The world’s first cruise ship is widely debated, but some sources claim the honor belongs to the passenger ship, the SS Great Britain. Built in 1843 by Isambard Kingdom Brunel and his team, the SS Great Britain was considered a revolutionary vessel in its day.
It is said to be the first true ocean-going, steel-hulled liner built for commercial passenger travel. The steamship was also one of the earliest ships to use a screw propeller. This technology greatly increased the speed and efficiency of sea travel.
The SS Great Britain was originally built as a transatlantic mail and passenger liner for the Great Western Steamship Company. It made its maiden voyage from Bristol on July 26th, 1845 with over 300 passengers aboard. It then made regular trips from Bristol to New York City, taking about 14 days for each crossing.
The ship’s design was an engineering marvel of its time: it featured two decks, a single funnel stack and six masts that could accommodate sails if necessary. It was outfitted with luxurious cabins, spacious dining areas and even a library stocked with books for passengers’ entertainment.
In 1846, due to increased competition in transatlantic shipping, the Great Western Steamship Company decided to focus instead on cruising around Europe and North America as well as other parts of the world. The SS Great Britain soon became known as one of the most luxurious cruise ships available at that time, offering passengers an exciting experience of faraway lands and cultures while traveling in complete comfort and style.
The SS Great Britain eventually retired from service in 1881 due to increasing competition from newer vessels with improved technology such as faster engines and improved hull designs and steering systems. Today it is preserved as a museum ship at Bristol’s historic harborfront where visitors can explore its many features up close.
What is clear is that whatever vessel holds the distinction of being the world’s first true cruise ship; it revolutionized sea travel and opened up new possibilities for vacationers who had previously been limited to land-based destinations only.
Conclusion
What Is The First Cruise Ship In The World?
Though there are some debates about which vessel holds the distinction of being first cruise ship in history; most historians agree that it’s likely that honors belong to Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s passenger liner – The SS Great Britain – which made its maiden voyage back in 1845.