety at sea -
QE2 is launched
The Queen Elizabeth 2 was launched on September 20 1967 by Cunard Line. It was one of the most famous ocean liners of the 20th century designed for both transatlantic crossing and luxury cruising. The QE2 was known for its elegant design, state of the art amenities and good service making it a symbol of maritime luxury. Over its career it became an iconic ship reflecting the ocean travel before the rise of modern ships. -
Royal Caribbean International
Royal Caribbean International is part of Royal Caribbean group which also owns other cruises like celebrity cruises and silversea. Being part of this group allows them to share resources and operate more efficiently across the world. -
P&O Cruises
P&O cruises is part of carnival corporation which owns several cruise lines. It operates as P&O cruises UK and P&O cruises Australia serving customers in those regions and benefitting from carnivals resources and support -
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Development and growth of summer package holidays to the Med
The growth of summer package holidays to the mediterranean began in the 1950s and 1960s filed by post war economic recovery and rising disposable incomes in Europe. Affordable flights made travel to popular destinations like Spain, Greece and Portugal accessible to middle class families while all inclusive packages that included flights accommodations and meals. This turned the mediterranean into a major tourist destination, boosted economies and making summer holidays common for many travellers -
P&O Princess merged with Carnival cruises
They merged together and now are the world's largest integrated cruise company. -
Vertical integration
Marella cruises, part of TUI group uses vertical integration by controlling different parts of the travel experience. TUI owns the airline, travel agencies and online booking platforms so they can offer packages that include flights, hotels and cruises all in one. This makes booking easier for customers and keeps more control within the company making sure they have a good consistent experience. -
Ocean village introduced
Was launched in 2003 by p&O cruises designed to offer a casual and affordable cruising experience primarily aimed at younger travellers and families. variety of onboard activities such as pools and live entertainment appealing to first time cruisers. Ocean village offered itineraries to popular mediterranean and Caribbean destinations attracting significant number of passengers. It was discontinued in 2010, ocean village helped reshape the cruise industry by making cruises more accessible -
Queen Mary 2
Is one of the largest luxury ocean liner ever built operated by Cunard line based in Southhampton England and travels to NYC. It measures 345 metres in length and has a tonnage of about 149,215 tons. This ship has 14 passenger decks and can accommodate up to 2,695 guests.
It offers accommodation, fine dining like broadway style shows and live music. The facilities they provide are a spa, gym and pools.It appeals to travellers looking for a high end comfortable cruise experience. -
Oasis class ships launched
The oasis class ships from royal Caribbean starting with the oasis of the seas in 2009 are among the largest and most advanced cruise ships ever built. they feature unique amenities like a park with real trees, a boardwalk with a carousel and themed areas for dining and entertainment. These ships offer a luxurious cruise experience -
multi generational trips
Involve families including grandparents, parents and children travelling together and they have become popular for creating memories and quality time. These trips often help families save money on accommodations and activities while catering to different interests. Popular choices include all inclusive resorts, cruises and destinations with activities for all ages. When planning families usually look for larger accommodations and flexible itineraries to make sure everyone enjoys -
Vertical integration
Virgin cruises (virgin voyages) uses vertical integration to control different parts of its business. This means they handle things like designing their ships, choosing onboard services and managing the guest experience themselves rather than relying on outside companies. By doing this, Virgin can make sure that everything fits their brand and runs smoothly giving guests a unique and consistent experience from start to finish. -
MS Ronald Amundsen
This cruise ship has 11 decks, weighs 20,890 tons and can carry 530 passengers. The ship is named after a Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen, who was known for his Antarctic expeditions. It has a hybrid engine that uses battery power in addition to traditional diesel engines to cut down on fuel consumption and pollution, making it more enviromentally friendly compared to other ships. It mainly travels to remote locations in the Arctic and Antarctic, as well as other polar regions. -
Increase in demand post covid
After covid, cruise demand has increased significantly as people are eager to travel again. Improved health and safety measures have made travellers feel safer. Cruise lines are offering discounts and flexible booking options to encourage bookings. Additionally the convenience of visiting multiple destinations without changing hotels appeal to travellers. These factors has helped save the cruise industry and led to a strong recovery in interest. -
Cost of living crisis bites
Although cruises remain very popular, they have had to offer more affordable packages to attract customers the crisis. More choices to attract more customers, many ships now cater for specific customer types whilst other have something for everyone no matter what age or personal interests