Classic International Cruises: A Journey Through Time

Classic international cruises have a rich history, with some lines dating back to the late 19th century. The first transatlantic cruise took place in 1844, aboard the British ship SS Great Western.

The SS Great Eastern, built in 1858, was one of the largest ships of its time, measuring over 211 meters in length. It was designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel and could carry over 2,000 passengers.

These early cruises were often grand affairs, with elaborate entertainment and fine dining. The SS Great Eastern, for example, featured a concert hall, a library, and even a gym.

Check this out: Great Western Steamship Company

The history of cruises is a long and fascinating one, dating back to 1844 when the first passenger ship, the SS Great Britain, set sail from England to Australia.

The SS Great Britain was a massive vessel, measuring over 322 feet in length and carrying over 400 passengers and crew.

The first luxury cruise line, the Cunard Line, was founded in 1839 and began offering transatlantic cruises in the late 1800s.

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These early cruises were a far cry from the luxurious getaways we're familiar with today, with passengers often facing rough seas and cramped quarters.

The introduction of the steamship in the mid-1800s revolutionized the cruise industry, allowing for faster and more comfortable travel.

The SS Normandie, launched in 1935, was one of the most famous ships of its time, known for its opulent decor and luxurious amenities.

Despite the challenges of World War II, the cruise industry continued to grow, with lines like Cunard and Holland America offering cruises to destinations around the world.

The post-war period saw the rise of the modern cruise industry, with the introduction of larger, more luxurious ships and the development of new itineraries and onboard amenities.

The classic international cruises we're talking about here are often massive vessels, with the Queen Elizabeth 2 measuring over 963 feet in length. That's a lot of space to roam around!

These ships are designed to accommodate thousands of passengers, with some capacity as high as 2,600 people. You'll have plenty of opportunities to mingle with fellow travelers from all over the world.

The Queen Mary 2, for example, features a spacious promenade deck that's perfect for taking in the ocean views.

There are several types of ships that serve different purposes, including cargo ships, which can carry up to 200,000 tons of cargo.

Cargo ships are often the largest type of ship, with some measuring over 1,000 feet in length.

Tankers are another type of ship, designed to transport liquids such as oil and gasoline.

Bulk carriers are used to transport large quantities of dry cargo, like grains and minerals.

Ferries are smaller ships that carry passengers and vehicles across bodies of water.

Some ships, like cruise ships, are designed for leisure and entertainment.

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The MV Funchal offers its passengers two fine dining rooms, The Coimbra and Lisboa, located on Azores Deck.

These dining rooms provide a comfortable and intimate atmosphere for passengers to enjoy their meals. The Coimbra is located on the starboard side, aft of the Main Lobby, while Lisboa stretches across the liner and is accessible from the aft Lobby or amidships stairwell and lift.

Passengers can also enjoy live piano music at the Porto Bar, which is a piano bar that offers a relaxing atmosphere. The ship's crew is highly trained and dedicated to their work, with most of them being Portuguese and having sailed with the ship for over 20 years.

The ship features a range of amenities, including stabilisation, three lifts, air-conditioning, and a Main Show Lounge called Ilha Verde. There's also a Casino, Card Room, Library, and Internet Cafe on board.

Here's a summary of the ship's facilities:

The ship's design combines a beautiful ocean liner with a fascinating interior, offering a yacht-like atmosphere to its passengers. This unique design, combined with the ship's high-quality facilities, makes the MV Funchal a popular choice for travelers.

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Classic International Cruises is a great option for those on a budget who still want to experience the thrill of a cruise. It's a Portuguese-run cruise line that's generally geared towards British passengers.

The age range of passengers tends to be between 45-60 years old, so it's not the best choice for families with young children. If you're in your golden years, however, Classic International Cruises might be perfect for you.

One of the standout features of Classic International Cruises is its Voyage Spectacular itinerary. This 35-night cruise takes you on an epic journey from Rome to Colombo in Sri Lanka, passing through the Suez Canal and stopping at numerous ports along the way.

You'll cross both the tropics and the Equator, and travel across many different time zones. It's no wonder it's called a Spectacular Voyage!

The cabins on classic international cruises are a big part of the overall experience. They accommodate a relatively small number of passengers, with the Funchal, for example, holding just 524.

Each cabin is beautifully fitted out with the latest facilities, making for a comfortable and relaxing stay.

The onboard experience on a classic international cruise is truly one-of-a-kind. The MV Funchal, for instance, offers two fine dining rooms, The Coimbra and Lisboa, which are perfect for a sophisticated dinner.

These dining rooms are located on the Azores Deck, with The Coimbra situated on the starboard side, aft of the Main Lobby. Lisboa, on the other hand, stretches across the liner and is accessible from the aft Lobby or amidships stairwell and lift.

You'll feel like you're on a yacht, thanks to the ship's beautiful design and ocean liner shape. The crew members are highly trained and dedicated to their work, with many of them being Portuguese and having sailed with the ship for over 20 years.

If you're looking for some entertainment, the Main Show Lounge, Ilha Verde, is a great place to catch a show. Alternatively, you can head to the Porto Bar for some live piano music or the Havana Bar to watch a performance by international casts.

The ship also offers a range of activities for young travelers, including treasure hunts, painting, and collage-making. And, of course, there's the Iteen Room, which is designed for adult and teen interaction.

Here are some of the amenities you can expect to find on board:

Overall, the onboard experience on a classic international cruise like the MV Funchal is all about relaxation, entertainment, and making memories with your loved ones.