Ellis Island Passenger Lists - 1927

Passengers Relaxing on the Boat Deck of a Canadian Pacific Line Steamship, 1927. Cabin Service of the Canadian Pacific Ocean Services Connecting Canada to Europe and More. CPOS Cabin Service Brochure, 1927. GGA Image ID # 2059fd09e1

Passenger lists for 1927 represent the souvenir list provided to the passengers of each cabin class (and other classes). Many of these souvenir passenger lists have disappeared over the years. Our collection primarily covers North American and European ports and ports in Australia and South Africa.

Our collection contains samples of passenger lists produced and printed by the steamship lines. These lists are often used to illustrate family history books for immigrants from this period.

Coveted by collectors and genealogists, souvenir passenger lists often offered beautiful graphical covers and information not found in official manifests because they focused on the journey rather than the destination.

Other 1927 Passenger Lists Available at the GG Archives

• Cunard Line SS Laconia, 1927-01-15, Liverpool to New York via Queenstown (Cobh), Commanded by Captain E. T. Britten, R.D., R.N.R.
• Cunard Line RMS Aquitania, 1927-01-26, Southampton to New York via Cherbourg, Commanded by Captain Sir James Charles, K.B.E., C.B., R.D., R.N.R. (Saloon, Second Class, and Tourist Third Cabin)
• Dollar Steamship Line SS President Harrison, 1927-03-09, Marseilles to Boston and New York via Colombo, Genoa, Shanghai, Manila, Singapore, Port Said, Alexandria and Naples, Commanded by Captain J. D. Guthrie
• Cunard Line SS Tuscania, 1927-06-11, New York to London via Plymouth and Le Havre, Commanded by Captain Robert Smart
• Cunard Line RMS Tuscania, 1927-06-25, Southampton to New York via Cherbourg, Commanded by Captain Robert Smart
• Cunard Line RMS Caronia, 1927-07-02, Southampton to New York via Le Havre, Commanded by Captain W. H. Hossack, R.D., R.N.R.
• Cunard Line RMS Aquitania, 1927-07-23, Southampton to New York via Cherbourg, Commanded by Captain Sir James Charles, K.B.E., C.B., R.D., R.N.R.
• Cunard Line RMS Berengaria, 1927-07-30, Southampton to New York via Cherbourg, Commanded by Captain Sir Arthur H. Rostron, K.B.E., R.D., R.N.R.
• Cunard Line RMS Aquitania, 1927-08-13, Southampton to New York via Cherbourg, Commanded by Captain S. G. S. McNeil, R.D., R.N.R.
• Cunard Line RMS Tuscania, 1927-08-19, Le Havre to New York via Southampton, Commanded by Captain Robert Smart
• Cunard Line RMS Berengaria, 1927-08-20, Southampton to New York via Cherbourg, Commanded by Captain Sir Arthur H. Rostron, K.B.E., R.D., R.N.R.
• Cunard Line RMS Scythia, 1927-08-25, Liverpool to Boston via Queenstown (Cobh), Commanded by Captain W. Prothero
• Cunard Line RMS Caronia, 1927-08-26, Le Havre to New York via Southampton, Captain W. H. Hossack, R.D., R.N.R.
• Cunard Line RMS Samaria, 1927-09-03, Liverpool to Boston and New York via Queenstown (Cobh), Commanded by Captain R. G. Malin, R.N.R.
• Cunard Line SS Tuscania, 1927-09-08, New York to Le Havre, Commanded by Captain Robert Smart (American Legion Party Members)
• Cunard Line RMS Berengaria, 1927-09-10, Southampton to New York via Cherbourg, Commanded by Captain Sir Arthur H. Rostron, K.B.E., R.D., R.N.R.
• Cunard Line RMS Franconia, 1927-09-10, Liverpool to New York via Queenstown (Cobh), Commanded by Captain R. B. Irving, O.B.E., R.D., R.N.R.
• Cunard Line RMS Tuscania, 1927-10-22, Southampton to New York via Le Havre and Queenstown (Cobh), Commanded by Captain Robert Smart (American Legion Party Members)

Passenger Lists By Year Continued

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• 1926
• 1927
• 1928
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Please help us make our passenger list collection more complete. We would appreciate a digital copy if you have an 1927 souvenir passenger list. Please email us at history@ggarchives.com.

Recap and Summary of the Ellis Island Passenger Lists - 1927

The Ellis Island Passenger Lists for 1927 highlight the continued shift in ocean travel from immigration to tourism, business, and elite travel. The listings provide valuable insights into transatlantic, transpacific, and luxury cruise trends during the year.

Notably, Germany, Italy, and the United States maintained strong transatlantic liner competition, while Cunard, White Star, and Canadian Pacific continued to dominate the luxury and business-class market. Tourist-class accommodations became more common, making ocean travel more accessible to middle-class travelers.

 

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Key Themes in 1927 Ocean Travel

1. The Growth of Leisure Travel and Tourist Voyages

By 1927, more ships were dedicated to pleasure cruises, student tours, and specialized group travel.

• The SS Cameronia (July 2, 1927) carried mostly students under the Students Travel Club, showing a rise in academic voyages.
• The SS Hellig Olav (July 23, 1927) transported American boys to Denmark as part of an international cultural exchange program.
• The RMS Cedric (October 8, 1927) and SS Leviathan (October 11, 1927) carried American Legion passengers, reflecting group-based travel becoming more organized.
• The SS President Harrison (March 9, 1927) undertook a world voyage, stopping in Shanghai, Singapore, Colombo, and Alexandria, highlighting America’s role in transpacific expansion.

These examples showcase how ocean liners were evolving from strict immigration transport to international tourism, education, and cultural exchange.

 

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2. The Expansion of Middle-Class Travel: Tourist and Third Class Growth

By 1927, "Tourist Third Cabin" accommodations were becoming standard, bridging the gap between second class and steerage.

• The RMS Cedric (August 13, 1927) and RMS Majestic (August 24, 1927) catered to tourist-class travelers.
• The SS Minnekahda (September 3, 1927) and SS Minnesota (October 15, 1927) carried large numbers of tourist-class passengers.

These options enabled middle-class travelers, including students and budget-conscious tourists, to experience ocean voyages.

 

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3. The Continued Rivalry Between Transatlantic Shipping Lines

The competition for transatlantic dominance remained intense, especially between German, British, American, and Italian liners.

Germany's Strong Presence in Transatlantic Travel

• North German Lloyd (NGL) and Hamburg America Line (HAPAG) expanded their services with ships like:
  • SS Columbus (January 16 & May 29, 1927) and SS Bremen (May 18, 1927) for first-class and cabin passengers.
  • SS Deutschland (August 12 & September 23, 1927) and SS Albert Ballin (July 6, 1927) for third-class travelers.
• Germany regained its reputation as a powerhouse in luxury and affordable travel, competing directly with British and American ships.

Cunard and White Star Maintain Their Prestige

• RMS Majestic (August 24, 1927) and RMS Aquitania (November 26, 1927) carried first-class and second-class elites.
• White Star Line’s RMS Cedric and RMS Albertic (September 9, 1927) catered to middle-class and tourist travelers.
• Cunard’s Aquitania, Berengaria, and Scythia carried a mix of business, elite, and tourist travelers.

The U.S. Strengthens Its Transatlantic Role

• SS Leviathan (April 19, June 21, and October 11, 1927) continued as the flagship of the United States Lines, offering luxury and business-class travel for wealthy Americans.
• SS President Harding (March 16, 1927) and SS Resolute (August 16, 1927) served high-profile transatlantic travelers.
• The SS President Harrison (March 9, 1927) embarked on an extensive transpacific journey, showing America’s growing presence in Asia-Pacific trade and tourism.

This competition forced shipping companies to innovate, expand tourist-class offerings, and provide more luxurious accommodations.

 

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4. Transpacific and Mediterranean Voyages Gain Popularity

Beyond transatlantic routes, 1927 saw increased voyages to Asia, the Mediterranean, and South America.

• The SS President Harrison (March 9, 1927) undertook a massive journey from Marseilles to New York via Colombo, Shanghai, Manila, Singapore, and Alexandria.
• The SS Colombo (September 7, 1927) transported passengers from Genoa to New York, highlighting Italy’s strong role in Mediterranean travel.
• The SS De Grasse (September 26, 1927) of the French Line continued its Le Havre to New York route, reinforcing France’s Atlantic presence.
• The R.M.M.V. Carnarvon Castle (November 4, 1927) of the Union-Castle Line sailed from Southampton to Cape Town, South Africa, showcasing Britain’s commitment to global empire travel.

These journeys highlight how ocean liners were facilitating international diplomacy, business, and tourism beyond the Atlantic.

 

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Notable Passenger Ship Voyages of 1927

1. SS President Harrison (Dollar Steamship Line) – March 9, 1927

• Route: Marseilles to New York via Colombo, Genoa, Shanghai, Manila, Singapore, Port Said, Alexandria, and Naples
• Commander: Captain J. D. Guthrie
• Significance:
  • Demonstrated America’s growing role in transpacific travel and Asian commerce.

 

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2. SS Leviathan (United States Lines) – April 19, June 21, and October 11, 1927

• Route: Southampton to New York via Cherbourg
• Commander: Commodore Herbert Hartley, U.S.N.R.
• Significance:
  • Served as America’s premier luxury liner, catering to elites and business travelers.
  • Hosted American Legion members (October voyage), symbolizing veterans’ group travel.

 

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3. SS Columbus (North German Lloyd) – January 16 & May 29, 1927

• Route: Bremen to New York via Southampton and Cherbourg
• Commander: Captain N. Johnsen
• Significance:
  • Part of Germany’s resurgence in luxury and affordable transatlantic travel.

 

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4. SS Hellig Olav (Scandinavian-American Line) – July 23, 1927

• Route: New York to Copenhagen via Kristiansand and Oslo
• Commander: Captain L. F. Peronard
• Significance:
  • Carried American Boys in Denmark’s Homes, an international student exchange program.

 

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5. SS Conte Biancamano (Lloyd Sabaudo) – June 30, 1927

• Route: New York to Genoa via Gibraltar and Naples
• Commander: Captain Giuseppe Turchi
• Significance:
  • Represented Italy’s strong presence in transatlantic luxury travel.

 

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Key Historical Events That Affected Ocean Travel in 1927

1. The Growth of Tourism and Educational Travel

• Student travel clubs and cultural exchange programs flourished, seen in voyages like SS Cameronia and SS Hellig Olav.

 

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2. The Continued Expansion of “Tourist Third Cabin”

• More liners, including RMS Majestic and SS Minnesota, added affordable tourist-class options for middle-class travelers.

 

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3. Stronger U.S. Presence in Transatlantic and Transpacific Shipping

• The SS Leviathan and SS President Harrison voyages showcased America’s commitment to both European and Asian markets.

 

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Conclusion – 1927: A Year of Expansion and Diversification in Ocean Travel

• Tourism, student travel, and veterans’ group voyages became more common.
• Germany and Italy reasserted themselves in transatlantic travel.
• Middle-class affordability improved through expanded tourist-class cabins.
• The U.S. strengthened its role in both transatlantic and transpacific routes.

By 1927, ocean travel was no longer just about necessity—it was about luxury, education, and global exploration.