History of Cruise Ships and Industry

Course and Faculty Information

• Polytechnic University of the Philippines
• College of Tourism, Hospitality and Transportation Management
• Department of Tourism and Transportation Management
• Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management
• TOUR 4073: Cruise Sales Management and Operation
• MA. GAY M. TEOPENGCO and LIZBETTE R. VERGARA (Faculty Members)

Week 1

• Introduction of course content, university mission and vision, college goals, department objectives, activities, plans, and programs.
• Read: P.U.P. Student Handbook (www.pup.edu.ph) ([email protected])

Week 2: Introduction to Cruise Industry

• Topics discussed: Overview of the cruise industry, Industry trends, Background/history of cruising, Language of cruising/Industry terminology.
• At the end of the discussion, learners will be able to: Explain the nature of cruise industry and its operation, Acquaint students with the common nautical/maritime terms used to describe and operate a ship, Discuss the evolution of the cruising industry.
• The cruise industry is an example of globalization, with diverse personnel, destinations, and clientele.
• It has significant economic, legal, environmental, and social implications.
• The industry generates many jobs across various sectors, including manufacturing, services (travel, finance), and more.
• Throughout history, cruise lines have adapted to guest desires by introducing new destinations, ship designs, amenities, and activities.
• Ships today are highly innovative with onboard features to meet diverse needs.

Environmental Sustainability

• Innovation is a top priority for cruise lines.
• Technologies like LNG (Liquified Natural Gas) are being used to reduce emissions and improve efficiency.
• Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems (ECGS) are aimed at reducing sulfur oxide emissions, and particulate matter.
• Advanced wastewater treatment systems exceed shoreside treatment standards.
• Shore-side power is increasingly used to reduce emissions while docked.

Destination Stewardship

• Cruise lines emphasize responsible tourism.
• Partnerships with local governments, efforts to manage visitor flows, and implementation of higher tourism standards are key.
• Staggered arrivals/departures are being considered, Shore excursions are being diversified, Shore power is becoming more common.

Cruise and Stay

• Cruise passengers frequently extend their stay at embarkation/debarkation ports.
• More than 80% of cruise passengers actively recycle and reduce their use of single-use plastics, including plastic straws.

Lone Cruisers and Micro Travel

• Cruise lines cater to solo travelers with studio cabins, friendly activities, and elimination of single supplements.
• Short cruises (3-5 days) for travelers seeking bite-sized experiences are also popular

Timeline of Cruise Ship Evolution (various years)

• Key events in the history of cruise ships like the tug Charlotte Dundas, the first ship to utilize electric lights are highlighted, and the development of various companies such as (P&O).

The Language of Cruising

• Key terminology in the shipping and cruise industry is defined such as aboard, about, aft, all hands, alleyway, anchor.
• More detailed definitions like atrium, at-sea day, beam, berth, bow, bridge, bulkhead, buoy, for cabin, course, cruise documents, cruise line, cruise ship.
• Additionally, deck plan, deck, disembark, dock, draft, dry dock, embark, even keel, fathom, forward, free port, galley, gangway, GRT, gun port, helm, hold, hull, inside cabin, keel, knot, latitude, leeward, Lido deck, longitude, maiden voyage, mess, midship, moor, muster drill, muster station, nautical mile, open seating, overboard, pier, pitch, port, porthole etc,

Week 3: The Elements of Cruising

• Definition of cruise, Nature of the business, Diversity of markets
• Analyze the nature of the cruise industry, distinguish the different elements in the operation of a cruise ship and identify the factors that categorize cruise business as an industry.
• Cruise is described as a vacation by boat, with a focus on travel, pleasure, and recreation, exceeding two overnight stays.
• Cruise business is linked to tourism; 32 million passengers are expected on cruise ships in 2020.

Week 4-5: Working Onboard

• Roles and responsibilities on cruise ships (officers, crew, and staff), Shipboard culture, Management of Hotel Services on Cruise, Recruitment practices.
• Describe the shipboard culture; differentiate the roles of staff and crew; classify the services provided onboard the cruise; and describe the shipboard culture.

Week 6-7: Guest Services

• Internal and external factors influencing guest services, Guest service systems for cruise lines, Profiles and specific needs of cruise guests
• Classify cruise passengers, analyze factors affecting guest service and behavior, manage guest care.
• Quality guest service are very important for cruise lines, meeting guest needs for a successful and memorable trip.

Week 8-9: Maritime Issues and Legislation

• Legal environment, Ship's registration, Safety of life at sea, Maritime pollution and security.
• Review the legal aspects of cruise ship operations, analyze the advantages and disadvantages of open and closed cruise registration.
• Focuses on legal frameworks and industry standards for ship operation.

Other Information (Assesments, Activities, etc.)

• There are several assessments and activities throughout the course.

Test your knowledge on the history and evolution of cruise ships from their early days to the modern industry. This quiz covers significant events, key features, and notable companies that shaped cruising. Dive into various aspects including their impact during WWII and evolving passenger demographics.