Mon, Jan 11th 2010, 12:27
Cruise Travel began after the invention of the steam engine in the 1700s which made for faster ships and reduced travel times across the oceans. For the first time passengers could enjoy the comforts of cruise travel.
Cruise Travel began in 1818 when a regular scheduled Trans-Atlantic shipping service was launched. For the first time, these ships focussed on transporting humans.
In the early days Trans-Atlantic travel was usually one way as immigrants hopped onto ships in Europe to begin a new life in America. However, more affluent classes regularly travelled across the oceans on business or pleasure. First class life aboard the ships was comfortable, in stark contrast to steerage where passengers were squeezed in below decks and had to look after themselves.
So began the era of custom designed passenger ships. With the building of the luxurious Olympic, Britannic and ill-fated Titanic by The White Star Line (owned by American financier J.P. Morgan) ships became more luxurious where space and passenger comfort were the main priority. The cruise ships offered fine dining and elegant cabins. The Britannic even boasted the first ever on-board swimming pool and tennis court.
During the First World War, cruise liners were used as troop carriers but after the war luxury cruise travel was popular once more. The years 1920 to 1940 were the glamour years for the cruise industry, popular with celebrities and millionaires. Everyone wanted a taste of the elegance and glamour of a Trans-Atlantic cruise ship for themselves.
The Second World War and then the advent of the aeroplane were bad news for the cruise industry. The first non-stop flight over the Atlantic was available to passengers in 1958 and this spelt the end of the glamorous Trans-Atlantic shipping voyage. As more people enjoyed the convenience and novelty of air travel, the cruise ships lost out.
It was only in the 1970s that cruise travel began its revival. The television programme Love Boat played a big role in promoting the cruise ships as a glamorous holiday option once again. Now the cruise is not just a means to get from A to B, the cruise IS the holiday itself. Cruise ships have been getting bigger and better ever since ... a floating hotel where guests are assured of every diversion, activity and amenity they could wish for. Now we can all enjoy Cruise Travel.
Featured Businesses
Schooner Travel Ltd.
Located in Parksville, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada
Schooner Travel Ltd. specializes in the full range of corporate and leisure travel products and destinations, including cruise vacations, sun packages, air and rail tickets, motorcoach tours, travel insurance, and much more.READ MOREAtlantic City Convention Center2012-12-10
Located in Atlantic City, Atlantic County, New Jersey, United States
Atlantic City Convention Center in Atlantic City, New Jersey, was established in 1997, and over the years has hosted numerous and varied premier events, ranging from public shows, conventions, trade shows, conferences and meetings. The convention centre is comprised of 500 000 sq feet of space that stretches over approximately 31 acres of ground, making it one of the largest convention centers on the East Coast. The expansive atrium lobby at Atlantic City Convention Center is surrounded by 45 meeting rooms with amenities that include soundproof panels, assisted listening systems as well as voice, video and data communications capabilities. We also have five spacious exhibit halls which are located on the second level of the center, with rooms that can be contracted individually, adjoined or easily configured according to the client's requirements. The ultimate aim of our management team is to ensure that the needs of our clients are met satisfactorily, and as one of the most reputed convention centers, we continually strive to deliver a top class service.
READ MORESun and Surf Beach Club2012-12-19
Located in Atlantic Beach, Nassau County, New York, United States
Sun and Surf Beach Club in Atlantic Beach offers more than 40 acres of pure beach fun, and the club has accommodation, entertainment, activities, dining social programs and more. Enjoy an olympic sized pool with diving area and kiddies pool, plus acres of pristine beach. Several accommodation options are available here including cabins, cabanettes and cabanas all located beachfront. A cafeteria, restaurant, bar and lounge area are all available for superb dining and unwinding and activities at the Sun and Surf Beach Club include softball, basketball, soccer, tennis, bocce, volleyball, horseshoes, art classes, sing-a-longs, water aerobics, playgrounds a games room and so much more, come stay and play.READ MORENew Plaza Beach Club2012-12-20
Located in Atlantic Beach, Nassau County, New York, United States
The New Plaza Beach Club in Atlantic Beach, New York invites you to come enjoy a day at the beach with your own personal cabana boy to see to your every need. This beach clubs cabana boys will escort you in, see to your chairs and umbrellas on the beach, serve you refreshments from the restaurant and keep your cabana clean and tidy. The New Plaza Beach Club offers the beach and a pool for swimming, volleyball, horseshoes, cards and mahjong. The beach clubs restaurant serves excellent beach fare and snacks and is open Saturday evenings too, weather permitting. READ MORENew Plaza Beach Club Restaurant2012-12-20
Located in Atlantic Beach, Nassau County, New York, United States
The New Plaza Beach Club Restaurant in Atlantic Beach, New York invites members to come and enjoy a hearty meal of excellent beach fare at this beach clubs state of the art cafe. Your cabana boy will either serve you, or you can visit the restaurant at the club and enjoy a really good meal. There are hamburgers, hotdogs and chicken tenders as well as a large selection of wraps, paninis, sandwiches and salads. Weather permitting, the New Plaza Beach Club Restaurant is now also open on a Saturday night with a special dinner menu, come enjoy.READ MOREGiltedge Travel2009-02-27
Located in Fish Hoek, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
Sure Giltedge Travel offers travel packages to the Exotic east, see Europe by rail or tour the Americas, cruises, holiday packages and much more, all your travel requirements are met with Aniska Viljoe, your local travel consultant. READ MOREDandy Restaurant Cruises2013-02-04
Located in Alexandria, Virginia, Virginia, United States
Dandy Restaurant Cruises offer perfect boat dining options from the boat locations at Alexandria, VA. Come on a spectacular boat cruise for lunch or dinner and enjoy gourmet dining, dancing and incredible views while out on the water, there's so much to see. Take in the breathtaking cherry blossoms, the monuments, beautiful Old Town Alexandria, the new magnificent Gaylord at National Harbor, the new Nationals Ballpark and Washington Harbor while cruising on the beautiful Potomac River. This is an unforgettable fine dining experience with signature dishes to be enjoyed with family and friends, and meals are prepared in the ships' kitchen using only the finest ingredients, and cruise packages are available.READ MORETrans Siberian Hostel2008-12-04
Located in Moscow, Moskva River, Central Federal District, Russia
Located in a quiet yet central location, Trans Siberian Hostel in Moscow, Central Federal District, Russia, is a fine choice of accommodation for those looking for a relaxation. The management's cheery attitude immediately comes across in the entrance of Trans Siberian Hostel, where the names of Russian cities are painted.READ MOREMexicovacationtravels.com2009-01-22
Located in Mexico Beach, Bay County, Florida, United States
Mexicovacationtravels.com is a travel information website for visitors interested in Mexico Vacation Destinations.
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