Ship Passenger Lists - 1955

Passenger lists for 1955 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 1955 Passenger Lists Available at the GG Archives

• United States Lines SS United States, Cabin, 1955-06-24, New York to Southampton via Le Havre, Captain John W. Anderson, Capt., U.S.N.R.
• United States Lines SS United States, Cabin, 1955-09-22, Southampton to New York via Le Havre, Captain Frederick Fender, Capt., U.S.N.R.

Passenger Lists By Year Continued

«
• 1954
• 1955
• 1956
»

Please help us make our passenger list collection more complete. We would appreciate a digital copy if you have an 1955 souvenir passenger list. Please email us at history@ggarchives.com.

Recap and Summary of Ship Passenger Lists – 1955

Overview

The ship passenger lists for 1955 serve as valuable historical records, reflecting the final era of ocean liner dominance before air travel became the preferred mode of transatlantic transportation. These lists, often collected as souvenirs, highlight the routes, classes, and commanders of notable voyages, making them treasured resources for historians and genealogists. The records cover major North American, European, Australian, and South African ports.

Key Voyages of 1955

1. RMS Queen Mary (February 19, 1955)
   • Route: Southampton to New York via Cherbourg
   • Commander: Captain D. W. Sorrell
   • Notable Aspects: As one of the most famous Cunard liners, the Queen Mary continued to transport passengers in both cabin and tourist classes, emphasizing luxury and comfort.
2. RMS Edinburgh Castle (June 17, 1955)
   • Route: Cape Town to London via Madeira
   • Commander: Captain H. A. Deller
   • Notable Aspects: This voyage reflected the ongoing significance of the maritime connection between South Africa and the UK, as colonial ties remained strong during this period.
3. RMS Queen Elizabeth (August 17, 1955)
   • Route: New York to Southampton via Cherbourg
   • Commander: Commodore Sir Ivan Thompson
   • Notable Aspects: The Queen Elizabeth, a premier ocean liner, continued to carry transatlantic passengers in an era where increasing competition from air travel was reshaping migration and tourism.
4. RMS Queen Elizabeth (September 22, 1955)
   • Route: Southampton to New York via Cherbourg
   • Commander: Captain R. G. Thelwell, O.B.E.
   • Notable Aspects: This voyage showcased the continued demand for transatlantic crossings even as jet travel was becoming more prevalent.
5. SS United States (June 24 & September 22, 1955)
   • Route (June 24): New York to Southampton via Le Havre
   • Route (September 22): Southampton to New York via Le Havre
   • Commanders: Captain John W. Anderson (June) and Captain Frederick Fender (September)
   • Notable Aspects: The SS United States, the fastest transatlantic ocean liner, remained a key competitor in the race for passengers despite the growing appeal of air travel.

Significance of 1955 in Ocean Liner and Migration Trends

• Rise of Air Travel: While ocean liners still played a major role in passenger transport, the advent of commercial jetliners was beginning to shift migration and travel patterns. By the late 1950s, airlines would dominate the transatlantic travel industry.
• Post-War Migration Continues: Migration from Europe to North America remained steady, as war recovery efforts encouraged both economic migration and tourism.
• Changing Role of Passenger Liners: More ocean liners adapted to tourism rather than migration, focusing on offering luxury experiences rather than simply serving as transport vessels.

Conclusion

The 1955 passenger lists document an important transitional period in maritime history. While iconic ships like the Queen Mary, Queen Elizabeth, and SS United States continued to make prestigious voyages, the growing influence of air travel was beginning to challenge the supremacy of ocean liners. These voyages highlight the lasting appeal of transatlantic travel while also signaling the industry's impending shift toward cruising and leisure travel rather than mass migration.