The Famous Big 4: White Star Line’s New York-Liverpool Service (1909)

📌 Discover White Star Line’s Big Four—RMS Adriatic, Baltic, Cedric, and Celtic—through this 1909 brochure, featuring stunning images and descriptions of first-class luxury, steady crossings, and transatlantic travel. A must-read for maritime historians, genealogists, and ocean liner enthusiasts!

Front Cover, White Star Line Famous Big 4 - RMS Adriatic, RMS Baltic, RMS Cedric, and RMS Celtic dated 16 April 1909. GGA Image ID # 11adcf89ee

The Famous Big 4 – White Star Line’s New York-Liverpool Service (1909) 🚢✨

This 1909 White Star Line brochure provides an intimate look at four of the largest and most reliable transatlantic liners of their era: RMS Adriatic, Baltic, Cedric, and Celtic. Known as the Big Four, these massive, steady, and elegant ships dominated the New York–Liverpool route, offering first-class luxury, second-class comfort, and third-class efficiency for thousands of travelers.

This 8-page booklet, filled with remarkable photographs, captures the grandeur of early 20th-century ocean travel, making it a valuable resource for historians, teachers, students, and genealogists. The brochure celebrates the Big Four’s dominance, emphasizing their smooth voyages, refined interiors, and loyal passengers who frequently returned to these vessels for their preferred Atlantic crossings.

The 8-Page White Star Line brochure on the Famous Big 4 of the New York Liverpool Service - The Adriatic, Baltic, Cedric, and Celtic, is packed with incredible photographs (Interior and exterior), some with actual passengers.

The RMS Adriatic off The White Star Piers at New York. GGA Image ID # 11aae42fb3

In this artistic photo, the leader of the White Star Line's Big Four is shown approaching her berth at Pier 60, North River, at the end of a voyage from Liverpool.

The photograph—which was a prize winner in a contest for professional photographers recently held at New York—is strongly suggestive of the size and steadiness of this distinguished ship.

The Adriatic, Largest of the White Star Line's Big Four, Passing the Skyscrapers of New York City on Her Way to Sea. One of the Most Distinguished of Atlantic Liners, the Adriatic Is 24,541 Tons Register, 726 Feet Long and 75.5 Feet Wide. GGA Image ID # 11aaf24ce3

TRAVELERS who frequently cross the Atlantic nearly always acquire a preference for a specific ship, admiring it, perhaps, for many good qualities, such as steadiness in all weathers, reliable comfort, splendid cuisine, pleasant officials and efficient staff, or any of a dozen other equally good reasons.

Everyone of the White Star Line's famous Big Four—the favorite mammoth steamers ADRIATIC, BALTIC, CEDRIC and CELTIC—can boast of hosts of such passengers who choose these vessels for journey after journey, knowing that upon them—in any class—will be found precisely the satisfactory service and the perfection of courtesy they have so thoroughly enjoyed before.

The famous Big Four are the largest steamers sailing regularly between New York and Liverpool, calling at Queenstown both Eastbound and Westbound.

They are of robust and sturdy build, with graceful, stately lines, and if there is one comment about them heard more often than another, it is that these vessels are "so very steady."

The ADRIATIC and the BALTIC are each 725 feet long, the CEDRIC and CELTIC being 700 feet in length; all were constructed of the same model, and the accommodations are spacious, airy, and attractive throughout.

Passengers Enjoy a Game of Bridge in the Lounge. GGA Image ID # 11aaf4a53f

First Class Smoking Room on the Baltic. GGA Image ID # 11ab0cf97c

The public rooms aboard these four steamers are all excellently located to ensure comfort and are tastefully decorated and furnished. In the first class, the lounge is perhaps the chief indoor gathering place—always excepting the ever-popular dining saloon!

The cheery surroundings of the lounge make it an ideal spot for cards or conversation or for the leisurely after-dinner demi-tasse, and, with the ship's own orchestra of professional musicians discoursing catchy airs in the main foyer of the steamer.

Just outside the lounge doors, a pleasant sense of camaraderie is sure to be developed among the passengers, although they hail from many corners of the globe.

First Class Drawing Room on the Baltic. Harmony and Restful Seclusion Make This a Delightful Apartment in Which to Pass Quiet Hours with a Book or Friend. GGA Image ID # 11ab460ebd

Passengers Relaxing on Deck Chairs. Happiness Is the Keynote of Days Spent on Deck Aboard the Big Four Ships of the White Star Line, for the Decks Are Unusually Spacious and the Ship Delightfully Steady. GGA Image ID # 11ac000a82

On Board the Big Adriatic the First Class Writing Room Is an Example of Harmony and Beauty in Design and Furnishings, Contributing to Restful Ease. the Large Windows Are Characteristic of the Writing Rooms on White Star Ships. the General Effect Strikes a Distinct Note of Elegance. GGA Image ID # 11ac59aa46

A Spacious Verandah Cafe. GGA Image ID # 11acc142cc

First Class Dining Saloon on the Adriatic. GGA Image ID # 11ace6508c

An Elevator Running the Passenger Decks Is an Added Convenience, to Be Found on Many Modern Liners. GGA Image ID # 11acfd4002

In the drawing-room, with its air of cozy comfort, the comfortable chairs beguile one to while away the passing hours amid these pleasant surroundings. Here is an intimate retreat, with evidence of the best taste and refinement and elegance in all its furnishings.

Soft Oriental rugs, often bright in their coloring, a glowing fireplace, beautiful hangings at the windows —all these please the eye and add to the attractiveness of this apartment.

The ship's smoking room always holds its own little world of interest for a man at sea. Here the raconteur exchanges quip and stories for the daring adventure tales of the hunter returning home after new conquests.

Here also the man of business forgets his cares and rests himself amid the friendly fellowship of other followers of the world's marts.

Each White Star Line Ship Has a Carefully Selected Library, with a Choice of Books Appealing to All Ages and Varied Tastes. Current Periodicals, Both American and European, Are Also Carried. GGA Image ID # 11ad34fc1c

There is also on each ship a cozy and well appointed writing room, or combination writing room and drawing room.

The first class accommodations are situated in the middle third of the ship, the part least subject to motion at sea. They have three passenger-deck promenades, that are unusually spacious. Their staterooms are of generous proportions, and are furnished in a style of substantial comfort.

An abiding first impression of these ships is one of great size, solidity and dignity, and of good taste and tone in their general effect. The traveler's good opinion of his ship is strengthened on a voyage by the atmosphere of refinement and quiet on board, by the well-chosen menus and excellent cooking, and by the perfection of service in every department.

The Cedric and Celtic of the White Star Line's Big Four Convey at a Glance an Impression of Commanding Size and Abundant Power. They Are Sister Ships, and Only a Mariner Could Distinguish One from the Other When at Sea. the Illustration Shows the Cedric. GGA Image ID # 11ad5075b6

"Everything runs like clockwork" is a comment sometimes heard from appreciative passengers—a tribute to the efficiency of White Star standards, maintained through a half-century of successful catering to steamship travelers.

Amusements on these ships are a little less stressed, perhaps, than on the fashionable express liners, but they are not lacking. Each steamship carries a well-chosen orchestra, which gives daily concerts and also plays for dancing.

Passengers engage in games of various kinds in the lounge and smoking room, and there is generous deck space for outdoor sports.

Each ship has a carefully selected library and carries the leading current periodicals, both American and European.

The ships of the Big Four carry first, second and third-class passengers. Their second cabin accommodations are spacious and comfortable and are popular with travelers who are gratified to find that in this class they get much in return for moderate rates.

While not driven at the speed of the express steamers plying to Cherbourg and Southampton, the ships of the Big Four have abundant power for reliable, steady performance, which enables them to complete their voyages with the regularity of through trains on a railroad.

Stateroom with Double Bed. GGA Image ID # 11ad97765e

Passengers by this route are landed at Queenstown by tender and at Liverpool directly at the Riverside landing stage, from which special boat trains depart for London directly after the arrival of each ship.

The running time to London is about four hours. Frequent express trains also depart from Liverpool for various tourist centers, the English Lake District, the Shakespeare country and the Welsh mountains being within easy reach.

A Spacious Single-Bed Stateroom. GGA Image ID # 11ad9de4e1

To Americans planning a tour of places of scenic and historical interest in Great Britain, the White Star Line's Big Four ships cannot be too highly recommended.

Travelers Checks

The International Mercantile Marine Company's Travelers Checks, issued for the White Star Line, are admirably adapted to the use of tourists.

They are issued in denominations of $10, $20, $50 and $100, at face value plus 1/2 percent, and are payable at the current buying rate for bankers' checks on New York. American dollars being in high demand abroad, they are paid at the most favorable rates of exchange.

Each purchaser is furnished with a list of foreign banks, including White Star Line offices, etc., where checks will be cashed. They are also accepted by hotels, shops, etc., in payment of accounts.

White Star Offices in America

• New York: 1 Broadway
• Atlanta: North Forsyth & Poplar Streets
• Baltimore: 308 North Charles Street
• Boston: 84 State Street
• Calgary, Alberta: Land Building
• Chicago: 127 South State Street
• Cleveland: Swetland Building, Euclid Avenue
• Dallas: Cotton Exchange Building
• Detroit: Majestic Building
• Galveston: Cotton Exchange Building
• Halifax: 93 Hollis Street
• Houston: Hermann Bnilding
• Los Angeles: Security Building, Fifth and Spring Streets
• Minneapolis: 121 South 3rd Street
• Mobile: 7 St. Michael Street
• Montreal: McGill Building
• Norfolk: Flat Iron Building
• New Orleans: 219 St. Charles Street
• Philadelphia: 1319 Walnut Street
• Pittsbnrgh: Arcade, Union Trust Building
• Portland, ME: 1 India Street
• Quebec: 53 Dalhousie Street
• St. John, NB: 108 Prince William Street
• St. Louis: 1101 Locnst Street
• San Francisco: 550 Market Street
• Seattle: 619 Second Avenue
• Toronto: 41 King Street, East
• Vancouver: Granville & Hastings Streets
• Washington: 1208 F Street, N.W.
• Winnipeg: 286 Main Street

White Star Offices in Europe

• Liverpool: 30 James Street
• London: 1 Cockspur Street, S.W.
• London: 38 Leadenhall Street, E.C.
• Southampton: Canute Road
• Queenstown: Scott and Company,
• Paris: 9 Rue Scribe
• Antwerp: 22 Rue des Peignes
• Berlin: Georgenstrasse 24
• Brussels: V. Bull, Agent, 26 Place de Brouckère
• Bucharest: Str. Sarindar 12
• Budapest: VII, Barosster 15
• Genoa: 41 Piazza Nunziata
• Hamburg: 39 Alsterdamm
• Prague: Vaclayske Namesti 66
• Naples: 59 Via Guglielmo Sanfelice
• Vienna: 4 Karntnerring, I.
• Warsaw: 144 Marszalkowska

The Dual Dating of this Brochure

The date we had for this brochure was stamped on the front cover (Apr 16, 09), presumably from the Agency that originally distributed the brochure.  The dating of brochures that lack date of printing is an inexact science.  In this particular era, there was little to gain from reproducing this brochure after the Olympic was launched.  The four ships in this brochure were Adriatic (1906), Baltic (1904), Cedric (1903), and Celtic (1901).    After this brochure was printed, they launched the Lurentic, Megantic, Olympic and Titanic.

The illustration of the skyline appears to take into account, the completed Woolworth building, making it likely that the brochure date of printing is circa 1913 rather than 1909.  What we believe is most plausible is that this brochure represents a second edition, where the text remained similar or exactly as the first edition and because of the Woolworth building’s prominence in the New York Skyline, the image was replaced with an updated skyline.  What remains a mystery is why they would even bother – unless there was the encourage more ticket sales on these four ships.

1910 New York Skyline Featuring the Singer Building (Slightly Right of Center, Then the Tallest Skyscraper).

1913 New York City Skyline Featuring the New Woolworth Building (On Left) Which Is Now the Tallest Building in NYC.

Brochure Information

• Publication Date: 1909 Printed in USA (See Above)
• Publisher: White Star Line / The International Mercantile Marine Company
• Publication Number: F7700
• Pages: 8
• Photographs: 14
• Dimensions: 20.4 cm x 23.2 cm

🌍 Who Should Read This & Why?

📚 Teachers & Students:

✅ Firsthand account of early 20th-century transatlantic travel.

✅ Insight into maritime history, luxury ocean liners, and immigration trends.

✅ Illustrations of social class differences in travel accommodations.

🏡 Genealogists & Family Historians:

✅ Identifies key ships that transported European immigrants to America.

✅ Includes ports, routes, and class distinctions relevant to ancestry research.

✅ Provides historical context for ancestors' journeys.

⚓ Maritime Historians & Enthusiasts:

✅ Detailed descriptions of four major ocean liners.

✅ Exploration of White Star Line’s pre-Titanic fleet.

✅ Illustrations of ship interiors, showcasing first-class opulence.

Key Highlights of the Brochure 🛳️

1. The Famous Big Four: Ocean Giants of Their Time 🚢🏛️

By 1909, White Star’s Big Four were the largest and most reliable liners on the New York–Liverpool route. Built for comfort, steadiness, and efficiency, these ships carried thousands of passengers across the Atlantic in all classes.

🔹 Ship Specifications & Features:

✅ RMS Adriatic (1906) – 24,541 tons, 726 feet long, and the most luxurious of the four.

✅ RMS Baltic (1904) – Slightly smaller but equally well-appointed.

✅ RMS Cedric (1903) – Known for its steady and smooth crossings.

✅ RMS Celtic (1901) – The original of the Big Four, admired for its spacious design.

🔹 Noteworthy Images:

📸 RMS Adriatic off the White Star Piers in New York – A stunning arrival scene, highlighting the ship’s massive size.

📸 Adriatic passing New York skyscrapers – Showcases the scale of these liners in comparison to the growing Manhattan skyline.

📸 Cedric and Celtic side by side – Emphasizing their commanding size and power at sea.

💡 Why It’s Interesting: This section shows how White Star prioritized stability, comfort, and size, appealing to passengers seeking a luxurious yet steady voyage.

2. First-Class Accommodations: A Floating Palace 🛋️✨

The first-class experience aboard the Big Four was designed for wealthy travelers who sought elegance, entertainment, and tranquility at sea.

🔹 Key First-Class Amenities:

✅ Lounge & Drawing Room – The perfect place for reading, socializing, or a quiet escape.

✅ Writing Room – Elegantly designed, with large windows for a bright, airy atmosphere.

✅ Smoking Room – A hub of conversation, storytelling, and relaxation for gentlemen.

✅ Dining Saloon – Exquisite menus, professional service, and luxurious decor.

✅ Library – Stocked with books and periodicals from both the U.S. and Europe.

✅ Elevator – A rarity at sea in 1909, adding a touch of convenience and modernity.

🔹 Noteworthy Images:

📸 Passengers playing bridge in the lounge – A glimpse into social life on board.

📸 First-Class Drawing Room on the Baltic – A beautifully furnished retreat.

📸 Spacious verandah café – A stylish setting for relaxation.

📸 First-Class Dining Saloon on the Adriatic – A grand space for fine dining.

📸 An elevator for passenger decks – A groundbreaking innovation at sea!

💡 Why It’s Interesting: The photographs and descriptions emphasize White Star’s dedication to first-class comfort, making these ships some of the most refined liners of their time.

3. Life on Deck: A Voyage of Relaxation & Leisure 🌊☀️

For many passengers, the voyage itself was a highlight of their journey. White Star ensured that passengers had ample deck space for socializing, exercising, and simply enjoying the ocean views.

🔹 Popular On-Deck Activities:

✅ Bridge games in the lounge.

✅ Relaxing in deck chairs, enjoying the fresh sea air.

✅ Music from the ship’s orchestra, providing daily concerts.

✅ Reading in the library, stocked with books and newspapers.

🔹 Noteworthy Images:

📸 Passengers relaxing on deck chairs – Capturing the peaceful charm of ocean travel.

📸 Spacious promenade decks – Designed for comfort, socializing, and outdoor leisure.

💡 Why It’s Interesting: This section highlights how transatlantic travel wasn’t just a means of transportation—it was an experience in itself.

4. Steady & Reliable Voyages: The White Star Standard ⚓🚂

Unlike the faster, more fashionable express liners, the Big Four focused on steadiness, comfort, and punctuality.

🔹 Advantages of the Big Four Route:

✅ More stable voyages – Large size meant minimal rocking, even in rough seas.

✅ Regularity like a train service – Reliable schedules and precise landings.

✅ Direct landing at Liverpool Riverside Station – Immediate train connections to London.

🔹 Noteworthy Images:

📸 The Cedric and Celtic at sea – Showcasing their imposing presence.

📸 Liverpool Riverside Station – Where passengers disembarked for direct travel to London and beyond.

💡 Why It’s Interesting: The Big Four weren’t built for speed records, but for consistency, comfort, and smooth crossings—a quality highly valued by frequent travelers.

Final Thoughts: A Rare Insight into White Star’s Dominance 🚢🔎

This 1909 brochure on the Big Four is an exceptional piece of maritime history, providing insight into the experience of transatlantic travelers before the Titanic era.

For historians, educators, and genealogy researchers, this document offers:

📜 A snapshot of ocean travel in the early 1900s.

📜 A detailed look at first-class luxury aboard White Star liners.

📜 Clues for those tracing ancestors who sailed on these famous ships.

Whether you’re a maritime enthusiast or a researcher exploring family migration, this brochure captures the essence of ocean travel at a time when liners were the epitome of elegance and adventure.

💬 Would you have preferred a fast liner or a steady and luxurious voyage on the Big Four? Share your thoughts below!

📖 Step aboard history and relive the grandeur of transatlantic travel! 🚢✨