Cruise ships are large passenger vessels designed primarily for vacationing, embarking on round-trip voyages to various ports of call rather than point-to-point transport like ocean liners. Modern ships have evolved into "balcony-laden floating condominiums," offering extensive amenities, though they typically have less hull strength and speed than traditional liners. As of November 2022, 302 cruise ships operated worldwide with a combined capacity of over 664,000 passengers, generating an estimated $29.4 billion annually—though the industry was nearly shut down by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. The concept dates back to the Francesco I in 1833 and P&O's pioneering cruises in 1844, with the first purpose-built luxury cruise ship, Prinzessin Victoria Luise, completed in 1900. Today, cruise lines operate like floating hotels with flexible dining options, primarily sailing the Caribbean and Mediterranean, but the industry faces criticism for environmental damage, health risks from particulate matter, and its role in overtourism.