The American Way to Europe: A 1924 United States Lines Brochure – A Resource for Educators, Historians, and Enthusiasts

Front Cover of a 1924 Brochure from the United States Lines Entitled "The American Way to Europe. GGA Image ID # 11feaac14c

A comprehensive brochure from the United States Lines was developed to provide information and photographs describing the ships and amenities geared to Americans traveling to Europe. It also contains brief information on sites to see in Europe.

Explore the 1924 United States Lines brochure, offering a fascinating glimpse into early 20th-century transatlantic travel. Discover insights into ocean liner amenities, travel classes, and the social experience at sea – ideal for teachers, students, genealogists, and maritime historians.

The United States Lines

The United States Lines fleet, the one excellent American flag service to Europe, comprises six ships—your ships. They are six of the finest in the world and are operated by the United States government. They offer exceptional ocean travel with various passages and accommodations to suit every purse.

There are three distinct services between New York and Europe, with sailings on a definite schedule throughout the year, summer and winter, as follows:

The great "Leviathan" that sails every three weeks for Cherbourg and Southampton.

The first-class line to Plymouth, Cherbourg, and Bremen, on which the SS "George Washington" is operated.

The cabin (one-class) ships "America," "Republic," "President Harding," and "President Roosevelt" sail to Plymouth, Cherbourg, and Bremen. Regular calls are also made at Cobh (Queenstown).

These ships offer you a variety of passages. First Class, Cabin Class, Second Class, and Tourist Third Cabin exist. These differ in the degree of luxury they provide but are similar in one respect. Each offers you the best possible value for your money.

The Fleet

• SS Leviathan
• SS President Harding
• SS George Washington
• SS America
• SS President Roosevelt
• SS Republic

Lobby and Staircase on the SS Leviathan. GGA Image ID # 11fefd5d91

Americans enjoy a higher standard of living in their homes than any other people in the world. They are accustomed to a higher standard of service in their clubs and hotels. However, until the advent of the United States Lines, it was impossible to obtain these same high standards of living and service afloat and ashore.

Now, as you pass over the gangway into any of your own ships, you experience all the comfort of home without any of its cares and all the freedom, luxury, and ease of the best American club or first-class hotel. No matter what price you pay, you cannot travel to Europe more luxuriously and comfortably.

Write or see the nearest United States Lines office or your nearest local steamship agent about rates, deck plans, and detailed information.

First Class

First-class accommodations are available on the "Leviathan" and the "George Washington." This brochure provides detailed descriptions of these ships.

First Class Dining Room on the SS Leviathan. GGA Image ID # 11ff013641

First-class accommodations naturally differ in detail on the SS Leviathan and the SS George Washington. Each has its own arrangement, its own scheme of decoration, and its own individuality, but since each is part of a united fleet, directed and maintained to fulfill one unchanging ideal, the differences remain differences of detail only.

Go to Europe first class on either the SS Leviathan or the SS George Washington, and you will enjoy the most exceptional transportation in the world.

When you go aboard, you will first be impressed by the main lounge, which is the largest of all the public rooms and the social center of the ship.

The main lounge on the Leviathan is in the style of Louis XIV and is magnificently paneled in oak. On the SS George Washington, the lounge is decorated in the exquisite style of the French Renaissance with gold figures on dark paneling.

It is in these beautiful settings that all the concerts and dances that make every voyage such a memorable experience take place.

If you are a seasoned traveler, you will immediately appreciate the difference between the reading and smoking rooms of today and those of a decade or two ago. The old institutional severity has given way to beauty, cheerfulness, and modern luxury.

Each of these smoking rooms with its big chairs, open fireplaces, and windows looking out across the sea is a man’s club afloat — an ideal lounging place for the comfort-loving male, where he may play cards, smoke, talk, or read in peace, and always be sure of finding congenial fellowship.

The Leviathan’s charming Queen Anne Tea Room, with its old English-colored prints, is a delightful place to have tea.

First Class Library on the SS Leviathan. GGA Image ID # 11ff296d77

A competent and helpful librarian oversees the first-class library on each ship. Here, you will find just the book, classic or latest "bestseller," to suit your mood.

On the long, expansive decks, you will spend the greater part of your days — crossing the Atlantic — in your deck chair looking at the "infinite series of the sea," watching the water swish by below you, drinking in the glorious, refreshing air, reading, walking or enjoying the deck sports.

These sports are a source of endless enjoyment. There are games to be played by small groups of friends, such as quoits, shuffleboard, deck golf, and deck tennis, and there are also impromptu games organized by the sports director for all who will join. Special provisions are made for the entertainment of children.

Cuisine is the most essential item. Indeed, it seems so after a morning or afternoon in the salty sea air. It is just because of this that significant numbers of regular travelers yearly choose the United States Lines. Unequivocally, it has the best cuisine in the North Atlantic.

Swimming Pool for First Class Passengers on the SS Leviathan. GGA Image ID # 11ff2982a9

A glance at the specimen menus following will give you a slight idea of the variety of food served at each meal. It is the most exquisite food that money can buy, prepared by famous chefs in clean kitchens in the American sense, with modern scientific equipment that few hotels can boast. There is practically no dish you cannot have, and your table steward quickly learns your individual likes and dislikes.

Meals are served in delightful deep-carpeted dining rooms, the private tables bright with silver, flowers, and snowy napery, or in your own stateroom. Light refreshments are served on deck between meals.

Deluxe First Class Stateroom on the SS Leviathan. GGA Image ID # 11ff438e79

To all who have not seen them, the first-class staterooms on the SS Leviathan and the SS George Washington are a revelation. They vary in size and location, but even the smallest is at least as large as most first-class hotel rooms. They are tastefully decorated, luxuriously furnished, and artistically lighted. Many have private baths.

Deep, comfortable beds, no berths, and handsome period furniture—nothing has been omitted to increase your comfort. Every room has an electric fan, telephone, and vacuum bottle. There are exclusive deluxe suites with private baths and parlors that rival the owner's suite on a private yacht.

The perfect steward must be courteous, alert, cheerful, and friendly without presumption or familiarity. He must possess tact and accurately remember his passengers' preferences. It has been the purpose of the United States Lines to seek out such men and hold them in its service — in your service.

One of the wonders of modern steamship travel is the magnificent Pompeian swimming pool on the Leviathan. All United States Lines ships have fine gymnasiums equipped with the most modern apparatus, including electric horses, rowing machines, punching bags, chest weights, and massage tables. A competent physical director is in attendance.

The SS Leviathan and the SS George Washington are especially noted for seaworthiness and steadiness. They are great favorites of experienced Atlantic "commuters."

First Class Social Hall on the SS George Washington. GGA Image ID # 11ffea0c9a

Enclosed Deck for First Class Passengers on the SS George Washington. GGA Image ID # 11ff8e6afc

Cabin Class

One of the most significant trends in steamship history during the last few years has been the increase in popularity of the "Cabin" one-class ships, which do not have any distinctions between first—or second-class.

There are no restrictions, and every Cabin passenger has the freedom of the entire vessel. Just as in an American hotel, there are differently priced accommodations. Still, all guests enjoy the same privileges and the same service.

Rates are slightly higher than the second class and materially less than first-class rates.

Among all the Cabin ships that sail the seven seas, you will find no more exceptional vessels than the four that fly the United States Lines flag.

• SS America
• SS President Harding
• SS Republic
• SS President Roosevelt

These four ships are in a class by themselves for all-round performance and uniform service excellence. Yet each one makes its appeal to the experienced traveler. Each has its personality.

The "America" is the largest cabin ship in the world and has a reputation for being one of the steadiest. The "Republic," almost as large as the "America," is undoubtedly a sister ship as far as comfort is concerned and is every bit as popular. The well-known "President Harding" and "President Roosevelt" were the fastest cabin ships on the Atlantic, and they made the crossing between New York and Plymouth in seven days without hurrying.

Cabin Class Writing Room on the SS President Roosevelt. GGA Image ID # 120017a5a9

Cabin ClassTea Room on the SS President Harding. GGA Image ID # 120037856c

While not as speedy as the "President" ships, the "America" and "Republic" are particularly popular for that very reason, with many who prefer to spend a day or two longer gaining health at sea.

The pictures on these pages, taken aboard the four above-mentioned Cabin ships of The United States Lines, give some slight indication of the elegance and refinement that have made these ships so popular.

If their public rooms are less impressive than those on the bigger first-class vessels, the difference is one of size alone. Indeed, no hotel or club offers more comfortable or more attractive surroundings to its guests or members.

Where else can you play cards and relax with a well-tried pipe or a fragrant cigar than in SS America's smoking room?

The smoking room's oak ceiling, oak paneling, tapestried chairs, and open fire create the sensation of sitting in some quiet old English Manor house.

A Classy, Relaxing Deck Verandah on the SS President Roosevelt. GGA Image ID # 120046a2ee

Where will you find dignity made more attractive than in the white-paneled dining room where the lavish hospitality and Virginian cooking of Washington’s day are so well duplicated? Where could youngsters be happier than in the Children’s Playroom, the cheeriest nursery you have ever seen? And where will you find such attractive staterooms on one of these cabin ships at such attractive rates?

Cabin Class Smoking Room on the SS America. GGA Image ID # 1200da121a

On the SS President Roosevelt and President Harding, all the staterooms are outside rooms—cool, airy, and spacious. They are appropriately furnished in the Colonial period style—always charming and particularly popular now. They have garden-like tea verandahs that add significantly to the pleasure of afternoons at sea.

All rooms on the Cabin Ships have the large clothes closets that women appreciate—thermos bottles, electric fans, bed reading lamps—everything to preserve the comfortable atmosphere of the home—even in the mid-Atlantic.

The lounges tempt you to stay in almost as much as the decks tempt you out. They have suffused lights, broad windows instead of portholes, beautiful floors, rugs, and period furniture. In winter, the long, expansive decks are glass-enclosed. You can go for a pleasant walk or enjoy deck sports whenever the spirit moves you.

A Cabin Class Stateroom. GGA Image ID # 1201082b82

Every ship possesses an excellent library, which is stewarded by a helpful, well-informed steward. An accomplished orchestra provides music during meals, afternoon tea in the lounge, and dancing at night.

There is always plenty to do if you want to, and there is nothing to do if you prefer to be comfortably idle.

Compare the first-class menus printed below with the cabin-class menus and notice how little they differ. Hardly a single dish you can think of that isn't ready to be brought to you, temptingly cooked and served by a courteous steward, anxious always to see that your appetite, whether hungry or epicurean, is completely satisfied.

Cabin Class Dining Room on the SS America. GGA Image ID # 1201546b97

Cabin Class Social Hall on the SS Republic. GGA Image ID # 1201a201bf

Expert chefs prepare your meals in modern, spotless kitchens equipped with every modern improvement. And thanks to modern refrigeration methods, fresh vegetables and dairy products are always available. Light refreshments are served on deck and in the lounge between meals. In short, it is the best cuisine on the North Atlantic.

The SS "America" and SS "Republic" have completely equipped gymnasiums supervised by a physical director and offer excellent facilities for healthy indoor exercise. All four ships have modern, hygienic barbershops.

Every year sees an increase in the bookings of these ships, appealing so enormously as they do to that great body of Americans of refined taste that does not want the outlay for steamship passage to drain too profoundly into the sum set aside for the European tour. It is wise to make reservations well in advance.

Sample First Class Dinner Menu on the SS Leviathan. GGA Image ID # 1201dfa9d3

Sample First Class Breakfast Menu from the SS George Washington. GGA Image ID # 1201e04410

Sample Cabin Class Dinner Menu from the SS Republic. GGA Image ID # 1201ec409d

Sample Cabin Class Luncheon Menu from the SS President Roosevelt. GGA Image ID # 1201ee6604

Second Class

For the American who wants to go abroad amid every modern American convenience on a vessel noted for speed, luxury, refinement of service, and sea-going qualities, the Second Cabin offers an unusual opportunity at a low cost.

Likewise, this is the ideal route for those who are not influenced by considerations of fashion and for the many Americans of taste and intelligence who wish to conserve the outlay for steamship passage.

Second Cabin accommodations on United States Lines Ships are in keeping with the great democratic principles of our country. “Class” distinctions in the European sense are entirely lacking.

The second cabin merely has less expensive rates and slightly less luxurious accommodations. In the Second Class on such crack ships as the great Leviathan and the palatial George Washington, you enjoy such luxury and comfort as was unknown in the First Class just a few years ago and is lacking even now in the First Class of many smaller liners.

Some people think that Second-Cabin passengers have to be content with only one deck and that it is a lower one. But this is the reverse. The Second Cabin has a complete section of the ship to itself, including part of several decks. These are both broad and long. Plenty of quiet nooks and room for deck sports and impromptu dances exist.

The lounges are deeply carpeted and beautifully furnished for luxurious rest, reading, letter writing, and intimate conversations. Tea is served each afternoon during the concert given by the ship’s orchestra. A generous library with a helpful steward in charge offers you the best books of the day.

The dining rooms are decorated in quiet tones, and the tables seat four people each. No effort is spared to appease the hungry appetite one has on board the ship.

The modern magic of refrigeration makes it possible to provide everything from meats to eggs, with milk and vegetables as fresh as on the farm. The cooking is expert, and the service is courteous and meticulous.

Second Cabin staterooms are unusually large, with high ceilings and wide berths, and are fitted with every essential toilet requisite. Efficient stewards and stewardesses serve night and day.

Both ships have modern gymnasiums and barbershops, and men and women can take tub baths in salt or freshwater in absolute privacy.

Second Cabin Smoking Room on the SS George Washington. GGA Image ID # 1202012bbb

Second Cabin Social Hall on the SS Leviathan. GGA Image ID # 120212eca9

Second Cabin Stateroom. GGA Image ID # 12022ca8f8

Tourist Third Cabin

Tourist Third Cabin—the most significant travel innovation of our times—needs no introduction. Every year, thousands more people, young and old, travel this economical way to Europe and tell their friends what a marvelous idea it is.

On United States Lines Ships, you can experience tourist third-cabin travel at its best. There are staterooms to accommodate two, four, and six people. They are large, light, and airy and always kept spotlessly clean. The beds have deep, comfortable mattresses, spotless linen, and plenty of warm blankets.

The deck space is well arranged, with plenty of room for dancing and deck sports. The reading and smoking rooms for men and women are well furnished and comfortable, and the library has just the book to suit your mood.

Everyone is surprised by the quantity and quality of the food served in the cheerful dining rooms. The food is plain but of the best quality and well cooked. You may have just as much as you want, and a courteous steward will quickly see that you lack nothing.

Thousands of travelers have crossed in the United States Lines Tourist Third Cabin, many of whom were women. Writers of national and international fame, university professors, instructors, ministers, priests, lawyers, doctors, elementary and secondary school teachers, college students, tourists, and American businessmen, many accompanied by their families, have selected the United States Lines.

Economy means making the most of one's resources. The American Way Tourist Third Cabin to Europe makes this kind of economy possible. It also makes a trip to Europe not an undertaking of great difficulty but quite the contrary—even after the traveler has reached his destination.

European travel may be divided into three categories: Independent Travel, Inclusive Independent Travel, and Conducted Tours. Prices range from $275.00 for two weeks in Europe to $645.00 for an eight-week tour, including Tourist Third Cabin round trip ocean accommodations and all other necessary expenses.

Tourist Third Cabin Stateroom. GGA Image ID # 1202c6cbfd

Tourist Third Cabin Social Hall on the SS Republic. GGA Image ID # 1202fa9067

Tourist Third Cabin Dining Room on the SS Leviathan. GGA Image ID # 12036d0f12

The Independent Traveler proceeds at will without making any advance arrangements. This allows the utmost freedom and independence of action.

Inclusive Independent Travel is very satisfactory to those who wish to be independent of any party but still desire to have all arrangements made for them.

Conducted Tours are the easiest and certainly the most efficient way of seeing Europe in a short time. They may be arranged for practically any part of Europe, and the United States Lines will furnish full information in answer to any request for an itinerary.

The United States Lines issued a special illustrated booklet containing all the information tourists need about Tourist Third Cabin. It may be obtained on request from branch offices or agents.

The United States Lines offices throughout Europe are always ready to help the traveler. They furnish reliable information about rooms, locations, routes, train times, etc., and are always prepared to give competent advice. Mail can be sent abroad in the care of the United States Lines offices.

Youthful Passengers Enjoy a Happy Vacation at Sea a Marvelous Experience for a Child! GGA Image ID # 12038e8487

General Pershing and Captain Cunningham on the Bridge of the Great Liner SS George Washington. GGA Image ID # 1203b1b90b

Cardinal O’Donnell, Primate of Ireland, Arriving in America on Board the SS Republic. GGA Image ID # 1203c0bc27

Queen Marie of Romania, Princess Ileana, and Prince Nicholas on the SS Leviathan. GGA Image ID # 1203e46c95

A Country Club in Mid-Ocean! One of the Huge Roomy Decks of a United States Lines Ship. GGA Image ID # 1203e60be0

Will Rogers Tries for the Golf Championship of the Atlantic but Misses His Putt. GGA Image ID # 1203f8c2df

Captain Fried of the S.S. President Roosevelt Congratulated by a Representative of King George. GGA Image ID # 120462f14d

The SS Leviathan, Flagship of the United States Lines. GGA image ID # 12047c06fe

THE SS LEVIATHAN, from stem to stern, measures 950.7 feet. Placed on end, the ship would rise to almost twice the height of the Washington Monument.

The Woolworth Building, the highest building in the world, could be laid alongside this vessel, and the Leviathan would have 175 feet to spare! The Leviathan is the largest ship in the world. Her gross tonnage is 59,956.65.

The Leviathan has created new standards of trans-Atlantic travel, and only those on board can appreciate the luxury and elegance of her appointments.

Staterooms, social halls, dressing rooms, smoking rooms, libraries, music rooms, dining rooms, tea rooms, gymnasiums, swimming pools, and baths represent the supreme triumph in shipbuilding and ship decoration.

The Leviathan makes the voyage from New York to Cherbourg in approximately five days and six hours.

Among the Leviathan's unusual features are a telephone in each first-class stateroom, moving picture feature films, and a heating, lighting, and plumbing system that is the last word in American ingenuity.

The social hall, smoking room, library, and other rooms for the use of all passengers are open 24 hours a day, as opposed to the common custom of closing such places at midnight.

When the great ship was rebuilt, the architects successfully avoided the tendency towards the over-ornate, which was formerly characteristic of marine interiors.

The SS George Washington of the United States Lines. GGA Image ID # 1204ba8405

THE SS GEORGE WASHINGTON is 722 feet long, with a gross registered tonnage of 23,788 and a total passenger capacity of 1,888. It ranks as one of the finest vessels in the trans-Atlantic service and arrives in Plymouth seven days after leaving New York.

The American talent for combining beauty and charm is apparent throughout George Washington.

One sees it in the smoothly running elevators supplementing the beautiful stairways, in the frequent use of Colonial windows rather than conventional portholes, in the beds that have supplanted the usual berths, and in the pleasing decorations.

The George Washington is widely known for her steadiness. She has triple promenade decks, a gymnasium, and two smoking rooms. The Presidential suite used by the late President Wilson and the King and Queen of Belgium exemplifies the excellence of the ship’s accommodations.

Sister Ships SS President Harding and SS President Roosevelt. GGA Image ID # 12052d34aa

The SS PRESIDENT HARDING AND THE SS PRESIDENT ROOSEVELT, two famous sister ships, are the fastest cabin ships on the Atlantic. They are operated between New York and Plymouth, Cherbourg, and Bremen, making the voyage to Plymouth in seven days.

Of such ships, it is challenging to speak temperately. Whoever is familiar with the sea is conscious of the fact, axiomatic among seafaring folk, that ships are endowed with a definite personality.

They have almost human traits—subtleties of behavior, peculiarities of physical appearance, and a perfectly tangible but indefinable individuality that is instantly apparent.

For this reason, we need not fear the charge of exaggeration in characterizing the SS President Harding and the SS President Roosevelt as eminently delightful ships.

These popular ships are 535 feet in length. They are oil burners of 21,167 displacement tons and 14,187 gross registered tons. Seven watertight compartments protect the bow alone. The vessel could be cut in half, and both halves would float.

The SS President Harding and SS President Roosevelt are sister ships. They are alike in most details and noted for their safety and seaworthiness.

These liners feature wide veranda-like decks, intimate tearooms, homelike smoking rooms, dining salons, and social halls that are masterpieces of the decorator’s art.

The SS Republic of the United States Lines. GGA Image ID # 12052f05d8

THE SS REPUBLIC, the newest addition to the fleet of the United States Lines, has assumed an essential place in the trans-Atlantic service as a running mate to the SS America.

The SS Republic has 18,000 gross registered tons and an overall length of 615 feet. This great, newly reconditioned ship has accommodations for 614 cabins and 1,100 third-class passengers. The Republic makes the trip to Plymouth in eight days.

The public rooms, the social hall, smoking room, veranda, tea room, dining salon, and gymnasium are the last words in refinement, beauty, and completeness of equipment.

This new ship embodies the latest developments in modern shipbuilding. Every known device for luxury and safety has been included in its equipment. Its public rooms are spacious and tasteful, and broad promenade decks give ample room for invigorating hikes, deck sports, and impromptu dances.

The cuisine and service of this new ship retained the high standards set by the rest of the fleet and for which the United States Lines are justly famous.

All staterooms are comfortably and tastefully furnished. And with all this luxury and completeness of equipment, the minimum passage rate on the Republic is exceptionally low.

The SS America of the United States Lines. GGA Image ID # 12055405f3

THE SS AMERICA is second in size only to the SS Leviathan and the SS George Washington.

This greyhound of 21,144 gross registered tons has the reputation of being one of the steadiest vessels afloat. The staterooms and public rooms on this “cabin” ship are remarkably spacious and light and cheerful in tone.

The refined tone of SS America’s appointments and the high quality of its decoration delight the passengers. Here, we find the valuable skill of modern shipbuilding aimed at securing an abundance of room, light, and air for all on board.

The SS America is the largest and most luxurious of “cabin” ships. She cruises between New York, Plymouth, Cherbourg, and Bremen, arriving at Plymouth in seven days.

All the staterooms are spacious and attractively furnished. The old-time heaviness so prevalent in the decoration of ocean liners in the past has been supplanted with the typically American lightness of surroundings that goes far to make one’s journey pleasant.

SS America has an excellent library, wind-screened decks, and a spacious ballroom.

The SS America is also equipped with the best-known safety devices, including watertight bulkheads and a double bottom extending the entire length of the ship and divided into 26 compartments.

The United States Lines Route Map - The American Way to Europe. GGA Image ID # 1205d48133. Click to View a Larger Image.

You're Going To Europe!

How to get ready, what to take, expenses, hints on itineraries

YOU'RE going to Europe! The first thing to do is to make sure of your accommodations. Mail your check for 25% of the passage rate at once to reserve the ones you select.

Make a note on your desk pad that the balance due on your passage must be paid four weeks before the sailing date. Right here is an excellent hint: Also, make your reservations for your return trip to save yourself the trouble later.

You probably have a general idea of where you want to go and what you want to see. Sit before a map of Europe and plot your trip in detail. This is done. Read up on where you are going. Thus, you will miss nothing and double your enjoyment of what you see since you will see it intelligently.

If you are to stay a long time in one place, a letter of credit is an excellent way to carry your funds, but Travelers' Checks are by far the best option for the average tourist.

They come in denominations of $10, $20, $50, $100, and $200, and may be turned into the currency of any country in which you happen to be at the prevailing rate of exchange. The cost is but three-quarters of one percent of the amount purchased.

Select a specific mail address, preferably the local correspondent of the banking house that supplies your travelers' checks or the United States Lines Offices abroad.

Plan to take as little baggage as possible. Even a steamer trunk is an expense in Europe—few countries have a baggage allowance on tickets like we do. If you can travel with two suitcases, you will see Europe much more comfortably than any other way.

Of course, clothes depend mainly on the season. Take at least one warm suit for shipboard and a heavy overcoat. If desired, heavy clothing may be stored with the steamship company on arrival on the other side. A Tuxedo is not obligatory, but many people prefer to dress for dinner on shipboard. Women wear semi-evening dresses.

When you get your ticket, tags and labels for baggage may be procured from the steamship company. Some are marked "For the Hold," others "Wanted." They have space for you to write your name, the stateroom number, the steamship's name, and the sailing date.

Paste "For the Hold" labels on baggage that will not be needed during the trip and arrange to have this baggage reach the dock 24 hours before the sailing date. Stateroom baggage should accompany you to the steamer with "Wanted" labels attached. The stewards will immediately take it to your stateroom.

Find the deck steward and select the location for your steamer chair— the fee is $1.50. A steamer rug may be hired for $1.50 for the trip.

Nothing can be more delightful than the spirit of camaraderie on shipboard. You are sure to make congenial acquaintances. Deck games, dancing, and concerts will make the passage seem only too short.

On arrival in Europe, heavy baggage may be registered to your destination or stored with the steamship company to be forwarded on demand. If you have not purchased all tickets in advance, consult the United States Lines offices abroad.

Interpreters are available throughout Europe. In general, it is advisable to travel third class in England, Scotland, and Wales and first class in all other European countries save Switzerland, Belgium, Holland, the Scandinavian countries, and parts of Germany.

First class is advisable on all continental steamships. Second-class rail journeys are suggested for those who want to travel to Europe in the most economical way.

The following itinerary hints have been prepared for the traveler who wishes to see much more quickly and economically. They should always be supplemented by a guidebook.

ENGLAND

Living expenses in England range from $4.00 a day to $15.00, the actual cost depending upon the scale of living desired. The bus service in London is the best in the world and often quicker than the more expensive taxi.

The London Police, the "bobbies," are courteous and always willing to give directions. Rooms in Pensions may be had for eight to ten daily shillings, including breakfast. Lunch should cost three to five shillings, and dinner need not exceed six shillings.

The district around the British Museum offers the most reasonable accommodations. The best hotels offer rates with meals from $8.00 to $12.00 per day.

There are many circular tours from London, which will be brought to the traveler's attention as soon as he reaches British shores. The following one-week itinerary includes most of the chief sights of London.

Houses of Parliament — Westminster Hall

St. Margaret's, Westminster — Westminster Abbey — Whitehall — Cenotaph — Horse Guards — United Service Museum — Trafalgar Square—National Gallery — National Portrait Gallery.

The Mall — Buckingham Palace—Victoria Memorial — St. James Palace — London Museum

Piccadilly — Royal Academy — New Bond Street Oxford Street—Wallace Collection—Marble Arch.

Regents Park—Zoological Gardens—British Museum — The Charterhouse — Lincoln's Inn — Law Courts.

Temple Church and Gardens — Fleet Street

St. Paul's Cathedral—Cheapside—Bow Church

Guildhall — Mansion House — Royal Exchange

The Monument — Tower Hill and the Tower of London — Tower Bridge.

Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens—Kensington Palace — Albert Memorial — Imperial Institute — Victoria and Albert Museum — Science Museum — Natural History Museum — Brompton Oratory.

Tate Gallery — Roman Catholic Cathedral

Afternoon excursions to Crystal Palace, Greenwich, River Trip, etc.

Sunday. Cathedrals, Foundling Hospital, Hyde Park, and Park Bands. Sunday Concerts at Albert Hall and Queen's Hall. Kew Gardens, Hampton Courts, etc.
The facilities afforded by various tourist offices are excellent for those with only a day to spare. The United States Lines offices will gladly advise you about tours of all kinds.

The following are some of the more essential places around London which should be visited if time permits.

Crystal Palace. It was built mainly of glass and iron at Sydenham in 1854.
Hampton Court. It was built by Cardinal Wolsey four centuries ago and occupied by Royalty until George II.

Windsor Castle. One of the noblest Royal residences in the world. It was commenced by William the Conqueror and was enlarged and beautified by successive Sovereigns. For miles to the south stretches Windsor Great Park.

Chalfont St. Giles. Famous as the village in which Milton wrote "Paradise Lost" and "Paradise Regained." His cottage still stands, only slightly altered. Two miles away is Jordans, an ancient Quaker Meeting Place, on the grounds of which is buried William Penn, the founder of Pennsylvania.

FRANCE

Hotels in Paris range from very expensive to quite reasonable. The Latin Quarter, accessible by subway and bus lines, is the most economical section of Paris. Meals are very low, and rooms cost twenty francs (rates vary with currency fluctuations) a night. Prices in the best hotels range from $12.00 to $18.00 or $20 per day with meals.

For the hurried tourist armed with a reliable guide and map, three or four days will suffice to survey Paris's most essential points of interest. The bus service is nearly as excellent as that of London, and taxis are very cheap.
Starting from the Opera, four itineraries are suggested.

First. Opera, Boulevard des Capucines, Boulevard de la Madeleine, Madeleine Church, Rue Royale, Place de la Concorde, Champs Elysees, Grand and Petit Palais, Arc de Triomphe, Avenue de Bois, Bois du Bologne, Porte de la Muette, Le Ranelagh, the Trocadero, Pont d’Iena, Eiffel Tower, the Champs de Mars, the Invalides (Tomb of Napoleon), Quai d’Orsay, Chamber of Deputies, Concorde Bridge.

Second. Opera, Rue de la Paix, Place Vendôme and Column, Rue de Castiglione, Rue de Rivoli, Theatre Français, Palais Royal, the Louvre, Place du Châtelet, St. Jacques Tower, the Town Hall, Rue St. Antoine, Place des Vosges, Place de la Bastille, and Column, the Boulevards, Place de la République, and the monument, Rue Turbigo, Conservatoire des Arts et Metiers, the Central Markets, St. Eustache Church, the Bank of France, Place des Victories, Rue de Richelieu, National Library, the Stock Exchange and the Boulevards.

Third. Opera, Avenue de l’Opera, Rue dc Rohan, Place du Carrousel, Pont des Saints Peres, the French Institute, Rue Bonaparte, Ecole des Beaux- Arts, Place St. Germain-des-Pres and the Church, Place St. Suplice and the Church, Rue de Vaugi- rard, Luxemberg Gardens, Museum and Palace, the Odeon Theatre, Rue de l’Odeon, Boulevard St. Germain, Rue de l’Ecole de Medicine and school of Medicine, Rue des Ecoles, Cluny Museum, the Sorbonne, Rue St. Jacques, Rue Soufflet, the Pantheon, St. Genevieve Library, St. Etienne-lu-Mont Church, Rue Jussieu, Botanical Gardens and Museum of Natural History, the Quays, Notre Dame Church, the Palace of Justice, the Pont Neuf, Rue de Pont Neuf, Quai du Louvre, St. Germain-L’Auxcrrois Church, Rue de Rivoli, Palais-Royal and the Opera.

Four. Opera, Rue Auber, Boulevard Hauss- mann, Expiatory Chapel, Place St. Augustine and Church, Boulevard Malesherbes, Parc Monceau, Place des Trois Dumas, Boulevard de Courcelles, Boulevard des Batignolles, Sacre Coeur Church, Place des Buttes Chaumont, Pere Lachaise Cemetary, Avenue de la Republique, Place de la République, and the Boulevards.
The Catacombs are worthy of a visit. Two days each month are set aside for this purpose and should be ascertained.

Although these four itineraries cover Paris thoroughly, the guidebook will open up a wealth of interest that cannot be included in any set plan.

A few of the many points of interest within fifty miles of Paris are:

Beauvais. The Gothic cathedral began in 1247—Church of St. Etienne, dating from the 11th Century.

Branch State Tapestry Manufactory is open on Thursdays and Saturdays from 1:30 to 4 p.m.

Bellevue. Magnificent view over the Valley of the Seine.

Chartres. It is one of the most ancient and picturesque cities in France.

Fontainebleau. The world-famous forest (41,500 acres) is the most beautiful in France, with the quaint villages of Barbizon, Marlotte, and Moret, beloved of artists, scattered about it. The Palace Fontaine—Bleau, Napoleon I's favorite residence, is open daily.

Saint-Cloud. Celebrated for the woods that surround it.

Malmaison. Favorite residence of Josephine after her divorce, and now arranged as in her day.

Versailles. The present Palace was built by Louis XIV, except for two wings, added by Louis XV, upon the site of a small hunting lodge built by Louis XIII in 1624.

The chapel was erected between 1699 and 1710. The Royal family lived on the first floor, and the ground floor was reserved for visitors and guests.

The Chateau is open from 10 a.m. to 4 or 6; the Trianon from 11:30 a.m. The Park is open from 10 a.m. to nightfall. The Peace Conference was held in the Trianon Palace Hotel.

HOLLAND

Living expenses in the Netherlands are slightly higher than in other parts of Europe, but the food and service are excellent. Hotels are divided into three classes: deluxe, first-class, and second-class.

The second class is similar in size and service only. A room may be secured for three to six guilders (a guilder is about 40 cents). An ample breakfast costs two guilders, lunch two or three, and dinner four to five.

The average time allotted is three days in Holland. Amsterdam will take a day, The Hague half a day, and Scheveningen half a day. The balance of the time will be spent coming and going or in Rotterdam.

The point of departure for everything at The Hague is the Plein, five minutes from the station. Car No. 3 goes to the House in the Woods (palace). Cars No. 8 and 9 go to Scheveningen.

Amsterdam is chiefly important to the tourist as a starting point for Isle of Marken excursions. The people of the Isle of Marken still retain the picturesque dress of their forefathers. The circular tour with a guide is very reasonable. It covers Volendam, Edam, the home of the cheese, and the Isle of Marken.

GERMANY

Prices in Germany are based on the new mark, worth about 24 cents, and are rather high. A room at one of the better second-class hotels costs about six marks, and at one of the best hotels, from $6 to $10 per day.

Breakfast is from one to two marks, lunches are from one and one-half to three marks, and dinner is six marks. Service and local “Stadt” or city taxes are added to the bill, and the amount should always be asked in advance.

In addition to the famous Rhine scenery, the interior is very interesting. A favorite route is the Rhine from Cologne to Mayence via Coblenz through Heidelberg and Stuttgart to Zurich.

Those who go directly to Germany land at Bremen. Hamburg is on the way from Bremen to Berlin.

Berlin requires at least two days to explore its many palaces, schools, and the beautiful environs of Wannsee and Potsdam. Lovers of music will be tempted to linger longer.

Leipsic, 102 miles from Berlin, has a strong tourist appeal due to its fur center, large book industry, and three great fairs.

Munich is an important art center that should be studied in a guidebook. A visit to this historic city will be remembered with pleasure.

SWITZERLAND

Swiss hotels are noted for cleanliness and comfort. The less expensive places charge from six to ten francs. (The Swiss franc is about 19 cents). Breakfast costs one to two francs, lunch one to three, and dinner about four francs. Service is generally figured at 10% of the bill.

“The Playground of Europe” lends itself to walking tours. The roads are excellent, and guides are not necessary. Two “hikes” are notably recommended.

Interlaken to Lauterbrunnen and Murren, easily covered in a day, from Murren to Wengen and Little Scheidig, where a train may be taken for the ascent of the snow-capped Jungfrau.

It takes two days to travel from Little Scheidig to Grindelwald and Meiringen, then by train back to Interlaken or Zurich. South from Meiringen, the trail to Gletsch is logical. From Gletsch, the route turns east to the mainline of the St. Gothard Railway at Goschenen, close to the entrance of the St. Gothard tunnel.

Goschenen is the starting point for the excellent hike past the famous Furka Glacier over the Furka Pass for those coming north from Italy.

Baggage may be sent by post from one station to another in Switzerland with absolute assurance and little cost.

ITALY

Hotel prices in Rome range slightly higher than in other Italian cities, from forty to sixty lire at the better second-class hotels. In most Italian cities, the economical hotels are located near the depot. Ask the price beforehand.

Find out if tax and service are included and, if not, how much they are. Consult the bill of fare posted outside restaurants for the prices. It is an excellent rule to never order anything not shown on the menu.

The following itinerary allows eleven days to visit Rome and Naples. If the traveler’s time is short, no better advice can be given than to patronize one of the sightseeing cars.

The first day should be spent in a drive down the Corso Umberto Primo as far as the Piazza di Venezia, then to the Foro Trajan, through the Via Alessandrina, and Via Bonella to the Forum Romanum, past the Colosseum, through the Via di S. Giovanni in Laterano to the Piazza in front of the church, then through the Via Merulana, passing S. Maria Maggiore, through the Via di Torre Argentina, through the last street to the Pont Garibaldi, crossing it to Trastevere, passing Piazza di S. Pietro; then cross the Ponte S. Angelo, and through the Corso Vittorio Emanuele and the Via d’Aracoeli to the Piazza d’Aracoeli where the cab may be dismissed. Ascend to the Piazza del Campidoglio and visit the tower of the Senator’s Palace, the Capitoline Museum, the Forum Romanum, and the Colosseum. The evening may be spent on the Pincio.

On the second day, we visited St. Peter’s and the Vatican. On the third day, we visited the treasures of the Vatican and the museums of the Pantheon.

The trip from Rome to Naples takes six hours by train. A motor car trip is desirable but more expensive.

One of the touring companies may make the trip from Naples to Vesuvius and Pompeii in one day. Other exciting excursions are to Herculaneum, by steamer to Capri, the Blue Grotto, and Sorrento.

Florence requires a local guide or guidebook to let the traveler see her many art treasures.

Two or three days should be devoted to Venice. They should include visits to the various art galleries, several rides on the Grand Canal, an afternoon at Piazza San Marco, and a day at the Lido.

The United States Lines offices in Europe will gladly provide you with all the information they can about routes, costs, and points of interest. It is well to bear in mind that the study of a guidebook will open up new vistas.

Passport and Customs Regulations

YOUR PASSPORT

A United States passport is a legal document issued by the State Department as proof of the holder's citizenship, and its possession is necessary to travel in most foreign countries.

WHO NEEDS A PASSPORT

Every prospective visitor to a foreign country over twenty-one years of age needs a passport. A wife or minor child traveling with a husband or parent may have theirs included.

A letter from a parent or guardian must accompany the application of a minor child to leave the United States when unaccompanied.

WHERE TO APPLY

Go to the passport department (Department of State) located at the State Department in Washington, D. C., the Customs House in New Orleans, the Customs House in San Francisco, the White Building in Seattle, the Transportation Building at Chicago, State Department, Pine and Nassau Streets, New York City, or before the clerk of any United States District Court or State Court which is authorized by law to naturalize citizens.

WHEN TO APPLY

It is advisable to apply for your passport at least three weeks before you contemplate sailing. However, it can be done three months in advance. The procedure of issuance normally takes a few days, but it is good to attend to this vital matter as soon as possible.

WHAT YOU NEED WHEN MAKING APPLICATION

1. An identifying witness, either man or woman, is to swear that the applicant is the person he represents himself to be and that the facts, as he has stated them, are accurate.
2. Two photographs of the applicant, each approximately three inches square, were printed on thin paper with a light background.
3. Proof of American citizenship: either a birth certificate, a baptismal certificate containing the date and place of birth, or an affidavit containing that information and sworn to before a notary by either parent, brother, sister, or some relative, preferably an older person. If the applicant is not a native-born American, his naturalization papers must be presented to establish citizenship in the United States.
4. The sum of $10.00 is charged for the passport.
5. Aliens must have a "certificate of compliance" or an "income tax clearance" obtainable from district internal revenue collectors. It is no longer necessary for United States citizens to present this income tax receipt from the Collector of Internal Revenue.

THE APPLICATION BLANK

There are three forms of application blanks: one for persons born in the United States or born abroad of foreign fathers, one for naturalized citizens, and one for persons claiming citizenship through the naturalization of a husband or parent.

You must make the form you require plain to the agent. He will give this to you at the time of application and can fill it out and return it while you are there. If your application is accepted, the passport will be mailed to you a few days later.

THE VISÉ (VISA)

Before a traveler can enter a foreign country, he must obtain permission from that country. This is called a visé. The more satisfactory way is to secure this while still in the United States.

The procedure is to present your passport at the office of the Consulate of the Embassy of the foreign country or countries you contemplate visiting and secure its consent. This is done by stamping your passport. Most countries require a fee for this privilege, usually $10.00.

CUSTOMS REQUIREMENTS

On arrival at the port of debarkation and when traveling between countries, you will be required to present all your baggage for inspection by Government customs officials.

This may be brief or minute, and in the latter case, no objection should be raised as the official is only doing his duty.

Custom forms, distributed to all passengers during the return voyage, must be filled out, listing every article obtained abroad that you are bringing home. This list, called your “declaration,” should then be given to your ship’s purser.

You are allowed to bring back into the United States $100.00 worth of personal effects purchased abroad, free of duty, and all wearing apparel taken from the United States on sailing.

After the United States officials have inspected your baggage upon your return, the amount of duty—if there is any—will be announced and must be paid before you are allowed to remove your property from the pier.

Dating an Undated Brochure

First, we meticulously examined the service dates of the ships in the Fleet. The George Washington served from 1921 to 1931; the Leviathan from 1923 to 1933; the President Harding from 1922 to 1940; the President Roosevelt from 1922 to 1932; the Republic, listed as 'Newly Reconditioned', from 1924 to 1931; and the America from 1920 to 1931. This detailed analysis suggests that the brochure was likely published between 1924 and 1931, with a strong indication of 1924 due to the SS Republic. A closer look at the content reveals a mention of the New German Mark, which was introduced in 1924. This meticulous analysis of the service dates and content leads us to confidently conclude that the brochure was most likely published in 1924.

Brochure Information

• Publication Date: 1924 (See Above)
• Printed in the USA
• Publication Number: US 79-11-6
• Pages: 32
• Photographs: 41
• Dimensions: 20.5 cm x 23 cm

Recap and Summary

Introduction:

The 1924 United States Lines brochure, The American Way to Europe, serves as a captivating historical artifact that provides a detailed look at transatlantic ocean travel during the early 20th century. This meticulously crafted publication does more than list ships and schedules—it transports readers into the vibrant world of ocean liners, illustrating the luxurious, comfortable, and practical aspects of maritime journeys to Europe. For teachers, students, genealogists, and maritime historians, this brochure is a rich educational resource that brings to life the social customs, travel standards, and technological advancements of the time.

The brochure showcases the fleet of the United States Lines, including the iconic SS Leviathan, SS George Washington, SS America, SS Republic, SS President Harding, and SS President Roosevelt. Through vivid descriptions, photographs, and anecdotes, readers gain insights into the various travel classes—First Class, Cabin Class, Second Class, and Tourist Third Cabin—highlighting the differences in accommodations, amenities, and social atmospheres aboard these vessels.

Beyond the ships themselves, the brochure also delves into the passenger experience, from the elegant dining rooms and deck games to the comprehensive travel tips for navigating European destinations. It paints a picture of transatlantic voyages as more than just transportation; these journeys were opportunities for cultural exchange, leisure, and discovery.

For educators, the brochure offers a tangible connection to historical immigration and leisure travel trends. For genealogists, it provides context for the voyages their ancestors may have taken. Historians and maritime enthusiasts will find the descriptions of ship design, onboard services, and travel practices invaluable for understanding the golden age of ocean liners.

This document ultimately serves as a testament to the significance of ocean travel in shaping cultural and social interactions between the United States and Europe during the interwar period. The stories within these pages invite us to step back in time and imagine the experiences of those who crossed the Atlantic in search of adventure, opportunity, and a connection with the broader world.

Key Highlights:

Fleet Overview: The brochure showcases six prominent ships in the United States Lines fleet, including the flagship SS Leviathan, highlighting their routes, accommodations, and travel classes.

Travel Classes: Detailed descriptions of First Class, Cabin Class, Second Class, and Tourist Third Cabin accommodations provide insights into the social structures and passenger experiences aboard transatlantic liners.

Onboard Life: Photographs and descriptions of public rooms, staterooms, and amenities—like the SS Leviathan's Pompeian swimming pool—illustrate the era's luxurious standards of comfort.

Practical Travel Guidance: The brochure includes practical advice on passports, customs, and travel itineraries across major European destinations, reflecting early 20th-century travel practices.

Cultural Insights: Itinerary suggestions for exploring European cities like London, Paris, Amsterdam, Berlin, and Rome offer historical perspectives on popular tourist destinations.

Relevance for Research:

• Educators can use the document to illustrate historical ocean travel and immigration patterns.
• Students gain context on societal norms and technological advancements of the 1920s.
• Genealogists can glean insights into passenger experiences and travel logistics.
• Historians benefit from detailed descriptions of ship interiors, services, and transatlantic routes.

The brochure remains valuable for those exploring ocean travel history, American immigration, and maritime luxury during the early 20th century.