What Was the Very First Cruise Ship?

By Anna Duncan

The very first cruise ship was the MS Achille Lauro, which made its debut in 1947. The Achille Lauro was owned by the Italian Line, a subsidiary of the famous Costa Cruises. It was built in Genoa, Italy and featured luxurious amenities like swimming pools, elegant restaurants and lounges, and a grand ballroom.

The Achille Lauro was the first of its kind in many ways. It was one of the first purpose-built ocean liners to feature air conditioning throughout all of its decks and cabins.

In addition, it was also one of the first ships to offer a full-service spa onboard. Passengers could enjoy massages and other treatments while they sailed across the Mediterranean Sea.

In addition to its luxurious features, the Achille Lauro also had an impressive array of technology aboard. It featured two navigation systems: a Marconi VHF radio transmitter/receiver system and an automatic electronic navigation system that used sonar to detect obstacles in its path. The ship also had a sophisticated internal telephone system that connected passengers to one another as well as crew members throughout the ship.

The Legacy Of The MS Achille Lauro

The MS Achille Lauro set the standard for cruise ships for many years after it was launched in 1947. It proved that cruises could be luxurious experiences for passengers and created an industry that continues to thrive today. The legacy of this historic vessel lives on through modern cruise ships that still offer luxurious amenities as well as cutting-edge technology.

In conclusion, the very first cruise ship was MS Achille Lauro which debuted in 1947 and set a high standard for luxury cruising with its air conditioning and spa facilities onboard, as well as its cutting-edge navigation systems which used both sonar and Marconi VHF technology. Nearly 75 years later, this iconic vessel continues to be remembered as a pioneer of modern cruising.