Historic Ocean Liners

Black-and-white images of classic ocean liners from the early to mid-20th century, illustrating their grandeur and historical significance in maritime travel.

Kanimbla. June 1, 1936.

100 Dead In Great U.S. Liner Blaze - 100 people are reported dead in the great liner blaze off coast of New York, when the Morro Castle, caught after being struck ***** lighting last night while on her ***** the United States ***** pleasure cruise to Havana.Above: The ill-fated Morro Castle before its tragic cruise to Havana.The ship was the flagship of the Smart Set. September 08, 1934. (Photo by Keystone).

Giant Liner Returns to Atlantic Rivalry - With One Funnel Less -- Seen on trials before her return to the North Atlantic Service is the fourth largest liner in the world- the 43,450-ton Ile de France, of the French Line. Her reconversion after service as a wartime troop transport began at St. Nazaire in April, 1947, and - as is shown in this picture - she now has two funnels instead of three, one having been removed to free the upper decks. Built in 1927, the liner has been given completely new passenger accommodation and will now carry 1,345 passengers - 541 first class, 577 cabin and 227 tourist. She has the world's largest floating cinema and the only children's theatre afloat. July 13, 1949.

Anefo photo collection. Air recording SS. "New Amsterdam". 1940-1945}

Kanimbla. June 1, 1936.

RMS Orcades. January 14, 1949. (Photo by Gordon Herbert Short/Fairfax Media)

Pre 1939 war "Orsova". August 15, 1936.

Britain's Queen Of The South Atlantic -- The Royal Mail Lines flagship "Andes" at sea on the way to Southampton.The "Andes" (26,000 tons), flagship of the Royal Mail Lines, Britain's largest luxury liner for the South American run, arrived at Southampton to-day (Thursday) from Belfast, where she has been converted after war service. She commences her maiden voyage to South America on January 22nd. Completed in 1939, the "Andes" before her maiden voyage, was stripped of her luxury fittings and taken over as a war transport. She carried 109,000 men 165,000 miles without loss of life during the war. January 15, 1948.

Queen Mary Brings Home American Soldiers -- The towering skyline of lower New York City is a welcome sight to 14,526 American fighting men returning from Europe. They crowd the decks of the British transport Queen Mary, as the former trans-Atlantic luxury liner moves up New York Bay June 20,1945. The largest contingent of servicemen ever to arrive in tie port on a single ship, most of them were destined for redeployment to the Pacific. The voyage was the Queen Mary's first westward trip free of menace since the beginning of the war. July 27, 1945. (Photo by U.S. Office of War Information Picture).

Poll photo collection. MS Colombia. The cruise ship MS Colombia from the K.n.S.M. In the port of Funchal, Madeira. January 1, 1934. Funchal, Madeira, Portugal

Tugs begin to pull the huge liner Queen Elizabeth away from her North River pier as she sets sail for Europe. The RMS Queen Elizabeth was an ocean liner operated by the Cunard Line, serving as a luxury liner between Southampton, UK and New York City, USA, via Cherbourg, France. Launched in 1938, the ship was eventually replaced in 1969.

Photo collection prints Anefo Rousel. Series Print Anefo RVD Own Without Caption. Collection of photo collection prints Anefo Rousel, photo number 157-0978. 1956

New Shaw Savill Liner - An artist's impression of the new Shaw Savill liner now under construction at the Harland & Wolff Yards, ***** Belfast. This unusual passenger vessel will be launched by H.M. The queen in 1954. ***** 20,000 tons the ship will be 600 feet in ***** length with a speed of over 20 knots. The design is revolutionary; the propelling machinery will be housed as far aft as the ***** will have accommodation for 1,200 one-class passengers. The decks will be completely clear of ventilators or cargo derricks. December 10, 1953.

Konung Gustaf V

Latest "Castle" on Maiden Voyage to the CapeThe Union-castle line's Edinburgh castle left on her maiden Voyage from south Hampton today (Thursday) for South Africa. 28,700 tons gross, she is the sister ship of the "Pretoria Castle" .They are Claimed to be the two largest and most powerful Vessels on the routs to the Caps. The Edinburgh Castle" was unched by Princess Margaret in October last year and has been fitted out at Belfast. Picture Shows:- Crowds wave to friends leaving by the Edinburgh Castle as the liner Bails away on maiden Voyage in the gathering gloom late this afternoon from South Hampton. December 9, 1948. (Photo by Reuterphoto)

To Replace " Empress Of Canada "The liner De Grasse which the Canadian pacific Steamship company gas acquired to replace the Empress of Canada which was destroyed by fire at Liverpool last month, pending delivery of the first new passenger liner. February 16, 1953.

Arrival of RMS Queen Elizabeth Sydney Harbour first voyage. February 21, 1941. (Photo by Beau Leonard/Fairfax Media).

New Liner Leaves For Sea Trials -- The 29,500-ton P & 0 liner Iberia seen leaving Victoria Wharf and moving down Belfast Lough for her sea trials on Tuesday evening (Sept 7th).The magnificent new P & O liner "Iberia" a sister ship to the "Arcadia" left Messrs. Harland & Wolff's Belfast shipyard on Tuesday evening (Sept 7th) for her sea trials.After going through her paces in open waters, the Iberia will anchor on the Clyde before making a run over the measured mile apt Arran. She will then proceed to London, where she is expected on Monday (Sept, l3th) ready to start her maiden voyage to Australia on September 28th. The 29,5000-ton Iberia, which was launched in January, is the biggest ship to be built at Belfast since the White Star Britannic in 1914. September 09, 1954. (Photo by Fox Photos).

RMS Orcades.Orcades Changeover - The P and O group plan to convert the 28,000-ton liner Orcades (below) into a one-class vessel next year.A Similar conversion to meet the demand for one-class travel in the Australian trade has recently been carried out in the liner Himalaya.The Himalaya is now visiting Australian ports for the first time since the conversion.Messrs R. and H. Green of Tilbury which handled the conversion of the Himalaya will also carry out the work on the Orcades in the first half of next May.Orcades will have her capacity increased from 1,365 to 1,635 passengers berths. January 14, 1949. (Photo by Gordon Herbert Short/Fairfax Media)

S.S. Imperator, an ocean liner in the Hamburg America Line, launched 1912

Arrival From Australia - Passes By Doomed Sea Giant -- Coolangatta, one of the fleet of Empire flying-boats, taxi-ing past the "doomed" liner Berengaria at No. 108 Berth in the New Docks at Southampton, at the end of her 12,000-,iles journey from Sydney. The Coolangatta was a day behind schedule when she was handed over by her Qantas Empire Airways' pilot to Captain I.G. Ross of Imperial Airways, at Singapore. The lost time was made up on the remainder of the journey, which was accomplished in f

British Liner For Cruising Ocean Monarch At Tilbury.With a "King Neptune" a figurehead on the bow, the "Ocean Monarch" has last minute preparations before sailing (painters scaffolding is still over the side).Sailing today from Tilbury to New York to join in the cruise traffic, is the new liner Ocean Monarch (about 14,000 tons) Built for Messrs. Furness Withy and Company, the now liner is the first large ship specially built for the cruising traffic in Britain since the war. She has accommodation for 450 one class passengers and will assist the liner Queen of Bermuda during the season of the New York - Bermuda run. April 17, 1951. (Photo by Fox Photos).

Held Fast. April 02, 1931.

"Plane-Wing" Liner Is Newcomer To Britain -- The single funnel - 'like an aircraft wing set vertically' - is the feature of the new Holland-America liner Maasdam (15,000 tons), paying her first visit to Britain today (Tuesday).The funnel is designed to keep smoke from the passenger decks. The new Dutch-built liner has accommodation for only 39 first-class passengers - in a penthouse on the boatdeck. The 842 tourist passengers have a glass enclosed promenade, palm court and sports deck.The Maasdam has a speed of 16 1/2 knots. August 12, 1952.

The New Orient Liner "Orcades" (23,500 Tons - Sister ship to the "Orion") leaves Tilbury for Southampton on her maiden trip - A cruise to the Mediterranean. August 21, 1937. (Photo by Sport & General Press Agency Limited).

Reconverted "Orion" arrived by U.K.The Orient Line Ship " Orion" used during the war as a troopship, arrived in Sydney this morning on her first reconverted peace time trip as a passenger. March 31, 1947. (Photo by C.T. Halmarick)

New Orient Liner Orcades made an impressive picture as she came up Sydney Harbor today on her maiden voyage from Britain. The Orcades (28,164 tons) is the largest and fastest liner to enter the regular Australian trade. The ship cost £4,000,000 to build and her running costs are £3800 a day. January 14, 1949.

Vintage photograph. Queen Mary cruise ship being towed by tug boats

HMS Prince Leopold Underway in pre-war livery.

The New Orient liner "Orcades" (23,500 Tons - sister ship to the "Orion") leaves Tilbury for Southampton on her maiden trip - a cruise to the Mediterranean. Leaving Tilbury Docks. August 21, 1937. (Photo by Sport & General Press Agency, Limited).

QUANZA, NAVIO AUSPICIADO POR LA "JARE" RUMBO A MEXICO CON REFUGIADOS ESPAÑOLES, 1941. Location: FUNDACION PABLO IGLESIAS. MADRID. SPAIN.

Historic photographs of the Norfolk Naval shipyard located in the Fifth Naval District. Operating under the Department of Defense and the Department of the Navy.

HMS Circassia At anchor.

"Orcades". January 14, 1949. (Photo by Stuart William MacGladrie/Fairfax Media)

Vintage Photograph. S.S. Mauretania at anchor in harbor of La Guairá, Venezuela. Frame 2

Parthia: Fourth New Liner For Cunard White Star Fleet -- The new liner "Parthia" has a smartly raked curved stem, single mast, and funnel among her most striking features. The streamlined super-structure, shapely bow and cruiser stern also contribute to her handsome appearance.Off on her maiden voyage from Liverpool to New York, to-morrow (Saturday) is the Cunard-White Star new passenger and cargo liner "Parthia", (13,340 tons), the fourth new liner to join the Company's expanding post-war fleet. The first Cunard White Star liner to be built in Belfast by Messrs. Harland and Wolff, "Parthia" is designed for the one-class United States services. April 10, 1948.

Anefo photo collection. Nice plates of the Ms. "Oranje" in Amsterdam. 28 February 1957. Amsterdam, Noord-Holland

High Sea Passenger Stupper "Fatherland" when leaving a harbor

Poll photo collection. Israel 1948-1949: Zoesteis. The Kedmah moored in an unknown port. January 1, 1948

Cruise ship in the sea, RMS Ivernia

M/S Queen Trelleborg

OLYMPIC

Poll photo collection. MS Colombia. The port of Amsterdam with the MS cottics with a tugboat on port side. 1934. Amsterdam, Noord-Holland

With about 300 soldiers that were wounded in the North and the South China front on board, the hospital ship "Asahi-Maru; (13 860 tons) arrived at the dock of Sibaura, Tokyo. (Photo by Atlantic-Photo). February 14, 1938. (Photo by Atlantic-Photo).

RMS Titanic, which sank after hitting an iceberg on its maiden voyage on 15th April 1912. Pictured here passing a similar berg on the previous day... 1912

The train ferry S/S Prussia.

This is the Lloyd Triestino luxury liner MV Oceania which will take you to Italy. You'll return in the sister-ship, Neptunia. October 03, 1952.

Photograph of the Port View of the SS City of Rome. Photograph Of Port View. May 17th., 1918. City Of Rome-(formerly) Suwannee, M. M. T. Co. Nationality-American. Tonnage-3648. Captain)-L. G. Dalzell. Owners- Ocean S. S. Co. Where from- New York, N. Y. Destination- New York, N. Y. Where Photographed- Savannah, Ga. Sixth Naval District. By Whom Photographed-J/ Boyd Dearborn. Date- May 12th., 1918/.. 1918-05-12T00:00:00.

Untitled Breading G. Way (American, 1860-1940). , ca. 1888. Cellulose nitrate negative ca. 1888

M/S Skåne

The steamship SS President Coolidge, built in Virginia by Newport News Shipbuilding in 1931.

Anefo photo collection. The SS Almanzora with 1900 repaired from Indie on board in the port of Amsterdam. January 3, 1946. Amsterdam

The Manly ferry Dee Why, which is to be sold. January 11, 1950.

Photograph of the passenger liner, SS 'New York', built 1888 and acquired by the United States Government in 1898. Date: 1898

Anefo photo collection. Departure Ms. "Johan van Oldenbarneveldt" with eleven hundred emigrants from Amsterdam around Cape Good hope. November 1, 1956. Amsterdam, Noord-Holland

Vintage photograph. Queen Mary cruise ship being towed by tug boats

Queen Mary Preparing For Mystery Voyage -- Lifeboats being lowered into the water from the Queen Mary at her pier in New York today as preparations were made for quick departure. The Queen Mary received a large addition to her crew on Monday when 770 seamen arrived here on the S.S. Antonia and were divided between the Queen Mary and the Mauretania. In this photo the new crew members are operating the lifeboat mechanisms. No information has been given out by the Cunard white star line on the trip contemplated for the two giant liners. In the foreground is shown the S.S. Normandie sow of the French line. March 20, 1940. (Photo by Wide World Photo).

American Blue Riband Bid -- The new American liner United States, now on her maiden-voyage across the Atlantic, which all ***** American hopes will ***** record cross flg. Her owners, ***** the United States lines, are ***** confident that she can wrest ***** Blue Riband from the queen Mary ***** which won it in August 1932. ***** built at a cost of £25,000,000. ***** the vessel's official speed ***** been given as 35 knots. July 4, 1952. (Photo by Reuterphoto).

Model of the Gustaf V train ferry; Railway Museum.

Photograph of the London, Brighton and South Coast Railway Company's Channel Service turbine Steamer, 'Brighton', 1903. Built by William Denny and Brothers, Dumbarton, with three Parsons turbine engines, this vessel was used on the Newhaven to Dieppe service. Date: 1903

The Morro Castle, burnt out and run ashore on at Asbbury Park, New Jersey. The image shows an investigator going aboard for the inquest. The Morro Castle, a U.S passenger ship, caught fire on her regular route from Cuba to New York. The speed in which the fire spread cause 133 people to loose their lives. The disaster highlighted the need for fire precautions, such as fire proof doors and sprinkler systems, to be included on all passenger ships. Date: 22nd Sept 1934

Photo collection Service for army contacts Indonesia. DLC Arrival of the December 7 Division per MS Boissevain. Arrival of the Boissevain in the port of Tandjong Priok. 19 October 1946. Batavia, Indonesia, Jakarta, Dutch East Indies, Tandjong Priok

Anefo photo collection. Feijenoord supporters to Lisbon. Departure of the Groote Beer and Waterman ships from Rotterdam. May 4, 1963. Rotterdam, South Holland

Anefo photo collection. Orange in the dock. March 2, 1950. Amsterdam, Noord-Holland

Vintage Photograph. Tanker the Trans eastern in fog at Boston Harbor.

Vintage photograph. Ship at Hudson River pier. SS America

First Full View Of Superliner - The first full view of the new superliner United States tugs pulled her out into the James River here today. She was christened by Mrs. Tom Connally, wife of the Texas senator. The 99 ft, 51,500 ton vessel is the largest and fastest passenger liner ever built in this country. United States.... new luxury liner - only the pianos and butchers blocks are made of wood. June 23, 1951. (Photo by AP Photo).

Passenger ship "Monte Rosa

Making her Debut with the Sea -- The P. & O. 'Chusan' slides into the water at Barrow-in-Firness watched by workmen who helped to build her, Viscountess. Bruce performed the launching ceremony. The largest passenger liner in the world to be launched this year was launched by Viscountess Bruce from the yard of Vickers-Armstrongs, Ltd., at Barron-in-Furness, Lancashire, yesterday. The vessel is the 24,000-ton P. & O liner 'Chusan', which is expected to be completed by next Spring. She is 665 feet in length and 85 feet in breadth. June 29, 1949.

Train Ferry S/S Starke (1930-1972)

Passenger steamer Victoria Luise

Travel Photos Italy. Passenger ship "Milwaukee" in the lagoon of Venice. View with gondolas

The ferry Vera, which was put into service in 1898 and travelled to the Channel Islands in England, around 1890, Historical, digitally restored reproduction from a 19th century original

The train ferries "Queen Viktoria and Deutschland" in Trelleborg harbor.

The "Queen Mary" Comes Home -- The "Queen Mary" coming alongside her berth after arriving at Southampton. Britain's most famous liner, the 80,000 ton "Queen Mary" returned to Southampton on her first home-coming since she sailed under secret orders a few days before war was declared - just six years ago. The "Queen Mary" had completed 520,000 miles during her war service and had carried over 600,000 Allied fighting men across the Atlantic. The liner will carry American troops on her return voyage to New York. August 11, 1945.

John Brooks, John Brooks (Side wheeler), Side wheelers, 1890

CALIFORNIA

The steam yacht 'Lorna', 1911. Creator: Kirk & Sons of Cowes.

THE S.S. 'TEUTONIC' WHICH HAS MADE THE FASTEST PASSAGES ON RECORD, WESTWARDS AND EASTWARDS, ACROSS THE ATLANTIC

Hochsee passenger steamer "Fatherland" on Reede

Augustus ship departing, January 28, 1936, Genoa port, Italy, 20th century.

France's Latest Liner - The French Line's Liberte (50,000 tons), the third largest liner in the world, is pictured here arriving at Le Havre after completing her trials.She leaves Le Havre on her first sailing to New York via Southampton on August 17.Liberte was formerly the German liner Europe and once held theBlue Riband of the Atlantic.She was reconverted in the Penhoet shipyard at St. Nazaire. August 09, 1950. (Photo by Reuterphoto).

Anefo photo collection. Greatest tanker in Europoort, the Sea spray on the loskade. January 5, 1967

Photograph of the P&O liner SS 'Delhi' at sea in 1911. Built in 1905 the 'Delhi' was wrecked in a gale off Cape Spartel, Tangiers, in 1911. Three lives were lost in the wreck, but the Princess Royal, The Duke of Fife and the Princesses Alexandra and Maud were among those saved. Date: 1911

Passengership "Patria

M/S Queen Trelleborg

M/S Queen Trelleborg

Photograph of the stern of the North German Lloyd Liner 'Kaiser Wilhelm der Grosse' at sea, 1900. This liner was built by the Vulcan Shipyards at Stettin with the aim of winning the Blue Riband. Launched in 1897, by the Kaiser himself, she made the Transatlantic run in 5 days and 20 hours in the same year to claim the title. She served on the TransAtlantic run until 1914, when she was taken over by the German Navy as an auxiliary cruiser. In August of the same year, she was sunk after being atta

Anefo photo collection. Departure "Willem Ruys" from Rotterdam for Cruise. May 23, 1958. Rotterdam, South Holland

Sweden, Blekinge, Blekinge, Karlskrona, Karlskrona, external marina (depicted, town).Sweden, Blekinge, Blekinge, Karlskrona, Karlskrona, External War Gogs (depicted, City)

port

Vintage Photograph. Large Troop ship and tug boats at Seattle.

Anefo photo collection. Aerial recording. S.S. "New Amsterdam". 1940-1942}

Anefo photo collection. Arrival Brazilian Training ship "Duque de Caxias" in Amsterdam. November 3, 1953. Amsterdam, Noord-Holland

1930S New York City Harbor Ferry Boat With Two Smoke Stacks Viewed From The Stern Statue Of Liberty On Horizon

DN-SN-90-01833. Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

Anefo photo collection. Cargo ship "Lenakay" in the port of Rotterdam in connection with a sailing ban. August 10, 1979. Rotterdam, South Holland

Ship "Chitral", 1930-1950, by William Hall Raine.

Anefo photo collection. Departure of the M.S. Queen Wilhelmina from the yard Merwede in Hardinxveld to Rotterdam. January 5, 1960. Hardinxveld, Rotterdam

The Sitmar cruise ship, Fairstar , on its way to Pacific islands. April 17, 1933.

Hospital Ship, Manunda. April 10, 1941.

of 2