Ellis Island Passenger Lists - 1934

Passenger lists for 1934 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.

Passenger Lists By Year Continued

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• 1933
• 1934
• 1935
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Please help us make our passenger list collection more complete. We would appreciate a digital copy if you have an 1934 souvenir passenger list. Please email us at history@ggarchives.com.

Recap and Summary of the Ellis Island Passenger Lists – 1934

The 1934 Ellis Island Passenger Lists reflect a year of transition for the transatlantic steamship industry. The effects of the Great Depression continued to reshape travel patterns, leading to a greater emphasis on tourist-class accommodations and a decline in first-class luxury travel. However, 1934 also marked a major milestone in maritime history with the merger of Cunard Line and White Star Line, one of the most significant developments in the history of ocean travel.

 

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Key Themes in 1934 Ocean Travel

1. The Cunard-White Star Merger (April 1934)

• One of the biggest events in maritime history, the merger combined Cunard and White Star Line.
• The British government backed the merger to support the construction of the RMS Queen Mary, a new luxury liner meant to compete with Germany’s SS Bremen and SS Europa.
• The merger reduced competition but also led to the retirement of older ships, such as RMS Majestic, RMS Olympic, and other White Star vessels.

Why It Matters: The merger changed the landscape of transatlantic travel, consolidating two of the biggest ocean liner companies and signaling the end of White Star Line’s independent operations.

 

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2. The Rise of Tourist and Cabin Class Travel

• Passenger lists in 1934 reveal a decline in first-class travel, with more ships catering to tourist and cabin-class passengers.
• Notable examples:
  • SS Washington (August 15, 1934) – Focused on tourist-class passengers.
  • RMS Majestic (August 8, 1934) – Operated as a tourist-class liner despite its former luxury status.
  • SS Bremen (August 17, 1934) – Continued its dominance in tourist third cabin travel.
• The trend was also seen on the SS Statendam, SS Pennland, and SS Europa, which emphasized affordable transatlantic crossings.

Why It Matters: The Great Depression forced ocean liners to adapt, shifting focus from luxury travel to economy-class passengers to stay afloat.

 

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3. Increased American Presence in Transatlantic Travel

• The SS Manhattan and SS Washington, operated by United States Lines, played a bigger role in transatlantic crossings.
• The American Merchant Lines expanded its presence with ships like the SS American Farmer (June 22, 1934).
• Captain George Fried and Commodore A. B. Randall—both notable American commanders—were in charge of major U.S. ships, reinforcing America’s commitment to competing in transatlantic travel.

Why It Matters: The U.S. sought to break European dominance in ocean travel, and the expansion of American-run ships was a step toward achieving that goal.

 

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4. Cruise Travel Continues to Thrive

• While transatlantic immigration and luxury travel declined, cruises remained popular.
• Notable cruises in 1934:
  • SS Lafayette (August 11, 1934) – A Spitzberg cruise.
  • SS Mexique (April 9, 1934) – A Casablanca-to-Madeira cruise.
  • SS President Jackson (September 18, 1934) – A transpacific route from Kobe to Seattle via Yokohama.
• These cruises provided a leisure alternative to transatlantic travel, especially as economic hardships made permanent immigration less common.

Why It Matters: Cruises remained one of the few thriving sectors of ocean travel, keeping the steamship industry alive during a time of economic uncertainty.

 

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Most Interesting Voyages of 1934

1. The Final Years of the RMS Majestic (August 8, 1934)

• Once the world’s largest ship, the RMS Majestic was now operating as a tourist-class liner.
• The merger of Cunard and White Star Line meant its days were numbered.
• It was officially retired in 1935 and later scrapped.

Why It Matters: This voyage represents the end of an era for White Star Line, as the majestic age of grand ocean liners gave way to practical, economy-focused travel.

 

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2. The American Challenge to European Dominance (SS Manhattan & SS Washington)

• SS Manhattan (August 1, 1934) and SS Washington (August 15, 1934) were two of the most significant American liners operating in 1934.
• They competed directly with British and German liners, offering cabin-class accommodations for American travelers.

Why It Matters: These voyages signified America’s growing role in ocean travel, challenging the long-standing supremacy of British, German, and French liners.

 

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3. The Expansion of Transpacific Routes (SS President Jackson, September 18 & 22, 1934)

• The SS President Jackson operated between Japan and the U.S., reflecting the importance of transpacific trade and travel.
• The route included Kobe, Yokohama, Seattle, and Victoria, showing increased connections between Asia and North America.

Why It Matters: The rise of transpacific steamship travel foreshadowed the later importance of Pacific routes, especially as global tensions in Asia increased in the 1930s.

 

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Key Historical Events That Affected Ocean Travel in 1934

1. The Merger of Cunard and White Star Line (April 1934)

• This was a major turning point for transatlantic travel, consolidating two of the world’s biggest ocean liner companies.
• Older White Star ships were retired or repurposed, while Cunard took the lead in building the RMS Queen Mary.

 

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2. Germany’s Continued Expansion of Ocean Travel

• The SS Bremen and SS Europa continued to dominate transatlantic travel, especially in tourist-class accommodations.
• German liners were widely regarded as some of the most advanced and efficient.

 

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3. The Great Depression’s Lasting Effects

• Fewer first-class passengers, leading to more focus on economy-class accommodations.
• The cruise industry remained strong, offering an alternative to traditional travel.

 

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Conclusion – 1934: A Year of Transition in Ocean Travel

• The biggest event of the year was the merger of Cunard and White Star Line, marking the end of an era.
• Ocean liners continued adapting to economic realities, prioritizing tourist and cabin-class travel.
• America’s role in transatlantic shipping grew, with SS Manhattan and SS Washington competing with European giants.
• Transpacific routes became more prominent, as seen with the SS President Jackson.
• Despite financial struggles, ocean liners remained essential for travel and leisure, leading to the continued success of cruises.

Looking ahead to 1935, the RMS Queen Mary would begin her sea trials, preparing to revolutionize transatlantic travel, while the last remaining White Star ships would be phased out.