Cabin LinersCabin Liners presents the history of ocean travel in the 1920s and 1930s through the lens of the 'cabin class' liners, as well as their larger running mates. We bring ocean travel in the interwar period to life using a private collection of brochures, deck plans, photographs, and other memorabilia.
Visitors can virtually step aboard the ships which made their mark on the interwar period and explore articles concerning the development of ocean travel and life aboard. All information is collected from the author's private collection, supported by relevant secondary resources.
The 1920s and 1930s were a new age in ocean travel. Leading up to the First World War, ocean travel had been driven by a combination of mass migration and wealthy first class markets. Fuelled by economic competition, new technological development, and concern for national status, shipping companies and national governments were engaged in a battle of one-upmanship for the fastest, smoothest, and best equipped transatlantic liners. All passengers enjoyed increasing comfort - from the vastly improved welfare and facilities for third class immigrants, to the opulent design and innovative facilities in first class accommodation. The post-war period was a changing world which ushered in a new age for ocean travel. Immigration restrictions shifted focus away from migrants to a new class of travellers, whilst fleet rationalisation saw an boom in cabin class and second class travel. Cabin Ships are the result of public demand for luxury in transatlantic travel at moderate rates. The Cabin Traveler enjoys every comfort and many of the luxuries of the great express liners - and yet for a pleasingly smaller fare. This was the birth of the ‘Cabin Liner’ era. Whilst first class remained on the great express liners, passengers on smaller vessels could take advantage of new cabin class acc0mmodations, providing the comfort and service of first class at almost second class rates.
At the same time, much of third class gradually gave way to the new tourist-third cabin. Dormitories housing hopeful immigrants were replaced by neat, modern cabins for students, backpackers, and a new class of holiday makers. A new world brought about a new understanding of ocean travel which you are invited to explore through this website. 𝒥𝒶𝓂𝒾𝑒
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