Summary

Since the first commercial cruises began in the 1840s, ships have evolved into one of the world's most sophisticated, specialized, complex, and expensive type of vessel. The large modern purpose-built cruise ships of the 1930s, the German KdF ships Wilhelm Gustloff and Robert Ley emerged as prototypes for carrying a mass-market clientele. At the other end of the scale, the exquisite 1927-built Norwegian cruise yacht Stella Polaris represents a smaller, elite type of vessel offering the ultimate in luxury. In the postwar years, the two ends of the industry have expanded dramatically and the myriad of ships built are described in detail. Analyses of design influences, descriptions of interior layouts, exterior design, machinery requirements, and cruising grounds