Ocean Liner & Travel Brochures: A Century of Transatlantic Voyages (1800s-1950s)

📌 Explore a rare collection of ocean liner and travel brochures from the 1800s-1950s. These historical documents offer insight into ship accommodations, transatlantic travel, and immigrant experiences—essential for teachers, students, genealogists, and maritime historians.

The GG Archives presents a fabulous collection of Ocean Liner and Travel Brochures from the 1800s through the 1950s. Many are not only rare but offer a unique glimpse of passenger accommodations for ocean travel, often profusely illustrated with photographs and other illustrations.

The Steamship and Ocean Liner brochures, published from the late 1800s through the 1960s, offered a unique look into the accommodations, voyages, and life on board the ships. The brochures often captured the ships' unique interiors from all classes' perspectives, including first, second, tourist third cabin, and third class.

A few of our most popular brochures include the 1912 brochure on the SS France of the CGT-French Line; the 1907 White Star Line brochure that covered fleet, history, and services; a 1922 brochure on the famous RMS Majestic of the White Star Line, a 1908 Allan Line brochure on their second cabin accommodations; and, a 1937 brochure on the ocean liner Normandie of the French Line.

Steamship Passengers Browsing Through Brochures at a Kiosk onboard the SS Victoria in the Early 1900s. GGA Image ID # 1751ef8f73

Ocean Liner & Travel Brochures Collection 📖🚢

The GG Archives' Ocean Liner and Travel Brochures Collection is an extraordinary historical archive that preserves the golden age of transatlantic travel from the 1800s through the 1950s. These brochures, originally created as promotional materials by major steamship lines, provide a firsthand look at passenger accommodations, ship interiors, services, and the experience of ocean travel across multiple classes—First Class, Second Class, Tourist Third Cabin, and Third Class.

This collection is invaluable for:

✅ 📚 Teachers & Students – Ideal for research on immigration, travel history, and maritime advancements.

✅ 🏡 Genealogists & Family Historians – Provides insight into the journeys of ancestors who crossed the Atlantic.

✅ ⚓ Maritime Historians & Enthusiasts – Captures the evolution of ship design, accommodations, and luxury ocean travel.

✅ 🎨 Collectors & Designers – Offers rare vintage illustrations, typography, and graphic design elements from the early 20th century.

Allan Line Second Saloon Accommodations (1908): Comfort & Elegance for Transatlantic Travelers

The 1908 Allan Line brochure is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in maritime history, transatlantic immigration, and early 20th-century travel. This document provides a detailed look at Second Saloon accommodations, a class that offered comfort comparable to First Class but at a more affordable rate.

The brochure's rarity and its high-quality illustrations of ship interiors, deck plans, and menus make it a crucial primary source for:

📚 Teachers & Students – Ideal for research projects on early ocean travel.

🏡 Genealogists & Family Historians – Offers insight into the conditions immigrants and travelers experienced.

⚓ Maritime Historians & Enthusiasts – Provides unique details on the Allan Line fleet and passenger experience.

Baltic America Line Fleet & Services (1920): Transatlantic Travel & European Connections

The Baltic America Line 1920 brochure is an invaluable resource for maritime historians, teachers, genealogists, and travel enthusiasts exploring transatlantic migration and tourism in the early 20th century. This comprehensive guide presents the fleet’s passenger services, detailed ship descriptions, European travel opportunities, and firsthand testimonials from satisfied passengers.

With lavish photographs and route maps, the document offers a rich historical perspective on post-World War I travel, highlighting the changing political landscape of Europe, affordable travel opportunities, and high-quality accommodations aboard ships like the SS Latvia, SS Polonia, SS Lituania, and SS Estonia.

The Magnificent SS France (1912): A Floating Palace of Luxury & Innovation

The SS France, launched in 1912 by Compagnie Générale Transatlantique (French Line), was one of the most opulent and technologically advanced ocean liners of its time. Designed as a "floating palace," it combined unparalleled luxury, modern conveniences, and remarkable engineering innovations to ensure passengers the most comfortable and prestigious voyage across the Atlantic.

This brochure provides an in-depth look at the SS France’s first-class accommodations, dining experiences, technological advancements, and the intricate details that set it apart from its contemporaries. The article is an essential resource for maritime historians, genealogists, educators, and anyone interested in early 20th-century transatlantic travel.

For teachers, students, and researchers, this detailed account offers insights into how luxury liners reflected the social and economic conditions of their time, while genealogists can use it to better understand the experience of ancestors who traveled aboard such grand vessels.

SS Normandie: Art Deco Elegance and Innovation on the High Seas (1937)

The 1937 French Line booklet for the SS Normandie is more than a promotional brochure; it is a historical artifact that captures the essence of luxury transatlantic travel. Published in France and extending over 72 pages, the brochure reveals the intricate design, sophisticated amenities, and cultural significance of one of the most iconic ocean liners of the 20th century. The 1937 French Line brochure for the SS Normandie offers more than a glimpse into a magnificent ocean liner; it serves as a comprehensive guide to a bygone era of ocean travel. Its detailed descriptions, historical context, and architectural innovations make it an invaluable resource for various audiences. The ship's fusion of artistic ambition and engineering excellence is captured meticulously, making the Normandie not just a vessel but a testament to France’s maritime heritage.

French Line’s SS Ile de France Cabin Class Experience (1951): A Deck Plan & Travel Guide

The SS Ile de France, an iconic liner of the CGT-French Line, was one of the most beloved transatlantic ships of its era. Known for its Art Deco interiors, modern amenities, and innovative services, it redefined ocean travel in the mid-20th century.

This 1951 deck plan brochure provides a fascinating look at the ship’s Cabin Class accommodations, complete with detailed floor plans, photographs of interior spaces, and a glimpse into life aboard this famous vessel. The brochure is an essential historical document for teachers, students, genealogists, and maritime historians, offering insights into how passengers traveled between Europe and North America in the postwar years.

Going Abroad via Cunard & Anchor Lines (1923): A Glimpse into the Golden Age of Transatlantic Travel

The 1923 brochure, "Going Abroad via Cunard and Anchor Lines," offers a captivating glimpse into ocean travel during one of its most glamorous eras. This brochure is not merely a marketing piece—it serves as a historical document, showcasing the grandeur, elegance, and cultural significance of ocean liners in the early 20th century.

Featuring legendary ships such as the RMS Berengaria, Aquitania, Mauretania, Franconia, and Scythia, this resource is essential for teachers, students, genealogists, and maritime historians who wish to explore the evolution of luxury travel, migration, and global connectivity.

The Story of the Cunard Line - 1902

🌊 The Great Atlantic Ferry: The Rise of the Cunard Line and the Transformation of Ocean Travel (1840–1902)

This 1902 profile, “The Story of the Cunard Line,” offers an extraordinary glimpse into the rise and triumph of one of the world’s most iconic steamship companies—Cunard. Published during a turbulent time when American capital was sweeping up competing British lines into large trusts, this article celebrates Cunard's steadfast independence and loyalty to the British crown and its shipping legacy.

It is a treasure trove for 📚 teachers, 🧑‍🎓 students, 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 genealogists, and 📜 historians. It charts the transformation of transatlantic travel from primitive paddle steamers to palatial steel leviathans equipped with electric lighting, Marconi wireless systems, and sumptuous salons worthy of royalty.

A Fleet of Legends: The 1910 Cunard Line "Famous Cunarders" Booklet

The 1910 "Famous Cunarders" booklet is an exceptional maritime artifact, providing a glimpse into the legendary ships that defined ocean travel in the early 20th century.

Published by the Cunard Line on March 21, 1910, this 8-page booklet serves as both a marketing tool and a historical record, showcasing Cunard’s most famous vessels—including the Lusitania, Mauretania, Carpathia, and Carmania—through detailed specifications and stunning illustrations.

For teachers, students, genealogists, and historians, this document offers:

✅ A firsthand look at Cunard’s premier ships before Titanic’s era

✅ Technical specifications & illustrations of the fleet

✅ Valuable insight into the golden age of transatlantic travel

✅ A research tool for genealogy enthusiasts tracking ancestors who sailed with Cunard

📌 This isn’t just a booklet—it’s a curated collection of some of the most important ocean liners in maritime history.

🛳 RMS Franconia & Laconia - The Short-Lived Giants of the Cunard Line (1912)

This remarkable brochure from 1912 offers a rare and detailed look into two of Cunard Line’s most impressive, yet short-lived ocean liners—the RMS Franconia and RMS Laconia. These ships were state-of-the-art for their time, transporting thousands of immigrants from Liverpool to Boston before being tragically sunk during World War I.

For teachers, students, genealogists, and historians, this brochure is a goldmine of information on early 20th-century ocean travel, ship design, and the immigrant experience. It showcases lavish first-class accommodations, impressive second and third-class facilities, and the technological advancements of the era, including Marconi Wireless, watertight compartments, and anti-rolling tanks.

🔹 This is an essential resource for anyone studying the history of immigration, maritime engineering, or the role of ocean liners in wartime.

Cunard Tourist Third Cabin Accommodations (1920s): Affordable Comfort for the Everyday Traveler

The Cunard Tourist Third Cabin Accommodations brochure (1920s) offers a fascinating look into the changing face of ocean travel in the post-immigration boom era. Unlike previous decades when third-class passage primarily served immigrants seeking a new life in America, this new category—Tourist Third Cabin—was designed for budget-conscious travelers who still desired comfort and a refined onboard experience.

This document is a must-read for educators, students, genealogists, and maritime historians, as it provides insight into how Cunard adapted to a shifting travel market by introducing a class that combined affordability with elegance. With photographic documentation of cabins, dining areas, lounges, and promenade decks, this brochure captures a turning point in transatlantic travel, where leisure and affordability merged.

The Cunard Liverpool Route (1923): Gateway to England & Beyond

The 1923 Cunard Liverpool Route brochure provides a fascinating glimpse into transatlantic travel during the early 20th century, positioning Liverpool as the ideal gateway to England and Europe. Unlike conventional travel guides that focus solely on major destinations like London, this brochure emphasizes the charm of England’s countryside, historic towns, and scenic railway journeys, making it an invaluable resource for teachers, students, genealogists, and maritime historians.

Beyond being a simple promotional piece, this brochure captures the golden age of ocean travel, when Cunard and Anchor Line steamships connected North America to the cultural heart of Europe. With detailed descriptions of ships, routes, and the experience of disembarking in Liverpool, this document serves as a primary source for understanding passenger travel in the 1920s.

Across the Atlantic: Hamburg-American Line Fleet & Services (1905)

The 1905 brochure of the Hamburg-American Line (HAPAG) offers a comprehensive look at one of the largest and most prestigious German steamship companies of the early 20th century. This document is a historical goldmine for maritime historians, genealogists, and educators, detailing the rapid advancements in transatlantic travel, fleet expansion, and luxurious accommodations aboard some of the world’s fastest and most elegant liners.

With 80 pages of ship descriptions, fleet statistics, route maps, and stunning imagery, this publication paints a vivid picture of ocean travel during the Golden Age of Steamships.

Italian Line Third-Class Travel & Rates (1938) – Affordable Transatlantic Journeys

This 1938 Italian Line brochure offers a detailed glimpse into third-class transatlantic travel just before World War II. Covering passenger rates, immigration policies, and onboard amenities, the 12-page booklet is an essential historical resource for teachers, students, genealogists, and maritime historians.

The Italian Line was one of the most prestigious passenger shipping companies of the era, boasting a fleet that included some of the world’s largest and most luxurious ocean liners, such as the SS Rex and SS Conte di Savoia. Despite the company’s focus on first-class travel, this brochure highlights the importance of third-class accommodations, catering to immigrants, working-class travelers, and budget-conscious tourists.

For historians and genealogists, this document is particularly valuable as it provides immigration regulations, tax information, and fare structures—crucial for understanding how millions of people traveled between Europe and the Americas in the late 1930s.

North German Lloyd - Short Route to London - 1889

🎓 “A 19th-Century Ocean Travel Brochure Turned Educational Goldmine”

The 1889 North German Lloyd (NDL) brochure titled "The Short Route to London via Southampton and the Continent" is more than a promotional travel pamphlet—it is a remarkable cultural artifact that opens a window into late 19th-century transatlantic steamship travel. Created during the Paris Exhibition of 1889, this richly detailed guide was distributed by Oelrichs & Co., the line’s New York agents, and served as both a functional passenger handbook and a marketing showcase for NDL’s first and second cabin services.

Teachers, students, genealogists, and historians will find the brochure incredibly valuable for understanding the social, economic, and technological structures of the Gilded Age’s oceanic travel system.

U.S. Passenger Ships of 1922: A Visual Tour of America’s Maritime Renaissance

Overview: This comprehensive 1922 promotional brochure from the United States Shipping Board Emergency Fleet Corporation (operating under the United States Lines) is a treasure trove of maritime history — a detailed celebration of America's reassertion on the seas following World War I. Lavishly illustrated and narratively rich, the brochure captures the ambition, elegance, and pride of the American passenger fleet as it prepared to compete head-to-head with the great liners of Europe.

For teachers, students, historians, genealogists, and ocean travel enthusiasts, this brochure is both a research asset and a visual journey, chronicling the rebirth of the U.S. Merchant Marine and revealing the interconnectedness of migration, national pride, and leisure travel in the 1920s.

SS Leviathan (1923): America’s Greatest Luxury Ocean Liner

The 1923 SS Leviathan brochure is more than a promotional piece—it’s a historical document capturing the grandeur, innovation, and transformation of one of the most famous ocean liners of the early 20th century. This lavish 32-page publication provides rare insights into the ship’s wartime history, post-war reconstruction, and luxury accommodations, making it a valuable resource for maritime historians, teachers, genealogists, and travel enthusiasts.

With stunning large-format photographs, the brochure offers an unparalleled look at the Leviathan’s opulent interiors, from the Ritz-Carlton restaurant and the Winter Garden to the grand social hall and staterooms. The ship’s technical advancements and significance in American merchant marine history further enhance its relevance as a study of transatlantic travel in the 1920s.

Third-Class Passage to Europe (1923) – The Evolution of Affordable Luxury Travel

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.

Across the Atlantic in Style: The 1924 United States Lines Brochure Unveiled

The 1924 brochure from the United States Lines provides a rich glimpse into transatlantic ocean travel during the early 20th century. With routes connecting New York to Plymouth, Cherbourg, Southampton, and Bremen, the brochure showcases a fleet of elegant, American-operated steamships. This resource holds significant value for teachers, students, genealogists, and maritime historians interested in understanding ocean travel's social, economic, and technical aspects during this period.

The American Way to Europe: A 1924 United States Lines Brochure – A Resource for Educators, Historians, and Enthusiasts

The 1924 United States Lines brochure, The American Way to Europe, serves as a captivating historical artifact that provides a detailed look at transatlantic ocean travel during the early 20th century. This meticulously crafted publication does more than list ships and schedules—it transports readers into the vibrant world of ocean liners, illustrating the luxurious, comfortable, and practical aspects of maritime journeys to Europe. For teachers, students, genealogists, and maritime historians, this brochure is a rich educational resource that brings to life the social customs, travel standards, and technological advancements of the time.

The brochure showcases the fleet of the United States Lines, including the iconic SS Leviathan, SS George Washington, SS America, SS Republic, SS President Harding, and SS President Roosevelt. Through vivid descriptions, photographs, and anecdotes, readers gain insights into the various travel classes—First Class, Cabin Class, Second Class, and Tourist Third Cabin—highlighting the differences in accommodations, amenities, and social atmospheres aboard these vessels.

Navigating Luxury: A Historical Insight into the SS Manhattan & SS Washington Passenger Experience – 1936

The 1936 informational brochure for the SS Manhattan and SS Washington offers a detailed glimpse into transatlantic ocean travel aboard two of America's fastest liners of the era. This historical document serves as an invaluable resource for educators, students, genealogists, and maritime historians, presenting a rich tapestry of social customs, maritime operations, and onboard experiences of the 1930s.

The 1936 brochure for the SS Manhattan and SS Washington is more than a historical artifact; it's a window into the transatlantic travel experience of the 1930s. Its detailed accounts of passenger amenities, social customs, and travel regulations make it an invaluable resource for understanding ocean travel's broader historical context. For those passionate about maritime history, this document captures the elegance, innovation, and complexities of a bygone era, offering enduring relevance for modern audiences interested in the golden age of ocean liners.

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

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.

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.

Affordable Ocean Luxury: The 1939 United States Lines Experience

The 1939 brochure Travel in Luxury at Low Cost from the United States Lines presents an engaging and informative look into transatlantic travel options just before World War II. With vivid descriptions, captivating photographs, and practical insights, the brochure paints a picture of comfortable, affordable ocean voyages for a diverse range of passengers. This historical document holds significant value for teachers, students, genealogists, historians, and others interested in maritime travel, 20th-century tourism, and social history.

This brochure is more than a promotional piece for ocean travel; it reflects the era's travel trends, economic considerations, and the leisure habits of pre-war America and Europe. Teachers can use it to illustrate the importance of ocean liners in international travel before the rise of commercial aviation. Historians might find the documented fares, schedules, and social dynamics aboard these liners useful for understanding interwar travel culture. Genealogists may also glean insights into the voyages their ancestors undertook when immigrating or traveling abroad.

White Star Line: Fleet, History & Services (1907) – A Golden Age of Ocean Travel

This 1907 White Star Line brochure is a treasure trove of information on transatlantic travel at the height of the ocean liner era. Covering all three classes of service—first, second, and third—this illustrated 41-page booklet offers rare insights into the luxury, innovation, and accessibility that defined White Star’s dominance in ocean travel.

For teachers, students, genealogists, and maritime historians, this detailed document provides first-hand evidence of early 20th-century migration, ship technology, and the passenger experience. The White Star Line, famous for later launching the Titanic, was at its peak in 1907, offering cutting-edge vessels, elegant accommodations, and expanding global routes that stretched from New York to New Zealand.

With stunning images of legendary ships, elegant dining rooms, and the finest accommodations of their time, this brochure paints a vivid picture of life at sea for passengers of all classes—from wealthy first-class travelers to hopeful immigrants seeking a new life in America.

The Famous Big 4: White Star Line’s New York-Liverpool Service (1909)

This 1909 White Star Line brochure provides an intimate look at four of the largest and most reliable transatlantic liners of their era: RMS Adriatic, Baltic, Cedric, and Celtic. Known as the Big Four, these massive, steady, and elegant ships dominated the New York–Liverpool route, offering first-class luxury, second-class comfort, and third-class efficiency for thousands of travelers.

This 8-page booklet, filled with remarkable photographs, captures the grandeur of early 20th-century ocean travel, making it a valuable resource for historians, teachers, students, and genealogists. The brochure celebrates the Big Four’s dominance, emphasizing their smooth voyages, refined interiors, and loyal passengers who frequently returned to these vessels for their preferred Atlantic crossings.

The Steamers of the White Star Line (1909): A Visual Chronicle of Transatlantic Travel

This 1909 White Star Line brochure is a treasure trove of historical insights into one of the most prestigious transatlantic shipping companies of the early 20th century. Unlike other promotional materials focusing on a single ship or route, this pictorial booklet provides a panoramic view of the entire White Star fleet, highlighting past, present, and future vessels, including the then under-construction RMS Olympic and RMS Titanic.

This stunning visual collection, sourced from the Chris Crofts Collection, makes this brochure a crucial reference for maritime historians, genealogists, teachers, students, and ocean travel enthusiasts.

📖 Majestic at Sea: The Ultimate Expression of Transatlantic Luxury in the 1920s

The 1922 White Star Line brochure on the RMS Majestic presents an extraordinary visual and descriptive record of first-class ocean travel in the early 20th century. It emphasizes the ship’s sheer scale, elegance, and luxury, positioning it as the pinnacle of transatlantic travel.

This historically significant document is an essential resource for teachers, students, genealogists, and historians studying:

✅ The Golden Age of Ocean Liners (1920s transatlantic crossings).

✅ Immigrant & Elite Passenger Experiences.

✅ The White Star Line’s Competition with Cunard.

✅ The Evolution of Maritime Architecture & Design.

✅ Luxury vs. Second-Class Travel on Steamships.

🌍 Who Should Explore This Collection & Why?

📚 Teachers & Students: A Primary Source for Research

The brochures serve as an excellent primary source for essays and projects on topics like:

• Early 20th-century immigration and its impact on global migration.
• Social class distinctions in travel and how accommodations differed.
• The role of ocean liners in global trade and tourism.
• The technological evolution of ocean travel—from steamships to turbine-powered liners.

💡 Encourage students to use GG Archives materials when writing essays on transatlantic voyages, historical travel, and maritime history!

🏡 Genealogists & Family Historians: Understanding Ancestors' Journeys

Many immigrant ancestors traveled by ship, and these brochures help paint a vivid picture of their experience.

• Third Class & Steerage Conditions: What life was like for immigrants crossing the Atlantic.
• Routes & Ports of Entry: Popular stops included New York, Boston, Montreal, Liverpool, and Southampton.
• Historical Menus & Passenger Services: The daily life onboard ships and what travelers experienced.

📸 Noteworthy Image:

📷 Steamship Passengers Browsing Brochures at a Kiosk (Early 1900s) – A fascinating depiction of how travelers selected their voyages!

💡 Why It’s Interesting: This image illustrates how ocean travel was marketed and perceived at the time—highlighting the choices passengers made when selecting a ship.

⚓ Maritime Historians & Enthusiasts: A Rare Glimpse into the Past

The brochures document the rise and fall of legendary steamship lines, including:

• White Star Line (Titanic’s owners)
• Cunard Line (Queen Mary, Mauretania, Lusitania)
• Hamburg-America Line
• Allan Line (A major Canadian immigration carrier)
• French Line (SS Normandie, SS France)

📸 Noteworthy Image:

📷 Artist Conception of RMS Olympic & Titanic (1909) – One of the earliest promotional depictions of these famous ships!

💡 Why It’s Interesting: The brochure was created before Titanic’s tragic sinking, capturing the optimism and grandeur of pre-1912 ocean travel.

🎨 Collectors & Designers: A Treasure Trove of Vintage Art & Typography

These brochures showcase incredible early 20th-century graphic design, typography, and color printing techniques.

• Elegant Art Deco covers from the 1920s and 1930s.
• Intricate deck plans and illustrations showing ship layouts.
• Hand-drawn travel maps detailing routes across the Atlantic.

📸 Noteworthy Image:

📷 Cover of 1937 SS Normandie Brochure (French Line) – A masterpiece of Art Deco design that perfectly embodies the elegance of ocean travel in the 1930s.

💡 Why It’s Interesting: The Normandie was one of the most luxurious liners ever built, and this brochure visually reflects its opulence.

Key Highlights of the Collection 🚢📖

1. Rare Brochures of Famous Ships & Lines

The collection includes promotional materials from over 30 steamship lines, covering ships such as:

• SS France (1912) – A "floating palace" of luxury.
• RMS Majestic (1922) – The world's largest ship at the time.
• SS Belgenland (1924) – The "Queen of the Red Star Line."
• SS Leviathan (1923) – The pride of the United States Lines.

📸 Noteworthy Image:

📷 Cover of the 1907 White Star Line Brochure – Featuring stunning illustrations of the fleet and passenger accommodations.

💡 Why It’s Interesting: The brochure captures the peak of White Star’s success, just a few years before Titanic’s maiden voyage.

2. Ocean Travel for All Classes (First Class to Steerage) 💼🛏️

These brochures provide an unparalleled look into shipboard life, offering:

🔹 First-Class luxury – Lavish ballrooms, gourmet dining, and elegant suites.

🔹 Second-Class comfort – Well-appointed cabins, smoking lounges, and music rooms.

🔹 Tourist Third Cabin – A blend of affordability and comfort, introduced in the 1920s.

🔹 Third Class/Steerage – The immigrant experience, often in communal dormitories.

📸 Noteworthy Image:

📷 Third Class Dining Room on the SS Tunisian (1908) – A rare look at how immigrants dined during transatlantic crossings.

💡 Why It’s Interesting: Unlike popular belief, third-class passengers were often provided with clean, decent accommodations and hearty meals.

3. Ship Deck Plans & Route Maps 🗺️⚓

🔹 Detailed deck plans help visualize the layout of iconic ships.

🔹 Travel route maps show major transatlantic shipping lanes.

🔹 Immigration brochures outline entry points for European arrivals to North America.

📸 Noteworthy Image:

📷 Deck Plan of SS Corsican (1908, Allan Line) – A detailed map showing passenger cabins, dining rooms, and lounges.

💡 Why It’s Interesting: These deck plans help genealogists understand where ancestors lived during their voyage and show the evolving design of ocean liners.

4. Dining & Entertainment at Sea 🍽️🎻

Brochures often included full menus, showcasing fine dining at sea.

• Breakfast options included fresh fruit, grilled ham, and eggs.
• Lunch featured beef steak pie, corned beef, and salad.
• Dinner offered roast turkey, Yorkshire pudding, and desserts like plum pudding & ice cream.

📸 Noteworthy Image:

📷 Second Saloon Menu (1907, Allan Line) – A fascinating look at the dining experience for mid-tier travelers.

💡 Why It’s Interesting: Menus reveal the quality of meals offered aboard steamships, challenging myths of poor conditions for non-First-Class passengers.

Final Thoughts: A Must-Explore Collection for History & Travel Enthusiasts 🚢✨

The Ocean Liner & Travel Brochures Collection at GG Archives is an essential historical resource, offering rare insights into ocean travel from the 1800s through the 1950s.

✅ For students, it provides primary sources for research projects.

✅ For genealogists, it brings immigrant journeys to life.

✅ For maritime historians, it documents ship evolution & travel trends.

💡 Explore the collection today and uncover the golden age of ocean travel! 🌊✨