The Rise of the Ocean Liner | Evolution of Ocean Liners Documentary Part 1

The ocean liner was a revolutionary vessel when first introduced in 1845 - from then, in a short 50 years or so, technology leapt forward and traditional sailing ships were left far behind. Today we'll look at five amazing ships that changed the game - SS Atlantic, RMS Umbria, SS City of New York, RMS Campania and the SS Kaiser Wilhelm der Grosse!

With very special thanks to our friends at @TitanicHG for featuring their stunning Titanic model for the final shot!

Animated by Jack Gibson
Research assistance by Liam Sharpe
Atlantic, Umbria, New York, Campania and Kaiser Wilhelm 3D models by Lucas Gustaffson
Sailing ship "Frankenbarque" 3D model by Liam Sharpe
Music by Epidemic Sound

Oceanliner Designs explores the design, construction, engineering and operation of history’s greatest vessels– from Titanic to Queen Mary and from the Empress of Ireland to the Lusitania. Join maritime researcher and illustrator Michael Brady as he tells the stories behind some of history's most famous ocean liners and machines!

#documentary #ships #titanic #history #oceanliners #umbria #campania #lucania #cunard #whitestarline
0:00 Introduction
0:59 Sail to Steam
5:06 SS Atlantic 1870
11:52 RMS Umbria 1884
16:43 SS City of New York 1888
22:54 RMS Campania 1892
25:57 Kaiser Wilhelm der Grosse

[brandonwooldridge]

Its a real shame Oceanliners are now a thing of the past. These ships were gorgeous works of art and state of the art for their time. Sure they may not be considered safe by today’s standards but there’s no reason why they couldn’t be! It would a true experience to travel the seas on one of the beauties. At least The Queen Mary 2 is still in service!

[sixohdieselrage]

I love how you didn't mention Titanic, but included her in the very end of the video, sailing faster than those before her. 😊

[Lgs]

"But that is a story for another day..."
Few will know why these words feel nostalgic for me, but I thank you Mike for adding this phrase to your videos.

[alexanderashaw]

I am currently underway on my first transatlantic crossing as crew aboard a 100ft sailing yacht. Thanks to recent updates with starlink we have been privileged enough to have internet access almost the entirety of our voyage. With all these excess weeks of free time, I have been growing naturally curious about the history of oceanic crossings and stumbled on your channel in between watches. Thank you for the hours of entertainment and information thus far. Keep up the good work! (currently in the Mediterranean on day 17 of 20, en route from St Thomas, USVI to Sicily)

[miamiglia]

I think my daughter might be your youngest fan, whenever I put your videos on my one year old stops what she’s doing, climbs up onto my lap and will watch the entire video with me. She even started saying uhoh when they sink 😂

[gaemlinsidoharthi]

Ah! That closing scene with all those stunning ships sailing together. It’d be so amazing to see something like that for real.

[jessdelange]

I worked on cruise ships for almost 6 years as a dancer in the entertainment department, living and working at sea was an amazing experience! I absolutely loved every minute of it and met my now husband (also crew) on our very first contract :) I just recently found your channel and have basically binge watched every video! So fascinating to learn about the mechanics and history of these amazing ships, makes me wish I had been at sea during the era of the ocean liner!

[Zeldafan]

This truly is one of the greatest channels on YouTube. Mike’s production quality, extensive research, and engaging commentary simply leaves viewers wanting more. What was once a niche historical subject has now become an enrapturing tale combining technological evolution, tragedy, adventure, and business venture in a way that few historical accounts on YouTube could hope to achieve.

Here’s to our man Mike Brady from Ocean Liner Designs, for making history come alive and inspiring a new generation to appreciate the technological marvels of our ancestors.

[Ffaneva]

This is just my second video of yours that I’m watching and I’m already thoroughly impressed. Your videos remind me of the old National Geographic/history channel documentaries. Just a little thank you from me.

[Phaaschh]

Mike, you have excelled yourself with this- not just the story of 19th century evolution, which has been crying out to be told, but brilliantly realised both visually, and in your narrative. I found the photographs of the ships interiors equally fascinating. We all know what the Great Britain's interiors looked like, ditto the early 20th century 4-stackers, but you've gone a long way here to show us the intervening 60- odd years of hectic and amazing evolution.
Bravo

[puxrb]

This was fascinating to watch! I'd never heard of the SS City of New York before, and I have to say, its one of the most beautiful ships I've ever seen! It looks like a massive steam yacht. Probably a new favorite of mine. The animations, music, narration, and pacing were all top-notch. I'd love to see more videos of this style!

[maxdoes_]

What you're doing on this channel and the growth you have shown over the last year is just incredible. Obviously the research that goes into your videos is impressive, but you're really starting to flex some muscles in your direction, cinematography and editing. You did a great job incorporating music in this one—the ending with the Titanic catching up with the rest of the fleet, and timing the end of the piece of music with the blaring horn of the ship was a really great creative choice. I know you are not a one person show, but your creative direction has been on fire lately! Keep up the great work!

[FlakusCorporation]

I think this one was my favorite of all of them so far. The animation really helped line them up and put them in perspective with each other and put them in historical context.

[Mr_Maritime]

This transition to 3D is incredible. Your videos only get better as time passes! Great video Mike!

[airringtonpresents]

In my opinion this is the most comprehensive video on the technological advancements on ocean liners. Keep up the good work and I am looking forward for more amazing content.

[simonk.]

Thanks for that awesome production! You truly got me interested in the history of oceanliners.

[Dakiraun]

Amazing job on this one! Better in quality than something Nation Geographic would put out. And agreed, the Victorian era was jaw-dropping for the rate of scientific advancement, and ships were certainly one of the greatest showcases of that.

[ardiffley-zipkin]

Terrific. Your productions are outstanding. As a frequent cruise passenger in my early retirement on QM2, I loved the voyages and experience. I often wondered about the sailing ships and early cruise ships. Your presentation and the overall quality of the video made the subject come alive. Well done, Mike !

[mkoury]

Holy cow Mr. Brady! I was not ready for this level of production quality. I am genuinely impressed. I can't help but observe the deep metaphorical current amidst this voyage you have taken and the technological leaps and bounds you have made from your ealy paddle wheel days. Great work man, I love your content and now you're officially next level. Sail on - from Chicago U.S.A.

[jecny]

For those interested in the early history of ocean liners I strongly recommend the book "Transatlantic" by Stephen Fox. It is by far the best and most comprehensive history of the development of steam and engineering that made the great liners possible. And it is written in a very accessible manner with brilliant descriptions of the lavish interiors of the early liners.