Was the Mayflower a Cruise Ship?

By Michael Ferguson

The Mayflower was a ship that transported English Puritans to North America in 1620, and is remembered as the symbol of the beginning of English colonization in the New World. This voyage, however, was not a leisurely cruise—it was a journey marked by harsh conditions, disease, and death.

The Mayflower was a three-masted merchant vessel originally built in Harwich, England in 1609. It was approximately 180 feet long and 25 feet wide, with a cargo capacity of 180 tons.

The ship had a crew of about 30 people and carried passengers—the so-called “Pilgrims”—in addition to its cargo.

The Pilgrims set sail from Plymouth, England on September 6th 1620. After 66 days at sea they finally reached Cape Cod on November 11th 1620.

The Mayflower initially made landfall at Provincetown Harbor, but eventually moved to what would later be known as Plymouth Colony—the site of the first permanent European settlement in New England.

The voyage itself was fraught with danger and hardship. Storms caused the Mayflower to nearly capsize several times during the two-month journey across the Atlantic Ocean, while overcrowding and inadequate ventilation meant that passengers were constantly plagued by disease and illness onboard.

Conditions aboard the Mayflower were far from luxurious. Even though it is remembered as a symbol of hope and exploration for many Americans today, it is important to remember that this voyage was an arduous one for those who undertook it.

In conclusion, while the Mayflower is remembered fondly today as a symbol of exploration and hope for many Americans, it should not be mistaken for something akin to a modern-day cruise ship. The hardships faced by its passengers during their two-month journey across the Atlantic Ocean make it clear that this vessel was no pleasure cruise.