SS Roma Passage Contract (Quota) - 18 September 1928: Navigazione Generale Italiana & Transatlantic Immigration

📌 Explore the historic SS Roma Second-Class Passage Contract from 1928, issued under the strict U.S. immigration quota system. This document highlights the challenges faced by Italian immigrants traveling from Naples to New York, the legal terms of transatlantic passage, and the rigid policies of Navigazione Generale Italiana. A must-read for historians, genealogists, and maritime enthusiasts! 🚢📜

Front Side, Navigazione Generale Italiana Second Class Passage Contract for Passage on the SS Roma, Departing from Naples to New York Dated 18 September 1928. GGA Image ID # 131cd5c085

Summary of Passage Contract (Quota)

• Date of Purchase / Voyage: 18 September 1928
• Steamship Line: Navigazione Generale Italiana
• Steamship: SS Roma
• Route: Naples to New York
• Ticket Type: Passage Contract (Quota)
• Voyage Class: Second Class
• Name on Contract: Illegible
• Etnicity of Passenger(s): Italian
• Contract Terms: Not Translated
• Cost of Ticket: Not Stated

Passage Contract (Quota) Details

Italian Immigrant was one of the 4,000 Quota immigrants from Italy in 1928 under the Immigration Act of 1924. The contract is stamped "Quota" in large letters. Second Class passage contract from Naples to New York on the SS Roma of the Navigazione Generale Italiana Line.

Passenger Contract No. 030382

Navigazione Generale Italiana
SOCIETÀ RIUNITE FLORIO, RUBATTINO E LLOYD ITALIANO
SOCIETÀ ANONIMA SEDE IN GENOVA - CAPITALE L. 600.000.000 VERSAJO L. 420.000.000
C. C. I. Genova N. 800

Biglietto di SECONDA CLASSE Economica N. 625
RILASCIATO ALLE CONDIZIONI INDICATE A TERGO

 

Passenger's Name. Let us know if you can read this handwriting and provide us with the passenger's name. Thanks!

From Naples to New York Onboard the ROMA departing 19 September 1928

Cabin 359-B

Naples 18 September 1928

Signed by NGI Agent

Back Side, Navigazione Generale Italiana Second Class Passage Contract Terms for Passage on the SS Roma, Departing from Naples to New York Dated 18 September 1928. GGA Image ID # 131ce0fcbe

General Contract Conditions

English Translation of the Italian Text

1. No-Show and Ticket Refund Policy

A passenger who fails to present themselves on time for departure or does not board the ship is not entitled to either a full or partial refund of the fare paid and must still complete the payment if it has not been fully settled. However, if the passenger provides proof of an unavoidable cause, which the company deems as force majeure, the company may allow the ticket to be used for the next available ship of the company with available seats in the same class as the original ticket.

In the event of the passenger’s death before departure, the company will partially reimburse the heirs, who must provide legal documentation proving their status, in accordance with Article 583, Paragraph 2 of the current Italian Commercial Code.

2. Right to Cancel or Modify Itinerary

The company reserves the right to:

• Cancel the scheduled departure
• Add or remove ports of call
• Start the voyage from a different port than initially planned
• Assign the ship to a different route

In such cases, the passenger is only entitled to a refund of the fare paid and has no right to compensation for damages or reimbursement of any incurred expenses.

3. Delays, Early Departures, and Compensation

The company has full authority to:

• Reschedule the departure, either earlier or later than the originally scheduled date.
• Delay departure due to unforeseen circumstances or force majeure affecting the ship.

In all such cases, passengers do not have the right to:

• Cancel the contract
• Receive compensation for damages
• Be provided with food and lodging
• Claim reimbursement for any incurred expenses

4. Extended Delays (More Than 10 Days)

If a departure is delayed or rescheduled by more than 10 days, the passenger has the right to cancel the contract and receive a refund of the amount paid.

5. Voyage Interruption After Departure

If the voyage is interrupted after departure due to unforeseen circumstances or force majeure affecting the ship, the company retains the full fare and considers the journey completed.

6. Company Liability for Crew Errors

The company is not responsible for any incompetence, negligence, or mistakes made by:

• The Captain
• Engineers
• Pilots
• Crew members
• Any other individuals onboard

This includes all matters related to navigation and duties assigned to the crew by law and regulations.

7. Company Liability for Accidents and Losses

The company is not responsible for injuries or damages caused by:

• Maritime risks
• Fires
• Theft
• Pirates or enemies
• Acts of government (recognized or unrecognized)
• Wars or military conflicts
• Collisions with other ships
• Explosions, mechanical failures, or damages to ship components
• Leaking liquids, breakage of fragile objects, rust, humidity, seawater exposure, evaporation, or contamination from other cargo
• Rodents, insects, or any other animals
• Illnesses (including contagious and epidemic diseases) contracted onboard for any reason

8. Captain’s Authority Over Route Changes

The Captain has full authority to:

• Change the ship’s course
• Make unscheduled stops at any port (even if it is not part of the original itinerary)
• Skip planned ports of call

Passengers cannot cancel their contract or claim compensation due to such changes.

9. Ticket Restrictions & Name Transfer

The ticket is only valid for the person(s) listed on it and cannot be transferred.

If a passenger travels with a ticket not in their name, they must pay the full fare plus a 50% penalty.

10. Passenger Obligations

Passengers must follow Italian and foreign laws and the company’s regulations.

Passengers must occupy the seat or cabin assigned to them as per their ticket or by the Captain’s instructions.

If changes are made to ship accommodations, the company may reassign seats or cabins, provided they are of equal value.

If modifications reduce the number of available accommodations, the company may cancel the reservation and refund the fare paid, excluding any additional compensation.

11. Interrupted Voyage: Layover & Resumption

Passengers may:

• Interrupt their journey at an intermediate stop and resume within three months on another company ship.
• If no seats are available in the same class, they must pay the fare difference for a higher class but will not be refunded if assigned a lower class seat.

12. Pricing Policy

Fares are determined based on company rates at the time of departure.

13. Passenger Expenses & Fees

All embarkation/disembarkation fees, taxes, and duties are the responsibility of the passenger.

14. No Compensation for Delays

Passengers cannot claim any compensation or reimbursement for delays in departure or arrival.

15. Luggage Policy

Luggage is charged based on the company’s prevailing rates at departure.

Each bag must be clearly labeled with the passenger’s full name, class, and destination.

Passengers must personally handle their luggage at embarkation and disembarkation.

Complaints must be submitted in writing before disembarking; otherwise, the company is not liable.

The company has six months to investigate lost baggage.

If the company is found responsible, compensation is limited to 100 lire per item and 500 lire maximum per passenger.

16. Company’s Right to Retain Luggage

If a passenger fails to pay outstanding fees, the company can hold or sell their luggage to recover costs.

17. No Responsibility for Valuables

The company is not responsible for valuables in passengers' luggage.

Valuables may be given to the Captain for safekeeping, but without company liability.

18. Prohibition of Dangerous Items

Explosives and flammable materials are strictly prohibited.

The Captain has the right to confiscate and destroy such items without compensation.

Passengers will be held responsible for any damages caused.

19. Health & Quarantine Regulations

The Captain can refuse boarding to passengers with illnesses or serious deformities.

Sick passengers may be disembarked at an intermediate port at the Captain’s discretion.

The company is not liable for quarantine-related issues.

Quarantine fees:

• Luxury/First Class: 75 lire per day
• Second Class: 40 lire per day
• Economy Class: 30 lire per day

If passengers cannot disembark due to quarantine, the company may charge extra for the extended voyage.

20. Ticket Validity & Food Service

The ticket only guarantees passage if seats are available.

Food service is included but ends upon arrival at the destination port.

21. Passenger Responsibility for Violations

Passengers must pay for fines, fees, or penalties resulting from their actions.

If the ship is fined due to a passenger’s behavior, the passenger must cover all costs.

22. Abandoned Luggage

Luggage left unclaimed for six months is considered abandoned and may be sold.

Proceeds from the sale will be held for one year, after which the company retains the funds.

23. No Responsibility for Connecting Transport

The company is not liable for missed connections with other ships or land transport.

Passengers must bear all additional costs related to transfers.

24. Legal Disputes

All disputes must be settled in Genoa, Italy, overriding any other jurisdiction.

Passengers must comply with maritime laws, including declaring weapons to the Captain upon boarding.

 

The passenger is required to diligently keep this ticket as proof of their right to travel. They must present it upon request to any ship officer or company inspector during the voyage and return it upon disembarkation at the end of the journey to the designated personnel responsible for ticket collection.

If a passenger cannot provide proof of their presence onboard by presenting the ticket, they will be required to pay the full fare, including meals, from the ship’s point of departure to the port where they disembark, unless they can prove otherwise.

 

Summary

This contract provides a strict and structured policy for passengers, emphasizing company authority, limited liability, and rigid regulations. It highlights passenger rights, risks, and responsibilities, making it an essential historical document for understanding 1920s transatlantic travel. 🚢

Recap and Summary of the SS Roma Passage Contract (Quota) - 18 September 1928 🚢📜

The SS Roma Passage Contract (Quota) from 18 September 1928 is a significant historical document reflecting the rigid structure of transatlantic ocean travel during the interwar period. Issued by Navigazione Generale Italiana, this Second Class passage contract was part of the quota system imposed by the Immigration Act of 1924, which restricted the number of immigrants allowed into the United States. This document is a valuable resource for teachers, students, genealogists, and historians, offering insights into immigration policies, passenger rights, and the legal framework governing transatlantic voyages.

🔎 Relevance for Ocean Travel Research

This contract is particularly important for:

Teachers & Students 📖 – It provides a real-world example of immigration restrictions and the legal complexities faced by travelers.

Genealogists 🧬 – A key document for those tracing Italian ancestors, as it provides official proof of travel and possible immigration.

Historians ⏳ – Highlights the stringent policies of Italian shipping companies and U.S. immigration quotas in the late 1920s.

Maritime Enthusiasts ⚓ – A glimpse into the operations of Navigazione Generale Italiana, one of Italy’s leading steamship companies.

📜 Key Details from the Passage Contract

📅 Date: 18 September 1928

🚢 Steamship Line: Navigazione Generale Italiana

🛳️ Ship: SS Roma

🌍 Route: Naples to New York

🎟️ Ticket Type: Passage Contract (Quota)

💺 Voyage Class: Second Class

🆔 Passenger Name: Illegible (handwriting not clear)

🇮🇹 Ethnicity: Italian

⚖️ Contract Terms: Original Italian text with English translation

💰 Cost of Ticket: Not Stated

📌 Most Engaging Content

1️⃣ "Quota" Marking

The "Quota" stamp on the contract is one of the most striking elements. It reflects the U.S. immigration restrictions under the Immigration Act of 1924, which imposed a strict quota on Italian immigrants (only 4,000 in 1928). This mark alone adds immense genealogical and historical value, as it confirms the passenger’s status under U.S. immigration law.

2️⃣ Passenger Rights and Restrictions

The contract sets strict conditions for travel:

• Failure to board on time? ❌ No refund!
• Ship departure canceled? 🔄 Only a fare refund, no compensation!
• Voyage delayed by more than 10 days? ⏳ Refund allowed!
• Interrupting the journey at a layover port? 🚢 Allowed, but must continue within three months!

This hardline approach illustrates how rigid and unforgiving ocean travel policies were at the time.

3️⃣ Company Liability Clauses

The document explicitly exempts the company from nearly all liability, including:

• Crew negligence
• Mechanical failures
• Shipwrecks, fires, and piracy
• Loss of baggage
• Illnesses, even contagious or epidemic diseases!

This reflects the risks passengers faced on transatlantic voyages—no modern consumer protections existed.

4️⃣ Luggage Regulations & Passenger Responsibilities

Passengers were required to:

• Clearly label their luggage 🏷️ with name, class, and destination.
• Handle their own luggage loading & unloading 🧳 at ports.
• File complaints before disembarkation—otherwise, no liability on the company.
• Not include valuables in their baggage, as the company took no responsibility for loss or theft.

These rules illustrate the rigid nature of early 20th-century maritime travel, where passenger convenience was not a priority.

📸 Noteworthy Images

1️⃣ Front Side of the Contract 📝 – Displays the official Navigazione Generale Italiana header and Quota stamp, visually marking this as an important immigration-related document.

📷 GGA Image ID # 131cd5c085

2️⃣ Passenger’s Name Section ✍️ – The handwritten details of the traveler (though illegible) provide authenticity and personalization to the document.

📷 GGA Image ID # (Handwriting section request for name decoding)

3️⃣ Back Side of the Contract 📜 – Lists detailed travel terms and conditions, showcasing legal clauses that governed ocean travel at the time.

📷 GGA Image ID # 131ce0fcbe

🔍 Final Thoughts & Why This Matters

This SS Roma Passage Contract (Quota) from 1928 is far more than just a travel document—it represents a pivotal moment in U.S. immigration history. With the Quota Act of 1924 in full effect, Italian immigrants faced severe restrictions, and documents like this offer a rare glimpse into their journey and challenges.

For historians, this contract illustrates the power shipping companies had over passengers.

For genealogists, it provides potential leads on family migration records.

For students and educators, it serves as a tangible primary source on immigration laws and transatlantic travel.

Ultimately, this contract is a piece of history that helps us understand the bureaucratic, financial, and legal challenges of 20th-century ocean travel. 🌊⚓📖