1940s vintage travel ad for Matson Cruise Ships. The vintage ad features a couple sitting on the deck of the boat relaxing.

I love to travel because seeing the world is just something that I have to do! And when I travel, I like to get on a plane to my destination and then explore and find hidden gems with no schedule in sight. Cruise ship life is not something I’m ready for (but I’m sure I will be at some point in my life).

However! if the cruises are anything like what is advertised on these 1930s-1950s travel ads and posters, I just might have to change my mind. Glamorous and even more glamorous. Let’s see what I’m talking about friends.

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Vintage Travel Ads for Cruise Ships

1930s-1950s Travel Ads & Posters

Visit Hawaii with Matson Cruise Lines-1934 vintage ad (That Dress!).

Further Reading: What to Wear on a Cruise-The 1930s-1950s Edition

1930s advertising for cruise ship featuring 1930s fashion for women

And again in 1953. How tropical!

1953-Matson-Line-Cruise-to-Hawaii-Ad-1950s-Lurline-Cruise-Ship-Vacation-1950s-Advertising

Source: Etsy

“Life at sea is friendly…delightful…on the new “4 Aces”. American Export Lines – 1949 vintage ad.

1940s Vintage ad for American Export Lines Cruise Ships.

Source: Pinterest

Nassau/West Indies/Caribbean vintage travel cruise brochures, 1950s.

Nassau/West Indies/Caribbean vintage travel brochures, 1950s

Source: Etsy

1930s summer fashions on display as Italian Lines cruises you around the Mediterranean.

1930s Vintage Ad for Lido Mediterranean Cruises. Illustration features 1930s Fashions.

Source: Pinterest

1951 Cunard Cruise Ad – Couple Dancing in the ballroom. Looks like a fun time.

1951 Cunard Cruise Ad - Couple Dancing in 1950s fashions.

Source: Etsy

Getting there is half the fun! Cunard 1952. Balloon Games! I’m in!

1950s Vintage Cruise Line ad-Cunard 1952 featuring illustration of people in 1950s fashions playing 1950s party games

Source: Pinterest

“Every day is play day on an Alcoa ship in the Caribbean”, 1947.

1947 vintage advertising for cruise ship 1940s travel vintage travel vintage advertising

Source: Duke University Library

1953 American President Lines Cruise Advertisement. Cruise the Pacific on a country club afloat to Honolulu, Yokohama, Manila, Hong Kong, Kobe.

1953 American President Lines Cruise Advertisement. Cruise the Pacific on a country club afloat to Honolulu, Yokohama, Manila, Hong Kong, Kobe.

Source: Etsy

“Come aboard for all the fun of France.” 1957 French Line Cruises.

1957 FRENCH LINE Vintage Ad for Cruising. Ad Illustration features couples dancing and a cruise ship.

Source: Etsy

1953 Cunard Cruise ad. Getting there is half the fun! A crowd of happy travelers are enjoying the many fun activities aboard ship.

1953 Cunard Cruise Ad 1950s advertising

Source: Etsy

1951 Moore McCormack Lines Ad. 4 Special winter cruises for 1952 from Moore McCormack include a 38 day cruise to Punta Del Este, Uruguay and a 44 day cruise to see Carnival in Rio. 

1950s Vintage Ad: 1951 Moore McCormack Lines Ad. 4 Special winter cruises for 1952 from Moore McCormack include a 38 day cruise to Punta Del Este, Uruguay and a 44 day cruise to see Carnival in Rio. 

Source: Etsy

Take a cruise on Canadian Pacific to see the Great Lakes-1930s.

1930s canadian pacific cruises on the Great Lakes 1930s Vintage Ad. Ad Illustration features 1930s fashions.

Source: Art.com

No need to just sit around and be bored, cruise ship life has so much to do..like tennis and games by the pool. 1951 Matson Hawaii Cruise Ad.

1951 Matson Line Cruise To Hawaii Ad - 1950s Woman Playing Tennis on SS Lurline - Retro Cruise Advertisements

Source: Etsy

Vintage 1953 Moore McCormack Cruise Lines Ad. Take a 38-Day Cruise to Trinidad, Rio, Santos, Sao Paulo, Montevideo, and Buenos Aires for old world enchantment and cities as modern as tomorrow.

Vintage 1953 Moore McCormack Cruise Lines Ad Take a 38-Day Cruise to Trinidad, Rio, Santos, Sao Paulo, Montevideo, and Buenos Aires for old world enchantment and cities as modern as tomorrow.

Source: Etsy

Thanks for stopping by friends! I hope you enjoyed stepping back into time and seeing how travel advertising for cruising was like. I know I enjoyed seeing all that glamour I mentioned at the start of the post.

Question time: Have you been on a cruise? If yes, what did you like about and where did you go? Share in the comments below.

FURTHER READING:

Have a great week!

Liz