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First Scheduled Trans-Atlantic Service Launched
Black Ball Line operated scheduled services between Liverpool (England) and New York (USA). They later expanded to offer services to Boston and Philadelphia. These services were offered by steam/sail 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 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. These were the first of their kind and would be the starting point of modern cruise holidays. [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 began operating cruises between New York and 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
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, approximately 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
For those crossing The Atlantic, this time period was considered a glamourous period catering to the rich and famous. [Customer Type Demand]
[Social Economic Changes] -
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 were used 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
Over 1 million people paid a £10 cruise fare to Australia, with the majority travelling with PO. These passengers were referred to as Ten Pound Poms. [Social Economic Changes] -
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. -
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Increasing The Appeal
Cruise lines begin to focus on improving the passenger experience to attract more passengers. This includes large public ballrooms, 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 (1965), Norwegian Cruise Line (1966), Royal Caribbean (1968), MSC (1970), Carnival Cruises (1989) and Silversea (1994). This significantly increased the number of cruise lines available, each offering a wide range of products and service to attract more customers. [Customer Type Demand] -
Love Boat Launches on TV
Love Boat launched in 1977 as a romantic comedy-drama set on MS Pacific Princess. This was a big contributor to the increase in popularity of cruising. [Customer Type Demand] -
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More New Cruise Lines Emerge
Several new cruise lines are emerged including Celebrity Cruises (1989), Disney Cruise Line (1995), Regent Seven Sea (1990) and Silversea (1994). This once again expanded the choice customers had when selecting a cruise holiday. [Customer Type Demand] -
Thomson (TUI) Restart Their Cruise Line
Thomson restart their cruise line called Sun Cruises. It was rebranded Thomson 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 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
Cunard launch 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
Royal Caribbean launch Oasis of the Seas which becomes the world's largest cruise ship, capable of carrying over 6,000 passengers. It includes an outdoor AquaTheatre 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. Their first cruise ship, 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 Government's around the world introduce travel restrictions. In 2020, Diamond Princess was quarantined off Japan for two-week until passengers are 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 Sets Sail
Royal Caribbean launch Icon of the Seas, which becomes the world's largest cruise ship capable of carrying a maximum of 7,600 passengers and 2,350 crew. It includes the largest swim-up bar at sea, ice skating and the first suspended infinity pool at sea. [Technological Advances]