Who Invented the First Cruise Ship?

By Anna Duncan

From the days of grand luxury liners to the modern sleek and speedy cruise ships, the cruise industry has come a long way. Today, there are over 400 cruise ships in service around the world, transporting millions of passengers each year. But who invented the first cruise ship?

The first modern cruise ship was created by Knut Kloster, a Norwegian businessman and founder of the now renowned Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL). In 1966, he had a vision to create something truly unique – a floating hotel with all the amenities of home that could take travelers on an unparalleled voyage.

Kloster’s vision was realized when NCL launched their first ship in 1966 – the MS Sunward. This revolutionary vessel featured a pool, restaurants, casino, nightclubs and even an onboard shopping mall – all unheard of at that time!

It was also equipped with stabilizers to reduce motion sickness and provide a smoother ride. The MS Sunward set sail from Miami to Nassau in the Bahamas and was an instant success.

Since then, NCL has gone on to become one of the largest cruise lines in the world with over 25 ships in its fleet. Kloster’s idea revolutionized how people travel and has made cruising one of the most popular vacation choices for travelers all over the world.

Conclusion: Knut Kloster is credited as being the inventor of the first modern cruise ship. In 1966, his vision for a floating hotel with all the amenities of home was realized when NCL launched their flagship vessel – MS Sunward. Since then, cruising has become one of the most popular vacation choices for travelers around the globe thanks to Kloster’s revolutionary concept.