SS Graf Waldersee Archival Collection
Graf Waldersee (1898) Hamburg-American Line
Built by Blohm & Voss, Hamburg, Germany. Tonnage: 13,102. Dimensions: 561' x 62'. Twin-screw, 13 1/2 knots. Quadruple expansion engines. Four masts and one funnel. Passengers: 162 first, 184 second, 2,200 third. Service: Hamburg-New York. Fate: Sold to British shipbreakers in July 1921. Sister ships: Patricia, Pennsylvania and Pretoria.
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1905-07-29 SS Graf Waldersee Passenger List
Steamship Line: Hamburg Amerika Linie / Hamburg American Line (HAPAG)
Class of Passengers: First and Second Cabin
Date of Departure: 29 July 1905
Route: Hamburg to New York via Dover and Boulogne-sur-Mer
Commander: Captain A. Krech
1911-05-24 SS Graf Waldersee Passenger List
Steamship Line: Hamburg Amerika Linie / Hamburg American Line (HAPAG)
Class of Passengers: Cabin
Date of Departure: 24 May 1911
Route: Philadelphia To Hamburg
Commander: Captain P. Froehlich
Note: Hometowns Are Included With Each Passenger Listed.
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Across the Atlantic - Hamburg American Line - 1905
Although small in size, this 80 page booklet / brochure from 1905 provides an excellent record of the steamships and services of the Transatlantic Fleet of the Hamburg America Line. Ships Covered Included the Blücher, Deutschland, Graf Waldersee, Hamburg, Moltke, Patricia, Pennsylvania, Pretoria, Prinz Adalbert, Prinz Oskar, and Prinzessin Victoria Luise.
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Hamburg American Line (HAPAG) Sailing Schedule, 7 October 1900 to 19 January 1901
The SS Graf Waldersee, operated by the Hamburg Amerika Linie / Hamburg American Line (HAPAG), was scheduled for transatlantic voyages between 7 October 1900 to 19 January 1901.
The SS Graf Waldersee, operated by the Hamburg Amerika Linie / Hamburg American Line (HAPAG), was scheduled for transatlantic or Mediterranean voyages between 11 April 1902 to 26 October 1902.
Sailing Schedule, Hamburg - Boulogne-sur-Mer - Plymouth - Southampton - Cherbourg - New York, from 21 June to 11 September 1902. Ships Included the Auguste Victoria, Blücher, Columbia, Fürst Bismarck, Graf Waldersee, Moltke, Palatia, Patricia, Pennsylvania, and Phoenicia. SS Pennsylvania Passenger List, 21 June 1902. GGA Image ID # 1ee40ad419
Sailing Schedule, Hamburg-Dover-Boulogne-Cherbourg-New York, from 29 July 1905 to 2 December 1905. Ships Included the Amerika, Blücher, Deutschland, Fürst Bismarck, Graf Waldersee, Hamburg, Moltke, Patricia, Pennsylvania, and Pretoria. SS Graf Waldersee Passenger List, 29 July 1905. GGA Image ID # 1f06676725
Twin-Screw Express and Passenger Steamship Services, and Sailing Schedule, Hamburg-Southampton-Boulogne sur Mer-Cherbourg-Plymouth-New York, from 23 August 1906 to 27 October 1906. Ships Included the Amerika, Batavia, Blücher, Deutschland, Graf Waldersee, Hamburg, Kaiserin Auguste Victoria, Oceana, Patricia, Pennsylvania, and Pretoria. SS Moltke Passenger List, 21 August 1906. GGA Image ID # 1e43a0cfd7
Sailing Schedule, Hamburg-Boulogne sur Mer-Southampton-Cherbourg-New York, from 7 October 1909 to 15 February 1910. Ships Included the Amerika, Blücher, Bulgaria, Cincinnati, Deutschland, Graf Waldersee, Kaiserin Auguste Victoria, Pennsylvania, President Grant, and the President Lincoln. SS Deutschland Passenger List, 7 October 1909. GGA Image ID # 1e41f7f6aa
Sailing Schedule, European Ports-New York, from 30 April 1910 to 16 November 1910. Ships Included the Amerika, Blücher, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Deutschland, Graf Waldersee, Kaiserin Auguste Victoria, Oceana, Pennsylvania, President Grant, and President Lincoln. NOTE:—All steamers eastbound to Hamburg call at Plymouth and Cherbourg, except the steamer GRAF WALDERSEE, which will sail to Hamburg directly. The steamer PENNSYLVANIA, which will carry Second Class passengers only, will sail directly from New York to Hamburg and from Hamburg to New York. The steamer GRAF WALDERSEE will also carry Second Class passengers only, beginning with her 11 September 1910 sailing from Hamburg. After that date, she will sail directly from and to Hamburg. Hamburg-American Gazette, May 1910. GGA Image ID # 2128049286. Click to View Larger Image.
Sailing Schedule, Hamburg-New York via Boulogne-sur-Mer, Southampton, and Cherbourg, from 4 October 1912 to 20 February 1913 and Hamburg-Philadelphia from 7 October 1912 to 17 December 1912. Ships Included the Amerika, Cincinnati, Corcovado, Graf Waldersee, Hamburg, Kaiserin Auguste Victoria, Patricia, Pennsylvania, President Grant, President Lincoln, Pretoria, Prinz Adalbert, Prinz Oskar, and Victoria Luise. Assignment of Ship's Captains Included with Hamburg-New York Ships. SS Patricia Passenger List, 28 September 1912. GGA Image ID # 1ed91a7f1a
Sailing Schedule, Hamburg-Bologne-Southampton-Cherbourg-New York, from 25 October 1913 to 19 February 1914. Ships Included the Amerika, Graf Waldersee, Kaiserin Auguste Victoria, Moltke, Patricia, Pennsylvania, President Grant, President Lincoln, and Pretoria. SS Pretoria Passenger List, 25 October 1913. GGA Image ID # 1ee4c20743
Sailing Schedule, Hamburg-Philadelphia, Hamburg-Boston, Genoa-Naples-Palermo-NewYork, and New York-Gibraltar-Naples-Genoa, from 28 October 1913 to 22 January 1914. Ships Included the Cincinnati, Cleveland, Graf Waldersee, Hamburg, Moltke, Prinz Adalbert, and Prinz Oskar. SS Pretoria Passenger List, 25 October 1913. GGA Image ID # 1ee4c70e9d
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SS Pennsylvania, SS Patricia, SS Graf Waldersee and SS Pretoria at Sea. Across the Atlantic, 1905 HAPAG Brochure. GGA Image ID # 1bbd85fbb6
Entrance Hall on the SS Pennsylvania, SS Patricia, SS Graf Waldersee and SS Pretoria. Across the Atlantic, 1905 HAPAG Brochure. GGA Image ID # 1bbda1103f
Main Saloon on the SS Pennsylvania, SS Patricia, SS Graf Waldersee and SS Pretoria. Across the Atlantic, 1905 HAPAG Brochure. GGA Image ID # 1bbda27c0e
Promenade Deck on the SS Pennsylvania, SS Patricia, SS Graf Waldersee and SS Pretoria. Across the Atlantic, 1905 HAPAG Brochure. GGA Image ID # 1bbdf79745
Smoking Room on the SS Pennsylvania, SS Patricia, SS Graf Waldersee and SS Pretoria. Across the Atlantic, 1905 HAPAG Brochure. GGA Image ID # 1bbe16dc5e
Social Hall on the SS Pennsylvania, SS Patricia, SS Graf Waldersee and SS Pretoria. Across the Atlantic, 1905 HAPAG Brochure. GGA Image ID # 1bbe17433f
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Back Cover of a First and Second Cabin Passenger List for the SS Graf Waldersee of the Hamburg America Line, Departing 29 July 1905 from Hamburg to New York via Dover and Boulogne-sur-Mer. GGA Image ID # 1775cf639a
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Title Page, SS Graf Waldersee Cabin Passenger List, 29 July 1905 from Hamburg to New York, Commanded by Captain A. Krech. GGA Image ID # 1f06d409b8
Title Page and Cabin Passengers (Achatc to Beringer), SS Graf Waldersee, 24 May 1911 from Philadelphia to Hamburg (Direct), Commanded by Captain P. Froehlich. GGA Image ID # 1f07098d4d
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Listing of Officers of the SS Graf Waldersee, SS Graf Waldersee Passenger List, 29 July 1905. GGA Image ID # 1f070bc940
Listing of Officers and Staff of the Twin-Screw Mail Steamer SS Graf Waldersee, SS Graf Waldersee Passenger List, 24 May 1911. GGA Image ID # 1f0715d27e
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Information for Passengers - July 1905
Meals.
First Cabin.
- Breakfast is served from 8:00 am to 10:00 am
- lunch at 121/, p. m.
- dinner at p. m
Second Cabin.
- Breakfast at 8:00 am
- dinner at 12:00 pm
- supper at 6:00 pm
A menu is printed for each meal. Seats at table are allotted by the Chief Steward. A bugle call will be sounded 16 minutes before each meal, and a second signal at the beginning of the meal. Children paying half-fare must dine at the children's table.
Steamer Chairs. Upon application to the Deck Steward, steamer-chairs belonging to the Ocean Comfort Company can be rented for use on the voyage, at a charge of one dollar per chair.
Music. The ship's band performs on the promenade deck during the forenoon from 10:00 am t0 11:00 am, in the first cabin saloon during dinner and in the second cabin from 9:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Staterooms. All staterooms are lighted by electricity. They are also provided with connections for an electric heater for a hair-curler, as well as for an electric food warmer, by which milk, coffee, etc., can be kept warm during the night. The apparatus will be supplied by the Stewardess.
Passengers are recommended to lock the doors of their staterooms while the steamer is in port.
Baggage. As only small pieces of baggage can be taken into the cabins, all large pieces will be stored in the hold. Access to the hold may be had upon application to the Room Steward.
Hot or cold Baths. A number of comfortable bathrooms' re provided aboard. The Bathroom Steward or Stewardess will attend to the bath upon the passenger's request. No charge is made for baths. The water used is sea-water.
Smoking is allowed only on deck and in the Smoking Room; it is positively prohibited in the cabins and below deck.
The Bar closes at midnight.
Lights are extinguished in the Saloons at 11:00 pm and in the Smoking Room at midnight.
Surgeon and Apothecary. An experienced Physician is attached to every steamer. Medical attendance and medicines are provided free of charge.
The Barber is entitled to charge for his services according to the tariff fixed by the Company.
Library. The books in the library, which may be obtained upon application to the Library Steward, are at the disposal of Passengers, free of charge. A catalogue of the English, French and German books in the ship's library can be had from the Library Steward.
Besides the Library a bookstall, supplied by the firm of George Stilke, Berlin, will be found on board, where all the latest newspapers publications and publications, weekly and monthly magazines, souvenirs, etc., are on sale.
Letters and Telegrams. Only the purser is authorized to receive letters and telegrams for delivery in the next port of call. Several telegraph-codes will be found in his office.
Writing Paper, Envelopes and Telegraph Forms as well as a limited number of Souvenir Postal Cards will be supplied by the Saloon Steward.
Valuables or Money. — The Company is not responsible for theft if valuables or money are kept in the staterooms. The same should be placed in charge of the Purser for deposit in his safe, and a receipt will be given on the Company's form. As no charge is made for carriage, the Company can accept no responsibility for loss or damage, however arising, but Passengers can protect themselves by insurance.
Foreign Money. The Purser is prepared to exchange foreign money.
Amusements. A number of pastime games, such as shuffleboard, quoits, chess, dominoes, etc., are provided for on board.
Attendance. The Stewards have strict instructions to attend to the wants of Passengers in a prompt and courteous manner. Passengers are requested to bring any inattention to the notice of the Chief Steward, and if the complaint made is not promptly investigated, to report it to the Captain.
Souvenir Postal Cards will be furnished to Passengers free of charge by the Purser or Chief Steward.
Source: SS Graf Waldersee Passenger List - 29 July 1905
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Pleasure Cruises Arranged by the Hamburg-American Line, 1911. SS Graf Waldersee Passenger List, 24 May 1911. GGA Image ID # 1f0764d256
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The Marconi Wireless Telegraph Service, 1911. SS Graf Waldersee Passenger List, 24 May 1911. GGA Image ID # 1f07c534e3
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The Travel Bureau of the Hamburg-American Line is Enabled by Its System of Combination Tickets for Railways and Steamers to offer at original prices, tickets from all large centers in Europe to ports of embarkation, or vice-versa, including tickets for berths in sleeping cars, etc. SS Graf Waldersee Passenger List 24 May 1911. GGA Image ID # 1f084dd88e
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Great Passenger Ships of the World 1858-1912
This initial volume deals with Ships from 1858-1912, from the first passenger ship of over 10,000 GRT to be placed in service (the Great Eastern) to those unforgettable sister ships, the Olympic and Titanic — the first of more than 40,000 GRT.
Norddeutscher Lloyd Bremen 1857-1970, Volume One, History -- Fleet -- Ship Mails
🌍 Transatlantic Titans: The Rise of Norddeutscher Lloyd and the Transformation of Ocean Travel (1857–1918)
Norddeutscher Lloyd, Bremen, 1857–1970, Volume 1 by Edwin Drechsel is a meticulously researched chronicle of the origins and golden age of the Norddeutscher Lloyd (NDL), one of the most important steamship lines in global maritime history.
The book covers:
- The founding of NDL in 1857 by Hermann Henrich Meier and Eduard Crüsemann
- The transition from sail to steam, paddle to screw propulsion
- The increasing demand for transatlantic mail and passenger service
- The NDL’s competition with British lines for speed, prestige, and the Blue Riband
- The line’s crucial role in transporting millions of emigrants to North America
- Its involvement in global mail and freight services
- The impact of World War I on German shipping and commerce
Volume 1 concludes just before or during the war years that halted NDL’s rapid rise.
Norddeutscher Lloyd Bremen 1857-1970, Volume Two, History -- Fleet -- Ship Mails
Winds of Change: Norddeutscher Lloyd and the Final Era of Ocean Travel (1920–1970)
The second volume of Edwin Drechsel’s monumental work Norddeutscher Lloyd, Bremen, 1857–1970 picks up in the aftermath of World War I, tracing five tumultuous decades through:
🌊 Postwar decline and slow recovery
🚢 The interwar years and the Blue Riband triumph of the Bremen (1929)
📉 The Great Depression’s toll on ocean travel
🌍 The transformation of global shipping under the shadow of WWII
🧱 Postwar reconstruction and the decline of passenger liners
📦 The pivot to container freight and the 1970 merger with HAPAG
Drechsel, drawing on his personal ties (his father was a North German Lloyd captain), maritime journalism background, and deep expertise in ship mails and German liner history, delivers a book that is both richly detailed and profoundly human.
Passenger Ships of the World - 1963
🎓 “A Global Voyage Through Steamship History for Historians, Genealogists, and Maritime Enthusiasts”
Eugene W. Smith’s Passenger Ships of the World – Past and Present (1963) is a masterfully curated encyclopedic reference that charts the rise, peak, and transformation of ocean-going passenger ships through nearly two centuries. Expanding upon his earlier Trans-Atlantic and Trans-Pacific works, Smith offers a global maritime panorama that includes ships serving the Americas, Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia, and Oceania, as well as Canal routes and California-Hawaii shuttle lines.
🧭 This book is an essential resource for:
- Maritime historians seeking design evolution and fleet data
- Genealogists tracing voyages and shipping lines
- Educators and students studying transoceanic migration and tourism
- Ship modelers, naval architects, and enthusiasts interested in dimensions, tonnage, and speed
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