Direct Services - Scandinavian American Line - 1917

Front Cover 1917 Brochure, Scandinavian-American Line Regular Direct Communication Between New York and Scandinavia. GGA Image ID # 12100a0b6a

 

The 1917 Brochure covers History, Fleet, Accommodations (First, Second, and Third Class), Connections at Ports, Information on Scandinavia, and Offices and Agencies. It was translated from Swedish. Numerous interior photographs make this brochure exceptional.

United Steamship Company of Copenhagen, Scandinavian-American Line, Royal Scandinavian and United States Mail Service. Regular Direct Communication between New York and Norway, Sweden, and Denmark.

History of the Scandinavian American Line

SERVICE has been the constant keynote of the United Steamship Company of Copenhagen ever since its inception. And the growth and steadily perfected development of this ideal of Service is strikingly shown in its present prominent position.

Favored today, alike by those who cross the Atlantic for pleasure and for business, the Scandinavian-American Line—the descriptive name under which the company operates its passenger service between the United States and the Scandinavian countries—typifies everything that makes ocean travel a delight.

For those whose destination lies in the Scandinavian countries—Denmark, Sweden and Norway—or Germany, Finland, Russia and the other adjacent European countries, and for those who seek to travel by a route that has everything to commend it from the standpoint of convenience, scenic attraction, historical association and new sensations, this company offers an exceptional service and equipment.

Any sketch of the Scandinavian-American Line and its fleet of spacious, comfortable ships would be incomplete without a brief mention of the various stages of the company's history. We believe you will find this condensed history of interest.

The United Steamship Company of Copenhagen was formed in 1866 through Amalgamating several smaller shipping firms and began transacting business the following year.

With a fleet of 22 steamships, having a total register tonnage of 4919 tons net, regular routes were maintained between the various ports in Denmark, and also, to Kiel, Stettin, Koenigsberg, Antwerp, London, Hull, several Norwegian ports, the Faroe Islands and Iceland.

The expansion was rapid, and the Company steadily enlarged its fleet and business area, increasing its own facilities by fusing with other companies. As a natural result of this aggressive, definite, foresighted policy, by 1872, this company was the principal factor in the water shipping traffic between Copenhagen and other Danish Ports.

Noting the dates that follow, marking the most decisive advances in very rapid growth, enables you to get a clear idea of the ever-increasing importance of this company.

1875 saw the completion of the harbor of Esbjerg, on the west coast of Jutland, and with it the regular operation of a line of steamships between that port and England.

1880 was the date of still further expansion, when the vital export routes for agricultural products, between Copenhagen and Newcastle, England, were taken over. This was followed closely by the acquisition of still other routes between Danish provincial ports and Newcastle.

And it is noteworthy, that since 1884 the handling of Danish agricultural exports to England (except for the route between Copenhagen and Leith) has been taken care of solely by this company.

1882 Shortly after the opening of the St. Petersburg Ship Canal, the company again broadened its activities, and a line of steamships was put in operation between Antwerp and St. Petersburg.

1883 was, likewise, a vital development year. It saw the extension of the company's service to Havre as a port of regular call; and a still further expansion of its service to Mediterranean ports.

1886 was another progressive year, when a route to Hamburg was established; and one between Antwerp and Riga.

1887 opened up still other new routes—one to Hangö (Finland) and one to Oporto-Lisbon, with the extension of this route to Madeira in 1893.

1895 marked an epoch in the company's history. Busy as they had been up to this time, in developing their many European routes, attention was now turned to the development of the company's first route between Copenhagen and United States ports. Six big steamships were built and named Kentucky, Arkansas, Louisiana, Florida, Alabama, and Texas.

These steamships plied between Copenhagen and New Orleans, and in addition to exceptional cargo capacities, provided accommodations for a limited number of cabin passengers.

1898 witnessed still more important developments, for in this year the company took over the "Thingvalla Line," a long-established passenger service line between Copenhagen and New York. With the accession of this line, immediate steps were taken to put its trans-oceanic service on the highest plane of efficiency. New twin-screw steamers of the most modern type were built expressly for this service between Scandinavian ports and New York. This service is known as THE SCANDINAVIAN-AMERICAN LINE.

1899 the company established a regular service between Boston and Copenhagen.

1903-1904 initiated the opening of regular sailings between Scandinavian ports and Philadelphia, Newport News and Baltimore.

1907 saw still another addition to the company's service, with the establishment of the line to Buenos Aires, South America.

And as a result of this steady progress, of this intelligent expansion of its service, by the end of 1913, the company's fleet included 130 steamships and 14 seagoing lighters, with a total gross tonnage of 177,290 tons.

1914 the service of the Company's Lines was still further augmented with the commissioning of several new ships. The most notable of these was the "California," the largest vessel afloat driven by Diesel motor engines; and the magnificent passenger steamer Frederik VIII, which is described elsewhere in this book.

Passenger Fleet

Direct regular service between New York and the Scandinavian countries, Denmark, Sweden, and Norway, is maintained by the splendid modern twin-screw passenger steamers Oscar II, Hellig Olav, United States -- each of 10,000 tons (16,000 tons displacement) -- and Frederik VIII of 12,000 tons (18,000 tons displacement).

SS FREDERIK VIII

Frederik VIII of the Scandinavian-American Line. GGA Image ID # 12101b2195

 

This newest addition to the Scandinavian-American fleet which entered the service in 1914, is the largest vessel registered in the Scandinavian countries. Built by the famous Vulcan Ship Building Company at Stettin, the Frederik VIII is an all-steel ship, 541 1/2 feet long, 62 feet wide, and 411/2 feet deep from the upper deck to the bottom. Her gross tonnage is 12,000 tons and displacement tonnage 18,000 tons.

Her twin propellers measure 17 feet 9 inches each in diameter and are driven by two four-cylinder engines of 10,000 horsepower. Fitted with bilge keels and with double bottoms throughout her entire length, and divided into watertight compartments by transverse bulkheads from keel to the upper deck and with longitudinal bulkheads through the engine room and boiler spaces on both sides.

Steamships Oscar II, Hellig Olav, and United States

 

The SS Oscar II, SS Hellig Olav, and the SS United States. GGA Image ID # 12102957cb

 

These three steamers were built at the famous shipyards of Alexander Stephen and Sons, on the Clyde, Scotland. They are of steel construction throughout, each measuring 515 feet long, 58 feet wide and 42 feet from keel to the upper deck.

All of them have double cellular bottoms divided into 10 watertight compartments, and are again divided from bottom to the deck into 10 other watertight compartments; with the added feature of bilge keels to insure maximum steadiness at sea.

General Features of the Scandinavian-American Line Fleet

All the steamers of this line are equipped with every safety appliance and are furnished with life preservers, and lifeboats far over the most significant number of passengers and crew carried at any time.

And they are kept at the highest state of efficiency by regular, thorough inspections. The SS Frederik VIII is also equipped with a motor lifeboat.

All the steamers of the Scandinavian-American Line are lighted throughout by electricity, and in the season the staterooms and saloons are heated by steam.

Every steamer is equipped with wireless telegraphy, with double sets of operators, one of whom is always on duty. A newspaper containing the latest world news, received by Marconi wireless, is regularly published on board ship.

Well equipped libraries of books in several languages -- with a separate library for each class -- are available.

A physician and trained nurse, and a dispensary and hospital are a part of each steamer's equipment.

The Personnel of the Ships of the Scandinavian Line

The navigating officers of the steamers of this line are selected men of extensive experience in ocean passenger service. They combine in a high degree the prime requisites of being gentlemen and skilled navigators.

And through their extended service under the standards of this company, they have done much in winning praise and confidence of the thousands who have crossed the Atlantic under their charge.

The chief stewards and their forces in every class, are Scandinavians, but all of them speak English fluently. And in addition to having been selected concerning their personal fitness for their work, they have been thoroughly schooled in the idea of service that distinguishes this line.

When you cross on a Scandinavian-American Line Steamer for the first time, we are confident you will have a new conception of what real service means -- in the willingness to do, in the skill to do, and in the actual doing. Courtesy, politeness, and cleanliness are predominant features of the stewards of this line.

First Cabin Accommodations

First cabin accommodations on these steamers are located amidships on the promenade and saloon decks. The staterooms are of generous size, and well ventilated.

They contain washstands, wardrobes, and sofas, and are furnished in good taste, and always with the intent of real comfort for the passengers uppermost.

Hotchkiss Patent berths are installed throughout, permitting the upper berths to be closed out of sight when out of use.

First Cabin Deluxe Suite on the SS Oscar II. GGA Image ID # 121175e618

 

The S. S. Oscar II has two deluxe suites, located on the promenade deck. These are luxuriously furnished, with silk hangings and draperies, and equipped with brass beds.

First Cabin Dining Room

 

First Cabin Dining Room on the SS Oscar II, SS Hellig Olav, and the SS United States. GGA Image ID # 1210ff7b9e

 

A magnificent dining room, extending the full width of the ship. The walls are polished oak and mahogany and the furnishings strikingly artistic and in good taste. And in keeping with the general character of elegance the small group tables and elegant table furnishings and porcelain combine to produce a dining room of unusual attractiveness and beauty.

First Cabin Music Saloon

First Cabin Music Room on the SS Oscar II, SS Hellig Olav, and the SS United States. GGA Image ID # 121058706c

 

Located well forward on the promenade deck is the Music Saloon, a cheerful, inviting room well adapted to social gatherings and concert hours.

First Cabin Ladies' Saloon, Library, and Writing Room

First Class Ladies' Room on the SS Oscar II, SS Hellig Olav, and the SS United States. GGA Image ID # 1210f7d390

 

On one side of the Music Saloon is located the charming Ladies' Saloon and on the other side, the comfortable Library and Writing Room with its atmosphere of quiet relaxation and reliable comfort.

First Cabin Writing Room on the SS Oscar II, SS Hellig Olav, and the SS United States. GGA Image ID # 1211020994

 

First Cabin Smoking Room

First Cabin Smoking Room on the SS Oscar II, SS Hellig Olav, and the SS United States. GGA Image ID # 12113f556d

 

Further aft on the same deck is the Smoking Room, well calculated to attract those who like to enjoy the after dinner or 'tween times pipe, cigar, or cigarette in friendly surroundings.

First Cabin Two-Berth Stateroom on the SS Oscar II, SS Hellig Olav, and the SS United States. GGA Image ID # 1212c32119

 

Numerous baths, showers, and lavatories are conveniently located on the promenade and saloon decks. The cabin barber and hairdressing shop are on the saloon deck.

 

First Class Passengers Play Shuffleboard on the Upper Promenade Deck, SS United States. GGA Image ID # 12102b02dd

 

The entire upper promenade and the forward part of the saloon promenade deck is reserved for the use and convenience of First Cabin passengers. Steamer chairs and rugs may be obtained from the deck steward.

Accommodations for First Class Passengers of the SS Frederik VIII

It would be difficult to conceive of a more perfect arrangement of passenger accommodations than those incorporated in the Frederik VIII.

The first cabin staterooms are located on the upper promenade, promenade, saloon, and upper decks. They are grouped in one, two, three, and four-passenger staterooms, and two suites, each consisting of a sitting room, bedroom, bath, and toilet.

The exceptionally spacious staterooms are finished in white enamel and are furnished with wardrobes, washstands, telephones, berth reading lamps, and many other accessories of comfort and convenience.

Light and ventilation were prime considerations in designing the cabin plan, and they are heated and cooled, according to season and climate, by the Thermo-Tank system, controllable by passengers themselves, the most satisfactory yet devised.

White and Gold Dining Room

First Cabin Dining Room on the SS Frederik VIII. GGA Image ID # 1212318fea

 

A beautifully proportioned white and gold dining room surmounted by a great dome, with sliding windows, occupying the full width of the ship, distinctive in design and decorations. Furnished in warm golden birch in the modern baroque style, with small tables, arranged for dining groups of from six to eight persons each.

The Music Hall

 

First Cabin Music Room on the SS Frederik VIII. GGA Image ID # 1211af9d98

 

The general design of the Music Hall is that of the Louis XVI period. Finished in American Cherry, with the grand concert piano and furniture of the same wood. The walls are paneled with charming scenes of Danish life, done in oil by famous artists.

Ladies' Saloon, Library, and Writing Room

 

First Cabin Ladies' Room on the SS Frederik VIII. GGA Image ID # 121175e74c

 

This same Louis XVI treatment is carried out in the Ladies Saloon, finished in Jamaica rosewood, and in the Library and Writing Room, which is in polished mahogany.

 

First Cabin Writing Room on the SS Frederik VIII. GGA Image ID # 12118e2dc6

 

Grand Staircase and Entrance Hall

The prevailing note in the decoration is polished elm in combination with white and gold. A large painting of King Frederik VIII bangs at the head of the staircase, and from the cozily furnished vestibule access is had to the Music Hall, the Ladies' Saloon and Library.

The Smoking Room

 

First Cabin Smoking Room on the SS Frederik VIII. GGA Image ID # 1211fd53c7

 

Located conveniently on the Upper Promenade Deck, this room is a favored rendezvous throughout the voyage. Finished artistically in mahogany with panellings of root veneer and containing an inviting fireplace. The decorative scheme reflects the period of King Frederik the Sixth. Many fine oil paintings lend additional distinction to the general atmosphere of comfort and ease.

The Verandah Café

 

First Cabin Verandah Café on the SS Frederik VIII. GGA Image ID # 1211e26633

 

The Verandah Café is a favored spot indeed. A semi-open cafe, delightful for that ten-minute lounge and chit-chat over a refreshing glass.

Children's Dining Room and Playroom

 

First Cabin Children's Dining Room and Playroom on the SS Frederik VIII. GGA Image ID # 121273202c

 

A lovely room intended for the children's playtime and equipped as a dining room for the juveniles. Miniature furniture and fittings, with charming pictures in keeping with the rest of the room, from designs by leading Scandinavian artists. A competent nurse is always in charge.

Some Other Features of the SS Frederik VIII

 

Enclosed Promenade Deck for First Cabin Passengers on the SS Frederik VIII. GGA Image ID # 12124b0b37

 

Big, roomy decks that afford plenty of space for the casual stroll and the daily constitutional; and open space and sheltered nooks aplenty for deck chairs.

A first-class barber shop with experienced barbers in charge; numerous baths and lavatories on every deck.

A unique and always appreciated feature is the darkroom for amateur photographers.

 

First Cabin Private Suite Sitting Room on the SS Frederik VIII. GGA Image ID # 121236b720

 

First Cabin Two-Berth Stateroom on the SS Frederik VIII. GGA Image ID # 1212c1d19e

 

Second Cabin Accommodations - Oscar II, Hellig Olav, United States

The Dining Room

 

Second Cabin Dining Room on the SS Oscar II, SS Hellig Olav, and the SS United States. GGA Image ID # 1213370fea

 

The Dining Room, located on the saloon deck, is finished in polished oak. And its furnishings and attractiveness are comparable with the First Cabin Dining Room.

The Smoking Room

 

Second Cabin Smoking Room on the SS Oscar II, SS Hellig Olav, and the SS United States. GGA Image ID # 1dd86e2762

 

The Smoking Room and Ladies Room are likewise furnished and decorated with the idea of providing passengers with every comfort and most of the luxuries of the first cabin.

Second Cabin Staterooms

 

Second Cabin Two-Berth Stateroom on the SS Oscar II, SS Hellig Olav, and the SS United States. GGA Image ID # 1212c87f49

 

The Second Cabin Staterooms for two, three, and four passengers are located on the saloon, and upper decks; and are furnished in the same style as those in the First Cabin.

 

Second Cabin Ladies' Room on the SS Hellig Olav and the SS United States. GGA Image ID # 1213191716

 

Accommodations for Second Cabin Passengers on the SS Frederik VIII

Staterooms

 

Second Cabin Four-Berth Stateroom on the SS Frederik VIII. GGA Image ID # 1212d6acf8

 

Staterooms are arranged to accommodate two, three, or four persons. They are well located on the upper and saloon decks and furnished much as are those in the first cabin.

The Dining Room

 

Second Cabin Dining Room on the SS Frederik VIII. GGA Image ID # 1213b83f8b

 

The Dining Room seats 218 persons and is well located amidship on the saloon deck, running the full width of the ship.

Every convenience and comfort provided for first cabin passengers is duplicated in the second cabin. These include the Ladies' Saloon, Writing Room and Gentlemen's Smoking Room.

They are furnished in good taste and are inviting retreats for an hour's relaxation or pastime. Large promenade decks for the exclusive use of Second Cabin passengers, numerous baths, etc., etc.

 

Second Cabin Ladies' Room on the SS Frederik VIII. GGA Image ID # 121359ceb9

 

Second Cabin Smoking Room on the SS Frederik VIII. GGA Image ID # 1213613228

 

Second Cabin Lounge on the SS Frederik VIII. GGA Image ID # 1213be6e05

 

Second Cabin Barber Shop on the SS Frederik VIII. GGA Image ID # 1213c93edc

 

Band Playing on the Second Cabin Promenade Deck - SS Hellig Olav. GGA Image ID # 1213ce5250

 

Third Class Accommodations

We believe the third-class accommodations of the Scandinavian-American Line are unsurpassed. There is a capacity for 310 steerage. Passengers in this class are assured of exceptional facilities.

The third class staterooms—all of which are spacious, and well ventilated—are comfortably furnished with iron beds, springs, mattresses, sheets, pillows and woolen blankets, wash-stands, mirrors, towels, soap, and water.

Supplied with fresh drinking water. Kept in order by stewards and stewardesses. They accommodate two, four, and six passengers, this arrangement enabling whole families to stay together.

Meals are served by uniformed waiters in clean dining rooms at tables set with fresh linen and porcelain tableware; the food is of good quality cooked in the palatable Scandinavian style and served plentifully and with a wide variety in the menus.

Ample deck space for open-air promenading and exercise is reserved for the third class passengers.

 

Third Class Ladies' Room on the SS Frederik VIII. GGA Image ID # 121416183a

 

Ladies' saloon, well furnished; comfortable smoking rooms; barber shops and many baths are a few of the conveniences provided to those traveling in this class. The services of physician and nurse and the facilities of a well-equipped hospital and dispensary are at the service of passengers.

The same standards of courtesy and cleanliness that make traveling in the first and second cabins of this line such a delight will be found in this class, too. Women and children traveling alone are in the care of a special matron and stewardesses.

 

Third Class Four-Berth Stateroom on the SS Frederik VIII. GGA Image ID # 121421ae44

 

Third Class Two-Berth Stateroom on the SS Oscar II. GGA Image ID # 1dd86f9dc9

 

Third Class Smoking Room on the SS Frederik VIII. GGA Image ID # 12142d5579

 

Third Class Pantry on the SS Frederik VIII. GGA Image ID # 121431296a

 

Third Class Dining Room on the SS Frederik VIII. GGA Image ID # 1214555b39

 

Third Class Promenade Deck on the SS Oscar II. GGA Image ID # 121471fc9b

 

Connections at Various Ports to Cities in Europe

Table of Sailing Time for all of Scandinavian American Line's Connections From Christiansand, Christiania, Stockholm, Copenhagen, Petrograd, Havre, Cherbourg, Paris, Rotterdam to Other points in Europe.

Connections From Christiansand To:

City	Hours
Stavanger	17
Frederikshavn	10

 

Connections From Christiania To:

City	Hours
Skien	6 1/2
Bergen	13
Trondjhem	15
Stockholm	14
Gothenburg	9
Copenhagen	15 1/2

 

Frequent steamers to England

 

Connections From Stockholm To:

City	Hours
Abo	14
Hanko	14
Helsingfors	20
Petrograd	27

 

Connections From Copenhagen To:

City	Hours
Aarhus	8 1/4
Elsinore	1
Esbjerg	8
Frederikshavn	14
Malmö	1 1/2
Helsingborg	1 3/4
Gothenburg	7 1/4
Stockholm	14
Kalmar	13 1/4
Amsterdam	19
Antwerp	20
Baden-Baden	25
Berlin	10
Berne	29
Bremen	11 1/2
Brussels	21 1/2
Carlsbad	25
Dresden	16 1/2
Genoa	37
Frankfurt	20
Hamburg	10
Heidelberg	21 1/2
Interlaken	31 1/2
Leipzig	13
Lucerne	34
Marienbad	24
Munich	25
Nauheim	20
Naples	57
Nuremberg	23
Paris	27
Prague	20
Rome	52
Rotterdam	22
Trieste	39
Venice	39
Vienna	24
Wiesbaden	20
Zurich	31
Petrograd	41

 

Many steamers from Copenhagen to Faroe Islands, Iceland and to Finland.

 

Connections From Petrograd To:

City	Hours
Moscow	11
Kieff	48
Libau	17
Nijni Novgorod	24
Warsaw	36

 

Connections From Havre To:

City	Hours
Paris	4

 

Connections From Cherbourg To:

City	Hours
Paris	7

 

Connections From Paris To:

City	Hours
Berlin	22
Hamburg	19
Vienna	28
Genoa	19
London	8
Petrograd	55

 

Connections From Rotterdam To:

City	Hours
Berlin	12
Hamburg	10
Vienna	24
Petrograd	45

View of the Harbor at Stockholm Sweden. GGA Image ID # 1214830081

 

The Transatlantic Route

Scandinavian-American Line steamers sail from the company's dock, foot of 17th Street, Hoboken, N. J. (New York.) The route from New York is north of Scotland, and the first port of call is Christiansand, Norway, where passengers, baggage, and mail are landed.

Then up the beautiful Christiania Fjord to Oslo, the capital of Norway, where sufficient time is spent on permitting short visits to see the beautiful city and its environs; and where tourists going to the North Cape to see the Midnight Sun (visible from the middle of May to the end of July) or to make the Fjord cruises, may stop over to see southern Norway before proceeding.

Steamers for North Cape sail from Bergen and Trondhjem and passengers booked to Bergen can leave the Scandinavian Line Steamer at Oslo (stopover allowed) and receive free transportation to Bergen, via the famous scenic Oslo-Bergen Highland Railway.

A fast and comfortable trip to the North Cape can also be made from Stockholm via the Lapland Express (the most northern railway in the world) to Narvik, and from there by steamer. From Oslo, the ships make an overnight run to Copenhagen, Denmark, the home port.

Time of Voyage

The voyage occupies about 9 1/2 days, except on the steamer Frederik VIII, which takes 8 1/2 days and offers an attractive, quick and comfortable way to travel not only to the Scandinavian countries but to all parts of Central and Eastern Europe, as well.

The New York Pier

The Steamers sail sharp on time advertised from Scandinavian-American Line dock, foot of 17th Street, Hoboken, N. J. To reach the dock from New York, take W. 23rd Street Ferry to 14th Street in Hoboken.

Entrance to dock is at 14th Street. The pier can also be reached via Barclay Street or Christopher Street Ferries, or the Hudson Tunnel from the Terminal Building, corner Fulton Street and Church Street, in New York to the Lackawanna Railroad Depot in Hoboken and front there by Washington Streetcar to the dock entrance.

Back Cover 1917 Brochure, Scandinavian-American Line Regular Direct Communication Between New York and Scandinavia. GGA Image ID # 12158f7a69

 

Brochure Information:

• Title: Scandinavian-American Line: Regular Direct Communication Between New York and Norway, Sweden and Denmark
• Printed By: Hanff-Metzger, Inc., New York City
• Date of Publication: Undated circa 1917
• Number of Pages: 47
• Number of Photographs: 58 Photos are of ships, on-board activities, interiors, passengers, Norway, Sweden, and Denmark. Vignette map of Northern Europe on the title page and top of pages illustrated with steamships.
• Number of Illustrations 2+ Top Border on Each Page
• Dimensions: 12.9 x 19 cm