Ellis Island Passenger Lists - 1928

Shopping Promenade on the SS New York of the Hamburg-American Line, 1928. A Book and Stationery Store on the Left is Busy After the Passengers Board. Across the Atlantic Brochure, September 1928. GGA Image ID # 205a7652da

Passenger lists for 1928 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 1928 Passenger Lists Not Digitized

• Cunard Line RMS Caronia, 1928-03-31, Liverpool to Boston and New York via Queenstown (Cobh), Commanded by Captain W. H. Hossack, R.D., R.N.R.
• Cunard Line SS Carmania, 1928-05-25, New York to London via Plymouth and Le Havre, Commanded by Captain F. G. Brown, R.D., R.N.R.
• Cunard Line RMS Tuscania, 1928-06-30, Southampton to New York via Le Havre, Commanded by Captain William Rome
• Cunard Line RMS Aquitania, 1928-08-11, Southampton to New York via Cherbourg, Commanded by Captain E. G. Diggle, R.D., R.N.R.
• Cunard Line RMS Alaunia, 1928-08-25, Southampton to Québec and Montréal via Cherbourg, Commanded by Captain G. Gibbons, R.D., R.N.R.
• Cunard Line RMS Tuscania, 1928-08-25, Southampton to New York via Le Havre, Commanded by Captain William Rome
• CGT-French Line SS Rochambeau, 1928-08-28, Le Havre to New York, Commanded by Captain L. Rollin
• Cunard Line RMS Carinthia, 1928-09-22, Liverpool to New York via Queenstown (Cobh), Commanded by Captain R. V. Peel, R.D., R.N.R.
• Cunard Line RMS Lancastria, 1928-10-06, Southampton to New York via Le Havre, Commanded by Captain J. C. Townley, R.D., R.N.R.
• Cunard Line RMS Aquitania, 1928-11-03, Southampton to New York via Le Havre, Commanded by Captain E. G. Diggle, R.D., R.N.R.
• Cunard Line RMS Aquitania, 1928-11-24, Southampton to New York via Cherbourg, Commanded by Captain W. Prothero
• Cunard Line RMS Caronia, 1928-12-14, Southampton to Halifax NS and New York via Cherbourg, Commanded by Captain W. H. Hossack, R.D., R.N.R.

Passenger Lists By Year Continued

«
• 1927
• 1928
• 1929
»

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

Recap and Summary of the Ellis Island Passenger Lists - 1928

The Ellis Island Passenger Lists for 1928 provide insight into the evolving landscape of transatlantic and transpacific travel as ocean liners became more focused on tourism, leisure, and comfort rather than immigration. The emergence of tourist-class cabins and shopping promenades on ships reflected a growing middle-class demand for sea travel.

This year also marked continued competition among the major steamship lines—particularly Cunard, White Star, United States Lines, North German Lloyd, and Hamburg America Line. While Germany and Italy expanded their fleets, the U.S. and Britain remained dominant in transatlantic luxury travel.

Key Themes in 1928 Ocean Travel

1. The Evolution of Passenger Comfort and Shipboard Amenities

By 1928, ocean liners were catering more to leisure travelers rather than just those seeking transportation.

• The SS New York (Hamburg-American Line) featured a shopping promenade, with book and stationery stores for passengers—a sign that liners were transforming into floating luxury hotels.
• Tourist-class cabins became standard on many ships, including the RMS Majestic, RMS Homeric, and SS Columbus.
• First and second-class passengers had access to exclusive lounges, dining halls, and promenades, reinforcing social class distinctions aboard ships.

These changes showed that ship operators were investing heavily in passenger experiences, making ocean travel more enjoyable and attractive.

2. Expansion of Tourist and Third-Class Travel

The increase in “Tourist Third Cabin” passengers reflected the rise of middle-class travel.

• The RMS Andania (August 17, 1928) and RMS Laurentic (August 17, 1928) carried budget-conscious travelers from Liverpool to Canada.
• The SS Minnesota (July 7 & August 4, 1928) transported large groups of third-class tourists from London to New York.
• White Star and Cunard adopted a more flexible class system, offering more affordable travel for students, professionals, and sightseers.

This shift indicated that ocean liners were no longer just for the wealthy elite or immigrants but were now accessible to a broader demographic.

3. The Continued Rivalry Between Major Steamship Lines

Competition between Germany, Britain, the U.S., and Italy remained intense, especially for transatlantic dominance.

Germany’s Growing Influence in Ocean Travel

• North German Lloyd (NGL) and Hamburg America Line (HAPAG) aggressively expanded their services.
  • SS Columbus (January 16, July 28, September 22, and October 20, 1928) became a premier transatlantic liner.
  • SS München and SS Lützow added routes from Bremen to New York, targeting German-American travelers.
• These German liners focused on luxury, efficiency, and affordability, directly competing with Cunard and White Star.

Cunard and White Star Continue Their Dominance

• Cunard’s RMS Mauretania (September 26, 1928) and RMS Aquitania (November 3 & 24, 1928) remained the premier luxury liners of the era.
• White Star’s RMS Majestic (August 15, 1928) and RMS Cedric (March 24, 1928) balanced luxury and affordability.
• The RMS Laurentic and RMS Andania (August 17, 1928) focused on budget-friendly transatlantic crossings.

The United States Strengthens Its Position

• SS Leviathan (March 13 & June 5, 1928) maintained its reputation as a premier luxury liner for U.S. travelers.
• SS President Harding and SS George Washington focused on business-class travelers and returning Americans.

This competition forced each company to innovate, improve service, and offer better pricing to attract customers.

4. The Expansion of Transpacific and Mediterranean Voyages

Transatlantic travel wasn’t the only focus—Mediterranean and Pacific routes gained importance.

• SS Patria (February 11, 1928) served routes from Marseilles to New York via Naples and Palermo, reflecting Italy’s strong role in Mediterranean travel.
• SS American Merchant (August 23, 1928) and SS Sierra Cordoba (June 30, 1928) represented increased American commercial and passenger activity.
• Germany’s SS München and SS Lützow expanded routes from Europe to North America, linking Germany to U.S. ports.

These journeys show that ocean liners were no longer limited to simple Atlantic crossings but were expanding into global networks.

Notable Passenger Ships and Voyages of 1928

1. SS New York (Hamburg-American Line) – Shopping Promenade Feature

• Significance:
  • One of the first liners to feature an onboard shopping experience.
  • Emphasized the transition from transportation to leisure cruising.

2. SS Leviathan (United States Lines) – March 13 & June 5, 1928

• Route: Southampton to New York via Cherbourg
• Significance:
  • Premier U.S. luxury liner, reinforcing America’s transatlantic dominance.
  • Catered to wealthy American and European business travelers.

3. SS Columbus (North German Lloyd) – Multiple Voyages Throughout 1928

• Route: Bremen to New York via Southampton and Cherbourg
• Significance:
  • Part of Germany’s aggressive push to reclaim dominance in ocean travel.
  • Balanced first-class luxury with budget-friendly tourist accommodations.

4. SS George Washington (United States Lines) – Tourist Third-Class Voyages

• Route: Bremen to New York via Southampton and Cherbourg
• Significance:
  • Major carrier for third-class and tourist passengers.
  • Part of the trend making transatlantic travel more affordable.

5. RMS Majestic (White Star Line) – August 15, 1928

• Route: Southampton to New York via Cherbourg
• Significance:
  • One of the largest and most luxurious liners of the era.
  • Attracted elite and business-class travelers.

Key Historical Events That Affected Ocean Travel in 1928

1. The Rise of Leisure Travel and Shopping Aboard Ships

• The SS New York’s shopping promenade set the stage for the modern cruise ship industry.
• Luxury and middle-class travel continued to expand.

2. Tourist-Class Becomes the Standard for Budget Travelers

• Ships like the RMS Majestic, RMS Andania, and SS Columbus emphasized affordability.
• More families, students, and young professionals could now afford ocean travel.

3. The Continued Strength of German Ocean Liners

• Germany’s aggressive fleet expansion challenged British and American dominance.
• The SS Columbus and SS München were symbols of this resurgence.

4. The Expansion of Transatlantic and Mediterranean Routes

• More Mediterranean liners, such as SS Patria and SS De Grasse, reflected Italy and France’s importance in global travel.
• Transpacific voyages were also growing, though still secondary to transatlantic travel.

Conclusion – 1928: A Year of Comfort, Affordability, and Global Expansion

• Ocean travel became more luxurious and convenient, with onboard shopping and expanded amenities.
• Tourist-class accommodations made transatlantic voyages accessible to more people than ever before.
• Germany re-emerged as a leader in ocean travel, competing with British and American lines.
• The industry was shifting from purely immigration-based travel to a mix of business, tourism, and leisure.

By 1928, ocean liners were evolving into full-scale floating resorts, setting the stage for the modern cruise industry.