WORLD SHIP SOCIETY

December 1968 was a watershed moment in the history of cruising. The modern port of Miami was launched with the opening of the terminals on Dodge Island and the arrival of some of the first modern cruise ships, including the STARWARD, BOHEME and FLAVIA. In the years to come, Miami would become the nucleus for start-up and established passenger ship lines, helping to firmly establish and refine the cruise industry.

Writer and historian Allan Jordan recalled Miami’s role in advancing the cruise industry. He highlighted moments such as the launch of the SONG OF NORWAY, MARDI GRAS, NORWAY and SOVEREIGN OF THE SEAS and discussed older ships, including the EMERALD SEAS and the DOLPHIN, that would be replaced by modern resorts at sea. He also brought us right up to today’s giants such as the MSC SEASIDE and SYMPHONY OF THE SEAS.

Allan Jordan is the author of numerous articles on the cruise industry’s history and its future as a frequent contributor to Cruise Travel magazine, Maritime Executive and Cruise Business Review. He authored Saluting the Aloha Spirit, which recalled the history of American Hawaii Cruises and the sister ships the INDEPENDENCE and the CONSTITUTION, and a history of NCL. He has appeared as a guest lecturer aboard the ships of Royal Viking, Crystal, Princess, and Oceania.

(Photo credit: PortMiami)