How did transoceanic sea voyage differ from modern cruise?

Answer 1

Older vessels in the cruising industry used one to three rear facing propellers or "screws" paired with a rudder for steering. In heavy mid-Atlantic waters, this made steering the vessel difficult.

Modern cruise ships use multiple screws that can be pointed in any direction, and that are mounted on the aft, midship and forward of the hull, giving more control and safety to the ship by allowing it to steer into large waves (the preferred method to avoid capsizing). This gives such precise control that they need no rudder or tug boats in order to make port.

The overall size of these vessels also made the older, relatively small ships more susceptible to movement by rough seas. The larger the vessel, the more stable it is.

For example, the Titanic (the largest cruise ship of her day) weighed 46,000 tons as compared to a modern day cruise ship which can weigh anywhere between 80,000 to 225,000 tons.

Modern refrigeration, air conditioning and amenities also play a huge role in the enjoyment and comfort of travelers on long voyages. The availability of fresh food, medical attention, and recreation ensure that the hardships of early sea travel are a thing of the past.