Where Did the First Cruise Ship Set Sail?

By Michael Ferguson

As far back as the 1800s, people have been enjoying the luxury and leisure of sailing away on a cruise ship. Cruise ships have come a long way since then, but the concept of taking a trip on a floating hotel remains the same.

The first modern cruise ship to set sail was the MS Prinsendam, which left Rotterdam in 1972. The ship was owned by Holland America Line (HAL), who began offering cruises to various destinations around the world.

The Prinsendam was a small, luxurious vessel with just 6 passenger cabins and 2 crew cabins. It featured amenities such as an outdoor swimming pool and a sauna, as well as first class dining and drinking options.

The first major cruise line was Carnival Cruise Lines (CCL). Founded in 1972 by Ted Arison, CCL quickly established itself as one of the most popular cruise lines in North America. The company launched its first vessel, the Mardi Gras, from Miami in 1972 and offered three-day cruises to Nassau in the Bahamas with stops in Key West and Grand Bahama Island.

Since then, cruise ships have become larger and more luxurious than ever before. Many of today’s vessels boast multiple restaurants, casinos, spas and other amenities that make them floating resorts. These ships are capable of carrying thousands of passengers and offer itineraries to destinations around the globe.

Conclusion:

The first modern cruise ship to set sail was MS Prinsendam in 1972 from Rotterdam by Holland America Line (HAL). This was followed by Carnival Cruise Lines (CCL), founded by Ted Arison also in 1972 which launched its first vessel – Mardi Gras – from Miami offering three-day cruises to Nassau with stops in Key West & Grand Bahama Island. Since then Cruise ships have become bigger & more luxurious with multiple restaurants, casinos & other amenities that make them floating resorts capable of carrying thousands of passengers & offer itineraries to destinations around the globe.