Short Route to London - North German Lloyd - 1889

 

 

It was created by New York Agents of the North German Lloyd Bremen Steamship Line in 1889 - The year of the Paris Exhibition. As a convenient pocket-size guide, the brochure provided helpful information about the Norddeutcher Lloyd, its fleet, and accommodations for First and Second Cabin passengers.

North German Lloyd Fleet

The Company's Fleet of Fast Express Steamers on the New York Line, Consists of the following Magnificent Steamships: Lahn, Eider, Trave, Aller, Ems, Fulda, Saale, Werra, and the Elbe Of 5,000 to 6,000 Tons & 8,000 to 10,000 Horse-Power.

 

 

Sailing Every Wednesday and Saturday from New York. Every Wednesday and Saturday from Bremen. Every Sunday and Thursday from Southampton.

Extra Steamers during the Travelling Season. Steamers between Southampton and Havre will sail daily during the Paris Exposition.

New York Express Line

The Norddeutscher Lloyd Steamship Company maintain a service twice a week between Southampton and Bremen. Extra sailings during the traveling season.

Steamers leave New York every Wednesday and Saturday land passengers at Southampton in less than 7 1/2 days after leaving New York.

 

 

Hoboken can be reached from New York by the Barclay St. (downtown) or Christopher St. (uptown) Ferries, which land passengers at the same slip in Hoboken, about 5 minutes walk from the Bremen steamers.

London is reached from Southampton by rail in about 2 hours by Special Norddeutscher Lloyd Trains and cars. Trains leave and arrive at the Waterloo station in London.

After landing passengers, mail and luggage at Southampton, the steamers proceed at once without further delay to Bremerhaven, (the harbor of the Norddeutscher Lloyd fleet). The trip lasts about 24 hours.

Passengers are transferred to the railway train in waiting on the quay at Bremerhaven and reach Bremen in hours from Bremerhaven.

Bremen is a railway center in frequent and direct communication with the interior of Germany, Switzerland, Austria, etc.

Paris is reached in 8 hours from London via Dover and Calais, also via Southampton and Le Havre, in about 12 hours. Southwestern Railway Co.’s steamers leave Southampton for Le Havre, and vice versa, every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evening: in the summer, daily. The Le Havre steamers leave from the landing dock at Southampton.

Other Norddeutcher Lloyd Lines

The Other Lines of the Norddeutscher Lloyd Steamship Co. Ply Between the Following Ports:

Baltimore Line

From Bremen to Baltimore, weekly, except during the winter months.

Brazil Line

From Bremen, via Antwerp, Lisbon, Bahia, Rio de Janeiro and Santos, monthly steamers.

Buenos Aires or River Plate Line

From Bremen via Coruna, Vigo, Montevideo and Buenos Aires, fortnightly steamers.

China Line

From Bremen, via Antwerp, Southampton, Genoa, Port Said, Suez, Aden, Colombo Singapore, Hongkong and Shanghai, monthly steamers.

Australian Line

From Bremen, via Antwerp, Southampton, Genoa, Port Said, Suez, Aden, Colombo, Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney, monthly steamers.

Japanese Branch Line

Hong Kong, via Yokohama, Hyogo, and Nagasaki, steamers run in connection with China Line.

Branch Line to Samoa, and Tonga Islands, South Pacific

Sydney to Tonga and Samoa Islands, run in connection with Australian Line.

Mediterranean Line

Brindisi to Port Said, run in connection with China and Australian Line.

Passengers are booked through from New York by any of the lines mentioned above.

Description of Steamers

The fast Express Steamers of the Norddeutscher Lloyd running on the New York Line were all built by John Elder & Co. (now the Fairfield Shipbuilding and Engineering Co.), Glasgow, Scotland. In the interior and exterior arrangements and fittings, the steamers are very much alike.

These steamers, built of iron and steel, are all of the largest and most modern types. They are classed in the highest grade of the Bureau Veritas, with several extras over the requirements, such as lower and orlop decks of iron and steel and additional water-tight bulkheads.

The highest care and attention have been bestowed upon the construction of compartments and water-tight bulkheads, and the efficiency of these safeguards has been amply proved by actually filling each compartment with water and thus testing the strength of the bulkheads in case of an accident.

The steamers are fully provided with lifeboats, rafts, and preservers, and with every improvement conducive to safety and comfort.

All the deck work is constructed either of teak or iron and steel and, to protect the vessels from the heavy Atlantic seas, solidly built turtlebacks are placed over both ends of the ship.

The steamers are rigged with four pole masts of iron, carrying yards on the foremast only. These steamers can maintain a high rate of speed in nearly all weather due to their powerful engines, thus arriving with great regularity.

Berths and Staterooms

On contemplating a trip across the ocean, the tourist or business-man should lose no time in applying for accommodations on the steamer he has selected.

During the entire spring and summer season, the steamer's cabins are all well filled, and it is absolutely necessary to apply early for passage if one wishes to enjoy the luxuries of a good room.

Plans and diagrams showing the interior arrangements of the various steamers are always kept on hand and will be sent on application.

It is customary to pay a deposit of $25 on each berth retained. This payment secures the berth up to two weeks before the sailing, at which time the full amount of passage must be paid, and tickets are taken up.

First Cabin

Children under 12 years are taken for half rate if occupying a sofa and not a regular berth. Rooms are not sold for less than two fares during the traveling season. One person desiring a stateroom for exclusive use will be charged for two.

Infants under 1 year are free. Servants are berthed in the second cabin and pay the second-cabin fare, with access to the first cabin. If berthed in the first cabin they pay the full first-cabin fare.

Second Cabin

Children under 12 years of age are taken for half fare at all times without any restriction. Infants under I year are free.

Baggage

AVOID overloading with unnecessary articles and packages, only taking what is absolutely necessary. Cabin passengers are allowed twenty cubic feet of luggage.

All travelers should provide themselves with sea-trunks, which should be about 12 inches deep, and of the usual width and length, thus enabling them to go under the sofas in the state-room. Avoid the Saratoga or extra-large trunks.

Passengers can send their baggage to Bremen Piers, Hoboken, N. J., two days before sailing. It will be kept in the baggage-room until the passengers' arrival.

All baggage must be marked with the name of passenger and steamer before being sent. In case this precaution is not observed the Company cannot be responsible for mistakes.

All baggage should also be marked, whether for stateroom or baggage-room, before being sent to the steamer. Tags and labels can be had at the office of the Company or of their agents.

All baggage required during the voyage should be marked "Wanted," and luggage that is not needed should be labeled "Not Wanted."

Extra Baggage 25 Cents a Cubic Foot.

Sea trunks can be stored at Southampton or Bremen, but the names should be plainly marked. Passengers should notify the Company at Bremen, or the Agents at Southampton, as the case may be, at least five days before sailing to put sea trunks on board. When passengers do not attend to this in the proper time, it causes delay and extra expense to the passenger.

 

 

Passengers arriving at New York from out of town can have their baggage checked to the pier by the Baggage Express Agent on the train.

Passports

Passports can be obtained by applying to the State Department, Passport Division, Washington, D. C., or through any Notary Public.

Letters of Credit

If the traveler's expenses are substantial, a circular letter of credit is undoubtedly the only safe way of transporting the money. These circular letters of credit are issued by bankers on their correspondents in Europe and all over the world, and funds can thus be obtained at any one of the principal cities of the civilized world. Tourists should be careful to deal only with bankers of undoubted standing.

Money

Before embarking for Europe, travelers would do well to provide themselves with enough small change to pay incidental expenses on shipboard and on landing. Foreign currency is bought, sold, or exchanged at current rates of the day at any banking house.

It may be well to add that English sovereigns and Bank of England notes are readily taken everywhere in Europe. French Napoleons are also good money, especially in the East.

Miscellaneous

Surgeons: Each steamer carries an experienced surgeon, whose services are gratuitous so far as steerage passengers are concerned. Cabin passengers, however, generally expect to pay the doctor whenever he prescribes for them.

 

 

Baths - By applying to your bedroom steward these can be arranged for, and a certain hour appointed when you can take a bath every morning if you desire to do so.

Boots.—The boots and shoes of passengers will be cleaned by the bootblack if left outside the room door. A small gratuity is generally given the bootblack at the end of the voyage by each person.

Seats at the table are allotted by the chief steward after the steamer leaves the dock. Children are not allowed at the table until all adult passengers have been seated. They generally have their meals served separately.

Valuables

The purser is authorized to undertake the custody of money, jewelry, and other valuables, for which purpose a safe is provided.

Paper, Envelopes, Stamps, Etc.

Writing-paper, envelopes, stamps and telegraph forms can be had on application of the saloon steward.

Travel In Europe

 

 

American travelers who visit Europe for the first time, cannot fail to be struck with the forcible contrast in the system of railroads and especially with the difference existing between our cars and those running there.

In almost every country in Europe, there are three classes of cars, viz. : first, second, and third. Express trains on the Continent have no third-class, and in a great many cases are formed exclusively of first-class coaches.

The first-class is best for long journeys, and we do not recommend second-class, except in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. The cars are of entirely different construction from those in America. Each car is generally divided into four compartments, these compartments being entered at each end through a door in the side of the carriage.

The different classes are distinguished by having on the outside of the doors, and occasionally on the inside, the class marked, namely: first, second and third-class; so that travelers can readily recognize where to locate.

Ladies traveling alone will generally find a compartment specially reserved for them. A smoking carriage will be found on almost every train. Sleeping cars are to be found in many English and Continental railways.

Pullman cars run in Great Britain and on the Continent; an early application must be made for accommodation when required. Coupes are also used, and places can be secured through the payment of a supplemental fee at the station on departure. Railway officials, as a general rule, will be found very courteous and willing to assist travelers whenever the occasion arises.

Norddeutscher Lloyd Steamship Co.

ORDERS to report the arrival of steamers of this line should be left with the Western Union Telegraph Company at any of their offices; on arrival of the ship off Fire Island or Sandy Hook, notice will then be sent by the W. U. Tel. Co., day or night, to the address given.

Quarantine - Health Examinations

Steamers of this line usually make the run from Fire Island to Quarantine in about 3 hours, or from Sandy Hook to Quarantine in about one hour.

The usual time from Quarantine, including the examination by the Health Officer, to the pier, is about one hour; but if steamers arrive at Quarantine after sunset, they are obliged to remain there until after sunrise the next morning.

Cabin passengers arriving by steamers of this line are landed at the Company's piers, foot of Second Street, Hoboken, NJ (Take Christopher street ferry from up-town or Barclay street ferry from down-town )

Persons desiring to meet arriving Cabin passengers require no pass to admit them on the pier.

Passengers and their friends on engaging carriages outside of the pier should ask for the tariff to avoid an overcharge on the part of hackmen, with which each hack must be supplied.

Letters

LETTERS for passengers should be plainly addressed, and state if for arriving or departing steamer. Passengers expecting messages after departure should leave their address at the Company's offices, letters will then be forwarded to address given.

Envelopes should be plainly marked with senders name and address to ensure the return of letters in case of non-delivery. Letters not so provided are returned to the dead letter office, and as the Post Office has no clue to the sender are destroyed.

Return Tickets

Although there is no reduction on First Class return tickets, we would strongly advise First Cabin passengers who intend to return by the Norddeutscher Lloyd Steamers, to engage accommodations for the return voyage when engaging staterooms for outward passage, or as soon thereafter as possible, and so settle for return passage when taking up outward tickets.

Passengers will thus avoid the delays of an extended correspondence with the Home Office, and not be disappointed at finding out that the best rooms are already sold.

Promenade Deck

 

 

The Promenade Deck is situated in the center of the tipper deck in the most favorable position on the steamer, is the Promenade Deck, 200 feet long and the whole width of the ship. It is solely appropriated to the use of the first cabin passengers.

Being on an elevation with the turtle and hurricane decks and sheltered by awnings, the hottest days are rendered pleasant by the free access of the ocean breeze, thus forming an excellent promenade as well as spacious playground for the various sports arranged for the pastime of passengers, and otherwise contributing mainly to the comfort and enjoyment of an ocean trip.

It is illuminated at night utilizing electric lights. The promenade deck also furnishes the space for concerts executed by the ship's orchestra daily, at certain hours.

Companion Way to Saloon

 

 

The wide staircase handsomely ornamented with plush hand-rail and balusters of rich and fanciful pattern, leading down into the first cabin saloon, opens to the view a region of exquisite splendor and corn-fort such as is rarely seen and which almost baffles description.

Description of Saloon

 

 

THE MAIN SALOON of the first cabin is situated amidships, forward of the boilers and engines, this being considered the most favorable position on the ship by old and experienced ocean travelers.

Occupying the entire width of the steamer and proportionate in length, it presents a truly magnificent appearance, being splendidly lighted and perfectly ventilated employing large skylights in the center and by numerous portholes along the side.

Two long main tables occupy the central position, running nearly the entire length of the saloon, and the sides are subdivided into cozy alcoves or recesses, which are furnished with smaller cross tables, excellently adapted for the accommodation of private parties or families.

All the fittings, the piano, the bookcases, doors, ceilings, skylights, and the woodwork of the revolving chairs surrounding the tables, are handsomely carved, the materials used being Oak, Black Walnut, Bird's-eye Maple, Ebony and other costly woods.

The table covers and the heavy curtains dividing the alcove, the lounges extending along both sides under the portholes as well as the seats of the chairs, are in luxurious plush or other sumptuous materials, differing in color to harmonize with the particular style of the woodwork on the various steamers.

 

 

The highly ornamental skylights and the ceiling are marvels of artistic skill and taste. The cross-beams, trusses, and framing being covered with magnificent scrollwork are subdivided into panels, embellished with beautiful paintings by celebrated masters, and are really worth a close inspection.

The electric lights and the plate glass mirrors are arranged in such a manner as to increase the harmonious effect during daytime and intensify it by night.

The company has discarded the traditional swinging racks used for glasses and decanters above the tables on all their steamers, thus leaving the view entirely free and unobstructed, and significantly adding to the general appearance of the saloon.

Owing to the powerful triple expansion engine as well as the favorable position of the saloon, it is hardly possible for the occupants to experience the ship's motion, and very difficult to realize that the vessel is traversing the high sea at a rate of eighteen knots an hour, so remarkably steady is the progress of these elegant modern express steamers.

Ladies' Boudoir

 

 

THE ladies' cabins are, if possible, even more luxurious in their appointments, as no expense has been spared to contribute to the artistic appearance, as well as to the real comfort of these Boudoirs.

The ventilation is perfect, being on the upper deck and forming a sort of gallery to the main saloon beneath. The comfortable chairs and divans are provided with luxurious coverings of embossed velvets and plushes and are specially designed for ease and comfort.

The walls and ceilings are elaborately carved and decorated with exquisite paintings.

Staterooms

On the same deck with the saloon, running fore and aft of it, are the state-rooms for first cabin passengers, spacious, airy and comfortable, painted white enamel, with fittings in walnut.

They are all designed in large dimensions, measuring on the average ten feet in breadth and being nearly all outside rooms provided with large sidelights or portholes, are pleasant resorts for those who seek seclusion.

 

 

The lower berths in the majority of the staterooms are arranged to be extended to form a double berth and accommodate two persons.

The upper berth can be pushed back (similar to an upper berth in a Pullman car) out of the way. The sofas are wide and large enough to be used as beds if required; thus, a whole family frequently find one of these rooms ample for their needs.

All staterooms are furnished with toilet conveniences, and electric bells are in communication with the steward's department, thus ensuring prompt service.

Smoking Rooms

 

 

Two elegantly appointed smoking rooms are provided for first-cabin passengers, both located on the promenade deck, constructed on the same lavish scale.

The paneling is finely carved and decorated with paintings artistically introduced here and there. Several small tables and divans covered with Morocco leather, and a liberal supply of exceedingly comfortable arm-chairs, covered with the same material, serve to make a cozy nook for after-dinner coffee.

The room also includes a small bar for supplying the refreshments required by its frequenters.

Cuisine

 

 

The reputation of the Cuisine on board of the Norddeutscher Lloyd steamers is duly established and has been well earned by the untiring exertions on the part of the management to supply an excellent table and to engage as cooks the foremost and best culinary artists to be procured.

Passengers are furnished with a liberal table, including all the delicacies of the season, prepared and served equal to the menu served in the best hotels in Europe. Connoisseurs have pronounced the fare on these steamers as most excellent.

The wines, liquors, and cigars are of the most exceptional quality and have been selected with great care by the Company. They are sold on board at extremely moderate prices.

The galleys and kitchens are on deck and the pantries, immediately beneath them, connected by elevators, thus successfully preventing any kitchen odors from entering the saloon or staterooms.

Second Cabin Saloon

 

 

Every provision is made for the comfort and well-being of the second cabin passengers; the accommodations are comparing favorably with the first cabin of bygone days. Both saloons and state-rooms are located aft.

The saloon is thoroughly ventilated and lighted utilizing large skylights and port-holes similar to those of the first cabin, and while not so ornamental, is fitted up in an exceedingly tasteful manner, offering every convenience that can be desired.

The furniture, which is richly upholstered, and constructed with a view to ease and comfort, includes piano provided exclusively for the use of the second cabin passengers.

Electric lamps furnish the necessary light at night. The fare is equal to that of a first-class household and is served by efficient and attentive stewards at certain regular hours. Wine and beer are supplied at meager prices without affecting the quality, being selected by the Company with great care.

 

 

The staterooms are also situated aft and close to the saloon. They are spacious, well lighted and ventilated apartments containing every desirable convenience, and can accommodate two to four persons. Special care is taken to have the berths provided with clean and neat bedding.

The wants of the lady passengers are attended to by two stewardesses detailed especially for that purpose. The Ladies' Boudoir has an excellent position on the upper deck and is cozily furnished with elegantly upholstered chairs and settees, receiving plenty of light and fresh air because of its splendid location.

The Gentlemen's Smoking Room is also advantageously situated on the upper deck and is comfortably fitted up with easy chairs and lounges covered with embossed leather. Wine and beer are served by the stewards in attendance.

It is lighted night by electric lamps and serves as a pleasant resort for smokers to pass the evening hours.

 

 

Ample deck space has been set apart for the special use of second cabin passengers, and as will be seen by the illustration above, affords ample opportunity to indulge either in a promenade or a quiet rest in a well-sheltered position.

Passengers can thus enjoy the fresh sea air without being exposed to any high winds. This is a strong feature of our second cabin, the benefits of which cannot be too highly estimated.

Officers

The STEAMERS are commanded by experienced officers who save become veterans in the Company's service, and in whom the Company place implicit confidence.

The officers in the employ of the Norddeutscher Lloyd Steamship Company are obliged to pass two rigorous examinations in the German nautical schools before they can obtain a position in the Company's service, and all of them have begun their career before the mast and have worked their way, step by step upwards, until they have proved themselves worthy of the trust placed in their hands by the Company.

 

 

The most conspicuous examples of devotion to duty and strict attention to the Company's interest are rewarded by a well-regulated system of promotion, thus ensuring for those who distinguish themselves in the qualities most desirable in a seaman, the sure prospect of advancement.

The Crew of a Steamship

Each steamer is manned by about 200 men, distributed as follows: 36 deckhands under 4 officers and 10 petty officers, 60 firemen, coal-heavers and machinists under 15 engineers, and 75 stewards.

FOREIGN AGENCIES.

• KELLER, WALLIS & Co., 32 Cockspur St., Charing Cross, London.
• KELLER, WALLIS & CO., Southampton.
• LHERBETTE, KANE & Co., . . 19 Rue Scribe, Paris.
• LHERBETTE, KANE & CO., . . . . . Havre

Company's Offices: BREMEN, Germany.

• OELRICHS & CO., General Agents, No. 2 BOWLING- GREEN, W YORK.
• H. CLAUSSENIUS & CO., General Western Agents, 2 SOUTH CLARK ST., CHICAGO.

List of Foreign Gold, Silver and Bank Notes

Their equivalent in American money, intrinsic value, without regard to the rate of exchange.

Great Britain

GOLD.

• One Sovereign, $4 86
• One-half Sovereign, $2.43

SILVER.

• Crown, $1 20
• One-half Crown, $0.60
• One Florin, $0.48
• One Shilling, $0.24
• Six Pence, $0.12
• Four Pence, $0.08
• Three Pence,$0.06

BANK NOTES.

• £ 5 Bank of England, $24.25
• £ 1 Irish and Scotch, $4.84

Germany

GOLD.

• Twenty Marks, $4.74
• Ten Marks, $2.37
• Five Marks, $1.18

SILVER.

• One Thaler, $0.69
• One Mark, $0.23

BANK NOTES.

• One Hundred Marks, $23 62
• Fifty Marks, $11.81
• Twenty Marks, $4.72
• Five Marks $1.18

Mexico

• Silver Dollar, $0 73
• Gold Doubloon, $15.55
• Gold, $19 55

France, Belgium, and Switzerland

GOLD

• Twenty Francs, $3 86
• Ten Francs, $1 93
• Five Francs $0.96

SILVER.

• Five Francs, $ 0.93
• Two Francs $0.36
• One Franc $0.18
• 1/2 Franc (50 Centimes), $0.09

BANK NOTES.

• Fifty Francs, $9 62
• One Hundred Francs, $19.12
• Five Hundred, $95.60
• One Thousand, $191.20

Spain

GOLD.

• Four Piasters, $3.88
• Pistole, $3.87
• One half Pistole, $1.93
• One quarter Pistole, $0.95

SILVER.

• Spanish Dollar, $0.75
• Five Pesetas, $0.80
• Twenty Reals, $0.75
• Ten Reals, $0.37
• Pistareen, $0.16
• Half Pistareen, $0.08

 

 

Brochure Information

• Title: The Short Route To London via Southampton And The Continent
• Published by: Oelrichs & Co. General Agents, Norddeutscher Lloyd
• Date Published: Undated (1889 - due to reference to the Paris Exhibition)
• Number of Pages: 32
• Dimensions: 9.2 x 15.1 cm