The desire to find remunerative employment for the fast steamers during the dead season of the North Atlantic passenger business prompted the decision to enter these boats into a service from New York to the Mediterranean during the winter months. The same desire, however, also gave rise to one of the most original ideas carried into practice through Ballin’s enterprise, i.e. the institution of pleasure trips and tourist cruises. It may perhaps be of interest to point out in this connexion that, about half a century earlier, another Hamburg shipping man had thought of specially fitting out a vessel for an extended cruise of that kind. I do not know whether this plan was carried out at the time, and whether Ballin was indebted to his predecessor for the whole idea; in any case, the following advertisement which appeared in the Leipziger Illustrierte Zeitung, and which I reprint for curiosity’s sake, was found among his papers.
"An Opportunity for Taking Part in a Voyage
Round the World
“The undersigned Hamburg shipowner proposes to equip one of his large sailing vessels for a cruise round the world, to start this summer, during which the passengers will be able to visit the following cities and countries, viz. Lisbon, Madeira, Teneriffe, Cap Verde Islands, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de la Plata, Falklands Islands, Valparaiso, and all the intermediate ports of call on the Pacific coast of South America as far as Guayaquil (for Quito), the Marquesas Islands, Friendly Islands (Otaheite), and other island groups in the Pacific, China (Choosan, Hongkong, Canton, Macao, Whampoa), Manilla, Singapore, Ceylon, Île de France or Madagascar, the Cape of Good Hope, St. Helena, Ascension Island, the Azores, and back to Hamburg.
“The cruise is not intended for business purposes of any kind; but the whole equipment and accommodation of the vessel, the time spent at the various ports of call, and the details of the whole cruise, are to be arranged with the sole object of promoting the safety, the comfort, the entertainment, and the instruction of the passengers.
“Admission will be strictly confined to persons of unblemished repute and of good education, those possessing a scientific education receiving preference.
“The members of the expedition may confidently look forward to a pleasant and successful voyage. A first-class ship, an experienced and well-educated captain, a specially selected crew, and a qualified physician are sufficient guarantees to ensure a complete success.
“The fare for the whole voyage is so low that it only represents a very slight addition to the ordinary cost of living incurred on shore. In return, the passenger will have many opportunities of acquiring a first-hand knowledge of the wonders of the world, of the beautiful scenery of the remotest countries, and of the manners and customs of many different nations. During the whole voyage he will be surrounded by the utmost comfort, and will enjoy the company of numerous persons of culture and refinement. The sea air will be of immeasurable benefit to his health, and the experience which he is sure to gain will remain a source of pleasure to him for the rest of his life.
“Full particulars may be had on application to the undersigned, and a stamped envelope for reply should be enclosed.
“Rob. M. Sloman,
“Hamburg, January, 1845. Shipowner in Hamburg.”