The owners did it out of goodwill and did not charge any of the passengers. 1987 – In March, the ferry, Herald of Free Enterprise overturned in the Port of Zeebrugge with over 190 passengers and crew losing their lives. The Sovereigns were the first “mega ships” that were built. He was the ex-general manager of Yarmouth Steamship Company (re: Yarmouth Castle). She has only two classes, first and tourist. All of the rooms were made to be luxurious. Passengers were entertained with guided tours, dancing, card game and parties. The fire spreads quickly. 1975 – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) establishes the Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) to assist the cruise ship industry in preventing and controlling the introduction, transmission, and spread of gastrointestinal (GI) illnesses on cruise ships. 1984 – The Royal Princess joins the Princess Cruises fleet. The Augusta Victoria was one of the first ships that introduced the concept of a “floating hotel”. Since 2004, there are several cruise ships which have a carrying capacity of over 3,000 passengers and displacing over 100,000 tons. 1960 – In June, the Intergovernmental Maritime Consultative Organization (IMCO) met in London at the Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS 1960). He develops a coupon book, the Cruise Director’s Guide to St. Thomas, which is distributed through travel agents to their clients for free. Stricter regulations are introduced for the survey and certification of ships. Carnival is one of ten cruise lines owned by the world's largest cruise ship operator, the American-British Carnival Corporation & plc. They advertised sea tours to different destinations such as Athens, Malta and Gibraltar, all starting at Southampton. It establishes the basic requirements on seafarer standards on an international level. During this time, Holland America Line takes the Veendam III and Volendam II out of service. 1975 – Following the bankruptcy of Greek Line, Carnival purchases Queen Anna Maria (ex-Empress of Britain). 1880: The P&O ship the Ravena was the first ship to be constructed as a 100 per cent steel superstructure. Due to bad weather and lack of rescue effort, all 95 passengers and crew perish. Some time ago even the greatest traveler vessels cut an exquisite profile. It contains requirements regarding Prevention of Pollution by Garbage from Ships. The ships were not designed well enough for the modern age. Later on the company introduced round trips to destinations such as Alexandria and Constantinople. Many maritime regulations are created or amended through conventions that are held during this period. After the tragedy, safety on cruise ships was changed forever. At this time Princess Cruises also offers its first Panama Canal cruises. 1966 – As a result of the Yarmouth Castle fire, amendments are made to SOLAS. Cruise ships have more uses than just being a mode of overseas transport. After 1980, even more activities were introduced such as arcades and discos. Ships do have to fulfill stability requirements even without stabilizer fins to legally sail. With 241 passengers, the popularisation of cruises was shown to a wider market. Unfortunately the ship owners go bankrupt leaving him with bookings but with no ships. 1981 – Due to the Iraq-Iran War, the price of oil increases to $35 per barrel. Waking up in a different country, laughing at the various comedians that appear at the theatres, trying your hand at a climbing wall or just having a dip in the pool. However, planning can be stressful if you don't know where to start. Premier's 'Big Red Boat' offered Disney characters and packages that included stays at … The cruise line would eventually partner with Walt Disney World in 1985 to provide Disney cruise vacations. 1984 – The Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW 78) for Seafarers enters into force. This was the birth of modern day cruises as we know them today. Ships built in the late 1980s and started to break the size record held by other ships. 1986 – Kloster Group’s Norwegian Caribbean Line purchases Royal Viking Line. 1974 – P&O’s Canberra undergoes a refit that converts her from an ocean liner to a cruise ship. It would enter into force in 1991. It incorporates all the latest amendments made since the SOLAS 1960 Convention. The law increases the size of Mount McKinley National Park by adding 2.4 million acres to the park itself and an additional 1.3 million acres in two adjacent national preserves. 1983 – Lindblad Explorer became the first passenger ship to navigate the Northwest Passage. History of the Cruise Ship Industry A Brief History of the Cruise Line Industry Before the dominance of air travel, which began to enjoy commercial success in the late 1960s, passenger liners were the preferred mode of overseas travel. 1966 – Ted Arison (future owner of Carnival Cruise Lines) sells his air cargo business and moves to Miami. In just under the space of three months the ship had sailed to Taormina, Catania, Syracuse, Malta, Corfu, Patras, Delphi, Zante, Athens, Smyrna and Constantinople. 1982 – British government charters Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth 2 and P&O Cruises’ Canberra for use as troop carriers in the Falklands War between Argentina and Britain. It is the first ship that they have custom built for their company. 1984 – Dolphin Cruise Line and Regency Cruises are created during this year. The History of Princess Cruises: A Timeline of Key Events 1965 Company founder Stanley B. McDonald charters Princess Patricia and forms Princess Cruises -- first winter season of Mexico cruises starts in November 1966 It becomes more convenient and cost effective to fly rather than travel by ocean liner. 1988 – In February, P&O seafarers part of the National Union of Seamen (NUS) stop work and go on strike in protest of cut wages and longer hours. Close to 90 passengers perished. 1976 – Cunard Line launches the Cunard Countess and Cunard Princess. Cruise ships also feature numerous bars and nightclubs for passenger entertainment. They catered to a niche market of people who appreciated several days at sea. Premier is licensed to use Disney characters on its ships.1985 – On October 7, 1985 four men from the Palestinian Liberation Front (PLF) hijack the Achille Lauro cruise liner, demanding release of 50 Palestinians from Israeli prisons. Normal people were not allowed to board the ship. In November, no cruise ship over 96,000-gross tons will be allowed to enter the canal altogether. 1988 – Crystal Cruises is formed as a luxury cruise line. In 1818, Black Ball Line was founded with the purpose of providing a regular service from North America to Europe aboard its packet ships, says Cruise Line History, a website whose editor, Michael Grace, is dedicated to charting historical moments in cruising. Modern luxury liners provide journeys through many different countries and ports. 1966 – P&O completes the acquisition of Orient Lines. P&O would later report that their passenger divisions recorded a profit of 4.1 million pounds for 1977. They pioneered this by pioneering the luxury cruise line, the Queen Elizabeth 2 ocean liner. Carnival Cruise Lines’ Carnival Fantasy enters the market. 1989 – On March 14, the Exxon Valdez oil tanker hits a reef in Prince William Sound, Alaska and spills more than a half million barrels of crude oil. 1960 – In December, the P&O Orient Lines ship, Oriana embarks on her maiden voyage. Built in 1980 to serve as a ferry, this ship was rebuilt as a cruise ship in 1986. In 1912, as the Titanic sank, Cunard's Carpathia arrived on the scene to rescue the survivors. The strike fails and the ship goes out of service the next day. The Norway becomes the largest cruise ship afloat again. Child entertainers, discos and water slides all provide hours of entertainment to keep a little one occupied. It was discovered that Carnival was one of the only cruise lines not paying bribes to the mob. 1977 – Love Boat first airs September 24th. The amendments won’t come into force until 1992. The birth of leisure cruising started with the Peninsular & Oriental Steam Navigation Company way back in 1822. That oil tanker spilled about 300,000 gallons of crude oil into the St. Lawrence River near the Thousand Islands after it ran aground in fog. At 76,049 tons, it is the longest and largest passenger vessel afloat at the time. ARCHIVE. At this time, Princess Cruises also acquires Pacific Princess. They were specifically designed for the easy transformation between summer crossings and winter cruising. The International Maritime Organization develops standardized forms for documents such as declaration of cargo, ship’s stores, crew effects, crew list, passenger list, and dangerous goods. With 241 passengers, the popularisation of cruises was shown to a wider market. 1975 – Cunard Line’s QE2 is the biggest ocean liner to transit the Panama Canal. 1978 – In the port of Miami, FBI busts the organised crime ring of the International Longshoremen’s Association. 1988 – Seabourn Cruise Line’s first ship Seabourn Pride enters service. It has 26 vessels and is the largest fleet in the Carnival group. 1978 – The Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW78) for Seafarers is originally adopted on July 7, 1978. 1971 – P&O Orient Lines reorganizes the company into separate operating divisions. This is also the period when many International Maritime Organization (IMO) regulations come into force such as MARPOL 73/78 (International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships) and STCW 78 (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping). The kick started the market as the idea of luxury cruises become a popular idea on both sides of the Atlantic. Up to this point, all the ships that had done cruise style voyages were standard ships that were not exclusively designed for this purpose. 1983 – Premier Cruise Line is founded to provide three and four night cruises from Port Canaveral, Florida to the Bahamas. The introduction of the Boeing 747 may have been another contributor, too. The fire started in a galley and spread through restaurants and passenger cabins. This journey is better known as the Iberian Peninsula. 1974 – The SOLAS Convention is held in London and SOLAS 1974 is adopted. Compare Over 800 Cruise Ships. They order Seaward and lay down the hull in 1970. City sized ships have numerous activities that people can take part in. Their new advertising campaign stars company spokesperson, Kathie Lee Gifford (then Johnson). Royal Caribbean International (originally Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines) began in 1968 as a consortium of three Norwegian ship owners who wanted to get in on the rapidly expanding U.S. cruise market. You are in control of what you want to do. Plus, they are recessed into the hull, one of the first examples on passenger ships. 1963 – In December, Greek Line’s Lakonia catches fire and sinks. They launch a new ship, Starward. A Cruise Ship Primer: History & Operations. This is an amazing book that not only covers the history of 240 cruise ships but also talks in detail about their operations, construction and development. 1972 – Hapag Lloyd is formed when German shipping companies Hapag and Norddeutscher Lloyd merge. Bookings are down and Carnival faces financial difficulties especially with cash flow. It becomes more convenient and cost effective to fly rather than travel by ocean liner. Stephan would go on to be RCCL’s president between 1969 and 1996. Cruise ships concentrated on creating a casual environment and providing extensive on-board entertainment. They continue to operate the Princess Italia and offer cruises to Alaska during the summer. A Timeline of Notable Cruise Ship Accidents and Saves After the six tragic deaths reported from the sinking of the Costa Concordia, many people are thinking about ship safety. 1987 – Cunard’s QE2 is converted from steam to diesel electric and her accommodations are modernized. During the 1850s and 1860s there was a dramatic improvement in the quality of the voyage for passengers. Did you like this article? All four terrorists lived, and only two were imprisoned. During this period, more maritime regulations are added to SOLAS making it difficult for older ships to comply and be competitive unless they spend money to be refit. The introduction of large commercial jet aircrafts in the 1960s caused people to switch from ships to planes. There was also a library, a gymnasium, and a darkroom for the development of film by amateur photographers. This satellite system aids in distress tracking for search and rescue. Another oil tanker, Argo Merchant, ran aground 29 miles offshore of Nantucket Island, Massachusetts spilling close to 200,000 barrels of crude oil. Carnival made history later in 1996, when Carnival Destiny launched as the largest passenger cruise ship in the world (at that time) and the first to exceed 100,000 tons. 1974 – Between 1970 and 1974, P&O Orient Lines scraps or sells a number of their ocean liners including Cathay (1970), Iberia (1972), Orcades (1972), Chusan (1973), Orsova (1974), and Himalaya (1974). Although the satellite communications failed, an SOS was able to be sent. 1971 – Ted Arison and Norwegian Caribbean Lines have a dispute about their partnership agreement. 1959 – In January, expedition ship, Hans Hedtoft hits an iceberg off the coast of Greenland on her maiden voyage and sinks. They did such a good job that they were incorporated in the Royal Charter. The company charters vessels to take passengers to remote locations such as Antarctica, Galapagos, and Easter Island. A lot of modern cruise ships have special restaurants that require you to play an extra charge for. On Mardi Gras’ maiden voyage it runs aground departing Miami. One of the main selling points of cruise ships is to allow the maximum comfort that can be had. 1989 – The International Maritime Organization (IMO) adopts an amendment that clarifies the use of inshore traffic zones. It had been built for Sitmar Cruises but because Sitmar was acquired by P&O Princess, the ship is transferred to the Princess Cruises brand. This meant all passengers had the same quality facilities as each other. In older ships it was traditional that the ships would organise two dining services in a day, one for morning breakfast and the other for evening dinner. 1968 – New requirements are introduced into SOLAS such as shipboard navigational equipment, the use of automatic pilot and the carriage of nautical publications. Three cruise line vessels were brought in to house the numerous evacuees. The design of cruise ships has changed at a rapid rate throughout the years. 1988 – Royal Caribbean International’s Sovereign of the Seas embarks on her maiden voyage as the worlds’ largest cruise ship. 1966 – Commodore Cruise Line is founded although Commodore’s first ship would not be launched until 1968. This made it one of the fastest ships at that time. 1986 – Princess Cruises debuts the Alaska cruise route, “Voyage of the Glaciers” on Sea Princess. 1965 – Survitec Group manufactures the first life raft to gain SOLAS approval for use on commercial vessels. Carnival Cruise Lines’ Carnival Fantasy enters the market. It is one of the first conventions to protect the marine environment. Built in 1831, it sailed from Naples early June 1833. 2011 * 2012 * 2013 * 2014 * 2015 * 2016 * 2017 * 2018. This is also the beginning of a worldwide recession. They did this so that they would only get upper class people on these sorts of journeys. They had first introduced their concept of Le Bistro aboard the Norway in an existing space that was transformed during dinner time. Arison did not, and a legal battle began. Cruise ship companies concentrated on vacation trips in the Caribbean, and created a “fun ship” image which attracted many passengers who would have never had the opportunity to travel on the superliners of the 1930s and 1940s. On their Miami to Nassau route, a mattress stored near flammable objects catches fire in a storage room. With numerous islands to visit, foods and sights to see, there isn’t any wonder why these cruises do so well. 1986 – Royal Caribbean leases their private destination, Labadee on the coastal property in Haiti. 1973 – Due to decline in emigrants to Australia, P&O’s Canberra is repositioned to New York to offer cruises to the Caribbean. Modern cruise ships are organized to be floating hotels by having hospitality staff as well as the addition to the ship’s crew. See more Science and Technology timelines. A total of 128 persons perish during this incident. 1972 – Holland America Line changes their passenger ships to Dutch registry and also changes the colour of their passenger ships’ hulls to midnight-blue. 1971 – British Overseas Airways Corporation (later to form British Airways) introduces its first Boeing 747 (aka: Jumbo Jet) into commercial service as the demand for air travel continues to increase. It's the best place to find information about a specific cruise ship, your favorite cruise line's fleet, or even what happened to your favorite cruise ship from the past. P&O Cruises later expanded its services to include the British Empire, India, the Orient, Australia and … 1973 – The Arab Oil Embargo causes an oil crisis where the price of oil to jumps from $3 US in 1972 to $12 US per barrel by 1974. Although some cruise lines continue to prosper, during the 1970s many ocean liners prove to be unprofitable and are either taken out of service or sold for scrap during this era. More than 17,457,600 cruise passengers have visited the islands. Arison held a pool of passengers’ advance payments. 1973 – In November, the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) is adopted. Kloster expected that Arison would hand over the $6.5 million in passenger deposits, forward bookings and passenger records. First mega cruise ship, the Norway (Wikimedia Commons) Cruises as we know them today are really only about 50 years old, but the tradition goes back more then a hundred years when passengers It is the first of eight Fantasy-class ships. These restaurants are often of the highest quality, offering meals that are not available in the standard dining places. 1986 – ARPA Selescan Radar Line is introduced (ARPA with raster scan). The crewmember that was assigned to close the door was asleep in his cabin. History of the Cruise Industry | 1958-1989 Air Travel and Its Effects on the Cruise Industry (1958 to 1969) As air travel continues to increase and evolve through the 1960s, it results in a decrease in demand for transatlantic ship travel. See more Uncategorized timelines. They pioneered the idea that cruise ships should be built to include a multi story atrium with glass elevators. Beirut Blast: A port city in … As a result her overall capacity decreases to 1,737. Complete Timeline of the Biggest Cruise Ship in the World by Year Since 1831, Ranked by Tonnage SS Royal William (1831-37): 1,370 GRT SS … It begins filming the following year. The name will later change to MSC Cruises. By the 1850’s, ships catering purely for passengers were firmly established but it wasn’t until the early 1990s that history saw a brand new concept to cruising, when Mauritania, Lusitania, Olympic and the ill-fated Titanic were introduced. Over 45,00 people from the Caribbean are directly employed into the cruise industry. The four chapters of cruising history: A Slow Start; Inter War Cruising 1918 – 1940; Post War Cruising; Present Day Cruising Although the English shipping company P&O (short for Peninsular & Oriental Steam Navigation Cy.) 1988 – Seabourn Cruise Line’s first ship Seabourn Pride enters service. Participating in the strike action in the Port of Southampton is 900 crew members of the Queen Mary. This ship was the first liner that was designed with twin propellor design. During the strike, ships block the port in London, Southampton and Liverpool. Six months after the first commercial flight across the Atlantic, statistics show that for the first time more people flew across the Atlantic rather than cruise across by ocean liner. Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. chairman Richard Fain delivered some thoughts in a recent conference call with Wall Street analysts on how cruise ship … 1965 – In November, an American ship, Yarmouth Castle has a fire and sinks. English Captions Available!!! 1966 – In May, the National Union of Seaman (NUS) goes on a pay strike that lasts six weeks. Includes easy to read section for early readers. (Since first publishing this article, the CDC 'No Sail Order' has expired and been replaced with a pathway to resume sailing. 1970 – 1979 * 1980 – 1989 * 1990 – 1999 * 2000 – 2005 * 2006 – 2010. This ship was the first liner that was designed with twin propellor design. Ocean views, pools, casinos and onboard entertainment are all staples when it comes to cruise ship travel, as was the case in the late 70s when more and more cruise ships were being built. 1970 – Song of Norway enters service as Royal Caribbean’s first cruise ship. It wasn’t until 1840 that the company started to deliver mail. 1980 – In December, the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (aka: Alaska Lands Act of 1980) is signed into law. On Jan. 9, 2020, the Astoria made the first of three 11-day sailings from Puerto Peñasco, Mexico, also known as Rocky Point. 1980 – In May, Norwegian Caribbean Line launches the Norway on her maiden voyage. Carnival Cruise Lines commenced sailings from Miami with their first ship the Mardi Gras in 1972, a former transatlantic liner purchased from Canadian Pacific Line. Knut Kloster decides to move the ship to Miami and partners with Ted Arison (future owner of Carnival Cruise Lines) to offer Caribbean cruises from Miami. The German ship, Augusta Victoria, cruised the Mediterranean and the near East from 22 January to the 22 March 1891. 1972 – Ted Arison approaches American International Travel Services (AITS) of Boston and forms a new subsidiary, Carnival Cruise Lines of which he will work as manager.