SS Belgenland Into Europe - Red Star Line - 1924
Front Cover of 1924 Brochure The SS Belgenland of the Red Star Line. GGA Image ID # 11d3f4996e
The Triple Screw Steamer Belgenland, Queen of the Red Star Line Ships 1924 18-page Brochure entitled "Into Europe Through Belgium," produced by the New York Office. Lavish photographs capture the luxury and opulence of the first class. The brochure was folded in half, lengthwise, likely by the original passenger.
Belgenland, Queen of the Red Star Line Fleet. GGA Image ID # 11d4626877
The Red Star Line offered high-class accommodation, on vessels unexcelled in their class and built for the business in which they are engaged. The Betgentand, queen of its fleet, is 27,200 tons and ranks as the world's twelfth largest liner. She makes an annual winter cruise around the world and is the largest steamship ever to circumnavigate the Globe.
Red Star Line Service
EVERY needful comfort of ocean travel and many of the fashionable luxuries of de Luxe voyages are to be had in the Red Star Line's transatlantic service headed by the Belgenland and including also the distinguished Lapland, the Pennland and the Arabic. The Red Star Line ships are large, powerful, and modern.
With a background of more than fifty years of successful operation between the United States and Europe, the service in which they are engaged is possessed of both character and distinction.
Distinctive contributions to enjoyment on these ships in service of a personal, thoughtful kind, by a staff which lives up tö the proud traditions of more than fifty years of pleasing Red Star Line patrons; cooking celebrated for its Continental piquancy, with cosmopolitan menus that do not overlook staple American and English dishes, and social life having an air of cheerfulness and friendliness.
In the character and arrangement of their passenger accommodations and how the service is maintained, that appeals to the passenger who likes intimate, home-like comforts.
Red Star ships are models of cleanliness. Their broad, buff pine decks and the rubber-tiling of floors and staircases are spotless. Furniture, panels, handrails, glass, and metal shine in points of light. Rugs are dustless. Linen is snowy.
Public rooms are large and are fitted with quiet elegance. Staterooms are of generous proportions and vary from those in suites with sitting rooms, two bedrooms, and bath to the modest yet attractive single room for the traveler who would be alone. The Belgenland has no less than 31 suites.
Passenger Enjoy Fine Dining in the Main Dining Room of the Belgenland. GGA Image ID # 11d4c37882
One distinctive feature of Red Star Line ships is the Continental character of their cooking and service. Added to an attractive table d'hote menu, unique dishes, prepared by French or Belgian chefs, are available on request. Besides her spacious main dining saloon, the Beigenland has private dining rooms for families or parties.
Belgium -- The Continental Gateway
In its physical aspects, Belgium is a land of pleasing contrasts. Its northern part is a vast and fruitful plain, extending far back from the sandy sea-coast, a region of trim rectangular farms lying between canals, railroads, and straight, stone-paved, tree-bordered highways.
Inland the contours of gently rolling hills appear, their slopes colored in great squares of green and gold by varied crops, dipping down to clear, gently-flowing streams; while in the south are the forested hills and deep, narrow valleys of the Ardennes, a section often described as the Belgian Switzerland.
The Landing Stage at Antwerp, Belgium. GGA Image ID # 11d5102358
One enters Belgium from the sea, after a comfortable voyage from New York on one of the splendid ships of the Red Star Line, at the great port of Antwerp, a gateway not only to Belgium but to all Continental Europe.
From Antwerp, one may make trips of a few hours that embrace some of the most famous places named in the history of Europe.
On the Flanders plains sit the glorious old cities of Bruges and Ghent, symbols of an ancient power in trade and industry, their names standing high in the annals of art and history. Near them are other famous towns.
Midway between the plains and the hills lies Brussels, the country's capital, big, cosmopolitan, and gay; not far off is Louvain, an ancient seat of learning, and to the south and east are the busy industrial cities of Charleroi, Mons, Namur and Liege, representatives of fruitful sources of Belgium's wealth today—her mines and her glass and steel industries.
Wherever the traveler goes in Belgium, he discerns one notable charm the country wears—its ability to combine in one scene the beauty of art, the fascination of history and legend, the vivid memories of a picturesque past, with the efficient appliances and the comforts of today.
View of Antwerp Harbor. GGA Image ID # 11d524eb2a
View across the River Scheldt showing ancient Flemish buildings on the city’s waterfront, and the famous cathedral, the largest Gothic church in Belgium, with its splendid tower 404 feet high.
Sketch Map of Belgium Showing Provinces, Seacoast, Cities, Large Town, Railroads, and Highways. On the Bottom Left, Antwerp - The Gateway to Continental Europe in an Airline Diagram Showing its Relation to Principal Cities (Not Drawn to Scale). GGA Image ID # 11d55b4f2d
Women Partake in Using the Swiming Pool on the Belgenland. GGA Image ID # 11d5c562a7
Where One May Saum in Pure Sea Water. Women as well as men, and children also find pleasure in daily exercise in the Belgenland's gymnasium. A few minutes' brisk usage of the apparatus there, followed by a plunge in the porcelain swimming pool, brings the bright color to beauty's cheek and does much toward keeping the average passenger fit throughout the voyage.
Opulence in Palm Court Ballroom on the Belgenland. GGA Image ID # 11d5d8ff2b
Opulently striking is the Belgenland's palm court and ballroom, extending the full width of the ship and adjoining the dining saloon, with a screen of crystal-clear glass between. After-dinner coffee is served here, and nightly at sea, there is dancing, on a perfect parquetry floor, to music by a Continental orchestra.
Women Gather Around the Fireplace for a Firelight Chat in the Drawing Room on the Belgenland. GGA Image ID # 11d6065603
Home firesides are suggested by this inviting scene in the drawing-room of the Beigenland, a charming apartment designed for the particular use of women. Here are opportunities for casual chat of domestic quiet, appealing to tastes that find the ocean voyage a chapter of contentment.
Smoking Room Has Old World Charm on the Belgenland. GGA Image ID # 11d680ecf8
An old-world apartment of mellow charm is the Belgentand's smoking room, paneled in an English style, in ripely-tin ted cedar, with beautiful carvings of lime wood, symbolizing nature's gifts. Paintings by Cassiers, of the contemporary Flemish school, and furniture cushioned in pliant levant, complete the ensemble.
Types of Suites and Staterooms
From the rooms shown here, one may gather that the Belgenland has private accommodation of wide variety. Her suites are remarkably attractive, blit ner smaller rooms also present a high standard of design and equipment. Whatever your taste or purse, a room can be found for you on the Belgenland.
"C" Deck Suite Bedroom on the Belgenland. GGA Image ID # 11d6a742ac
Drawing Room in a "B" Deck Suite on the Belgenland. GGA Image ID # 11d6e36d98
"B" Deck Suite Bedroom on the Belgenland. GGA Image ID # 11d738cd70
Gentlemen Enjoy a Private Fireside at Sea on the Belgenland. GGA Image ID # 11d7a1ee39
A Stateroom on the Belgenland with a Single Metal Bed. GGA Image ID # 11d7d6e3fd
Stateroom with Two Beds on "C" and "D" Decks on the Belgenland. GGA Image ID # 11d898fc5d
General Views of Public Rooms
These views of public rooms on the Belgenland give an idea of their extent. The lounge and drawing room are of noble proportion, the ballroom and dining saloon are spacious. Experienced travelers can vouch for the comfort of those ships, and will not be disappointed in the Belgenland.
View of First Class Lounge Including Fireplace on the Belgenland. GGA Image ID # 11d8a60c38
An Attractive and Spacious Drawing Room on the Belgenland. GGA Image ID # 11d8ccebf7
First Class Ballroom on the Belgenland Showing Clear Glass Screen. GGA Image ID # 11d8cd6c3a
Old English Style First Class Smoking Room on the Belgenland. GGA Image ID # 11d8eb4642
Partial View of First Class Dining Room on the Belgenland. GGA Image ID # 11d8f559fc
First Class Gymnasium on the Belgenland. GGA Image ID # 11d94107b5
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Tested. Because hundreds of thousands of voyagers, the world over have used our Travelers Checks with the highest satisfaction.
Known Because our world-wide services and connections have made our Travelers Checks so familiar that hotels, shops, banks, etc., everywhere accept them readily at full value.
Convenient Because our Travelers Checks are in $10, $20, $50, and $100 denominations, compactly bound in wallets, ready for immediate use.
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Letter of Credit For Reserve Funds we recommend our Letter of Credit payable at our principal offices abroad in our Travelers Checks.
- American Line
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Brochure Information
- Date Published: Undated circa 1924
- Publisher: Red Star Line, One Broadway, New York
- Title: Belgenland: Queen of the Red Star Line Ships
- Second Title: Into Europe Through Belgium
- Pages: 18
- Photographs: 20
- Dimensions: 20.3 cm x 27.8 cm
Brochure Information
An Exquisite 1924 Brochure: SS Belgenland: Queen of the Red Star Line Ships
Description
An exceptionally rare and richly illustrated 1924 brochure celebrating the SS Belgenland, the crown jewel of the Red Star Line fleet. This 18-page publication, entitled "Into Europe Through Belgium," was produced by the New York Office of the Red Star Line. The brochure artfully combines lavish descriptions of the Belgenland’s luxurious amenities with a romantic portrayal of Belgium as the gateway to Europe. Accompanied by 20 breathtaking photographs of the ship's interiors and key Belgian landmarks, it offers a vivid glimpse into the golden age of transatlantic travel.
Dimensions: 20.3 cm x 27.8 cm
Pages: 18
Visual Content: 20 stunning photographs, including views of opulent staterooms, public rooms, dining areas, and Antwerp harbor.
Key Features
- Ship Overview: Detailed presentation of the SS Belgenland, a triple-screw steamer of 27,200 tons, famously known as the largest ship to circumnavigate the globe during its annual winter cruises.
- Luxury Accommodations: Highlights the ship’s 31 suites, grand ballroom, palm court, porcelain swimming pool, and private fireside lounges.
- Culinary Excellence: Descriptions of French and Belgian-inspired cuisine crafted by expert chefs, paired with Continental service in the spacious dining saloon.
- Belgium as a Gateway: A vivid narrative of Belgium’s charm, showcasing Antwerp as a portal to Europe and emphasizing the country’s cultural and historical treasures.
- Photographic Treasures: Rare images capturing the Belgenland’s luxurious interiors and notable public spaces, alongside scenic views of Antwerp and Belgium.
- Historical Significance: Emphasizes the Belgenland’s role as a symbol of luxury and innovation during the height of ocean liner travel in the early 20th century.
Provenance
From a prestigious private collection of maritime and travel ephemera, this brochure has been carefully preserved, serving as an invaluable artifact of the golden age of transatlantic voyages.
Condition
- Cover: Vibrant and intact, with minimal wear along the edges.
- Interior Pages: Bright and unmarred, featuring clear photographs and sharp typography.
- Binding: Secure and without signs of damage.
Historical Significance
The SS Belgenland was not just a vessel but a floating palace that represented the pinnacle of luxury and engineering in 1924. As the flagship of the Red Star Line, it was celebrated for its impeccable service, elegant design, and role in fostering transatlantic connections between the United States and Europe. This brochure captures the essence of an era when ocean liners were the preferred mode of travel for the elite and adventurous.
Final Conclusion
The 1924 SS Belgenland brochure encapsulates the allure and elegance of ocean travel during its golden age. From the sumptuous imagery to the detailed descriptions of life aboard this legendary liner, the brochure offers an unparalleled glimpse into a bygone era of luxury and sophistication.
