History of Cruising
It’s hard to believe when you look at some of the stunning modern cruise
ships of today that the idea of going on a ship for pleasure was an alien concept until
the early 20th century. Until that point, getting on a passenger ship was generally so
you could get from A to B. Before the coming of the jet airplane, crossing the Atlantic
was only possible by boat and this was often a one-way journey for many as
immigration increased.
But eventually cruising took on a life of its own, and became a luxury where
well-to-do people would mingle, drink, eat gourmet dishes and travel to exciting
destinations. Soon cruising would become more than just an elite way to travel and
would evolve into a fantastic holiday option for all families. But how did all this all
happen and what did the cruising industry look like before the 20th century? Let’s
find out.
1800s: Paving the way for Transatlantic cruising
In the 19th century some companies began offering pleasure cruises. P&O
Cruises claims that co-founder Arthur Anderson invented the idea of the cruise
holiday when he placed a dummy ad to fill space in his newspaper, The Shetland
Times, advertising an imaginary cruise of the Scottish isles. This was in 1835 and it
wasn’t too long after this that companies began offering cruises to the public aboard
ships that were primarily built for the transportation of mail. P&O then made the
decision in 1881 to convert their liner Ceylon into what is regarded as the first cruise
ship and embarked on a round-the-world cruise from Liverpool, heralding the real
beginning of cruising as we know it.
Early 1900s: Luxury cruising is introduced
The early 20th century saw the likes of Cunard and White Star becoming the
big names in cruising, as larger and more luxurious ships were launched. Journeys
that had been purely functional were now marketed as being for pleasure as cruise
companies introduced new facilities – the first swimming pool came in 1907
alongside à la carte restaurants and lifts between decks.
In these days, ships were still very much divided on a class system, where opulence
in the interiors for those travelling in first class contrasted greatly with the facilities
and conditions in the cheapest accommodation, or ‘steerage’. Back then,
passengers in steerage were even expected to bring their own food and were
certainly cruising from A to B rather than for pleasure!
A word about ‘P.O.S.H.’
Some people argue that cruising in these olden days even gave us the word
‘posh’. On long journeys, particularly those between the UK and India, wealthier
passengers would demand cabins that were shadier in the afternoon so they would
be cooler by bedtime, which would be the port side going out and the starboard side
coming back, or Port Out Starboard Home, which was stamped on the ticket. It’s a
great story but no one can actually find reliable evidence that these tickets ever
existed!
Cruising in 1900 – 1950
In 1900, the Hamburg America Line created the first purpose-built pleasure
cruise ship. It was a very exclusive affair, offering entirely first-class cabins.
Competitors P&O, Cunard, and White Star Line then began offering more pleasure
cruises, in a range of destinations. 1912 saw the devastating Titanic disaster, which
occurred just four days after the White Star Line ship left Southampton. Cunard’s
Carpathia was deployed to rescue just over 700 survivors.
This half century saw some significant disruption to the cruise industry, with
World Wars 1 and 2 claiming a number of cruise ships in service. Fred. Olsen alone
lost 23 ships in WWI, and 28 in WWII. Between these devastating wars, shipping
lines were able to prosper to a degree, in particular what is now Costa Cruises
thrived in producing and shipping olive oil to America. Also, in 1922, Cunard sent
their ship Laconia on the very first world cruise. By 1948, Costa also broached
passenger cruising, and ran a 16 day trip from Genoa to Rio de Janeiro and Buenos
Aires.
Cruising in 1950 – 2000
The 1950s saw what many people refer to as the Golden Age of cruising
come into being. Cruises became social events filled with games, drinking, dancing,
and even glamorous guests. In 1950 Cunard held an all-American star cruise, with
special guests Noel Coward, Judy Garland, Frank Sinatra, Elizabeth Taylor, Walt
Disney, and Rita Hayworth on-board to entertain.
It was also around this time that P&O began taking immigrants to a new
destination; Australia. After WWII life had changed so drastically in the UK that many
people decided to look for a new life in a new continent. Between 1947 and 1972
over one million people paid a fare of £10 for passage to Australia, earning them the
nickname ‘Ten Pound Poms’, and the majority of these travelled with P&O. Famous
names such as Kylie Minogue and Hugh Jackman are among those who lived in
Australia as a consequence of this.
During this half century, many more of the modern cruise lines were founded.
There was Princess Cruises in 1965, Norwegian Cruise Line in 1966, Royal
Caribbean in 1968, MSC in 1970, Carnival in 1972, Celebrity Cruises in 1989, and
Silversea in 1994. The TV programme Love Boat, which was set on a Princess
Cruises ship, ran from 1977 to 1990, and is believed to have been a big contributor
towards the success and popularisation of cruising.
Thankfully, between 1964 and 1972, the cruise industry expanded rapidly and
welcomed the likes of Princess Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Lines, Royal Caribbean
and Carnival Cruises to its ranks. And while cruising was no longer just for the rich, it
had definitely become all about pleasure. Although different types of rooms are still
available, from stunning loft suites to well-appointed inside cabins, gone are the days
when the ships were segregated and you definitely don’t have to bring your own
food.
Cruising 2000 – now
Seeing the huge developments made in the world of cruising in the last few
decades, of course it was no surprise to see the main lines begin to compete with
one another. As a consequence, in recent years we have seen some astounding
features and incredible technology making its way onboard. These include Royal
Caribbean’s brilliant surf simulator, FlowRider, in 2004, the planetarium onboard
Queen Mary 2 in 2009, and Norwegian Cruise Line’s race track in 2017. Also in 2017
Royal Caribbean built the largest cruise ship in the world, Symphony of the Seas,
which can accommodate up to an incredible 6,680 passengers.
https://www.cruisedialysis.co.uk/history-of-cruising/
The Economics of Cruising in the Philippines
By 2024, the revenue in the Cruises market in the Philippines is projected to
reach US$32.08m.
It is expected that the revenue will show an annual growth rate (CAGR 2024-
2028) of 5.62%, resulting in a projected market volume of US$39.93m by 2028.
Additionally, the number of users in the Cruises market is expected to amount to
83.24k users by 2028, with a user penetration of 0.06% in 2024 and an expected
increase to 0.07% by 2028.
The average revenue per user (ARPU) is expected to be US$0.46k.
Furthermore, it is projected that 19% of the total revenue in the Cruises market in the
Philippines will be generated through online sales by 2028.
In a global comparison, United States is expected to generate the most
revenue in the Cruises market, with a projected revenue of US$15,160m in 2024.
The Philippines' cruise market is on the rise, with the country's archipelagic
beauty and rich cultural heritage attracting more and more international tourists.
https://www.statista.com/outlook/mmo/travel-tourism/cruises/philippines#:~:text=By
%202024%2C%20the%20revenue%20in,US%2439.93m%20by%202028.
Budget Cruising
A cruise vacation is often seen as a luxury choice, but it doesn’t have to be an
expensive one. In fact, with 2024 shaping up to be one of the busiest years ever in
the cruise industry, there is more choice, and more competition, than ever before, in
many cases driving down fares.
Some cruise lines—such as European lines Costa and MSC Cruises—focus
their business models on keeping prices as low as possible to fill their ships. But
even on luxury lines, there are many strategies to enjoy a cruise vacation while
spending less than you might imagine.
Travel Off-Peak
Arguably the biggest factor influencing price is the time of year. If you’re
flexible with your travel dates, consider cruising during the shoulder seasons—spring
and fall—when kids are in school and demand is lower. Fares can be less than half
of what they are in the summer, and ships and destinations are less likely to be
crowded.
PROMOTED
This is a good strategy if you’re interested in a European cruise, as the
season has been extended in recent years. Cruise lines such as MSC Cruises and
Costa operate Mediterranean cruises year-round, while others including P&O
Cruises have stretched out the summer season from March to October.
For example, a 13-night Mediterranean cruise on P&O Arvia from
Southampton in September-October 2024 is available at the time of writing from just
£849 ($1,079) per person, based on two people sharing a cabin. Taking a similar
itinerary at the height of summer would cost a couple an extra $750.
Book Early, Or 90 Days Before
Snag a great deal by booking as soon as cruises go on sale, or just before
departure. When cruises are announced, they are often accompanied by early-bird
discounts, plus the choice of the best cabins. If you prefer a particular cruise line, join
its email newsletter to receive notification of new cruise announcements.
Read More
That being said, industry commentators are warning that bookings for 2024
are going so well that there may be few last minute deals available.
Better than last minute deals are the offers available approximately three
months before departure, when final payments become due. At this point, cruise
lines know exactly how many cabins are empty.
“Most ships will be marked down around this time, and these prices usually prove to
be the lowest ever offered for that departure, lower than early bird discounts, and
lower than prices available within the last couple of weeks,” says Alan Fox of cruise
deals website Vacations To Go.
Consider Older Ships
With several impressive new ships launching in 2024, it can be tempting to
book your place on the newest ships at sea. However, older ships in a cruise line’s
fleet generally offer a more budget-friendly option. While they may lack some of the
latest amenities, older cruise ships still provide a quality cruising experience.
Pick An Inside Cabin
Another factor that greatly influences your cruise fare is your choice of cabin.
Advertised fares are almost always for inside cabins.
While they lack windows or balconies, inside cabins offer all the comforts of
higher-tier cabins often at a substantially lower cost.
But although the thought of enjoying a morning coffee or an evening glass of
wine on your balcony is a tempting one, ask yourself how much time you’ll really
spend on your balcony.
If you plan to enjoy many of the ship’s facilities, or if your itinerary has few sea
days, an inside cabin is a smart choice to keep costs low.
Use A Travel Agent
For seasoned travelers used to booking independently, the thought of using a
travel agent may be completely alien. However, things work differently in the cruise
industry and cruise-specialist travel agents are an integral part of the booking
process.
Travel agents can be a great asset for finding cruise deals. They often have
access to exclusive discounts or early booking periods, and can advise on the best
value-for-money options. Plus, they can handle the entire booking process, saving
you time and potentially money.
Travel expert Fran Golden from The Points Guy recommends using a travel agent in
some circumstances: “Their expertise can help you avoid mistakes, whether you are
a first-timer or a repeat cruiser checking out a brand you have not tried before.”
Manage Onboard Spend
Of course, saving a few hundred dollars on a cruise fare isn’t worth much if
you let loose once on board, where additional expenses can quickly add up.
To keep costs down, be cautious with internet packages, which can be pricey.
If your itinerary is port-intensive, consider whether you can get by using data while in
port. If you’re in a different part of the world, check with your provider to see if there
are any roaming deals available. They can often be substantially cheaper than cruise
ship Wi-Fi, which, while rapidly improving, is far from reliable.
Many travelers use a cruise as a chance to relax and partake in spa
treatments. These are often heavily discounted on embarkation day and also on port
days. If your itinerary features a port you’ve visited before or that doesn’t interest
you, consider a day in the spa.
Another major area of onboard cost to watch out for is drinks, especially
alcoholic beverages. While cruise line beverage packages can seem a great deal,
they require you to drink a lot to get good value. If your itinerary is port-intensive,
consider how many drinks you’ll actually need on the ship before splashing out for a
package.
DIY Excursions
Shore excursions booked through the cruise line can be convenient but are
usually significantly more expensive than booking directly with tour companies. A
budget-friendly alternative is to plan your own excursions.
Research your destinations in advance and explore using local transportation
or walking tours. This not only saves money but also offers an authentic experience
of the destinations.
However, keep in mind that cruise line excursions guarantee that you'll return
in time for the ship's departure. For this reason, booking lengthy independent
excursions is a risk.
Finally, although the act of keeping costs down can become a hobby among
regular cruisers, it’s important not to resist all spending. It is a vacation, after all!
https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidnikel/2024/01/07/budget-cruising-7-ways-to-save-
money-on-cruise-vacations/?sh=73e2487e3dec
Train - Early history
Stockton and Darlington special inaugural train 1825: six wagons of coal,
directors coach, then people in wagons.
Trains are an evolution of wheeled wagons running on stone wagonways, the
earliest of which were built by Babylon circa 2,200 BCE. Starting in the 1500s,
wagonways were introduced to haul material from mines; from the 1790s, stronger
iron rails were introduced.
Following early developments in the second half of the 1700s, in 1804 a
steam locomotive built by British inventor Richard Trevithick powered the first ever
steam train. Outside of coal mines, where fuel was readily available, steam
locomotives remained untried until the opening of the Stockton and Darlington
Railway in 1825.
British engineer George Stephenson ran a steam locomotive named
Locomotion No. 1 on this 40-kilometer (25-mile) long line, hauling over 400
passengers at up to 13 kilometers per hour (8 mph).
The success of this locomotive, and Stephenson's Rocket in 1829, convinced
many of the value in steam locomotives, and within a decade the stock market
bubble known as "Railway Mania" started across the United Kingdom.
News of the success of steam locomotives quickly reached the United States,
where the first steam railroad opened in 1829. American railroad pioneers soon
started manufacturing their own locomotives, designed to handle the sharper curves
and rougher track typical of the country's railroads.
The Union Pacific Big Boy locomotives represented the pinnacle of steam
locomotive technology and power.
The other nations of Europe also took note of British railroad developments,
and most countries on the continent constructed and opened their first railroads in
the 1830s and 1840s, following the first run of a steam train in France in late 1829.
In the 1850s, trains continued to expand across Europe, with many influenced
by or purchases of American locomotive designs.
Other European countries pursued their own distinct designs. Around the
world, steam locomotives grew larger and more powerful throughout the rest of the
century as technology advanced.
Trains first entered service in South America, Africa, and Asia through
construction by imperial powers, which starting in the 1840s built railroads to solidify
control of their colonies and transport cargo for export. In Japan, which was never
colonized, railroads first arrived in the early 1870s. By 1900, railroads were operating
on every continent besides uninhabited Antarctica.
New technologies
Electric train on Djursholmsbanan in Stockholm in the 1890s. Even as steam
locomotive technology continued to improve, inventors in Germany started work on
alternative methods for powering trains. Werner von Siemens built the first train
powered by electricity in 1879, and went on to pioneer electric trams.
Another German inventor, Rudolf Diesel, constructed the first diesel engine in
the 1890s, though the potential of his invention to power trains was not realized until
decades later. Between 1897 and 1903, tests of experimental electric locomotives on
the Royal Prussian Military Railway in Germany demonstrated they were viable,
setting speed records in excess of 160 kilometers per hour (100 mph).
The EMD FT set the stage for diesel locomotives to take over from steam.
Early gas powered "doodlebug" self-propelled railcars entered service on railroads in
the first decade of the 1900s.
Experimentation with diesel and gas power continued, culminating in the
German "Flying Hamburger" in 1933, and the influential American EMD FT in 1939.
These successful diesel locomotives showed that diesel power was superior to
steam, due to lower costs, ease of maintenance, and better reliability.
Meanwhile, Italy developed an extensive network of electric trains during the
first decades of the 20th century, driven by that country's lack of significant coal
reserves.
Dieselization and increased competition
World War II brought great destruction to existing railroads across Europe,
Asia, and Africa. Following the war's conclusion in 1945, nations which had suffered
extensive damage to their railroad networks took the opportunity provided by
Marshall Plan funds (or economic assistance from the USSR and Comecon, for
nations behind the Iron Curtain) and advances in technology to convert their trains to
diesel or electric power.
France, Russia, Switzerland, and Japan were leaders in adopting widespread
electrified railroads, while other nations focused primarily on dieselization. By 1980,
the majority of the world's steam locomotives had been retired, though they
continued to be used in parts of Africa and Asia, along with a few holdouts in Europe
and South America.
China was the last country to fully dieselize, due to its abundant coal
reserves; steam locomotives were used to haul mainline trains as late as 2005 in
Inner Mongolia.
Trains began to face strong competition from automobiles and freight trucks in
the 1930s, which greatly intensified following World War II. After the war, air
transport also became a significant competitor for passenger trains.
Large amounts of traffic shifted to these new forms of transportation, resulting
in a widespread decline in train service, both freight and passenger. A new
development in the 1960s was high-speed rail, which runs on dedicated rights of way
and travels at speeds of 240 kilometers per hour (150 mph) or greater.
The first high-speed rail service was the Japanese Shinkansen, which entered
service in 1964. In the following decades, high speed rail networks were developed
across much of Europe and Eastern Asia, providing fast and reliable service
competitive with automobiles and airplanes.
The first high-speed train in the Americas was Amtrak's Acela in the United
States, which entered service in 2000.
China operates an extensive high speed rail network. To the present day
Towards the end of the 20th century, increased awareness of the benefits of trains
for transport led to a revival in their use and importance.
Freight trains are significantly more efficient than trucks, while also emitting
far fewer greenhouse gas emissions per ton-mile; passenger trains are also far more
energy efficient than other modes of transport.
According to the International Energy Agency, "On average, rail requires 12
times less energy and emits 7–11 times less GHGs per passenger-km travelled than
private vehicles and airplanes, making it the most efficient mode of motorised
passenger transport. Aside from shipping, freight rail is the most energy-efficient and
least carbon-intensive way to transport goods." As such, rail transport is considered
an important part of achieving sustainable energy.
Intermodal freight trains, carrying double-stack shipping containers, have
since the 1970s generated significant business for railroads and gained market
share from trucks. Increased use of commuter rail has also been promoted as a
means of fighting traffic congestion on highways in urban areas.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Train#Rapid_transit_trains
