By Danielle Langberg
History of Cruise Liners
Before the 19th century--when boat travel was the only way for people to get from
Europe to America--boat companies were not particularly worried about passengers because most of shipping revenue came from cargo.
Black Ball Line
In 1818, the New York-based Black Ball Line was the first ship company to pay mind to the comfort of passengers, allotting space from rooms rather than shoving passengers in the hold or any other space not taken up by cargo. The company made the transatlantic journey more comfortable, spurring the start of travel ships.
Competetive Beginnings
According to the Duke University Library, the competition in the 1840s became heavy among British-based ship companies to carry both mail and passengers. Ship companies started adding little comforts such as electric lights to ships. The pleasure cruise was introduced in 1844.
Fun Fact
On July 4,1840, the Britannia left port in Liverpool going to New York hauling a cow on board so that passengers would have fresh milk during their trip.
Portable Promotions
Both the endorsement from the British Medical Journal and Mark Twain's documentation of his cruise adventure in "Innocence Abroad" provided publicity for the cruise industry .
Immigration Transportation
By the late 19th century, ships began transporting immigrants in steerage class accommodations, including whatever available room passengers could find in the hold--no meals.
Floating Hotels
The 20th century was the era of the luxury liner--elegant sleeping accommodations, large decks, formal dinners and entertainment.
Resources
About the Author:
Danielle Langberg has worked as a technical/freelance writer since 2008. As a technical writer she developed internal documents as well as promotions and advertising materials. Langberg has a Master of Arts in English literature, composition and technical writing from LaTech University.
Photo Credits:
Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Tony Hisgett
