Navigating Luxury: A Historical Insight into the SS Manhattan & SS Washington Passenger Experience – 1936

Front Cover, General Information for Passengers on America's Fastest TransAtlantic Liners Manhattan and Washington of the United States Lines, May 1936. GGA Image ID # 1eab4bcc2c

The brochure provides general information for passengers on America's fastest transatlantic liners, as well as the SS Manhattan and SS Washington of the United States Lines. It includes a Public Rooms Directory, and an A-Z Listing of Important and Useful Information Passengers Would Need to Know During their Voyage.

Explore the 1936 passenger information guide for the SS Manhattan and SS Washington of the United States Lines. Ideal for educators, historians, genealogists, and maritime enthusiasts seeking insights into ocean travel during the 1930s.

Directory of Public Rooms, SS Manhattan and SS Washington, May 1936. GGA Image ID # 1eab7b30b3

DIRECTORY

• Baggage Master — "C" Deck Foyer
• Barber Shop — "B" Deck Foyer
• Beauty Salon — "B" Deck Foyer
• Chief Steward's Office — "C" Deck Foyer
• Cigar and Novelty Stores — "C" Deck Foyer
• Children's Playroom and Play Deck — Boat Deck Aft
• Dining Room — "C" Deck Amidships
• Doctor's Office — "B" Deck Aft
• Electric Baths — "D" Deck Forward
• Grand Salon — Promenade Deck Amidships
• Gymnasium — "D" Deck Forward
• Library — Promenade Deck Amidships
• Massage Room — "D" Deck Forward
• Palm Court — Promenade Deck Forward
• Purser's Office — "C" Deck Foyer
• Smoking Room — Promenade Deck Aft
• Swimming Pool — "D" Deck Forward
• Verandah Cafe — Promenade Deck Aft
• Writing Room — Promenade Deck Amidships

All Information of a General Character May Be Obtained at the Purser's Office Located on the "C" Deck Foyer.

Amusements on Board

Bingo Game and Horse Racing: Held in the Grand Salon on alternate nights beginning at 9:30 P.M.

Dancing: Commences at 10:00 P.M. every evening in the Verandah Cafe.

Sound Picture Performances: Showings are from 4:30 to 6:10 P.M. in the Grand Salon except on sailing days and Sundays.

Automobiles

Passengers entering the United States should include uncrated automobiles on their U. S. Declaration form to facilitate Customs Clearance on arrival.

Baggage

The Baggage Master's office is in the Foyer on the "C" Deck, where forwarding, transshipment, and storage of baggage may be arranged. There, information regarding baggage matters may also be obtained.

The company accepts no responsibility for baggage or parcels left on board except by arrangement with the Baggage Master.

Baggage Insurance

The Company's liability for loss or damage to baggage and valuables is strictly limited. Still, passengers can protect themselves with insurance, which may be procured at the Purser's office on board.

Barber Shop and Beauty Salon

The Barber Shop and Beauty Salon are located on "B" Deck, opposite the elevators. A price schedule is posted in the shops.

Baths

Upon application to the Bath Steward, passengers may arrange to use baths at a specified time each day.

Bellboy Service

Bellhops are available at all times during the day, answering calls in the absence of the Bedroom Steward or Stewardess. They will also deliver messages at the passenger's request.

Cables & Telegrams (Please also see Radiograms)

Cables and Telegrams are received at the Purser's Office for dispatch. They should be handed in at least an hour before the steamer's arrival at any port.

Cameras

In accordance with British and Irish Customs and Excise requirements, cameras are dutiable, and passengers arriving with such are required to deposit 50 percent of their value with the authorities. This deposit is refunded before they depart from the country visited by the Customs Authorities at the port of departure.

Catering

Arrangements may be made with the Chief Steward to continue any diet necessary for the passengers' health or habits during the voyage.

Passengers are also invited to advise the Dining Room Captains of their diet and cooking preferences so that their wishes can be considered.

Chair Cushions

(Please also see Deck Chairs, etc.)

Chair Cushions can be rented for the voyage from the Deck Steward at $1.00 each.

Changes in Accommodations

Changes in Accommodations can be made only by the Chief Purser, who must collect the difference, if any, in fare. A receipt will be issued on the Company's official form.

Children's Playroom

The boat deck aft has a children's Playroom and enclosed Play Deck. A special matron is in attendance.

Complaints

The Company and the ship's staff desire to make your crossing as pleasant as possible. Any inattention or complaint regarding the service should be reported immediately to the Chief Purser or Chief Steward, and the issue will be corrected promptly.

Customs Examination

All articles liable to duty must be declared to avoid difficulty with Customs Officials. Any passenger who is at all in doubt should see the Chief Purser or Baggage Master, who will provide the latest available information regarding the Customs regulations of the country to be visited.

Deck Chairs & Steamer Rugs

Passengers can rent deck chairs and steamer rugs from the deck steward for the voyage for $1.50 each.

Divine Services

Protestant Service is held on Sundays at 11:00 A.M. in the Grand Salon.

Roman Catholic Mass is celebrated in the Grand Salon. The Chief Purser announces the hours of the Masses. A permanent altar is available, and complete facilities for celebrating Mass are at the disposal of priests by arrangement with the Chief Purser.

Doctor (Ship's Surgeon)

The Doctor's Office is located on "B" Deck, Aft. The Doctor is authorized to make customary charges, subject to the approval of the Commander, for the treatment of illnesses not originating on the voyage. In the case of illness contracted on the journey, no charge will be made. The medicine prescribed will be provided free of charge in all circumstances. A Registered Nurse is in attendance.

Dogs, Cats or Other Animal Pets

Pets are not permitted in staterooms, public rooms, or passenger decks and must be placed in the care of the Kennel Attendant. The kennels are located on the Sun Deck.

Electrical Appliances

Passengers are cautioned against using electric irons or other appliances in staterooms because they can cause a short circuit in the lighting system.

Electric Baths and Massage

Appointments can be arranged by telephone with the attendant in charge. A masseur and a masseuse are available. Tickets for the desired treatment must be purchased at the Purser's Office.

Exchange of Money

For the convenience of passengers, the Purser will exchange a limited amount of American and foreign monies at rates that will be advised on application.

Fire and Lifeboat Stations

Passengers are urgently requested to familiarize themselves with the notice in their staterooms regarding lifeboat and fire stations and participate in the Fire and Boat drills.

Fire Precautions

Passengers are particularly asked to use care when disposing of cigars or cigarette ends and matches and to use the receptacles provided for the purpose in the different parts of the steamer. Do not throw overboard lighted cigar ends or cigarette butts, as they may be drawn into open ports and cause fires. This is a serious fire hazard, and careful observance of this request is urged.

Fraternal Orders

Rotarians, Kiwanians, Lions, and members of other orders are invited to register their names at the Purser's Office so that the ship's officers can acquaint them with other members of their respective organizations traveling on the boat.

Gymnasium

The gymnasium is equipped with apparatus for general exercise and is in charge of an experienced attendant.

Passengers are requested to be careful while using the facilities provided, as the Company cannot be held liable for any injuries sustained.

Information Forms

It is earnestly requested that passengers cooperate with the Purser's Office in completing information forms used in preparing the Manifest and in all matters pertaining to landing cards and landing arrangements.

Library

The books in the Library, which passengers may obtain upon application to the Library Steward, are free of charge. Passengers' cooperation is requested to ensure the prompt return of books as soon as they have been read.

Liquor Purchases

Cases of liquor brought on board by or for passengers intended for landing upon arrival in the United States and handled in the same way as personal effects cannot be considered baggage, and the Company will assume no responsibility.

The Company will, however, arrange for such liquor to be kept in the custody of the Ship's Baggage Master. A proper check will be issued against which delivery will be made at the pier, at the same time, and where all other baggage is assembled for customs inspection. A small charge per case will be made for this service, ensuring you are fully aware of the process of liquor storage on board.

It's important to note that the Company does not assume liability for parcels of liquor taken into and kept in the stateroom. This policy is in place to keep you informed about our responsibilities regarding your liquor.

Mail

Passengers are requested to call the Purser's Office for mail and telegrams. Mail forwarding addresses may be left at the Purser's Office.

Meal Hours

When One Sitting: Breakfast from 8:00 a.m., Luncheon from 1:00 p.m., Dinner from 7:30 p.m.

When Two Sittings: Breakfast 7:30 & 8:45 a.m. Luncheon noon & 1:15 p.m. Dinner 6:00 & 7:15 p.m.

Morning Bouillon and Afternoon Tea are served on the Deck and in the Public Rooms at 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., respectively.

Ocean Press News

The latest news and closing prices of the various Stock Exchanges received by Wireless are given in this paper, which is published daily and distributed to passengers without charge.

Passenger Restriction

Cabin Passengers are not permitted to enter Tourist or Third Class accommodations, or vice versa.

Payments on Board

Passengers are requested to obtain a receipt on the Company's form for any additional passage money, deck chair, steamer rug or chair cushion hire, cables, telegrams, or freight charges paid on board.

Photographer

The ship carries an expert Photographer, and arrangements for individual or group pictures may be made at the Novelty Store.

Passengers can leave their negatives at the Novelty Store or with the Library Steward for reasonable development and printing rates.

Ports in Ship's Side

Passengers should not open ports. The Bedroom Steward will render this service when desired, provided it is not contrary to the Captain's orders and weather conditions permit. Careful observance of this precaution will avoid accidents, assure the comfort of passengers, and prevent damage to baggage and personal effects.

Portable Typewriter

A Noiseless Portable Typewriter is available for passengers to use free of charge. Upon request, the Purser's Office will deliver it to your room.

Postage Stamps

Postage Stamps are obtainable at the Cigar Stand and Novelty Store, from the Library Steward on the Promenade Deck, or at the Purser's Office. Letters can be mailed on board.

Professional Gamblers

Passengers are reminded that professional gamblers are reported to frequently travel on trans-Atlantic passenger steamers and warned to take precautions accordingly.

Radiograms

(Please also see Cables and Telegrams)

Messages are accepted at the Radio Office on the Boat Deck, or the Bell Boy assigned to the Radio Office will call for and deliver your message if a request is telephoned to the Radio Office or the Purser's Office.

Return Accommodations

Passengers desiring information regarding return passage on steamers of the United States Lines or its associated lines, including the Panama Pacific Line to and from California, can obtain the same from the Chief Purser.

Reservations will be secured by radio and deposits to cover received.

Round Trip Passengers

Passengers holding return tickets who are undecided about their addresses abroad should send this information to the nearest company office as soon as possible after landing so that they may be promptly advised of possible changes in sailings and other matters pertaining to their return passages.

All return ticket holders are also requested to communicate with our nearest office at least a week before their departure so that any necessary formalities may be arranged prior to the day of sailing.

If, for any reason, the holder of a return ticket is unable to travel by the sailing indicated on the ticket, immediate advice should be sent to the Company's nearest office so that any accommodations held may be released and other reservations arranged. Otherwise, the passage money may be forfeited.

Sailing Permits

All persons who are not citizens of the United States, including visitors, transients, and residents in the United States, must secure Sailing Permits (Income Tax Clearance) from the Bureau of Internal Revenue during the week before they depart from the country.

These permits may be secured at the U. S. Customs House located at Bowling Green and Battery Place, New York City, or at any other U. S. Internal Revenue office. The permit is presented to the Internal Revenue inspector at the embarkation desk on the pier on the day of sailing when the tickets and passports are examined.

Further information will be given at any office of the United States Lines.

Seats at Table

The Assistant Chief Steward is in charge of the Dining Room and will assign tables if they have not been previously arranged. The reservation desk is located in the Foyer near the Dining Room entrance.

Shoe Cleaning

Shoes will be cleaned and polished if left outside the stateroom door at night.

Swimming Pool

The Swimming Pool is open daily from 7:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. and from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. No charge is made for pool use, and mixed bathing is permitted at all times.

Tennis Courts

Two Deck Tennis courts are situated on the Sun Deck.

Travel Information

Passengers may secure Information concerning steamship, rail, or air routes at the Purser's Office.

Arrangements can be made to secure tickets and reservations for the transportation desired.

United States Head Tax

Transit passengers and temporary visitors departing from the United States may obtain a refund at the Purser's Office of the United States Head Tax paid abroad on surrender of the receipt known as "Transit Certificate Form 514," provided their departure from the United States takes place within the 60-day limit mentioned in this document.

Valet Service

Excellent valet service is provided for passengers' convenience. To use this service, apply to your Bedroom Steward.

Valet Service Price List for Gentlemen's Garments, May 1936. GGA Image ID # 1eaba40a9a

Valet Service Price List for Ladies' Garments, May 1936. GGA Image ID # 1eabe8b650

Valuables

It is inadvisable to leave money or valuables in your cabin. They should be delivered to the Purser's Office for safekeeping, and a receipt for the same will be given on the Company's form. The Company cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage beyond the conditions expressed in the contract ticket, and passengers are therefore advised to protect themselves by insurance, which can be arranged on board at the Purser's Office.

Back Cover, General Information for Passengers, United States Lines SS Manhattan and Washington, May 1936. GGA Image ID # 1eac5288fa

Recap and Summary

The 1936 informational brochure for the SS Manhattan and SS Washington offers a detailed glimpse into transatlantic ocean travel aboard two of America's fastest liners of the era. This historical document serves as an invaluable resource for educators, students, genealogists, and maritime historians, presenting a rich tapestry of social customs, maritime operations, and onboard experiences of the 1930s.

Historical Context and Educational Relevance

The SS Manhattan and SS Washington, operated by the United States Lines, represent a pivotal period in ocean travel history. These vessels were not just modes of transportation but floating microcosms of American society, reflecting contemporary cultural, technological, and social trends. For teachers and students, this brochure is a tangible link to the past, illustrating the elegance and rigor of transatlantic voyages. Genealogists will find it useful for understanding the experiences of ancestors who traveled these routes, while historians can trace technological advancements and maritime regulations of the time.

Passenger Experience and Social Customs

The brochure meticulously outlines onboard amenities, offering a vivid picture of the luxurious lifestyle experienced by passengers. The liners provided diverse entertainment options such as:

• Dancing in the Verandah Cafe
• Bingo and Horse Racing in the Grand Salon
• Daily Sound Picture Performances

The social environment onboard mirrored the sophistication of 1930s American high society, from grand ballrooms with live orchestras to cozy libraries for leisure reading. Educators can use these details to demonstrate social class distinctions and leisure activities during this era.

Directory of Public Rooms

An extensive directory showcases the variety of spaces available to passengers, each serving specific needs. The presence of smoking rooms, writing rooms, children's play areas, and gymnasiums illustrates the comprehensive nature of transatlantic passenger services. The Palm Court and Grand Salon, in particular, symbolize the era's emphasis on social interaction and community engagement.

Practical Information and Maritime Regulations

The brochure provides insights into maritime protocols and passenger responsibilities, offering educational opportunities to discuss early 20th-century travel logistics. Key topics include:

• Customs Regulations and Declaration Requirements
• Health and Safety Protocols, including Lifeboat Drills
• Communication Facilities like Radiograms and Cable Services

This section underscores the administrative complexities of international travel before the advent of modern digital conveniences.

Cultural Insights and Passenger Demographics

The brochure references fraternal orders, including Rotarians and Kiwanians, encouraging camaraderie among passengers. Such details shed light on the demographic composition of travelers, who were often professionals, businesspeople, and middle-to-upper-class Americans seeking leisure or business opportunities in Europe.

Onboard Services and Innovation

The SS Manhattan and SS Washington featured state-of-the-art services for their time, such as:

• A Gymnasium with Modern Equipment
• Electric Baths and Massage Rooms
• Daily Ocean Press News Updates via Wireless Transmission

These amenities reflect the evolving expectations of travelers during the interwar period, highlighting technological advancements in passenger ship design.

Educational Applications

Teachers can incorporate this brochure into lessons on immigration, maritime history, and the economic and cultural exchanges between the United States and Europe. Genealogists can use the document to better understand the travel conditions of ancestors, while maritime enthusiasts can appreciate the engineering and social aspects of these iconic vessels.

Conclusion

The 1936 brochure for the SS Manhattan and SS Washington is more than a historical artifact; it's a window into the transatlantic travel experience of the 1930s. Its detailed accounts of passenger amenities, social customs, and travel regulations make it an invaluable resource for understanding ocean travel's broader historical context. For those passionate about maritime history, this document captures the elegance, innovation, and complexities of a bygone era, offering enduring relevance for modern audiences interested in the golden age of ocean liners.