The sinking of the RMS Titanic in April 1912 was one of the worst maritime disasters in history. But it wasn’t the first cruise ship to ever sink.
That honor belongs to a much less well-known vessel called the SS Vasa.
The Vasa was built in Stockholm, Sweden in 1628 and was intended to be an impressive symbol of Swedish naval power. Unfortunately, its construction was rushed and it set sail on its maiden voyage before it had been properly tested.
The ship quickly became unstable and capsized just 1,300 meters into its maiden voyage. It sank quickly, taking with it around 30 passengers and crew members who were unable to escape in time.
For centuries, the Vasa lay at the bottom of Stockholm harbor until it was rediscovered by divers in 1956. The ship was remarkably well-preserved due to being kept cold and oxygen-free by the surrounding mud and silt.
The Vasa was painstakingly raised from the depths and underwent a lengthy restoration process that lasted for nearly twenty years before it eventually opened as a museum piece in 1990.
So while not nearly as famous as its successor – the Titanic – The Vasa is still an important part of maritime history as being the first cruise ship to ever sink.
In conclusion, The SS Vasa is remembered today as being the first cruise ship to ever sink. It is an important part of maritime history which has been preserved through its recovery from Stockholm harbor and subsequent restoration process.