2.2. Short History of Cruise Industry
In 1844, shore excursions started from England to Cairo, Athens and Istanbul. First sponsored travel writers
(embedded writers) were established by P&O (Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company) which was
founded by Arthur Anderson. Popular writers were subsidized in exchange for a free trip, published their adventures
in exotic locations in well-known newspaper or journals. At those days, ships were transporting cargo and
government officials, missionaries, scientists and travelers were also cruising on those ships. A German company
Hamburg-America was created with launching the first tailor-made cruise ship, the Prinzessin Victoria Luise in
1900. It was small, luxurious and world first cruising yacht. After 100 years, Silversea Cruises with white color
continue this tradition and symbolizing summer cruising. Until 1930 (Great Depression) cruising was meant long
trips for wealthy people. In the USA, Cunard and White Sea operated ‘Booze Cruises’ and people could consume
alcohol which was forbidden on the shore. Day after day, Caribbean became most popular destination for the
American cruise market (Douglas, Douglas, Derrett, 2001). Especially in the 1920’s and 30’s cruising boomed.
Overwhelming local shop keepers, reaching to accessible natural and built attractions, colonized beaches and sailing
in the evening were main negative characteristics of cruising. In 1932, cruising was called as floating resort. In
1960’s, air travel became more popular than cruising. Line voyages decreased and cruise operators turn themselves
to fly/cruise packages. During 70’s, world petrol crises had negative impact on cruising. Large ships were getting
smaller because of high petrol prices. Fewer passengers started to visit inaccessible ports of call and tour operators
created more multifaceted programs