Norwegian America Line (NAL) Archival Collection: A Voyage Through Immigration, Tourism, and Maritime Luxury

The Norwegian America Line (NAL) Den Norske Amerikalinje was started in 1910 to take advantage of the Immigrant trade between Norway and the United States. The transatlantic voyages between Oslo and New York were made with the following Ocean Liners: Kristianiafjord, Bergensfjord, Oslofjord, and Stavangerfjord during the period covered by the Gjenvick-Gjønvik Archives.

Explore the history of the Norwegian America Line (NAL), a major player in transatlantic travel from Norway to the U.S. This collection includes passenger lists, brochures, menus, and photographs from 1910-1960, offering valuable insights for genealogists, historians, and maritime enthusiasts.

Hat Tally (Ribbons)

• 1917 Ribbon (Hat Tally): SS Stavangerfjord Yellow Lettering on Black with Norwegian Flag on Left Side and NAL flag on the Right Side.

Photographs of One Class Cabin and Third Class Accommodations on the Norwegian America Line SS Stavangerfjord and Bergensfjord from a 1924 Rate Brochure. Den Norske Amerikalinje offered direct sailing between New York and Bergen, Stavanger, Kristianssand and Kristiania (Oslo).

NAL Cabin Writing Room, SS Stavangerfjord and Bergensfjord. GGA Image ID # 216bef5997

NAL Cabin State Room, SS Stavangerfjord and Bergensfjord. GGA Image ID # 216c1c8ce7

NAL Cabin Promenade Deck and Veranda Café, SS Stavangerfjord and Bergensfjord. GGA Image ID # 216c23bb86

NAL Cabin Music Room, SS Stavangerfjord and Bergensfjord. GGA Image ID # 216d44f727

NAL Cabin Dining Room, SS Stavangerfjord and Bergensfjord. GGA Image ID # 216d74da88

NAL Cabin Smoking Room, SS Stavangerfjord and Bergensfjord. GGA Image ID # 216d909d8d

NAL Third Class Dining Room, SS Stavangerfjord and Bergensfjord. GGA Image ID # 216deff521

NAL Third Class Smoking Room, SS Stavangerfjord and Bergensfjord. GGA Image ID # 216e17e780

NAL Third Class Promenade Deck, SS Stavangerfjord and Bergensfjord. GGA Image ID # 216e45af07

Review and Summary of the Norwegian America Line (NAL) Archival Collection

Introduction: The Norwegian America Line’s Role in Maritime History

The Norwegian America Line (Den Norske Amerikalinje - NAL) was founded in 1910 to serve the increasing demand for immigration from Norway to the United States. Operating through Oslo, Kristiansand, Stavanger, and Bergen to New York, NAL provided vital transport for immigrants, tourists, and business travelers, while also developing a reputation for elegant passenger service.

This archival collection provides an in-depth look at Norwegian transatlantic migration and tourism, featuring: Passenger lists documenting Norwegian and Scandinavian immigration to America, Travel brochures promoting voyages and tourism to Norway, Onboard menus and dining experiences for various passenger classes, and Photographs and documents offering a glimpse into life aboard NAL ships.

Why This Collection Matters

This historically rich archive serves as a key resource for:

• Genealogists tracing Scandinavian ancestry and migration records.
• Historians studying Norwegian immigration and maritime travel trends.
• Educators and students exploring ocean travel, tourism, and transatlantic commerce.
• Maritime enthusiasts interested in the luxury and practicality of early 20th-century steamship travel.

Key Highlights from the Collection

1. Norwegian America Line and Transatlantic Migration (1910-1939)

The early years of the Norwegian America Line coincided with one of the largest waves of Norwegian immigration to the United States. These ships transported thousands of Norwegian and Swedish immigrants, providing affordable third-class accommodations while also catering to business travelers and tourists.

Notable Passenger Lists:

• 1915-08-18: SS Bergensfjord (Oslo to New York) – Early passenger records from one of the NAL’s most active transatlantic steamers.
• 1927-09-13: SS Stavangerfjord (Oslo to New York) – Documents pre-Great Depression immigration and travel trends.
• 1935-07-27: SS Bergensfjord (Oslo to New York) – Captures a period when Norwegian migration slowed but luxury travel increased.
• 1939-07-06: SS Stavangerfjord (New York to Oslo) – One of the last recorded voyages before WWII disrupted transatlantic routes.

🔹 Why This Matters:

• Genealogists can find valuable immigration records for Norwegian ancestors.
• Historians can examine how economic changes influenced migration patterns.

2. Travel Brochures: Promoting Norway and the Norwegian America Line

NAL produced beautifully illustrated brochures to attract both immigrants and luxury travelers.

Highlighted Brochures:

• 1915 Norwegian America Line (New York to Norway) – A tourism-focused brochure designed for U.S.-based travelers interested in visiting Norway.
• 1915 Swedish Immigration Brochure – Encouraged Swedish immigrants to book passage via Norway, with detailed interior and exterior ship images.
• 1920s "Visit the Vikings" Brochure – Marketed Norway as a picturesque travel destination, highlighting landscapes, cities, and Viking history.

🔹 Why This Matters:

• Historians can study how steamship companies shaped perceptions of Norway as a travel destination.
• Educators can use these brochures to illustrate the importance of transatlantic commerce and tourism.

3. Menus and Onboard Dining: A Culinary Experience at Sea

The menus from NAL ships offer a glimpse into the dining experiences of passengers across all classes.

Notable Menus:

• 1920s SS Stavangerfjord Farewell Dinner Menu – Featured Roast Leg of Reindeer with Cream Sauce, an example of Scandinavian cuisine served aboard NAL ships.
• 1929-07-29 SS Bergensfjord Luncheon Menu – Included Hungarian Goulash and Consommé Macédoine, showcasing international influences.
• 1936-09-05 SS Bergensfjord Third-Class Farewell Dinner Menu – Included Baked Filet of Fish, Roast Goose, and Crocan Ice Cream.
• 1950-09-30 SS Stavangerfjord First-Class Dinner Menu – Featured Boiled Redfish, Roast Leg of Reindeer, and Vanilla Pudding, with a folk costume cover design.

🔹 Why This Matters:

• Food historians can analyze how Norwegian and international cuisines influenced ocean travel dining.
• Maritime enthusiasts can explore the differences in meal offerings across passenger classes.

4. Photographs and Ship Interiors: Life Aboard NAL Ships

This collection features rare photographs of ship interiors, allowing a firsthand look at passenger accommodations.

Key Photographs:

• 1924 Cabin Writing Room (SS Stavangerfjord & Bergensfjord) – A cozy space for letter-writing and reading at sea.
• 1924 Cabin Music Room – A glimpse into onboard entertainment and leisure spaces.
• 1924 Third-Class Dining Room – Shows what meals were like for immigrants and budget travelers.
• 1924 Cabin Promenade Deck & Veranda Café – Highlights outdoor relaxation spaces for first-class passengers.

🔹 Why This Matters:

• Genealogists and historians can better understand the living conditions of Norwegian immigrants.
• Maritime enthusiasts can explore the architectural and design elements of luxury steamships.

5. Norwegian America Line’s Post-War Evolution (1945-1960)

After World War II, NAL rebranded itself as a luxury passenger line, offering premium first-class travel while continuing tourist and immigrant services.

Key Post-War Documents:

• 1953-07-14 SS Stavangerfjord First-Class Passage Contract – Reflects the shift toward more formalized luxury travel.
• 1953-07-21 SS Stavangerfjord Farewell Dinner Menu – Featured Norwegian Salmon, Roast Ptarmigan, and Pyramid Cake, illustrating fine dining at sea.
• 1960 Den Norske Amerikalinje 1910-1960 – A comprehensive history of NAL’s passenger fleet, with rare photographs and illustrations.

🔹 Why This Matters:

• Historians can study how Norwegian shipping adapted to the post-war economy.
• Genealogists can find records of mid-century Norwegian-American travel.

Final Thoughts: Why This Collection is Essential

The Norwegian America Line Archival Collection is a comprehensive resource on Norwegian transatlantic travel, documenting both immigration and luxury travel trends.

✅ Documents thousands of Norwegian and Scandinavian immigrants' journeys.

✅ Captures the evolution of ocean travel from steerage to luxury cruising.

✅ Includes rare brochures, photographs, and menus showcasing maritime culture.

✅ Essential for genealogists, historians, and ocean travel enthusiasts.

🔹 Who Should Explore This Collection?

• Genealogists researching Scandinavian immigration records.
• Historians studying Norwegian maritime commerce and tourism.
• Educators teaching about transatlantic migration and travel.
• Maritime enthusiasts fascinated by early 20th-century ocean liners.

This extraordinary collection preserves the stories of thousands who sailed between Norway and America, making it an indispensable historical resource.