Ellis Island Passenger Lists - 1936

Passenger lists for 1936 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 1936 Passenger Lists Available at the GG Archives

• Dollar Steamship Line SS President Adams, 1936-08-06, Alexandria to San Francisco via Naples, Genoa, Marseilles and New York, Commanded by Captain Harold S. Bauer, U.S.N.R.
• CGT-French Line SS Paris, 1936-08-07, Le Havre to New York via Southampton, Commanded by Captain Etienne Payen de la Garanderie

Passenger Lists By Year Continued

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• 1935
• 1936
• 1937
»

Please help us make our passenger list collection more complete. We would appreciate a digital copy if you have an 1936 souvenir passenger list. Please email us at history@ggarchives.com.

Recap and Summary of the Ellis Island Passenger Lists – 1936

The 1936 Ellis Island Passenger Lists showcase a pivotal year in transatlantic and global ocean travel, marked by intense competition among ocean liners, technological advancements, and shifting travel trends. The year saw the rise of the RMS Queen Mary, an intensifying rivalry between France’s Normandie and Germany’s Bremen and Europa, and the growing role of the United States in the steamship industry.

Additionally, political shifts in Europe, including N**i Germany’s influence on its passenger ships, and the expansion of air travel as an emerging alternative added new dimensions to maritime history in 1936.

Key Themes in 1936 Ocean Travel

1. The Queen Mary vs. Normandie Rivalry Begins

• Cunard’s RMS Queen Mary (August 5, 1936) debuted as Britain’s response to the French SS Normandie, ushering in a new era of luxury travel.
• Normandie (July 29, 1936) had set the bar for luxury, but Queen Mary quickly became a serious contender for the Blue Riband.
• The ship’s powerful steam turbines and Art Deco interiors set it apart, making it an instant favorite among elite travelers.

Why It Matters: This rivalry would dominate transatlantic travel for years, shaping the golden age of ocean liners.

2. German Liner Supremacy and N**i Influence

• Germany continued to dominate transatlantic travel with its fast and efficient liners, the SS Bremen and SS Europa.
• Notable crossings:
  • SS Europa (January 24, May 20, August 21, 1936) – A major competitor to Queen Mary and Normandie.
  • SS Bremen (June 14, June 23, July 9, August 14, October 17, 1936) – Fast and reliable, reinforcing German pride.
• Germany increasingly used its liners as tools of propaganda, displaying N**i imagery and hosting pro-German events onboard.

Why It Matters: These ships were not just for travel but also instruments of N**i Germany’s growing influence in the 1930s.

3. The United States Lines: A Growing Competitor

• American liners like SS Manhattan and SS Washington continued to compete with European giants.
• Notable crossings:
  • SS Manhattan (March 11, July 29, October 21, 1936) – A major transatlantic competitor, popular with American travelers.
  • SS Washington (September 9, 1936) – Strengthened U.S. dominance in the industry.

Why It Matters: The U.S. was expanding its influence in ocean travel, competing directly with European powers.

4. The Rise of Affordable Travel and Third-Class Passengers

• The Great Depression continued to impact luxury travel, leading to an increase in tourist-class and third-class accommodations.
• Examples of economy-focused voyages:
  • RMS Samaria (July 24, August 21, 1936) – Focused on affordable transatlantic crossings.
  • SS Columbus (September 12, 1936) – A German liner catering to third-class passengers.
  • SS Pennland (September 5, 1936) – A Red Star Line ship aimed at cabin-class travelers.

Why It Matters: Ocean liners had to adapt to economic hardship by focusing on mass travel instead of elite luxury.

5. Expansion of Global Routes Beyond the Atlantic

• Several voyages connected ports beyond North America and Europe, showing the global reach of ocean liners in 1936.
• Key global crossings:
  • SS Yorkshire (January 31, 1936) – A voyage from Liverpool to Rangoon, reflecting Britain’s colonial ties.
  • SS American Trader (June 26, 1936) – A U.S. ship connecting London with New York.
  • SS Oranje Nassau (August 17, 1936) – A Dutch ship linking the Caribbean and South America.

Why It Matters: These voyages showcased the interconnected world of 1936, where steamships facilitated migration, trade, and tourism across continents.

Most Interesting Voyages of 1936

1. The Maiden Voyage of RMS Queen Mary (August 5, 1936)

• One of the most anticipated ocean liner launches in history.
• The ship combined speed, luxury, and power, making it Cunard’s flagship vessel.
• Key Features:
  • Streamlined Art Deco design
  • High-speed capability
  • Spacious accommodations for all classes

Why It Matters: Queen Mary would go on to win the Blue Riband in 1938, cementing its place in history as one of the most iconic ocean liners ever built.

2. The Normandie’s Luxury Dominance (July 29, 1936)

• While Queen Mary was stealing headlines, Normandie remained the most luxurious liner afloat.
• Its elite clientele included diplomats, film stars, and socialites.

Why It Matters: While Queen Mary may have been faster, Normandie was widely regarded as the most beautiful ship of the 1930s.

3. The Role of Ocean Liners in Global Politics

• The rise of N**i Germany impacted German liners like Bremen, Europa, and Columbus, which displayed N**i flags and welcomed German officials on board.
• The British and French liners remained neutral, but tensions were rising in Europe.

Why It Matters: The looming threat of WWII was beginning to influence ocean travel, with liners becoming political symbols.

Key Historical Events That Affected Ocean Travel in 1936

1. The Spanish Civil War Begins (July 17, 1936)

• This conflict disrupted Mediterranean shipping routes.
• Passenger liners had to reroute to avoid war zones near Spain’s coast.
• Cruise ships previously visiting Spanish ports now focused on North Africa and Italy.

2. The Expansion of Transpacific Travel

• The Dollar Steamship Line (SS President Adams, August 6, 1936) connected the U.S. with Asia via Alexandria, Naples, and New York.
• This marked the increasing importance of Pacific travel, a trend that would become even more significant during WWII.

3. The Rise of Air Travel as a Competitor

• Though ocean liners remained dominant, transatlantic aviation was advancing rapidly.
• The first commercial transatlantic air services were in development, with the first scheduled flight occurring in 1939.

Conclusion – 1936: A Year of Change and Rivalry in Ocean Travel

• The debut of the RMS Queen Mary marked the beginning of a new golden age in ocean travel.
• The competition between Queen Mary, Normandie, and Bremen intensified, setting the stage for some of the most famous races in maritime history.
• Affordable travel became more popular, with third-class and tourist-class passengers making up the bulk of travelers.
• N**i Germany’s influence on ocean liners became more evident, using its ships for political propaganda.
• The Spanish Civil War disrupted Mediterranean routes, forcing some ships to avoid Spanish ports.
• Transpacific travel gained momentum, connecting the U.S. with Asia and South America.
• Air travel was emerging as a potential future competitor to steamship travel.

1936 was a year of transition, competition, and innovation, marking the final years of the golden age of ocean liners before the outbreak of WWII.