If you saw a massive ship docked at your local harbor, you might not be able to immediately discern exactly what type of ship it is at a glance. Specifically, is it an ocean liner or a cruise ship?

Before the advent of jets like the de Havilland Comet and Boeing's iconic 707 in the 1950s, overseas travel was accomplished almost exclusively by ship. These simple Point A to Point B journeys — such ...

Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. David Nikel is a travel writer covering cruising and Scandinavia. Once the pride of a nation and a symbol of American ingenuity, ...