Cruise ships

Cruise ships carry large complements of passengers on excursions, for entertainment. They should not be confused with the outwardly similar ocean liners, popular before the widespread use of air liners. Cruise ships are built for entertainment, and tourism, while ocean liners were built to carry passengers to a destination which could not be reached by road or rail road.

During the golden age of ocean liners the largest liners could carry close to 2,000 passengers. first class passengers' cabins had luxurious fittings, and were served meals comparable to those from the finest restaurants. During the golden age of ocean liners firms competed to build ships capable of very rapid passages.

Cruise ships, on the other hand, are not as fast as the fastest ocean liners. They devote more space to entertainment, with theatres, casinos, and wave pools. Passengers are presented with a greater choice of meals.

While the routes of ocean liners were the most direct routes, to major cities, like New York City, cruise ships concentrate on exotic destinations. Some cruise ships concentrate on trips to the Arctic or Antarctic. Others stop at exotic destinations in the Caribbean, or Mediterranean.

Cultural impact of "The Love Boat"

The ABC television network broadcast 249 episodes of The Love Boat, from 1977 to 1986. In each episode guest stars found love aboard the small cruise ship Pacific Princess. Commentators assert the show played an important role in getting the general public interested in booking trips on real cruise ships.