Spring & Summer Transatlantic Travel 1938: A Snapshot of Luxury, Leisure, and Exploration on United States Lines

Front Cover, United States Lines Brochure, Spring and Summer Travel Log Number, 1938. GGA Image ID # 1bdeaee7a4

Every year, especially at the peak season during the summer months, we he had to disappoint many of our former passengers simply because there were no accommodations left.

So if you are planning a trip to Europe. this year, we are taking this opportunity to urge you to make your reservations at the earliest possible moment.

Even though passenger lists for summer sailings are rapidly reaching capacity, there are a number of good accommodations still available. But once again—see your Travel Agent now so that you can get just the type of stateroom you want.

Life on board an Ocean Liner of the United States Lines shown in these photographs taken on the SS Washington and SS Manhattan including a photo of Commodore Albert J. Randall of the Manhattan.

"Yo-Heave-Ho" Is Not an Outmoded Expression, Even on Modern Ships, When Awnings Are Spread. Sailors on the SS Washington Spread Awnings on the Deck. USL Spring & Summer Travel Number, 1938. GGA Image ID # 1bdf4b19e7

The Engine Room of the Manhattan — Shining and Spotless. USL Spring & Summer Travel Number, 1938. GGA Image ID # 1bdf5e0b99

"All Hands on Deck." The Thousand and One Details of "Warping" a Ship into Dock Requires Speed, Skill and Teamwork. USL Spring & Summer Travel Number, 1938. GGA Image ID # 1bdf8f0173

"Boots" Works While You Sleep. That's Why Shoes Left outside Your Cabin Door Turn Spic and Span by Morning. USL Spring & Summer Travel Number, 1938. GGA Image ID # 1bdfbaf605

Commodore Albert J. Randall of the Manhattan Needs No Introduction to the Thousands Who Have Sailed with Him throughout His Long and Brilliant Career as Commander of America's Finest Vessels. USL Spring & Summer Travel Number, 1938. GGA Image ID # 1be0083caa

The Tea Wagon's All Set to Bring Afternoon Refreshments Right to Your Deck Chair. USL Spring & Summer Travel Number, 1938. GGA Image ID # 1be0249cba

Captain Giles Stedman of the Washington Is Known Not Only as an Unusually Capable "Skipper"—but as a Gracious and Thoughtful "Host" to His Passengers. USL Spring & Summer Travel Number, 1938. GGA Image ID # 1be04533a8

On the Bridge. Although a Quartermaster Stands Constant "Watch," There's a Mechanism That Automatically Keeps the Ship to Its Course. USL Spring & Summer Travel Number, 1938. GGA Image ID # 1be049b69c

Bell Boys Operate the Elevators. Others Are on Watch, in the Public Rooms, Companionways, and Even on Deck, Ready to Serve You. USL Spring & Summer Travel Number, 1938. GGA Image ID # 1be04b3704

The USL Pier at Southampton. The Small Army of White-Coated Men Are the Ship's Stewards Putting Luggage on Board to Be Delivered Directly to Your Stateroom. USL Spring & Summer Travel Number, 1938. GGA Image ID # 1be04e9655

Relieving the Lookout in the Lofty "Crow's Nest." Every Two Hours -- Both Day and Night. USL Spring & Summer Travel Number, 1938. GGA Image ID # 1be17aef99

Scenes from the Voyages

Below are photographs taken from the ocean liners of the United States Lines showing views of the harbors, sea, and activities nearing the ports of call.

Here's an Enjoyable "Shot" of the SS Washington Taken on Sailing Day. Those Puffs of White by the Forward Funnel Are the Blasts of the Whistle as the Colossal Ship Backs from Her Pier, Her Band Playing Gaily, and Her Rails Lined with Voyagers Waving Last "Au Revoirs" to Their Friends on Shore. USL Spring & Summer Travel Number, 1938. GGA Image ID # 1be05b3119

The SS Washington and her sister ship, the Manhattan, are the largest and fastest vessels flying the American flag. Their graceful lines and trim proportions have earned them recognition as two of the most beautiful ships.

So Long, "New York." Out on Deck to See the Towering Skyscrapers of Manhattan's Skyline Rapidly Disappearing in the Distance as the Ship Steams Down the Bay. USL Spring & Summer Travel Number, 1938. GGA Image ID # 1be064413d

The First View of the Old World, Roches Point Light, and the Green Rolling Hills Are Surrounding Cobh's Beautiful and Spacious Harbor. USL Spring & Summer Travel Number, 1938. GGA Image ID # 1be099542e

At Sandy Hook, the Pilot Is Dropped and Rowed Back to His Station Ship on This Tiny Boat. He Takes a Bag of Last-Minute Letters. Next Stop, Ireland. USL Spring & Summer Travel Number, 1938. GGA Image ID # 1be09c20e5

"Beyond the Blue Horizon" Lies Europe. Here Is a View from the Sunny Upper Deck, 72 Feet above the Waterline. USL Spring & Summer Travel Number, 1938. GGA Image ID # 1be0d7c261

Passenger Activities On Board USL Ocean Liners

See passengers engage in several activities and events on board the ocean liners of the United States Lines, from dancing to relaxing on the promenade in a deck chair to playing a game of deck tennis. It's all here.

Forty Winks before Dinner, and a Comfortable Deck Chair Certainly Is "Tops" for This Purpose. GGA Image ID # 1eac89e769

A Porthole Portrait to Send Back to the Crowd at Home. (And It Allows Us to Point Out the Size of the Huge Portholes.) USL Spring & Summer Travel Number, 1938. GGA Image ID # 1be0dd03d5

The Sun Deck Is a Fantastic Setting for a Game of Deck Tennis. Two Full-Sized Courts Provide Ample Room. And There Are Plenty of Seats for Those Who Just like to Be in the Sun. USL Spring & Summer Travel Number, 1938. GGA Image ID # 1be0ead359

Deck golf is becoming increasingly popular—especially with real followers of the game who don't want to lose their touch. GGA Image ID # 1eac8a44b8

There's a Good Dance Floor in the Verandah Café — And a Top-Notch American Orchestra That Will Gladly Play Any Tune You Request. That's a Combination That Just Makes You Want to Dance. USL Spring & Summer Travel Number, 1938. GGA Image ID # 1be132f1c3

Substituting a medicine ball in place of the light deck tennis quoit is great sport if you survive. It looks like a game for he-men only. GGA Image ID # 1eacb05d0f

Morning Bouillon on Deck Tides over Sea-Going Appetites until Lunch. GGA Image ID # 1eacc7d187

On Each Voyage the Life Preservers Work Overtime as Picture Frames. Passengers Have Their Photo Taken on the Manhattan. GGA Image ID # 1eace6ffda

Mr. And Mrs. Curtis and Rebecca Rea Enjoy an Afternoon Stroll on One of the Broad and Airy Promenade Decks of the SS Washington. GGA Image ID # 1eacee4b13

Looking "Aft" from the Boat Deck onto the Broad and Sunny Game and Recreation Deck for Which the Manhattan and Washington Are Especially Noted. GGA Image ID # 1ead8c86ac

The Bellboy Has Just Delivered a Bon Voyage Gift. And if the Person Who Sent the Flowers Could See This Picture, He'd Certainly Feel Amply Repaid. GGA Image ID # 1eade42e2f

Children Aren't Overlooked When Gala Parties Are Planned. Decoration, Favors, as Much Ice Cream and Cake as Parents Will Allow, and a Table All to Themselves. GGA Image ID # 1eae6dd021

Morning Swim On The Manhattan And Washington. The Pools Are Not Only Huge and Handsomely Tiled Throughout, but Conveniently Located Right Next to the Gymnasiums. GGA Image ID # 1eae969751

A Corner of the Beautiful, Air-Conditioned Dining Room on the Manhattan. We Should Talk Here About the Grand Food on These Ships, but Once Having Tasted It We Don't Think You Have to Be Told. GGA Image ID # 1eaebcccce

"This Is the Life," Anyone Will Agree. Mr. And Mrs. William Duncan Bask in the Sunshine on One of the Open Decks. GGA Image ID # 1eaee53212

Shuffleboard on the SS Washington's Sunny Sports Deck. For People Who Like to Walk, It's Only Eight Laps to a Mile and This Picture Just About Proves It. GGA Image ID # 1eaf3c9d6e

Excitement of a Transatlantic Voyage

Feel the excitement of planning and embarking on a transatlantic voyage onboard one of our luxurious ocean liners or even an economy voyage in our one-class ships of the American Merchant Line. We'll Get You There In Style.

Take Your Car To Europe Via United States Lines. Through Europe in Your Car — Easily and Inexpensively. You Drive onto the Pier in New York and off the Pier in Europe. You Can Travel over Modern European Highways, See New Places and New People, and at the Same Time "Know the Car You're Driving." There's No Better Way to See the Countries You Visit. GGA Image ID # 1eaf3da961

Passengers on the Roosevet Socialize On USL Liner. Putting on the Crowning Touch for a Picture, but This Time the Roosevelt's Cameraman Was a Bit Ahead of Schedule. GGA Image ID # 1eaf70f551

American Export Line: American "One Class" Ships -- The American Banker, American Trader, American Merchant, American Farmer, American Shipper and the American Importer Are a Fleet of Smaller Ships That Have Won a Wide Following, Especially Among Two General Types of Travelers—Those Who Want a Very Inexpensive One Class Passage to Europe and Those Who like More Time at Sea Than the Larger, Express-Type of Liners Provide. GGA Image ID # 1eafc92ac7

While they can't offer the same luxury as the SS Manhattan or SS Washington, these ships have every facility for a comfortable crossing. They are noted for their completely informal atmosphere and delicious food. There's a sailing every Friday direct to London — fortnightly on Saturdays to Cobh and Liverpool — with rates as low as $105. ($110 in summer)

At Cobh, a Roomy Tender Picks up Passengers for Destination in Ireland. GGA Image ID # 1eb022d3e3

A Private Deck For Dogs. Even Dogs Have a Private Deck for Strolls with Their Owners. Kennels Are Large a Steward Is in Constant Attendance. GGA Image ID # 1eb03ffc22

Ships That Pass in the Sunshine Are a Lot More Interesting — At Least from the Cameraman's Point of View. GGA Image ID # 1eb04de64d

Charting The Daily Position of the Ship. There's a Big Chart in One of the Lounges of Each Liner Where the Daily Position of He Ship Is Posted Each Noon. If This Fellow's Reading Can Be Trusted, It's Only the Second Day Out. GGA Image ID # 1eb0bfae0a

Visitors Depart Just Before Sailing. "All Visitors Ashore" Comes the Inevitable Announcement. Just Time Enough to Tell Those Sailing Not to Forget to Write. GGA Image ID # 1eb0fc59e4

Map of European Services of the United States Lines, 1938. GGA Image ID # 1eb108bd18. Click to View a Larger Image.

Typical Staterooms And What They Cost - 1938

Here are some typical staterooms and their costs for transatlantic voyages onboard the Ocean Liners of the United States Lines or the American Merchant Line one-class ships.

(All rates quoted are for one-way "off-season" passage to British ports. Staterooms are on the Manhattan and Washington unless otherwise stated.)

Luxurious Outside Room On A Deck $227. This Luxurious Outside Room on "A" Deck Measures 16' 7" X 11' 8". With It, a Sizeable Foyer Where Your Trunks Can Be Kept Out of the Way—a Tiled Bath with a Built-in Tub. Similar Rooms with Shower for $214. GGA Image ID # 1eb10b4334

Comfortable Cabin On American Export Line $105. Here's One of the Comon the "American One Class" Ships. Every Room Is on the Promenade Deck. And for Only Five or Ten Dollars More, You Get a Private Shower or Bath. GGA Image ID # 1eb16d4c1d

Handsome Room On B Deck $196. Just Ten Dollars Above Minimum for This Handsome "B" Deck Room with Private Shower and Toilet. Twin Beds, Three Easy Chairs, Large Wardrobes — And Still Plenty of "Elbow Room." GGA Image ID # 1eb185862b

Large Tourist Outside Room For Three $127. Three People Live Comfortably in This Large Tourist Outside Room Its Spaciousness Avoids "Crowding." Bed Lamps, Thick Carpets, Triple-View Mirrors — Every Detail Shows the Thoughtful Planning That Adds So Much to Your Comfort. GGA Image ID # 1eb186f885

Outside Cabin Class Room President Harding And Rosevelt $147. Here's a Large, Airy Outside Cabin Class Room on the SS President Harding and President Roosevelt—a Real "Buy" for the Money. Twin Beds, Night Table, Full-Length Ward-Robes and Look at the Size of the Dresser. GGA Image ID # 1eb1994fee

Typical Third Class Cabin $95. This Cabin Offers Every Comfort You Could Wish For. Hot and Cold Running Water, Real Simmons Beds with Beautyrest Mattresses, Wardrobes, and an Up-To-The-Minute Ventilation System. GGA Image ID # 1eb1acabe6

United States Lines Steamship with New York Skyline in Background. GGA Image ID # 1eb1ca6c15

Every Wednesday at noon, a United States liner sails directly to Ireland, England, France, and Germany, calling at Cobb. Plymouth, Havre, and Hamburg. Here are the following sailings:

• MANHATTAN: April 20, May 18, June 15, July 13, August 10.
• WASHINGTON: May 4, June 1, June 29, July 27, August 24.
• PRESIDENT ROOSEVELT: April 27, May 25, June 22, July 20, August 17.
• PRESIDENT HARDING: April 13, May 11, June 8, July 7, August 3.

And sailing Fridays at 4 PM. direct to London:

• American Merchant, April 29, May 27, June 24;
• American Farmer, April 8, May 6, June 3;
• American Banker, April 15, May 13, June 10;
• American Trader, April 22, May 20, June 17.

Starting April 2, an "American One Class" ship will also sail every other Saturday to Cobh and Liverpool.

The rates quoted below are for a one-way passage to or from British ports during the "offseason," which includes all sailings except those between May 23 and July 25, Eastbound, and July 25 to September 25, Westbound. During these periods, the cost of your passage will increase by 5 to 10%.

Cabin Class accommodations in Manhattan and Washington begin at $186 — rooms with private showers and toilets for as little as $190 per person. Tourist Class rates are $127, and Third Class rates are $95. Cabin Class on the President Harding and President Roosevelt. From $141; Third Class from $91. "American One Class" ships feature rates as low as $105.

Your Travel Agent will give you more complete information. Ask him about the special reductions for round-trip passages.

Your local TRAVEL AGENT is a specialist in his field—yet his services are free. He will be glad not only to supply all the necessary details about rates, sailing dates, itineraries, etc., but also to help you plan your trip from beginning to end. He "knows all the ropes," in other words, and you benefit from his knowledge and experience.

USL Brochure Contributed by Pat Taffany in 2012

Recap and Summary: United States Lines Spring & Summer Travel 1938

Introduction

The United States Lines Spring & Summer Travel 1938 brochure provides an engaging look into the golden age of transatlantic travel. With vivid photography and detailed descriptions, it offers insights into the luxurious and practical aspects of life aboard the SS Manhattan and SS Washington. This piece serves as a valuable resource for teachers, students, genealogists, historians, and anyone fascinated by the evolution of ocean travel.

Voyage Highlights: A Glimpse into Transatlantic Elegance

1. Life Onboard:

The brochure paints a lively picture of the daily operations and the professionalism of the crew. From sailors spreading awnings with traditional "Yo-Heave-Ho" to the spotless engine rooms and meticulously polished shoes awaiting passengers each morning, the human side of ocean travel is brought to life.

2. Iconic Commanders:

Profiles of Commodore Albert J. Randall (SS Manhattan) and Captain Giles Stedman (SS Washington) emphasize their dual roles as competent navigators and gracious hosts. These captains were not only responsible for the safety of their passengers but also for creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

3. Scenic Journeys:

Photographs showcase picturesque moments such as New York’s skyline fading into the distance, the first glimpse of Europe at Roches Point Light, and serene shots of passengers basking in deck chairs while gazing at the horizon.

Passenger Activities: Entertainment & Leisure

The brochure underscores the entertainment opportunities on board, catering to a diverse group of travelers:

• Deck Sports: Shuffleboard, deck tennis, and golf attracted both competitive passengers and those looking for leisurely fun.
• Social Engagements: The Verandah Café became a hotspot for dancing to live orchestras.
• Family-Friendly: Children enjoyed gala parties, games, and sweet treats, ensuring a memorable journey for younger passengers.
• Relaxation & Refreshments: From morning bouillon to afternoon tea delivered directly to deck chairs, the culinary delights mirrored the luxury of top-tier hotels.
  

Practical Insights for the Traveler

Beyond the allure of leisure and luxury, the brochure provided critical information that appeals to researchers and educators alike:

• Stateroom Options: Detailed cost breakdowns for various accommodations, from luxurious outside cabins on A Deck ($227) to economical but comfortable third-class cabins ($95).
• Automobile Transport: Instructions on transporting personal vehicles for European road trips.
• Onboard Facilities: Public rooms like the library, Palm Court, and gymnasium were highlighted, giving insight into mid-20th-century passenger ship amenities.
  

Historical and Educational Value

This 1938 brochure is more than just a travel guide; it's a historical document. For genealogists, it provides context around the travel experiences of ancestors who may have crossed the Atlantic on these vessels. For educators and students, it serves as a vivid snapshot of pre-WWII maritime culture. The descriptions of staff roles, passenger activities, and travel logistics illuminate how travel transformed into a more accessible and enjoyable endeavor for everyday Americans.

Conclusion

The Spring & Summer Travel 1938 brochure from United States Lines successfully captures the magic and efficiency of transatlantic travel. Its mix of elegant descriptions, practical advice, and striking visuals makes it a compelling resource for anyone interested in maritime history. For passengers of the time, it offered a promise of adventure and comfort; for modern readers, it provides an invaluable window into the era's ocean travel experience.

Recommendation: This brochure should be preserved and studied by educators, genealogists, and maritime historians for its authentic portrayal of 1930s ocean liner travel and the cultural context of the time.