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American Export Lines History and Ephemera

American Export Lines Historical Archives

The Export Steamship Company, formed in 1919, was renamed the American Export Lines five years later. The American Export Lines operated in various corporate formations from 1919 to 1977. They offered both Cargo and Passenger services between New York and the Mediterranean, principally Gibraltar, Cannes, Genoa and Naples.

Other names this steamship line operated as included Export Steamship Corporation, American Export Steamship Corporation, American Export Lines and American Export - Isbrandtsen Lines.

AMERICAN EXPORT LINES provides some 200 scheduled sailings each year from U. S. Norah Atlantic ports. . . featuring big, speedy, modern liners that ply the Sunlane across the Atlantic, where the weather is mild all year 'round. The luxurious, fully sir conditioned Sun-Liners nnd the well-equipped freighters of American Export Lines, serving their routes regularly and frequently, are an unbeatable combination.

S.S. INDEPENDENCE and S.S. CONSTITUTION — 29.500 tons. 22 1/2 knots. Frequent sailings to Gibraltar, Cannes, Genoa, and Naples. Express passenger and freight service.

THE 4 ACES (Excalibur, Exochorda, Exeter, and Excambion) -- Popular, one-class combination passenger-cargo vessels. Sailings every two weeks to Barcelona. Marseilles. Naples. Alexandria. Beirut. Iskenderun. Latakia. Piraeus. Leghorn, and Genoa.

The Excalibur's entry into service marks resumption of a service that was interrupted by war in 1940. The original Four Aces, which had run in the service from 1930, were requisitioned for war service as United States troop transports.

Three became victims of enemy action and the fourth, no longer fit for passenger service at the war’s end, was disposed of by the government.

The new units, each of which will accommodate 125 passengers in first class only, are undergoing finishing touches at the Bethlehem Steel Company’s New York shipyards. (July 27, 1948 Naval Institute Proceedings p.1323)

30 MODERN FAST CARGO-CARRYING SHIPS IN ALL serving the entire Mediterranean... Spain, Portugal. North Africa. Black Sea, Red Sea, India, Pakistan, Ceylon, and Burma.

American Export Lines Ephemera

1932-06-28 Passenger List for SS Exeter

1932-06-28 SS Exeter Passenger List

  • Class of Passengers: One
  • Date of Departure: 28 June 1932
  • Route: New York to Alexandria via Gibraltar, Marseilles, Jaffa, Haifa, Beirut, and Naples
  • Commander: Captain C.C. Decker
1936-03-24 Passenger List for SS Exeter

1936-03-24 SS Exeter Passenger List

  • Class of Passengers: One
  • Date of Departure: 13 April 1936
  • Route: Beirut for Boston and New York
  • Commander: Captain S. F. Ransone
Passenger's Receipt Forward Reservations, American Export Lines Contract for Passage on the SS Excambion, Departing from New York to Naples Dated 18 January 1938.

1938-01-18 Passage Contract - New York to Naples - SS Excambion

Passenger's Receipt and Contract for passage on the SS Excambion of the American Export Lines for a voyage departing from New York to Naples on 18 January 1938 for an American adult woman.

Passenger's Receipt Forward Reservations, American Export Lines Contract for Passage on the SS Excalibur, Departing from Genoa to New York Dated 18 March 1938.

1938-03-18 Passage Contract Genoa to New York - SS Excalibur

Passenger's Receipt and Contract for passage on the SS Excalibur of the American Export Lines for a voyage departing from Genoa to New York on 18 March 1938 for an American adult woman.

1938-03-18 Passenger List for SS Excalibur

1938-03-18 SS Excalibur Passenger List

  • Class of Passengers: One
  • Date of Departure: 18 March 1938
  • Route: Genoa to New York
  • Commander: Captain S. N. Groves
Passenger's Receipt and Copy of the Transportation Contract, American Export Lines, Agents for Italia S.A.N. Genoa

1948-04-27 Passage Contract -- Alexandria to New York -- SS Vulcania

Passage Receipt and transportation contract for passage on the SS Vulcania of the Italia Line sailing 1 May 1948 from Alexandria to New York for a 24-year-old American male from Dallas, Texas. American Export Line was acting as a general agent of Italia S.A.N., Genoa.

1952-03-01 Passenger List for SS Constitution

1952-03-01 SS Constitution Passenger List

  • Class of Passengers: First Class
  • Date of Departure: 1 March 1952
  • Route: Naples to New York via Genoa, Cannes, and Gibraltar
  • Commander: Captain Bernt A. Jacobsen
1952-10-27 Passenger List for SS Independence

1952-10-27 SS Independence Passenger List

  • Class of Passengers: Cabin
  • Date of Departure: 27 October 1952
  • Route: Naples to New York via Genoa, Cannes, and Gibraltar
  • Commander: Captain Hugh L. Switzer
1953-08-02 Passenger List for SS Independence

1953-08-02 SS Independence Passenger List

  • Class of Passengers: Cabin
  • Date of Departure: 2 August 1953
  • Route: Naples to New York via Genoa, Cannes, and Gibraltar
  • Commander: Captain Ernest H. Nelson
1953-08-21 Passenger List for SS Constitution

1953-08-21 SS Constitution Passenger List

  • Class of Passengers: First Class
  • Date of Departure: 21 August 1953
  • Route: New York to Naples via Gibraltar, Cannes, and Genoa
  • Commander: Captain Ernest H. Nelson
Front Cover of a First Class Passenger List from the SS Independence of the American Export Lines, Departing 24 August 1953 from Naples to New York via Genoa, Cannes and Gibraltar

1953-08-24 SS Independence Passenger List

  • Steamship Line: American Export Lines
  • Class of Passengers: First Class
  • Date of Departure: 24 August 1953
  • Route: Naples to New York via Genoa, Cannes and Gibraltar,
  • Commander: Captain Hugh L. Switzer
Photograph of the Manhattan Skyline at Night on the Front Cover of a Vintage Large Format Luncheon Menu from 10 February 1954 on board the SS Constitution of the American Export Lines

1954-02-10 SS Constitution Large Format Luncheon Menu

Vintage Large Format Luncheon Menu from 10 February 1954 on board the SS Constitution of the American Export Lines featured Poached Supreme of Black Bass, Mushroom and Oyster Sauce; Egg Noodles à la Bolognaise; and Pineapple Pie for dessert.

Photograph of the Capitol, Washington DC on the Front Cover of a Vintage Large Format Luncheon Menu from 11 February 1954 on board the SS Constitution of the American Export Lines

1954-02-11 SS Constitution Large Format Luncheon Menu

Vintage Large Format Luncheon Menu from 11 February 1954 on board the SS Constitution of the American Export Lines featured Broiled Mackerel with Bacon, Linguini à la Siciliana or Meat Sauce, and Blueberry Pie for dessert.

Photograph of the Alhambra in Granada on the Front Cover of a Vintage Large Format Luncheon Menu from 12 February 1954 on board the SS Constitution of the American Export Lines

1954-02-12 SS Constitution Large Format Luncheon Menu

Vintage Large Format Luncheon Menu from 12 February 1954 on board the SS Constitution of the American Export Lines featured Boiled Brisket of Beef, Fresh Vegetables — Horseradish Sauce; Chicken Chow Mein, Fried Noodles and Steamed Rice; and Apricot Pie for dessert.

Photograph of the Baalbek Near Beirut on the Front Cover of a Vintage Large Format Luncheon Menu from 13 February 1954 on board the SS Constitution of the American Export Lines

1954-02-13 SS Constitution Large Format Luncheon Menu

Vintage Large Format Luncheon Menu from 13 February 1954 on board the SS Constitution of the American Export Lines featured Chicken a la Cacciatora with Risotto, Baby Irish Lamb Stew with Dumplings, and Deep Dish Cherry Pie for dessert.

Photograph of the Abul Abbas Mosque in Alexandria on the Front Cover of a Vintage Large Format Luncheon Menu from 14 February 1954 on board the SS Constitution of the American Export Lines

1954-02-14 SS Constitution Large Format Luncheon Menu

Vintage Large Format Luncheon Menu from 14 February 1954 on board the SS Constitution of the American Export Lines featured Ravioli à la Bolognese, Chinese Pepper Steak with Rice, and Mille-Feuille Cake for dessert.

Front Cover Featuring a Photograph of the Harbor at Haifa of a Vintage Large-Format Luncheon Menu from 15 February 1954 on board the SS Constitution of the American Export Lines

1954-02-15 SS Constitution Large Format Luncheon Menu

Vintage Large-Format Luncheon Menu from 15 February 1954 on board the SS Constitution of the American Export Lines featured Farfalle à la Bolognese, Filet of Black Bass Sauté, Amandine, and Apple Brown Betty for dessert.

Front Cover of a Vintage Captain's Dinner Menu from Monday, 15 February 1954 on board the SS Constitution of the American Export Lines featured Frog Legs, Poulette; Broiled Filet Mignon, Rossini; and Petits Fours for dessert.

1954-02-15 SS Constitution Captain's Dinner Menu

Vintage Captain's Dinner Menu from Monday, 15 February 1954 on board the SS Constitution of the American Export Lines featured Frog Legs, Poulette; Broiled Filet Mignon, Rossini; and Petits Fours for dessert.

Photograph of Pisa and the Leaning Tower on the Front Cover of a Vintage Large Format Luncheon Menu from 16 February 1954 on board the SS Constitution of the American Export Lines

1954-02-16 SS Constitution Large Format Luncheon Menu

Vintage Large Format Luncheon Menu from 16 February 1954 on board the SS Constitution of the American Export Lines featured Broiled Beech-Nut Ham Steak, Baden Baden, Yankee Pot Roast, Potato Pancakes, and Pound Cake for dessert.

Photograph of Pompey's Pillar in Alexandria on the Front Cover of a Vintage Large Format Luncheon Menu from 17 February 1954 on board the SS Constitution of the American Export Lines

1954-02-17 SS Constitution Large Format Luncheon Menu

Vintage Large Format Luncheon Menu from 17 February 1954 on board the SS Constitution of the American Export Lines featured Filet of Beef Point Broil, Madeira Sauce - Grilled Tomato, Linguini al Pesto, and Farina Pudding for dessert.

Photograph of the Forum in Rome on the Front Cover of a Vintage Large Format Luncheon Menu from 18 February 1954 on board the SS Constitution of the American Export Lines

1954-02-18 SS Constitution Large Format Luncheon Menu

Vintage Large Format Luncheon Menu from 18 February 1954 on board the SS Constitution of the American Export Lines featured Chicken Sauté with Fresh Fennel, Lamb Shank a l'Oriental with Rice Pilaff, and Pineapple Sherbet for dessert.

Front Cover of a Tourist Class Passenger List from the SS Independence of the American Export Lines, Departing 3 July 1954.

1954-07-03 SS Independence Passenger List

  • Class of Passengers: Tourist
  • Date of Departure: 3 July 1954
  • Route: Naples to New York via Genoa, Cannes, and Gibraltar
  • Commander: Captain Hugh L. Switzer
1954-08-14 Passenger List for SS Independence

1954-08-14 SS Independence Passenger List

  • Class of Passengers: Cabin
  • Date of Departure: 14 August 1954
  • Route: Naples to New York via Genoa, Cannes, and Gibraltar
  • Commander: Captain Ernest H. Nelson
Front Cover of a First Class Passenger List from the SS Constitution of the American Export Lines, Departing 5 November 1954 from New York to Naples via Cannes and Genoa

1954-11-05 SS Constitution Passenger List

  • Class of Passengers: First Class
  • Date of Departure: 5 November 1954
  • Route: New York to Naples via Cannes and Genoa
  • Commander: Captain Bernt A. Jacobsen
1954-11-09 Passenger List for SS Independence

1954-11-09 SS Independence Passenger List

  • Class of Passengers: Cabin
  • Date of Departure: 9 November 1954
  • Route: Naples to New York via Genoa, Cannes, and Gibraltar
  • Commander: Captain Hugh L. Switzer
Front Cover of a First Class Passenger List from the SS Constitution of the American Export Lines, Departing 7 December 1954 from Naples to New York via Genoa, Cannes, and Gibraltar

1954-12-07 SS Constitution Passenger List

  • Class of Passengers: First Class
  • Date of Departure: 7 December 1954
  • Route: Naples to New York via Genoa, Cannes, and Gibraltar
  • Commander: Captain Bernt A. Jacobsen

 

American Export Lines 1957 Advertisement "A Voyage to Remember, the SS Constitution and SS Independence.

American Export Lines 1957 Advertisement "A Voyage to Remember, the SS Constitution and SS Independence. Scene from 20th Century-Fox's production of Leo McCarey's "AN AFFAIR TO REMEMBER" co-starring CARY GRANT and DEBORAH KERR, which takes place aboard the s.s. Constitution. A Jerry Wald Production in CinemaScope. Color by Deluxe. GGA Image ID # 15f57df6b4

A Voyage to Remember

A Sunlane Cruise to Europe this Fall or Winter can be your voyage to remember. For as little as $535 in Cabin Class or $685 in First, you can sail aboard the great Independence or Constitution for a luxurious 3-week round trip to the Mediterranean!

The Independence and Constitution will be sailing from New York approximately every two weeks all this Fall and early Winter through January. You'll have time to visit ashore at 3 to 8 ports, such as Canary Islands, Casablanca, Barcelona, Cannes, Genoa, Naples, Tangier, Madeira.

At sea there's fun, glamour, relaxation! And you'll have an air conditioned stateroom, private bathroom with shower, enjoy absolutely unsurpassed cuisine. For complete information and illustrated literature, see your Travel Agent or write to American Export Lines, New York.

 

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The Folks Behind the GG Archives

The GG Archives is the work and passion of two people, Paul Gjenvick, a professional archivist, and Evelyne Gjenvick, a curator. Paul earned a Masters of Archival Studies - a terminal degree from Clayton State University in Georgia, where he studied under renowned archivist Richard Pearce-Moses. Our research into the RMS Laconia and SS Bergensfjord, the ships that brought two members of the Gjønvik family from Norway to the United States in the early 20th century, has helped us design our site for other genealogists. The extent of original materials at the GG Archives can be very beneficial when researching your family's migration from Europe.