Third-Class Passage to Europe (1923) – The Evolution of Affordable Luxury Travel
Front Brochure Cover, Third Class Passage to Europe - 1923. United States Lines, Managing Operators for U . S . Shipping Board. GGA Image ID # 11cdf1b478
Ships included in this 1923 brochure from the United States Lines consists of the great Leviathan, the largest liner in the world; the renowned George Washington; America, the largest "cabin" ship in the world; the famous "President" ships.
Explore the 1923 United States Lines brochure on Third-Class Passage to Europe, highlighting the remarkable improvements in accommodations, dining, and entertainment for budget-conscious transatlantic travelers. A valuable resource for historians, genealogists, and ocean travel enthusiasts.
Painting of the Famous United States Lines Steamship Leviathan. GGA Image ID # 11ce1f281b
THIRD CLASS ACCOMMODATIONS on the ships of the United States Lines are unexcelled on any vessels that sail the seas and are actually more luxurious than the average second class of a few years ago.
A continually increasing number of people are learning that third-class passage to Europe means merely a more economical trip with the best of food and scrupulously clean staterooms.
Third Class Dining Saloon on the SS Leviathan. GGA Image ID # 11ce4c732d
From New York to Cobh (Queenstown), Plymouth, Cherbourg, Southampton and Bremen — ports which give third-class travelers direct and convenient connections to all parts of Europe—the ships of the United States Lines offer unexcelled accommodations.
The ships are the great Leviathan, the largest liner in the world; the popular George Washington; America, largest "cabin" ship in the world; the famous "President" ships, President Harding and President Roosevelt, and the newly reconditioned Republic.
A Small Family Table is Available for Third Class Passengers on the SS Leviathan. GGA Image ID # 11ce60ee15
Courteous stewards provide the most efficient service, experienced chefs prepare food which is abundant and served in great variety.
Sleeping quarters are modern, private, clean, and airy. Ample deck space is provided on all ships. In fact, third class to Europe on the United States Lines ships offers an ideal way to travel at the very lowest rates. The photographs in this booklet can give only an indication of the excellence of third class accommodations.
Third Class Dining Saloon on the SS America. GGA Image ID # 11cebbd85b
DINING ROOMS, Third Class, are large and tasteful in appointments. Several small tables are accommodating six persons for those who prefer them, and also larger tables.
The cuisine is excellent, and of a variety not to be surpassed by that of many first-class restaurants onshore. There is an abundance of sunshine and air and an atmosphere of perfect comfort, cleanliness, and service. There is no crowding, and the food is served in the same manner as in a better-class restaurant.
One of the Private Dining Tables Available for Third Class Passengers on the SS President Harding. GGA Image ID # 11cec82526
Everything is carried out in the modern American manner from the snowy table cloths and plenteous course dinners to the seating of people at tables with friends or friendly fellow travelers.
These dining rooms are examples of democratic American ideas and standards of living, as are all the rooms on these ships.
Third Class Dining Saloon on the SS George Washington. GGA Image ID # 11cecd990b
And the steward service here, perhaps as much as the food and surroundings, will impress you with the quality of all details on the U. S. Government ships of the United States Lines.
But after all, food is the crucial thing. The modern magic of refrigeration makes it possible to supply Third Class passengers with fresh butter, fresh vegetables, and eggs, fresh meat, and milk every day of the voyage.
Vast arrays of ovens of the most improved modern type prepare all food in the most sanitary manner possible.
Third Class Ladies' Lounge on the SS Leviathan. GGA Image ID # 11cef400c0
RECREATION ROOMS—The new American attitude toward Third Class .passengers is immediately recognizable in the recreation rooms on the vessels of the United States Lines.
On all of these ships, the ladies' lounge is the most delightful room. In these sunny, tasteful, spacious, comfortable rooms one may while away many pleasant hours.
Everything is planned to create an atmosphere of ease and refinement for people who are accustomed to the best of everything.
The big room on the Leviathan pictured above spreads out at the head of the companionway and looks out through broad windows upon the promenade deck and the open sea.
Up-to-date newspapers, magazines, and books may be obtained from the steward, who is in constant attendance.
Tea is served here in the afternoon and sandwiches at night, and refreshments are obtainable at any hour. Writing facilities are available. A phonograph with the latest records is provided.
The Third Cabin Lounge of the S. S. America shown below carries out the American idea in quite as luxurious a fashion as on the great Leviathan.
Passengers Relaxing in the Third Class Lounge on the SS America. GGA Image ID # 11cf167184
There is adequate floor room for dancing, and an excellent piano is provided, both for this purpose and for the amusement of the passengers.
Daily concerts are given by the ship's orchestra. The amateur theatricals and concerts, provided by talented passengers themselves, are also staged here.
During the day it is a quiet place for rest and repose, writing letters or reading your choice of books from the excellent library.
As the photograph below indicates, there are broad windows instead of portholes looking out on the main promenade deck of the great ship.
Happy, eventful days are in store for anyone who decides to take the economical way to Europe.
The third Cabin on any of the United States Lines' ships provides the maximum of comfort and service at the lowest possible cost.
Third Class Smoking Room on the SS President Harding. GGA Image ID # 11cf3d9e0e
THE SMOKING ROOMS provide an ideal place for men to get together and tell stories and play cards. It is a cheerful gathering place where friendships are made.
The soft, deep chairs Sand, the mellow haze of smoke, give it the atmosphere of a club room. The spirit of good fellowship predominates here.
Liquid refreshments and smokers' supplies may be bought at a minimum cost. A steward is in attendance.
One corner of the smoking-room on each ship is partitioned off by glass in a sound-proof manner. This offers a quiet retreat where you can write your letters without being disturbed.
No matter how accustomed to luxurious surroundings you may be, the reliable, spacious comfort of the Smoking Rooms and Social Halls will gratify your sense of fitness.
A splendid ship orchestra gives regular concerts for Third Class passengers.
Third Class Barber Shop on the SS Leviathan. GGA Image ID # 11cf76c9fb
THE BARBER SHOP—For Third Class to have a modern and complete barber shop is something unique in the annals of European travel.
It makes you realize the amazing completeness of third class accommodations on U. S. Lines ships. An expert barber is in attendance. A fascinating array of souvenirs is also obtainable here.
A Corner of the Third Class Smoking Room on the SS Leviathan. This Photograph of the Leviathan’s Smoking Room Here Shows the Extraordinary Convenience of the Glass Partitioned Writing Room. GGA Image ID # 11cf84f1c2
DECK SPACE. The vast amount of deck space for Third Class passengers was a thing unheard of a few years ago.
On good weather days, everyone lives out of doors, loafing about on deck, "hiking" on the promenade or playing games on the sunny open areas provided for deck sports.
Third Class Covered Deck on the SS Leviathan. GGA Image ID # 11d02cb79c
Passengers have the run of very spacious decks, where there is ample room for deck sports, dances and promenades.
Special "Field Days" of sports, in which everyone can join, feature every voyage, and all kinds of apparatus are provided free of charge for the enjoyment of Third Class Passengers.
Spacious Third Class Upper Deck on the SS Leviathan. GGA Image ID # 11d089b32b
The usual conception of Third Class is of cramped quarters, little light and no deck space, far down in the ship.
On United States Lines ships Third Class is situated on the upper decks of the vessels with sunny, roomy social rooms and quarters and the kind of deck space illustrated in these photographs.
View of the Third Class Deck on the SS George Washington. GGA Image ID # 11d16e781e
THE STATEROOMS.—One must immediately dispense with the idea that these are "steerage accommodations." Staterooms are private, roomy, snowy-white, spotlessly clean and comfortable, without the slightest crowding.
Third Class Two-Berth Stateroom on the SS Leviathan. GGA Image ID # 11d18024fe
There are two-berth staterooms for persons traveling alone or in couples. There are four- and six-berth staterooms for families, Everything is taken care of like a great hotel. There is an entire organization to serve you and all your needs.
Third Class Four-Berth Stateroom on the SS President Harding. GGA Image ID # 11d24a2e91
All Third Class staterooms on United States Lines vessels are exceptionally well ventilated and have plenty of light and air. Snowy sheets and pillowcases are kept constantly laundered, and plenty of downy blankets are provided.
Many staterooms are outside and equipped with large portholes well above the waterline. Everything in Third Class staterooms, as well as on the entire ship, is kept as sanitary as only American scientific methods can make them.
BATHROOMS.—Both women's and men's bathrooms are supplied with every convenience and are strictly private.
They are complete and refreshingly sanitary in every detail, with tubs and showers and, of course, there is always an abundant supply of freshly laundered towels.
There is a steward for each of the men's baths and stewardess for each of the ladies' bathrooms to attend to every need.
Fleet of the The United States Lines
The Steamship George Washington. Next to the Leviathan, the Largest Liner Under the American Flag. GGA Image ID # 11d2bf209c
The Steamship Republic. ("Cabin" Class Ship) -- Just Reconditioned and Placed in the European Service: 18,400 Tons Gross. GGA Image ID # 11d35f1320
The Steamships President Harding and President Roosevelt -- The Famous "535s" Were American Built. GGA Image ID # 11d36c0795
Steamship America -- The Largest "Cabin" Ship in the World. GGA Image ID # 11d3d29617
Brochure Information
- Publication Date: Undated but believed to have been released near the date of the SS Leviathan's Maiden Voyage in 1923.
- Publication Number: 11A-8-3
- Printed: USA
- GGA Legacy SN: 1108.9625.4534 2012-10-12
- Dimensions: 15.4 cm x 23 cm
Summary and Review: Third Class Passage to Europe - United States Lines (1923)
A Unique Perspective on Third-Class Travel: A Comfortable, Affordable Transatlantic Experience
The 1923 brochure on Third-Class Passage to Europe published by the United States Lines provides a remarkable and detailed insight into the often-overlooked third-class travel experience during the golden age of transatlantic steamship voyages. This document not only illustrates the improvements in third-class accommodations but also challenges the stereotypes of steerage travel with descriptions of clean, comfortable, and well-appointed living and recreational spaces.
For teachers, students, genealogists, and maritime historians, this brochure is a treasure trove of information about early 20th-century ocean travel, societal structures, and the experience of working- and middle-class passengers who crossed the Atlantic.
Key Highlights of the Brochure
1. Enhanced Third-Class Accommodations: A Step Above the Past
The third-class accommodations on United States Lines ships were described as more luxurious than many second-class accommodations from earlier decades.
The brochure highlights clean, spacious, and well-ventilated staterooms, offering two-, four-, and six-berth options, catering to solo travelers, couples, and families alike.
Sanitary bathrooms with tubs, showers, and freshly laundered towels were available for both men and women, attended by stewards and stewardesses to ensure passenger comfort.
2. Dining Saloon: Restaurant-Quality Meals for Third-Class Passengers
The dining experience for third-class passengers was a highlight of the brochure.
Elegant saloons with small family-style tables and larger communal seating options offered a sense of inclusivity and social interaction.
Menus featured high-quality, diverse meals, including fresh produce, meats, dairy, and baked goods, thanks to the ship's advanced refrigeration technology.
Service was delivered by courteous and professional stewards, mirroring the standards seen in first-class restaurants ashore.
Key Vessels Noted for Dining:
- SS Leviathan: World’s largest liner at the time.
- SS America: Known for its spacious and sunlit dining areas.
- SS President Harding: Recognized for private dining table options.
3. Recreational Spaces: A New Standard for Third-Class Travel
The brochure demonstrates that third-class passengers were no longer confined to dark, cramped quarters below deck.
Ladies' Lounges were sunny, comfortable rooms with large windows and sea views, designed for conversation, letter-writing, and socializing.
Gentlemen’s Smoking Rooms offered club-like atmospheres with deep chairs and writing nooks, complete with card tables and access to refreshments.
Deck Space was described as spacious and welcoming, with ample room for walking, games, dancing, and lounging in the open sea air.
Entertainment & Community Activities:
- Ship orchestras provided daily concerts.
- Amateur performances and talent shows encouraged passenger engagement.
- Sporting events and deck games offered fun and camaraderie for passengers of all ages.
4. Family-Friendly Amenities
The staterooms were designed with families in mind, with larger rooms available for parents and children.
Children’s activities and family-sized tables in the dining rooms were prominent features.
Afternoon tea and nighttime snacks provided a sense of familiarity and comfort for passengers who might otherwise have been wary of sea travel.
Vessels Featured in the Brochure
- SS Leviathan: The world's largest liner at the time, with unmatched amenities and grandeur.
- SS George Washington: Known for its spacious dining areas and comfortable lounges.
- SS America: The largest "cabin" ship of its class.
- SS President Harding and SS President Roosevelt: Part of the famous "535" series of innovative American-built ships.
- SS Republic: Newly reconditioned and reintroduced into service.
These ships represented the pinnacle of American maritime innovation, offering unprecedented levels of comfort and efficiency for third-class travelers.
Relevance for Teachers, Students, Genealogists & Historians
1. Educational Value for Students & Teachers
Provides context for immigration studies, particularly for understanding the passenger experience of working- and middle-class travelers.
Insights into technological and social advancements in ship design and maritime services.
2. Genealogical Insights
Third-class passenger lists often contain vital information about immigrants who traveled to the U.S. or returned to Europe to visit family.
Descriptions of daily life onboard offer context for family histories and ancestral stories.
3. Historical Significance
The brochure illustrates the transition from the harsh conditions of steerage in the 19th century to the more dignified third-class travel of the 1920s.
Highlights the impact of American engineering on global maritime travel.
Most Interesting Features
Photographs of the third-class dining saloons showing family-sized tables and restaurant-style service, breaking stereotypes about steerage dining.
The description of the Ladies' Lounge on the SS Leviathan, which emphasizes the importance of social spaces and activities for female passengers.
The glass-partitioned writing areas in smoking rooms, providing a quiet retreat amid lively social interactions.
Final Thoughts
The 1923 United States Lines brochure on third-class passage to Europe offers a fascinating glimpse into the democratization of ocean travel. It shows how luxury and comfort were extended to passengers of all classes, redefining third-class travel for the 20th century.
For educators, genealogists, and maritime history enthusiasts, this document serves as a vivid primary source that helps bring the stories of everyday travelers to life.
