Baltic America Line Fleet & Services (1920): Transatlantic Travel & European Connections

📌 Discover the fleet, services, and travel opportunities of the Baltic America Line in the 1920s. This brochure highlights passenger routes from New York and Halifax to key European ports, luxurious accommodations, and testimonials from travelers. A must-read for historians, genealogists, and maritime enthusiasts.

Front Cover, Baltic America Line Brochure. Undated circa early 1920s. GGA Image ID # 11408a12da

Baltic America Line Fleet & Services (1920) 🚢🌍

The Baltic America Line 1920 brochure is an invaluable resource for maritime historians, teachers, genealogists, and travel enthusiasts exploring transatlantic migration and tourism in the early 20th century. This comprehensive guide presents the fleet’s passenger services, detailed ship descriptions, European travel opportunities, and firsthand testimonials from satisfied passengers.

With lavish photographs and route maps, the document offers a rich historical perspective on post-World War I travel, highlighting the changing political landscape of Europe, affordable travel opportunities, and high-quality accommodations aboard ships like the SS Latvia, SS Polonia, SS Lituania, and SS Estonia.

The American Tourists seeking rest, recreation, study, or new business connections in Europe cannot find a more suitable time to go than next summer, using all the exceptional facilities offered by the Baltic America Line.

Introductory

PEACE at last. Disarmament is more than a theory. Since the cessation of hostilities, the world has made distinct instructive progress. The evils left by the war are rapidly becoming localized and isolated or have completely disappeared.

Work is now the slogan in every European country -- Cannons and swords are hammered into plowshares, automobiles, and sewing machines--Factories are working full blast -- New Trade connections are being established--Yet Europe is vastly different.

Even old, seasoned travelers who have "done" Northern Europe year after year in pre-war times will find great changes wherever they go today: Empires have been dismembered, provinces have changed rulers, and new nations and independent small republics have sprung up.

Free cities have again emerged, all destined to become great vehicles for commerce and industry. While the entire face of Central Europe has changed, some old customs have been resurrected. The "Leipziger Messe" is in full swing, bigger than ever.

The "Passion Play" at Oberammergau, as an embodiment of simple old-world faith and piety, will again be produced after an enforced period of twelve years of dormancy.

Railway travel in Europe, including dining and sleeping car service, is routine.

Hotels, many with the same luxurious appointments as our great hotels, are prepared to take good care of their guests. Best of all, owing to the low rate of exchange, expenses figured in American Dollars are exceedingly low.

Indeed, today is a day of travel opportunity. The American Tourist seeking rest, recreation, study, or new business connections in Europe can therefore not find a more opportune time to go than next summer, using all the exceptional facilities offered by the "BALTIC-AMERICA LINE," which combines the four paramount factors: --

1. “Service”
2. “Accommodations”
3. “Speed”
4. “Rates”

Cover of 1920s Baltic America Line Brochure. GGA Image ID # 11408ae760

Service

Four modern twin-screw passenger steamers maintain the Baltic America Line's service: "Latvia," "Polonia," "Lituania," and "Estonia. " These steamships embody all meritorious construction improvements and are equalled in safety, comfort, sanitary, and practical appointments only by the very best-equipped steamships of today.

Only recently have all steamers of the Baltic America Line been furnished with the newly invented Gyroscope Compasses, which secure the highest degree of safety for navigation even in foggy weather.

The ports served by the steamers of the Baltic America Line are:

• New York -- Terminal port in the U.S.
• Hamburg -- Port of call in Germany.
• Danzig -- Free City, port of call for passengers desiring to return to the United States from Germany, Poland, Czechoslovakia, Roumania, and other Central European states.
• Libau -- Terminal port for the Baltic States (Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania) and Russia.
• Halifax -- Port of call for Canada.

Route Map of the Baltic America Line (1920s). GGA Image ID # 1140a62992. Click to View a Larger Image.

A glance at the map will show that this route is equally convenient for travelers bound for Great Britain, France, or Central Europe, as Hamburg is the favorite gateway for travel to London, Paris, Berlin, Vienna, Prague, Warsaw, Budapest, and other principal cities of Europe.

Rates

The rates in effect in the First and Second Cabin on the Steamers "Lituania" and "Estonia" and the Cabin Rates on the Steamers "Latvia" and "Polonia" will also undoubtedly appeal to the traveling public, to whom a tour of Europe is most valuable in a business and educational way and who do not feel justified in spending much money solely for the trip across the ocean.

The Baltic America Line's service will appeal especially to doctors, instructors, lecturers, artists, and other professional people who go to Europe annually and who prefer to spend less on travel without giving up any of the comforts.

Service and Cuisine

The Baltic America Line's service is of the highest order. It is entrusted to able and experienced "Chefs," assisted by a corps of well-trained stewards and stewardesses, with whom courtesy and willingness are prime qualifications. The cuisine and tables have a most enviable reputation for their excellence and variety. It provides the best that the markets of Europe and America afford.

Satisfaction

Unsolicited testimonials, signed by hundreds of passengers who traveled on our steamers, expressing gratitude and satisfaction with accommodations, excellence and lavishness of table, and courteous treatment, are the best proof and eloquent endorsement of the service of the Baltic America Line.

On the following pages, the Baltic-America Line takes pleasure in giving a short description of each steamer, hoping to convey a somewhat adequate idea of the splendid accommodations available to passengers.

SS Latvia - 8,596 Tons. GGA Image ID # 1140f1de92

The steamer "Latvia," built by Barclay, Curle & Co. of Glasgow, Scotland, is entirely steel. It is 475 feet long, 57 feet wide, and 41 feet from the keel to the upper deck.

This steamer embodies all the latest improvements in shipbuilding and all modern services for the safety and comfort of travelers by sea, including cellular double bottom, bilge keels, wireless telegraphy, mechanical ventilation, gyroscope compasses, etc.

All the staterooms on the bridge deck are large, light rooms outside. These rooms have mostly two berths (one upper and one lower) and a sofa and can accommodate two or three passengers, and some cabins can accommodate four passengers.

SS Polonia - 7,858 Tons. GGA Image ID # 1140f43e45

Forward of the staterooms on the promenade deck is the elegantly equipped dining room, and on the upper promenade deck, there are music and smoking rooms.

The steamer "Polonia" is similar in type to the well-known steamer "Latvia." This steamer, "The Queen of the Baltic Sea," offers the same comfort and luxury that the line is renowned for.

The cabin passengers' accommodations are situated amidships and extend over two decks: the promenade and bridge decks. The dining room, which extends the full width of the ship, is exquisitely furnished.

SS Lituania - 6,852 Tons. GGA Image ID # 1141649420

All sections have been provided light and ventilation according to the most advanced ideas. The following will describe this steamer's size, construction, and technical equipment: The length is 450 feet, the beam is 58 feet, and the height from the keel to the upper deck is 38 feet.

The steamship Lituania and her sister ship Estonia were built by Barclay, Curle & Co. in Glasgow, Scotland, and they incorporate all the latest improvements in shipbuilding.

Cabin Dining Room -- Steamers Polonia and Latvia. GGA Image ID # 11418461b7

On their trial trips, which were made in the presence of expert engineers, shipbuilders, and representatives of English Lloyds, they received the highest certificate of commendation from these representatives.

Four hundred twenty-five feet in length, these vessels are identical in dimensions and internal equipment. Each has been provided with the same safety devices and commodious staterooms.

The use of large bilge keels secures steadiness in rough weather. Wireless telegraph devices, equipped for both short and long-distance work, keep the ships in touch with the world on both shores of the Atlantic and with sister ships upon the sea. Using this device, the Company obtains news matter, which is edited and printed on each ship during the voyage.

First-class Dining Room - Steamers Estonia and Lituania. GGA Image ID # 1143236be5

The staterooms of the "Lituania" and "Estonia" were designed with one idea in mind —the comfort of the passengers. Therefore, even the second-class rooms on both steamers are located directly amidships on the promenade and main deck.

Both vessels have earned themselves an enviable reputation for steadiness and general comfort.

In addition, the Baltic America Line has exerted every effort to make travel on all steamers as safe as possible. They are equipped with submarine bell signals, double cellular bottoms, water-tight compartments, and gyroscope compasses and carry sufficient lifeboats and lifepreservers to provide for the entire number of passengers and crew.

First-class Ladies' Salon and Music Room -- Steamers Polonia and Latvia. GGA Image ID # 11432455da

Independent Travel Tours During Next Summer Season

Cabin reservations and registration for tourist parties to Europe during the coming spring and summer seasons predicate hefty travel. Therefore, cabin accommodations should be made as far in advance as possible to avoid disappointment and inconvenience.

Main Stairway. GGA Image ID # 11436fd6e0

Conditions in Europe are now better than at any time since the war.

Smoking and Card Room -- Steamers Estonia and Lituania. GGA Image ID # 1143812726

Traveling in Central Europe is now just as comfortable as before the war.

There are dining and international sleeping cars on most of the routes. Hotel accommodations in all principal European cities are first-class. The embargo on tourist travel to foreign countries is being gradually lifted, and last but not least, the low rate of foreign exchange, figured in American dollars, will induce many Americans to consider a trip to Europe as a well-planned.

Vacation Trip

The total expenses for steamship tickets, first-class railroad fares, hotel accommodations with three meals daily, and state and luxury gratuities will amount to only an average of $10.00 per day. If the tour is carefully planned and arranged beforehand all travel trouble is eliminated.

While some travelers prefer escorted tours, many others desire to travel alone rather than as members of an associated party.

First Cabin Stateroom. GGA Image ID # 1143b06f91

It is for the independent tourists that the Baltic America Line compiled a few tentative two-month tours, the cost of which, including steamship tickets, first-class rail and hotel accommodations in first-class houses, including meals, and state and luxury gratuities are as follows:

Tour No. 1 — $575.00

• Visiting: Hamburg, Berlin, Leipzig, Dresden, Prague, Vienna, Cracow, Warsaw, Danzig.
• All expenses, including first-class steamer and round-trip accommodations, are $575.00.

Tour No. 2 — $585.00

• Visiting: Hamburg, Bremen, Cologne, Frankfort, Prague, Cracow, Warsaw, Danzig.
• All expenses, including first-class steamer and round-trip accommodations, are $585.00.

Tour No. 3 — $600.00

• Visiting: Hamburg, Berlin, Dresden, Prague, Vienna, Budapest, Lemberg, Cracow, Warsaw, Danzig.
• All expenses, including first-class steamer and round-trip accommodations, are $600.00.
• The same tour, 3 months duration, Round trip, $700.00.

Tour No. 4 — $575.00

• Visiting: Hamburg, Bremen, Frankfort, Nuremberg, Munich, Leipzig, Berlin and Danzig.
• All expenses, including first-class steamer and round-trip accommodations, are $575.00.

All these rates are based on the present exchange rate on German marks and, therefore, are subject to fluctuation.

It will be noticed that our suggested tours have Hamburg as a starting point and Danzig, a city well worth a visit, as will be seen in a more detailed description in our pamphlet, as a return point.

In addition to the possibility of returning via Danzig, prospective first- and second-class passengers may also return with our steamer from Copenhagen, which will undoubtedly be of great interest to tourists, as this city is one of Europe's most beautiful and interesting capitals.

Second Cabin Stateroom. GGA Image ID # 1143bb2998

Promenade Deck. GGA Image ID # 1143d6c4ee

Our offices abroad are prepared to assist travelers. Guides with education and experience can disseminate information. Parties can be supplied with English speakers in addition to their native language.

Boat Deck. GGA Image ID # 1143f58092

From Danzig, connections can also be made by steamers of our Anglo-Baltic Line Service, maintaining regular weekly sailings to and from London.

Testimonial 1:

AMERICAN BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSION SOCIETY

276 Fifth Avenue

NEW YORK

Cable Address: "TAVOYAM, NEW YORK"

February 23, 1922.

Baltic America Line

Passenger Department 9 Broadway,

New York City.

Gentlemen:

On November 23, I sailed from New York to Europe on your Steamship "Estonia" commanded by Captain H. K. Christensen. It gives me pleasure to inform you that except for the stormy weather, over which you had no control, I found everything on this ship satisfactory.

The cabin accommodations were comfortable and the meals were excellent. Throughout the voyage I was impressed with the evident intention of the officers and the crew to keep every part of the ship scrupulously clean. This voyage will long remain in my memory as one of the delightful experiences of my life.

I wish to say a personal word about Captain Christensen. I found him to be one of the most interesting men I have ever known, always solicitous as to my comfort and welfare, and always ready to show me every possible courtesy. It was such a pleasure traveling with him, that the next time I go to Europe I shall do everything possible to arrange my trip in such a way as to cross on whatever ship he may be commanding.

Under separate cover I am sending you copies of recent issues of our Baptist publication, in which I have described some of my experiences on this voyage. You will remember that we sent on the "Estonia" 1400 bales of clothing and other relief supplies and more than 100 barrels of soap for distribution in Poland, Latvia, Estonia and Russia. These were discharged respectively at Danzig and at Libau.

Very truly yours,

WILLIAM LIPPHARD, Associate Secretary

Testimonial 2:

NEW-YORKER STAATS ZEITUNG UND HEROLD

22.24 No. William Street

NEW YORK CITY

February 24th, 1922

Mr. Max Straus, Pres.,

Baltic America Line, Inc.

9 Broadway,

New York City.

My Dear Mr. Straus,

It gives me great pleasure to tell you that I have received from my nephew, Mr. Oscar Wintrab, sailing on your S. S. Lituania, December 21st to Hamburg, a letter, in which he states that he enjoyed this trip during the winter time and it was the most pleasant trip he ever had on his way to Europe. Not only did he receive wonderful treatment from the Captain and Officers but that this ship was the best he ever travelled on.

The food preparing, service and all the other comforts gave him such pleasure that his Christmas Holiday and New Year's Eve was the greatest joy for him and all the passengers with him.

The ship sailed for ten days and arrived at Hamburg on New Year's Day. He also writes me that there never was more thankfulness and acknowledgment of a good treatment and one of the most pleasant trips that he and the passengers ever had on this great steady steamer between New York and Hamburg.

Yours sincerely,

Dr. Pollak

Testimonial 3:

ON BOARD S. S. "LITUANIA"

Leipzig 4 Januar 1922

Sehr geehrter Herr Straus:

Die erste Gelegenheit zu schreiben ergreife ich heute um unser Versprechen gemaess Ihnen von unserer Weihnachtsreise mit der "LITUANIA" zu berichten. Wir koennen nur das Schoenste und Beste sagen die Reise verflog trotz des unguenstigen Wetters so schnell, dass wir fast bedauert haben am I Januar in Cuxhaven das gastliche Schiff zu verlassen.

Die Kost und die Bedienung waren ausgezeichnet und wir haetten die erstere mehr genossen wenn wir vom hohen Seegang nicht ab und su mitgenommen worden waeren. Unsere kleine Reisegesellschaft war aber so nett dass wir im Uebrigen reichlich entschaedigt waren.

In erster Linie aber durch die liebenswuerdigste Gast freundschaft der Herren Kapitän, Ingenieur, Doctor, Zahlmeister und ersten Officiere die alle miteinander wetteifert haben um uns uneren Aufenthalt auf dem Dampfer angenehm und freundlich zu gestalten. So verlebten wir Weihnachts und Sylvesterabend so angenehm und gemütlich wie es nur uberhaupt denkbar ist und glauben an den Herren Officieren rechte Freunde gewonnen zu haben.

H Wir hatten am vorletzten Tage Gelegenheit gehabt die ganze Einrichtung des Schiffes zu besichtigen alle Betriebe und alle Klassen und wir hörten überall nur Lob und die sympathischesten Aeusserungen uber unseren lieben Kapitan.

Bitte wenn die Herren am Ende des Monats wieder in New York Sie besuchen unsere besten Grusse auszurichten und nehmen Sie, Herr Strauss unseren besten Dank und herzliche Grüsse entgegen von Ihren.

ergebenen Reisenden auf der "Lituania”

Elisabeth und Sandor Vas (Pianist)

Emil Talmany (Violin Virtuos)

English Translation of German Text for Testimonial # 3:

Dear Mr. Straus:

The first opportunity to write, I rise today to our promise to you according to our Christmas trip with the "LITUANIA" to report. We can only the best and most beautiful say the trip flew despite the unfavorable weather so fast that we almost regrets I have at Cuxhaven January in the hospitality ship to leave.

The food and service were excellent and we had the former enjoyed more if we are not of high waves and su had been taken. Our little tour company was so nice that we in the rest were ample compensation.

First and foremost, but by the gracious hospitality of the men's captain, engineer, doctor, purser and first Officier which vies with each other all around us have undesirable stay on the steamboat pleasant and friendly. So we [verlebten] Christmas and New Year's Eve dinner as pleasant and comfortable as it is conceivable only [uberhaupt] and believe in the right Officier gentlemen friends to have won.

H We had an opportunity on the penultimate day had the entire body of the ship to inspect all farms and all classes and everywhere we heard only praise and the most pleasant comments about our love Kapitan.

Ask if the gentlemen at the end of the month again in New York you visit our best Grusse out and take you, Mr. Strauss our sincere thanks and cordial greetings from your opposite.

humble traveler on the "Lituania"

Who Should Read This & Why?

📚 Teachers & Students

✅ Explores post-WWI transatlantic travel and tourism

✅ Provides insights into European geopolitics, migration, and economic conditions

✅ Showcases the impact of maritime advancements like gyroscope compasses and improved safety features

🏡 Genealogists & Family Historians

✅ Lists key ports like Danzig, Hamburg, and Libau, used by many Eastern European immigrants

✅ Contains firsthand testimonials from passengers, adding personal narratives to family history research

✅ Documents the travel experience of doctors, educators, artists, and professionals seeking opportunities abroad

⚓ Maritime Historians & Enthusiasts

✅ Profiles four major passenger steamships and their construction details

✅ Illustrates the luxury, safety, and comfort improvements of early 20th-century ocean liners

✅ Includes details on onboard services, dining, and leisure spaces

Key Highlights of the Baltic America Line 🚢✨

1. The Changing Face of Post-War European Travel 🌍🔍

🔹 The brochure opens with a powerful statement about Europe’s transformation after WWI—nations have changed, new republics have formed, and old customs are being revived.

🔹 The "Leipziger Messe" (Leipzig Trade Fair) and the "Passion Play" at Oberammergau are highlighted as major events for tourists.

🔹 The text reassures travelers that European hotels, railways, and tourist infrastructure have returned to pre-war standards, making travel safe and enjoyable.

🔹 Noteworthy images:

📸 Cover of the 1920s Baltic America Line brochure – Showcasing the company’s commitment to transatlantic travel.

📸 Route map of the Baltic America Line – Providing insight into the key ports of call across Europe.

💡 Why It’s Interesting: This historical snapshot of Europe in transition provides a valuable reference for understanding how tourism, business, and migration shifted after the Great War.

2. The Baltic America Line Fleet: Safety, Comfort & Modernization 🚢⚙️

🔹 The four-ship fleet—SS Latvia, SS Polonia, SS Lituania, and SS Estonia—were built with state-of-the-art maritime technology.

🔹 Each vessel featured:

✅ Gyroscope compasses for better navigation in foggy weather

✅ Wireless telegraphy to maintain communication across the Atlantic

✅ Double-bottom hulls & water-tight compartments for enhanced safety

🔹 The company emphasized high standards of hygiene, modern ventilation, and elegant accommodations, catering to both business and leisure travelers.

🔹 Noteworthy images:

📸 SS Latvia (8,596 Tons) – One of the most advanced liners of its time.

📸 SS Polonia (7,858 Tons) – Known as "The Queen of the Baltic Sea," offering a luxurious experience.

📸 SS Lituania (6,852 Tons) – A prime example of modern shipbuilding from Glasgow.

📸 First-class dining room on the SS Estonia & SS Lituania – Capturing the elegance of onboard dining.

💡 Why It’s Interesting: This section highlights the major advancements in ship design and safety, reinforcing how maritime travel was becoming safer and more comfortable for transatlantic passengers.

3. Affordable & Comfortable Travel for Professionals & Tourists 💼✈️

🔹 The Baltic America Line catered to professionals—doctors, educators, artists, and businesspeople—offering luxurious travel at competitive rates.

🔹 Fares were designed to be economical, ensuring that travelers could visit Europe without excessive expenses.

🔹 First-class and second-class passengers were given elegant accommodations, including:

✅ Spacious cabins on the bridge deck

✅ Exquisite dining saloons with world-class chefs

✅ Libraries, smoking rooms, and music rooms for entertainment

🔹 Noteworthy images:

📸 Cabin dining room on SS Polonia & SS Latvia – Highlighting refined dining experiences.

📸 First-class ladies' salon & music room – A beautifully decorated space for socializing.

📸 First-class stateroom – Showcasing the comfort available to passengers aboard these liners.

💡 Why It’s Interesting: This section sheds light on the growing accessibility of European travel for professionals and middle-class tourists, a precursor to modern commercial travel.

4. Tailored European Travel Packages ✈️🌍

🔹 The brochure introduces guided and independent travel tours, providing itineraries with:

✅ First-class steamship tickets

✅ Hotel accommodations in top European cities

✅ Private guides fluent in English and other languages

🔹 Popular tours included:

Tour No. 1 ($575) – Visiting Hamburg, Berlin, Leipzig, Dresden, Prague, Vienna, Warsaw, and Danzig.

Tour No. 3 ($600) – Including Budapest, Lemberg, and extended stays in Central Europe.

🔹 The Baltic America Line also partnered with the Anglo-Baltic Line, offering connections to London.

🔹 Noteworthy images:

📸 Second-class stateroom – Demonstrating comfort at an affordable price.

📸 Promenade deck & boat deck – Giving passengers beautiful views of the ocean.

💡 Why It’s Interesting: These travel packages were designed for both business and leisure, showing the early evolution of package tourism in Europe.

5. Glowing Passenger Testimonials ✍️📜

🔹 The brochure features multiple letters from passengers, praising the:

✅ Exceptional service & courteous crew

✅ High-quality food & dining experience

✅ Smooth sailing, even in rough winter weather

🔹 One traveler praised Captain Christensen of the SS Estonia for his hospitality, while others commended the elegant accommodations and comfort onboard.

🔹 Noteworthy testimonials:

📜 American Baptist Foreign Mission Society Letter (1922) – Detailing a positive voyage on the SS Estonia.

📜 New-Yorker Staats-Zeitung Letter (1922) – Praising the SS Lituania’s exceptional service during Christmas & New Year’s Eve.

💡 Why It’s Interesting: These firsthand accounts bring authenticity to the brochure, helping genealogists trace ancestors who may have traveled aboard these ships.

Final Thoughts: The Baltic America Line’s Lasting Legacy 🌎🚢

The Baltic America Line brochure is a historical treasure, shedding light on transatlantic travel between the U.S. and post-WWI Europe. The detailed descriptions of the fleet, safety features, dining, and guided tours provide an in-depth look at the era's evolving travel industry.

For historians, genealogists, and ocean liner enthusiasts, this document paints a vivid picture of maritime travel in the 1920s, offering insights into both passenger experiences and the broader geopolitical landscape of the time.

💬 Would you have traveled aboard one of these elegant Baltic liners? Share your thoughts!

📖 Step back in time and explore the golden age of ocean travel! 🚢✨