The beginning of the transoceanic crossings era has been a social phenomenon, not only a commercial one: more than mere means of transport for goods, ships were a support for the migrations from Europe to America. This is the reason why ships acquired a new appearance as a collective means of transport.

Their original structure was the vessel one, which changed gradually after the introduction of the mechanical propulsion and its consequent changes in proportions; the residential use of the ocean liners, for example, brought to a change in the proportions between the hull and the superstructure, that became increasingly majestic: the main container was not only the lowest part (the hold), but also the one above the side, that was developed according to the regular living volumes.

The ship’s interiors were similar to the hotels’ design, with comfortable and warm rooms that let the passengers forget their concern about the long crossing through the never ending sea.

The aim of this work is to describe the liners’ formal and functional evolution from their origins to their peak, until the moment of their decline, due to a modern and dynamic social system and its new collective means of transport.

Nevertheless, the air transport era didn’t actually make liners disappear. Liners, in fact, evolved by moving away from the contemporary hectic lifestyle, thanks to the spread of cruises. Entirely dedicated to the free time, with their developed living spaces, planning and equipment, they became complex playful machines, appealing and socially engaging and equipped with a wide range of community spaces.