Cruising has become hugely popular in the last few decades and it is easy to see why. Cruises offer the chance to explore a variety of destinations, enjoy some luxurious amenities, and relax on board the ship. But what was the first cruise ship?
The first modern cruise ship was the SS Canberra, which set sail in 1961. The ship was designed by Sir Edward Heath, and it was built by Harland and Wolff in Belfast. The SS Canberra was a pioneering vessel that introduced many of the features and amenities now associated with cruising.
The SS Canberra featured luxurious cabins with private bathrooms, an outdoor pool, a theater, multiple restaurants, and even a shopping arcade. There were also specially designed public spaces for socializing that featured lounges, bars, and nightclubs. It was a groundbreaking vessel that set the tone for all subsequent cruise ships.
The SS Canberra’s maiden voyage took it from Southampton to New York City with 1,800 passengers aboard. The voyage was an overwhelming success and ushered in a new era of cruising. The idea of vacationing on board a luxurious ocean liner quickly caught on and soon other cruise lines began offering their own voyages.
Today, there are dozens of different cruise lines operating around the world with ships ranging from smaller vessels to massive floating cities. But it all started with one man’s vision of creating something special: The SS Canberra.
Conclusion: The first modern cruise ship was the SS Canberra which set sail in 1961. It is remembered as a pioneering vessel that introduced many of the features now associated with cruising such as luxurious cabins with private bathrooms, outdoor pools, theaters, multiple restaurants, shopping arcades and more. It ushered in a new era of cruising that has since become immensely popular around the world.