European Contemporary Vs. International Contemporary. Costa Vs. Rccl

European/International Contemporary Vs. International Contemporary.

Costa Cruises And Royal Caribbean International

A History of Cruising

In 1840 the introduction of the first transatlantic steamship from Samuel Cunard, changed the world. From then on Cruising was only just beginning.

In 1844 P&O offered cruises to the Mediterranean, visiting Lisbon, Vigo, Malta, Istanbul and Alexandria, then returning back to London. White star introduced the ill-fated Titanic followed by the Olympic; the well-known story of the Titanic not only affected the cruise market but also called for strict safety rules and regulations to be put in place.

During the 1900's many new custom built cruise ships were introduced into the market by a number of companies - Cunard, P&O and Costa to name a few. Many ships were converted to troop carriers for the Second World War and led to the destruction of a few, leading to gaps in the international cruising market.

The introduction of jet travel led to the decline in passenger numbers on transatlantic crossings; many companies ended their transatlantic routes. Cruises were also affected, the chance to go to far and distant locations in less than a day proving very popular.

A History of Costa Crociere and Royal Caribbean Cruise Line

An oil trader named Giacomo Costa founded Costa in 1860; his land trading company "Giacomo Costa fu Andrea" was growing so large that he decided a fleet of ships would be needed to transfer his oils and fabrics all over the world. At the end of the 19th century his company was trading to Australia and other distant locations. Giacomo decided to introduce a transatlantic service to Buenos Airies in 1948, a 16 day crossing. Costa Cruises then grew to offer cruises to America, it was the first company to work with airlines to offer fly cruising; the company soon owned 8 ships. In 1997 Carnival Corporation and Airtours bought the company. Airtours was bought-out in 2000. Costa acquired AIDA cruises in 2006 and then set-up Iberocruceros with another cruise line. Costa Crociere now owns 14 ships with a further 2 on order.

Three Norwegian shipping companies established Royal Caribbean Cruise line in 1968, in 1970 Royal Caribbean's first ship was launched, the Song of Norway was quickly followed into service by 2 other ships. In 1978 the Song of Norway, became the first passenger ship to be stretched. Increasing guest capacity from 700 to 1000+ passengers. The company bought its own island off the coast of Hispaniola in 1986 capable of handling the future ships of the company, naming it Labadee.

In 1988 the Sovereign of the Seas was launched, the first of "of the Seas" ships, this launched the companies rapid growth