Furness Bermuda Line: Luxury Ocean Travel Between New York and Bermuda (1919-1938)

The Furness Bermuda Line operated a fleet of steamships primarily between New York and the Bermuda Islands.

The Furness Bermuda Line was a British shipping line that operated during the 20th century. Affiliated with the Furness Withy conglomerate, it ran cruises from New York City primarily to the British territory of Bermuda. Furness Bermuda began operations in 1919 with a single ship, Fort Hamilton.

Furness Bermuda Line steamers for Bermuda sail from Pier 95, North River (foot of West 55th Street), New York. The Furness-Bermuda Line (British) provides a rapid and regular twice-a-week service in each direction between New York and Bermuda, operating two quadruple-screw electro-turbine vessels.

The Furness Bermuda Line conducts beautiful tours from New York to the West Indies. These 21-day round-trip cruises via Nerissa and Dominica include visits to the islands of St. Thomas, St. Croix, St. Kitts, Antigua, Guadeloupe, and others.

1931 Advertisement, Furness Bermuda Line: The Most Economical Cruise to the Real West Indies: 21 Days $135 Up, 10 Different Islands. GGA Image ID # 1db5a6e47c

The Most Economical Cruise to the Real West Indies

21 DAYS, $135 up, 10 DIFFERENT ISLANDS, INCLUDING ALL EXPENSES.

with your luxury steamer as your hotel in each port . . . and a new delight awaiting you on every island. ST. THOMAS, ST. CROIX, ST. KITTS, ANTIGUA, GUADELOUPE, DOMINICA, MARTINIQUE, ST. LUCIA, BARBADOS, TRINIDAD

HERE’S a different "Furness" cruise to the real West Indies, in a delightful climate, tempered by trade winds. Poke into out-of- the-way places, off the beaten tourist lanes ... take "shore leave" at 10 interesting ports of call ...10 different experiences . . . welcome ceremonials from the island natives. And you’ll travel in traditional "Furness" luxury all the way. Parties, dances, deck games, sports and happy, carefree days at sea.

Figure the cost, day by day, dollar for dollar, and see how inexpensively you can enjoy this unusual travel treat.

Regular monthly sailings on famous "Furness" cruise ships.
For information and literature, apply FURNESS Bermuda Line 34 Whitehall St. (where Broadway begins) 565 Fifth Ave., New York, or any authorized agent

Review and Summary of the Furness Bermuda Line Archival Collection

Introduction to the Furness Bermuda Line

The Furness Bermuda Line was a British shipping company affiliated with the Furness Withy conglomerate, offering luxury ocean travel between New York and Bermuda from 1919 through the mid-20th century. Initially starting with a single vessel, Fort Hamilton, the line quickly grew into a dominant force in transatlantic and Caribbean cruising, operating high-end turbine steamships that provided unparalleled service for travelers seeking sun-drenched vacations and luxurious ocean voyages.

For historians and ocean travel enthusiasts, this collection provides a fascinating glimpse into early 20th-century leisure travel, cruise itineraries, and onboard experiences. Genealogists and researchers may find valuable information about passengers who sailed on these voyages. Teachers and students can utilize this material to explore the social and economic aspects of pre-World War II maritime tourism.

 

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Key Highlights from the Collection

1. Passenger Lists of the Furness Bermuda Line (1931-1938)

The archive contains digitized passenger lists from several voyages of the Furness Bermuda Line, revealing who traveled on these ships and when. These lists provide key information for genealogists researching ancestors who journeyed between Bermuda and New York. Some notable passenger lists include:

• 1931-10-17 TSS Franconia
  Route: New York to Bermuda
  Captain: G. Gibbons, R.D., R.N.R.
• 1936-07-18 SS Monarch of Bermuda
  Route: New York to Bermuda
  Captain: A. R. Francis
• 1938-09-17 SS Monarch of Bermuda
  Route: New York to Bermuda
  Captain: A. R. Francis

These lists provide not just names but insight into travel trends of the time, social hierarchies, and the popularity of luxury cruising during the interwar period.

 

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2. Onboard Dining: A Glimpse into Luxury at Sea (1938 Menu)

The September 18, 1938 dinner menu from the SS Monarch of Bermuda is an excellent resource for historians and food researchers. It includes gourmet selections such as:

• Noisette of Lamb, Fleuriste
• Roast Stuffed Long Island Duckling with Apple Sauce
• Parfait Victoria for dessert

This menu reflects the culinary sophistication aboard luxury ocean liners, emphasizing the grandeur and refinement passengers experienced during their voyages.

 

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3. Furness Bermuda Line Advertisements (1931): The Rise of West Indies Cruising

A 1931 advertisement promotes a 21-day cruise to the West Indies for only $135, visiting ten different islands, including:

• St. Thomas
• St. Croix
• St. Kitts
• Antigua
• Guadeloupe
• Dominica
• Martinique
• St. Lucia
• Barbados
• Trinidad
  

This "all-inclusive" cruise experience, which included accommodation aboard the ship while docked at various exotic locations, highlights the growing popularity of cruise tourism in the early 20th century. The advertisement appeals to travelers seeking both affordability and adventure, emphasizing "shore leave" experiences and cultural engagements at each port.

 

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Why This Collection is Valuable to Different Audiences

For Historians and Ocean Travel Enthusiasts:

• The archive sheds light on the evolution of transatlantic leisure travel before World War II.
• The passenger lists and advertisements reveal how cruise lines marketed themselves to an emerging class of tourists.
• The dining menu offers a look into the lavish onboard experiences that rivaled grand hotels of the era.

 

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For Genealogists and Family Historians:

• Passenger lists provide key details on individuals who may have traveled to or from Bermuda, particularly those involved in business, tourism, or expatriate communities.
• These documents may help confirm family migration patterns and locate ancestors who traveled between North America and the Caribbean.

 

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For Teachers and Students:

• The advertisements and menus can be used in classroom discussions on economic history, travel, and globalization in the early 20th century.
• The collection serves as a primary source for studying pre-war tourism and the role of British shipping companies in Caribbean travel.

 

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Final Thoughts

The Furness Bermuda Line Archival Collection at the GG Archives provides a rich historical record of early 20th-century cruise travel. From passenger lists to fine dining menus and advertising materials, this collection offers valuable insights into the golden age of transatlantic tourism.

For researchers, educators, and history enthusiasts, this archive serves as a window into the luxurious ocean liner experiences of the 1920s and 1930s—a time when sailing to Bermuda was not just a means of transportation but an elite social event in itself.