Home Lines: A Legacy of Ocean Liners and Cruises (1946-1988) – Passenger Lists, Menus & History

Founded in 1946, Home Lines was an Italian passenger shipping company operating both ocean liners and cruise ships. Based out of Genoa, their vessels were registered in Panama. In 1988, Holland America acquired Home Lines, one of the most highly regarded cruise lines in the world at that time.

Home Lines were connected to Cosulich Lines, Swedish American Line, and Hamburg-America Line. Eugen Eugenides' adopted son Nicolaos Vernicos-Eugenides cofounded the Hamburg Atlantic Line in 1958, and he later served as the CEO of both Home Lines and Hamburg Atlantic Line.

Review and Summary of the Home Lines Archival Collection

Introduction to Home Lines

Founded in 1946, Home Lines was an Italian passenger shipping company that blended ocean liner and cruise services with a reputation for quality, elegance, and efficiency. While the company was based in Genoa, its vessels were registered in Panama. It became one of the most respected cruise lines of its time, operating transatlantic voyages before fully transitioning to cruising.

In 1988, Holland America acquired Home Lines, marking the end of its independent operations. However, Home Lines played a crucial role in post-war transatlantic travel and the development of modern cruising, making its history valuable for maritime historians, genealogists, and ocean travel enthusiasts.

This archival collection contains passenger lists, menus, ship histories, and corporate connections, offering a rare glimpse into mid-century ocean travel.

 

---

 

Key Highlights from the Collection

1. Passenger Lists – Tracing Family Journeys

Passenger lists are an invaluable resource for genealogists and historians, helping trace individuals who emigrated or traveled between North America and Europe in the post-war years.

Notable Passenger Lists in the Collection:

• 20 October 1952 – MS Italia: New York to Cuxhaven via Plymouth and Le Havre.
• 17 July 1954 – SS Atlantic: Quebec to Southampton via Le Havre.

These lists help researchers confirm passenger movements, identify ancestral travel records, and provide insight into the routes taken by post-war travelers.

Why It’s Interesting:

• They reflect post-WWII migration trends, when many Europeans sought new lives in North America or traveled for business and leisure.
• They document the importance of ocean liners as a primary means of travel before air travel dominance.

 

---

 

2. Life Aboard: Dining, Farewell Dinners & Social Customs

Menus from Home Lines ships showcase the culinary experience of mid-century ocean travel, highlighting a blend of European and American dining preferences.

Notable Menus in the Collection:

• 4 December 1952 – MS Italia Dinner Menu: Featured Fillet of Boston Sole Cardinal, Braised Prime Ribs of Beef, and Strawberry Ice Cream.
• 5 December 1952 – MS Italia Farewell Dinner Menu: A lavish meal with Roast Mount Vernon Turkey, Fillet of Kennebec Salmon in Chablis with Crawfish Tails, and Ice Bomb 'Fortuna' for dessert.

Why It’s Interesting:

• These menus capture the luxury and formality of ocean liner dining, particularly farewell dinners, which were an essential part of the transatlantic travel experience.
• They reflect mid-century culinary trends, showing how ships catered to international palates while maintaining an air of sophistication.

 

---

 

3. The Fleet: Notable Ships of Home Lines

Home Lines operated several noteworthy ships, transitioning from transatlantic voyages to luxury cruising.

Notable Ships in the Collection:

• MS Italia (1948-1964): A former Swedish-American Line vessel, this ship became one of the most elegant post-war liners, blending Nordic design with Italian service.
• SS Atlantic (1953-1965): Designed for tourist-class travel, the ship operated regular crossings between Europe and North America, showcasing the shifting focus from emigration to leisure travel.

Why It’s Interesting:

• These ships mark the transition from traditional ocean liners to modern cruise ships.
• They show how Home Lines maintained high standards, even in tourist-class travel, which was often more affordable than first-class on other lines.

 

---

 

4. Home Lines’ Connection to Other Historic Shipping Companies

One of the most fascinating aspects of Home Lines is its connection to other major European shipping companies, highlighting the interwoven nature of the maritime industry.

Corporate Connections in the Collection:

• Cosulich Lines – One of Italy’s oldest shipping companies, absorbed into Lloyd Triestino.
• Swedish American Line – Provided ships that became part of the Home Lines fleet.
• Hamburg-American Line – Shared corporate leadership and strategic shipping routes.

Why It’s Interesting:

• These connections illustrate how maritime companies collaborated, merged, and evolved in response to changing travel trends.
• They provide insight into the business strategies of the ocean liner industry post-WWII.

 

---

 

Why This Collection is Valuable to Different Audiences

For Genealogists & Family Historians:

• Passenger lists help trace European and North American ancestors who traveled post-WWII.
• Menus and ship records offer context to ancestors' journeys and experiences.

 

---

 

For Maritime Historians & Ocean Travel Enthusiasts:

• The collection provides a detailed look at Home Lines' transition from ocean liner service to luxury cruising.
• It highlights the corporate strategies that shaped European passenger shipping in the 20th century.

 

---

 

For Teachers & Students Studying 20th-Century Migration & Travel:

• Home Lines' role in post-war migration and leisure travel trends makes it a relevant case study in transportation history.
• The menus and passenger lists provide primary source materials for understanding transatlantic travel in the 1950s.

 

---

 

Final Thoughts

The Home Lines Archival Collection is a valuable resource for maritime historians, genealogists, and those passionate about ocean travel history.

With its passenger lists, menus, ship records, and corporate connections, the collection provides a unique perspective on mid-century transatlantic travel, reflecting the elegance, adventure, and evolution of passenger shipping.

Whether you're researching family history, studying the golden age of ocean liners, or exploring the transition to modern cruising, this archive offers a fascinating glimpse into a bygone era of travel.