North German Lloyd (Norddeutscher Lloyd) Archival Collection: A Legacy of Transatlantic and Global Ocean Travel

To the enterprise of satisfied citizens in the city of Bremen, this large business owes its existence. Begun in 1856 by Herr H. H. Meier, who brought into line the various shipping interests of Bremen, and induced them to merge into one company. The combined companies included the Weser Haute Steamship Company, the Unter Weser and Ober Weser Steam Tug Companies and the Ober Weser Universal Shipping Insurance Association.

North German Lloyd runs many routes from its headquarters at Bremen. Among them are those to New York that includes many express steamers and many ordinary mail steamers, all calling at Southampton or Cherbourg; to Baltimore direct; to Galveston direct. There are no first-class passengers by this line; to Brazil; to the River Plate, calling at principal ports on the way.

There are also routes for their fleet of imperial mail steamers between Bremen and Hamburg and eastern Asia. Additional routes include Bremen and Australia, and a freight line to east Asia, which runs in connexion with the Hamburg America Line. In pursuance of the German policy of securing the feeders to maintain traffic, the Norddeutscher Lloyd purchased the ships and business of the Kinsing Line and of the Scottish Oriental Company, when it began seriously to develop its Eastern trade.

NDL Documents and Other Ephemera

Sorted in Date Order by Topic, Our North German Lloyd Archival Collections include North German Lloyd Archival Collection including Passenger Lists, Passage Contracts, Brochures, Books, Menus, Immigrant Documents, Programs, Periodicals, and Photos.

Explore the history of North German Lloyd (Norddeutscher Lloyd), one of Germany’s most influential steamship lines. This archival collection features passenger lists, travel documents, brochures, menus, and periodicals spanning from 1857 to 1970. A valuable resource for maritime historians, genealogists, and ocean travel enthusiasts.

Cover of 1901 Passenger List from the SS Konigin Luise. GGA Image ID # 1d7be4add9

• 1881-04-20 SS Hohenzollern - Bremen to Baltimore
• 1885-06-03 SS Ems - Bremen to New York
• 1888-11-14 SS Lahn - Bremen to New York
• 1890-01-01 SS Eider - Bremen to New York
• 1890-05-03 SS Werra - Bremen to New York
• 1892-09-13 SS Havel - Bremen to New York
• 1894-08-28 SS Lahn - Bremen to New York
• 1894-12-14 SS Werra - Naples to New York via Gibraltar
• 1895-09-07 SS Ems - Bremen to New York
• 1896-06-20 SS Havel - Bremen to New York via Southampton
• 1896-08-18 SS Lahn - Bremen to New York via Southampton
• 1896-11-19 SS Werra - Genoa to New York via Gibraltar

Front Cover, Passenger List, North German Lloyd, SS Kaiser Wilhelm der Grosse, 19 February 1901.

• 1900-08-30 SS Trave - Cherbourg to New York
• 1900-12-18 SS Kaiser Wilhelm II - New York to Genoa via Gibraltar and Naples
• 1901-02-19 SS Kaiser Wilhelm der Grosse - Bremen to New York via Southampton
• 1901-03-30 SS Frankfurt - Bremen to New York and Baltimore
• 1901-07-27 SS Königin Luise - Bremen to New York via Southampton
• 1901-08-13 SS Kaiser Wilhelm Der Grosse - Bremen to New York via Cherbourg and Southampton
• 1901-12-16 SS Kronprinz Wilhelm - Bremen to New York via Southampton
• 1902-07-12 SS Friedrich der Grosse - Bremen to New York via Southampton
• 1902-09-18 SS Chemnitz - Bremen to Baltimore and Galveston
• 1902-09-30 SS Kaiserin Maria - Bremen to New York via Southampton
• 1903-06-30 SS Kaiser Wilhelm Der Grosse - Bremen to New York via Southampton and Cherbourg
• 1903-10-06 SS Kaiser Wilhelm II - Bremen to New York via Southampton and Cherbourg
• 1906-10-27 SS Bremen - Bremen to New York
• 1908-11-12 SS Prinzess Irene - Genoa to New York via Naples and Gibraltar
• 1909-04-10 SS Grosser Kurfürst - Genoa to New York via Villafranca
• 1909-10-09 SS Prinz Friedrich Wilhelm - Bremen to New York via Southampton and Cherbourg

Passenger List Cover, Norddeutscher Lloyd SS George Washington, 20 May 1911.

• 1910-05-19 SS Friedrich Der Grosse - Genoa to New York via Naples, Palermo, and Gibraltar
• 1910-09-15 SS Cassel - Bremen to Baltimore
• 1910-11-0 SS Brandenburg - Bremen to Philadelphia
• 1911-05-20 SS George Washington - Bremen to New York via Southampton and Cherbourg
• 1912-06-01 SS George Washington - Bremen to New York via Southampton and Cherbourg
• 1912-09-21 SS George Washington - Bremen to New York via Southampton and Cherbourg
• 1912-10-19 SS George Washington - Bremen to New York via Southampton and Cherbourg
• 1912-12-14 SS George Washington - Bremen to New York via Southampton and Cherbourg
• 1913-11-08 SS Grosser Kurfürst - Bremen to New York

Passenger List Cover, Norddeutscher Lloyd, SS Stuttgart, 26 August 1924.

• 1923-04-07 SS Bremen - Bremen to New York
• 1923-05-12 SS Bremen - Bremen to New York
• 1923-07-21 SS Bremen - Bremen to New York
• 1924-08-26 SS Stuttgart - Bremen to New York via Southampton and Cherbourg
• 1925-06-16 SS Sierra Ventana - New York to Bremen via Cherbourg
• 1926-02-27 SS Bremen - Bremen to New York via Queenstown (Cobh)
• 1926-04-08 SS Columbus - Bremen to New York via Southampton and Cherbourg
• 1926-06-19 SS Sierra Ventana - New York to Bremen via Plymouth and Cherbourg
• 1927-01-16 SS Columbus - Bremen to New York via Southampton and Cherbourg
• 1927-05-11 SS Stuttgart - Bremen to New York via Southampton, Cherbourg, and Cobh (Queenstown)
• 1927-05-18 SS Bremen - Bremen to Halifax and New York
• 1927-05-29 SS Columbus - Bremen to New York via Southampton and Cherbourg
• 1927-08-27 SS Stuttgart - Bremen to New York via Southampton and Cherbourg
• 1927-12-03 SS Stuttgart - Bremen to Halifax and New York via Queenstown (Cobh)
• 1928-03-17 SS Derfflinger - Bremen to Halifax and New York
• 1928-06-09 SS Columbus - New York to Bremen via Plymouth and Cherbourg
• 1928-06-30 SS Sierra Cordoba - New York to Bremen via Cherbourg and Southampton
• 1928-07-26 SS Karlsruhe - Bremen to New York via Boulogne-sur-Mer and Southampton
• 1928-07-28 SS Columbus - Bremen to New York via Southampton and Cherbourg
• 1928-08-23 SS Karlsruhe - Bremen to New York via Boulogne-sur-Mer and Queenstown (Cobh)
• 1928-08-30 SS München - Bremen to New York via Cherbourg and Queenstown (Cobh)
• 1928-09-22 SS Columbus - Bremen to New York via Southampton and Cherbourg
• 1928-09-29 SS Lützow - Bremen to New York
• 1928-10-20 SS Columbus - Bremen to New York via Southampton and Cherbourg
• 1928-11-15 SS Columbus - Bremen to New York via Southampton and Cherbourg
• 1929-03-14 SS Müchen - New York to Bremen via Queenstown (Cobh) and Cherbourg
• 1929-04-13 SS Columbus - Bremen to New York via Southampton and Cherbourg
• 1929-07-03 SS Columbus - New York to Bremen via Plymouth and Cherbourg
• 1929-08-30 SS Karlsruhe - Bremen to Boston and New York via Galway
• 1929-09-04 SS Bremen - Bremen to New York via Southampton and Cherbourg
• 1929-10-17 SS München - Bremen to New York via Boulogne-sur-Mer and Queenstown (Cobh)

Front Cover, Cabin Class Passenger List from the SS Stuttgart of the North German Lloyd, Departing 12 June 1930 from New York to Bremen via Cobh and Cherbourg. GGA Image ID # 12fc6e9096

• 1930-06-12 SS Stuttgart - New York to Bremen via Cobh (Queenstown) and Cherbourg
• 1930-07-05 SS Europa - New York to Bremen via Cherbourg and Southampton
• 1930-08-13 SS Bremen - Bremen to New York via Southampton and Cherbourg
• 1930-09-29 SS Columbus - Bremen to New York via Southampton and Cherbourg
• 1930-10-03 SS Bremen - Bremen to New York via Southampton and Cherbourg
• 1931-08-27 SS Bremen - Bremen to New York via Boulogne-sur-Mer and Southampton
• 1931-08-29 SS Sierra Ventana - Bremen to New York
• 1931-09-15 SS Bremen - Bremen to New York via Southampton and Cherbourg
• 1932-07-01 SS Bremen - Bremen to New York via Southampton and Cherbourg
• 1932-08-21 SS Bremen - Bremen to New York via Southampton and Cherbourg
• 1932-09-01 SS Europa - Bremen to New York via Southampton and Cherbourg
• 1932-09-17 SS Europa - Bremen to New York via Southampton and Cherbourg
• 1933-03-23 SS Bremen - Bremen to New York via Southampton and Cherbourg
• 1933-09-26 SS Stuttgart - Bremen to Halifax and New York via Boulogne-sur-Mer, Southampton, and Galway
• 1934-07-25 SS Europa - New York to Bremen via Cherbourg and Southampton
• 1934-08-17 SS Bremen - Bremen to New York via Southampton and Cherbourg
• 1934-08-24 SS Europa - Bremen to New York via Southampton and Cherbourg
• 1935-04-12 SS Bremen - Bremen to New York via Southampton and Cherbourg
• 1935-07-26 SS Europa - Bremen to New York via Southampton and Cherbourg
• 1935-10-18 SS Bremen - Bremen to New York via Southampton and Cherbourg
• 1936-01-24 SS Europa - Bremen to New York via Southampton and Cherbourg
• 1936-05-20 SS Europa - New York to Bremen via Cherbourg and Southampton
• 1936-06-13 SS Europa - Bremen to New York via Southampton and Cherbourg
• 1936-06-14 SS Bremen - New York to Bremen via Cherbourg and Southampton
• 1936-06-23 SS Bremen - Bremen to New York via Southampton and Cherbourg
• 1936-07-09 SS Bremen - Bremen to New York via Southampton and Cherbourg
• 1936-08-14 SS Bremen - Bremen to New York via Southampton and Cherbourg
• 1936-08-21 SS Europa - Bremen to New York via Southampton and Cherbourg
• 1936-08-29 SS Bremen - Bremen to New York via Southampton and Cherbourg
• 1936-09-12 SS Columbus - Bremen to New York via Southampton, Cherbourg, and Cobh
• 1936-10-17 SS Bremen - Bremen to New York via Southampton and Cherbourg
• 1937-06-02 SS Bremen - Bremen to New York via Southampton and Cherbourg
• 1937-06-19 SS Europa - New York to Bremen via Cherbourg and Southampton
• 1937-07-07 SS Europa - New York to Bremen via Cherbourg and Southampton
• 1937-07-16 SS Europa - Bremen to New York via Southampton and Cherbourg
• 1937-07-27 SS Bremen - Bremen to New York via Southampton and Cherbourg
• 1937-08-19 SS Europa - Bremen to New York via Southampton and Cherbourg
• 1937-08-31 SS Berlin - Bremen to Halifax and New York via Southampton and Galway
• 1937-10-08 SS Europa - Bremen to New York via Southampton and Cherbourg
• 1937-10-19 SS Bremen - Bremen to New York via Southampton and Cherbourg
• 1938-05-03 SS Bremen - Bremen to New York via Southampton and Cherbourg
• 1938-06-24 SS Bremen - Bremen to New York via Southampton and Cherbourg
• 1938-07-19 SS Europa - Bremen to New York via Southampton and Cherbourg
• 1938-08-16 SS Bremen - Bremen to New York via Southampton and Cherbourg
• 1938-10-22 SS Bremen - Bremen to New York via Southampton and Cherbourg

Cover of 1928 Passenger List from the SS Sierra Cordoba. GGA Image ID # 15e39b8495

Prepaid Passage Contract / Receipt from 1891 from the Norddeutscher Lloyd. GGA Image ID # 1d7c446014

1883-02-17 Prepaid Steerage Ticket - German Immigrant Family

German immigrants traveled from Bremen to New York in the lowest class, steerage, paying the sum of $72 for the voyage on one of the Steamers of the North German Lloyd.

1891-10-10 Prepaid Passage Receipt - 3rd Class - Bremen to New York

Beautifully engraved "Prepaid Passage Receipt" from the North German Lloyd. The passenger has to wait at home until the Norddeutscher Lloyd in Bremen sent him instructions and the required tickets and traveling papers.

1925-08-15 Passenger Manifest and Contract - SS Bremen

Passenger Manifest - Tourist Cabin, SS Bremen, 15 August 1925 for Rosa Brise, age 50, a Citizen of the United States.

Crossing the Atlantic: 1935 Tourist Class Passage Contract for the SS Stuttgart

The 1935 Tourist Class Passage Contract for the SS Stuttgart, issued by the Norddeutscher Lloyd (North German Lloyd) Line, is a historical gem that offers educators, students, genealogists, and historians a window into the protocols, expectations, and risks associated with mid-20th century transatlantic ocean travel. This document highlights the personal journey of Mr. H. A. Hawgood, who booked his passage in Paris for a westbound voyage departing Boulogne-sur-Mer to New York on 6 September 1935.

Cover of 1929 Brochure Featuring the SS Bremen of the Norddeutscher Lloyd. GGA Image ID # 11b57ad966

1889 Brochure - North German Lloyd - Short Route to London

Brochure prepared by the New York Agents of the Norddeutscher Lloyd Bremen Steamship Line in 1889 - The year of the Paris Exhibition. As a convenient pocket-size guide, the brochure provided a lot of useful information about the Norddeutcher Lloyd, their fleet and accommodations for First and Second Cabin passengers.

1929 Brochure - North German Lloyd SS Bremen

Absolutely superb brochure from North German Lloyd on the SS Bremen with many photographs documenting the ship and the accommodations afforded each class - First, Second, Tourist Third Cabin, and Third Class.

1929 Brochure - North German Lloyd Express Liner Bremen

16-Page brochure from Norddeutscher Lloyd produced for their offices in the United States and Canada. A pictorial of their accommodations for four classes of passengers -- First, Second, Tourist Third Cabin, and Third Class.

1936-02-10 Brochure - HAPAG-North German Lloyd - Go Tourist Class

26-Page Brochure "Go Tourist Class" is a joint production of HAPAG-NDL. Profusely Illustrated with interior photographs of Tourist Class accommodations and ships of both lines that carried passengers of that class. A superb brochure produced for American tourist of the Summer Olympic Games in Berlin, Germany.

1937 Brochure - HAPAG-NDL Ships in the Transatlantic Service

14-page small format brochure produced jointly by HAPAG-LLOYD welcomes you to Germany in 1937 on their transatlantic ships Bremen, Europa, Columbus, New York, Hamburg, Hansa, Deutschland, St. Louis, and Berlin. Brief information along with a photograph of each ship is included in this booklet.

1936 Tourist Class Brochure from Norddeutscher Lloyd and Hamburg-American Line. GGA Image ID # 125d121062

Cover from 1994 Book (Vol. 1) on the History of the Norddeutscher Lloyd Bremen 1857-1970. GGA Image ID # 1d7c681e2b

1898 - North German Lloyd Guide Through North America

In presenting our book to the public, we beg to say, that our aim is to furnish a concise work of reference for the use of travelers in the United States, containing hints and directions, which, we trust, may prove serviceable to persons, whose time is limited; the more so, as all the hotels, linns etc., mentioned in our Guide, are perfectly reliable. This book includes the history of the North German Lloyd (Lavishly illustrated with numerious photographs).

1994 - Norddeutscher Lloyd Bremen 1857-1970, Volume One, History -- Fleet -- Ship Mails

"The first volume of Edwwin Drechsel's definitive and valuable work on the Norddeutscher Lloyd is informative in the true sense of the word, It goes into valuable details, such as naming ships and captains of new services, and their exploits. It has some remarkable pictures never seen elsewhere. Even a few of them are worth the price fo the book"

1995 - Norddeutscher Lloyd Bremen 1857-1970, Volume Two, History -- Fleet -- Ship Mails

The second volume begins with the years after World War One, The Great War, and the recovery after the war, starting from scratch to rebuild their steamship line. Although Norddeutscher Lloyd would again win the Blue Riband of the North Atlantic in 1929, the depression of the 1930s affected NDL as yet another crisis in ship ownership and management to which commercial shipping interests had always been prone. The ranks of transatlantic passenger carriers thinned out as large and small concerns went out of business.

Cover from 1994 Book (Vol. 2) on the History of the Norddeutscher Lloyd Bremen 1857-1970. GGA Image ID # 1d7c7f8f40

1909 Menu Card from the SS Rhein of the Norddeutscher Lloyd. GGA Image ID # 1d7cbac73c

1900-06-15 SS Lahn Luncheon Menu Card

Vintage Luncheon Bill of Fare Card is for an unamed class of passengers for a 15 June 1900 Eastbound voyage featured Salmon ragoût, Roast mutton, and Saratoga chips.. Written in German and English.

1900-06-20 SS Lahn Luncheon Menu Card

Luncheon Bill of Fare Card for a 20 June 1900 Eastbound voyage featured Codfish and Roast Beef. Written in German and English.

1909-09-13 SS Rhein Breakfast Menu Card

Beautiful medieval period graphic adorns this breakfast Bill of Fare for an unstated class of passengers for a 13 September 1909 westbound voyage. Featured Items included Fried Yorkshire ham & bacon, Scrambled eggs with ham, and Poached eggs on toast. The Bill of Fare is written in English and German.

1910-05-27 SS Rhein Luncheon Menu

Colorful Vintage Luncheon Bill of Fare for an unamed class of passengers for the 27 May 1910 eastbound voyage featured Poultry Giblets Maitre d'Hôtel, Boiled Potatoes, Pig's Knukles, and Swedish Apple Tart for Dessert.. The Bill of Fare is written in English and German.

1925-06-27 SS Bremen Daily Menu Card

Vintage Daily Bill of Fare Card from 27 June 1925 featured Fried Eggs with Bacon for Breakfast, Fried Homemade Sausage for Lunch, and Boeuf à la Mode for Dinner. Coffee and Berlin Doughnuts were offered for an afternoon snack.

1925-06-29 SS Bremen Daily Menu Card

Vintage Daily Bill of Fare Card from 29 June 1925 featured Boiled Eggs and German Pancakes for Breakfast, Boiled Brisket Beef, Mustard Sauce for Lunch, and Breaded Pork Chops - Red Cabbage for Dinner. Coffee and Fancy Cake were offered as an afternoon snack.

1925-06-30 SS Bremen Daily Menu Card

Vintage Daily Bill of Fare Card from 30 June 1925 on board the SS Bremen of the North German Lloyd that featured Ham and Eggs for Breakfast, Braised Ox-Tail for Lunch, and Roast Leg of Mutton for Dinner. Coffee and Silesian Short Cake were offered as an afternoon snack.

1925-07-02 SS Bremen Daily Menu Card

Vintage Daily Bill of Fare Card from 2 July 1925 featured Bacon and Eggs for Breakfast, Sauerkraut and Mashed Potatoes for Lunch, and Chicken Poulette, Rice with Asparagus for Dinner. Coffee and Short Cake were offered as an afternoon snack. The reverse side of the Bill of Fare Card presented the Music Concert Program on the Promenade Deck.

1925-07-03 SS Bremen Daily Menu Card

Vintage Daily Bill of Fare Card from 3 July 1925 featured Scrambled Eggs with Tomatoes for Breakfast, Boiled Leg of Lamb, Caper Sauce for Lunch, and Roast Leg of Pork for Dinner. Coffee and Fancy Cake were offered as an afternoon snack.

1925-07-04 SS Bremen Daily Menu Card

Vintage Daily Bill of Fare Card from 4 July 1925 featured Omelette aux Confitures for Breakfast, German Pot Roast with Potato Dumplings for Lunch, and Roast Fricandeau of Veal for Dinner. Coffee and Silesian Short Cake were offered as an afternoon snack.

1925-07-05 SS Bremen Daily Menu Card

Vintage Daily Bill of Fare Card from 5 July 1925 featured typical breakfast fare, Halibut in Aspic for Lunch, and Entre-Côte for Dinner. They also offered an Afternoon snack of Chocolate and Stollen.

1926-01-09 SS Bremen Daily Menu Card

Colorful Vintage Daily Bill of Fare Postcard in German from 9 January 1926 featured Sautéed Liver, Spicy Sauce, Fried Potatoes for Breakfast, Roast Pork - Red Cabbage - Potato Sauce for Lunch, and Wiener Rostbraten, Princess Potatoes for Dinner. The reverse side is a postally unused postcard.

1926-01-31 SS Berlin Luncheon Menu

Lunch Bill of Fare for Sunday, 31 January 1926 featured Corned Brisket Beef, White Cabbage with Bouillon Potatoes.

1926-02-01 SS Berlin Luncheon Menu

Lunch Bill of Fare for Monday, 1 February 1926 featured Fried Home-made Sausage, Lentils German Style, and Mashed Potatoes.

1928-07-29 SS Karlsruhe Dinner Menu

Vintage Dinner Bill of Fare from Sunday, 29 July 1928 featured Fried English Sole, Potato Salad with Mayonnaise, Glazed Saddle of Veal, and Rice Pudding, Strawberry Sauce for dessert. Printed in German and English, the Bill of Fare included a Music Program and an announcement of a Moving Picture show later that evening.

1930-04-18 SS Europa Luncheon Menu

Vintage Luncheon Bill of Fare from Date featured Omelette, Hollandaise, German Pancake, and Cannelons Chantilly for dessert.

1930-06-12 SS Stuttgart Luncheon Menu

Vintage Luncheon Menu from 12 June 1930 on board the SS Stuttgart of the Norddeutscher Lloyd/North Georgia Lloyd featured Cassel Sm. Ribs of Pork, Fried Flounder, Potato Salad, and Orange Blossom Tartlet for dessert.

1930-06-12 SS Stuttgart Dinner Menu

Vintage Dinner Menu from 12 June 1930 on board the SS Stuttgart of the Norddeutscher Lloyd/North German Lloyd featured Boiled Striped Bass, Roast Vierland Duck, and Vanilla Ice Cream, Sponge Pastry for dessert.

1930-06-18 SS Europa Luncheon Menu

Vintage Luncheon Bill of Fare from 18 June 1930 featured Larded Calf’s Liver, Lyonnaise Potatoes, Emma Salad, Braised Jarrets of Lamb Bourgeoise, and Rhubarb Tart for dessert.

1930-08-18 SS Bremen à la Carte Luncheon Menu

Extensive à la Carte Bill of Fare from 18 August 1930 featured Hors d'Œuvress, Cold Dishes, Soups, Eggs, Fish, Entrées, Salads, Vegetables, Potatoes, Sweets and Ice Cream. The Specials of the day was Veal Cutlet Mazarin and Chicken Pot-Pie Américane.

1930-09-06 SS Seydlitz Dinner Menu

Vintage Dinner Menu from 6 September 1930 on board the SS Seydlitz of the Norddeutscher Lloyd/North German Lloyd featured Filet Mignon, French Fried Potatoes, Ham in Burgundy, and Strawberry Ice-Cream with Wafers for dessert.

1930-09-28 SS Stuttgart Breakfast Menu Card

Vintage Breakfast Menu Card from 28 September 1930 on board the SS Stuttgart of the Norddeutscher Lloyd/North German Lloyd featured Omelette Bergère, Fried Eggs Meyerbeer, and Lamb Hash with Green Pepper.

1930-09-28 SS Stuttgart Get-Together Dinner Menu

Vintage Get-Together Dinner Menu from 28 September 1930 on board the SS Stuttgart of the North German Lloyd featured Grilled Rhine Salmon, Larded Tenderloin of Beef with Gravy, and Frankfort Pudding, Claret Sauce for dessert.

1932-06-15 SS Europa Dinner Menu

Vintage Dinner Bill of Fare from Wednesday, 15 June 1932 featured Yorkshire Ham in Rhine Wine Metternich, Suprême of Chicken Maryland, and Nesselrode Pudding, Currant Sauce for dessert. The Bill of Fare was printed in both German and English.

1933-09-21 SS Bremen Breakfast Menu Card

Tourist Class Breakfast Bill of Fare Card from Thursday, 21 September 1933. Written in German and English, the meal featured Fruit, Juices, Cereal, Eggs, Hash, Ham, Bacon and Fried Potatoes.

1936-12-29 SS Scharnhorst Dinner Menu

Very Rare Vintage Dinner Bill of Fare from Tuesday, 29 December 1936 featured Fried Frog’s Legs Casanova, Entre Côte garnished with Vegetables, Sauce Colbert, and Ice Cup Venus for dessert. This German Steamship of the Third Reich had a short service life spanning four years.

1937-07-18 SS Bremen Dinner Menu

Elegant, Large Format, Vintage Dinner Bill of Fare from 18 July 1937 featured Live Boiled Lobster, Mayonnaise Sauce, Vol-au-Vent Toulousaine, and Crepes Valentine for dessert. The Bill of Fare was printed in German and English with an brief history on the back cover about the 80th Anniversary of the Norddeutschen Lloyd Bremen.

1937-07-28 SS Bremen Dinner Menu

Graphically Superior Vintage Dinner Bill of Fare from Wednesday, 28 July 1937 featured Mignon Fillet Helder, Suprême of Chicken Armagnac, and Soufflé Camargo for dessert. The story of Neuschwanstein Castle is printed on the back of the menu.

1937-07-29 SS Bremen Luncheon Menu

Beautiful Graphic Cover for this Vintage Luncheon Bill of Fare from 29 July 1937 featured John Dory Niçoise, Tendrons of Veal Marengo, and Lemon Meringue Pie for dessert.

1937-07-30 SS Bremen Dinner Menu

Superior Graphics adorn this Vintage Dinner Bill of Fare from Friday, 30 July 1937 featured expansive array of food including Boiled North Sea Turbot, Melted Butter or Sauce Vénitienne, Grenadins of Veal Diable Rouge, and Crêpes Georgette for dessert. Printed in German and English, the back cover offered a short essay on Leipzig the Monument of the Battle of the Nations.

1937-07-31 SS Bremen Luncheon Menu

Colorful Graphic Cover Adorns this Vintage Luncheon Bill of Fare from 31 July 1937 featured Broiled Mackerel. Anchovy Butter, Wiener Schnitzel - Green Peas, and Apple Tart with Whipped Cream for dessert.

1937-08-01 SS Bremen Luncheon Menu

Colorful British Themed Cover Adorns this Vintage Luncheon Bill of Fare from 1 August 1937 featured Loin of Pork in Cider - Candied sweet Potatoes, Mousselines of Chicken à la Patti, and Cold Danish Pudding, Vanilla Sauce for dessert.

1937-10-10 SS Europa Breakfast Menu

Third Class Breakfast Bill of Fare from 10 October 1937 presents standard American fare in a graphically illustrated Bill of Fare with eloquent typography.

1937-10-13 SS Europa Farewell Jubilee Dinner Menu

Vintage Third Class Farewell Jubilee Dinner Bill of Fare from 13 October 1937 featured Smoked Westphalian Ham, Boiled Kennebec Salmon, Sauce Hollandaise, and Vanilla and Chocolate Ice-Cream for dessert.

1930 Dinner Menu Cover from the SS Stuttgart. GGA Image ID # 12fd7c6b11

1913 Immigrant Control Card, Australian Immigrant, Issued by the Norddeutscher Lloyd, Bremen. GGA Image ID # 1d7cced7b5

1913-07-14 Australian Immigration Control Card, Fremantle, Australia

Example of an Immigration Control Card for Australia, issued by the North German Lloyd for a German immigrant on 14 July 1913. The immigrant would have carried this card with him and showed Australian Immigration Officers at Fremantle as required.

1915-07-02 Certificate of Innocence - German Immigrant

The GG Archives curated an essential German document "Zeugnis der Unbescholtenheit" that loosely translates into Certificate of Innocence. The text dated from 2 July 1915 and was carried by a German immigrant on his 1921 voyage from Bremen to New York.

1930 Cover of Matinee Concert Program on Board the SS Bremen. GGA Image ID # 12adf72aef

1930-06-12 Concert Program - SS Stuttgart

Concert program card produced for a 4 pm music concert onboard the SS Stuttgart on Thursday, 12 June 1930. Beautiful graphics made this a great souvenir from the voyage to New York from Bremen on the North German Lloyd.

1930-08-17 Matinee Concert Program - SS Bremen

Romantic and Jazz Symphonic performed by the entire SS Bremen orchestra on Sunday, August 17fh 1930, from 11.30 am to 12.30 pm in the Social Hall. Conducted by E. Schier, the concert featured six selections from various composers including Bach, Strauss, Schubert, and Rubinstein.

February 1932 Issue of the Seven Seas Magazine, Published by the North German Lloyd. Special European Events Number. GGA Image ID # 12866666fa

1932-01 The Seven Seas Magazine, North German Lloyd

The Seven Seas, Vol. 8, No. 5 for January 1931. Photographs include: Female Peasants of Poland; Scene from the Blue Angel in Paris; Arrival at Bremerhaven - 3 Photos and article on the Customs of the Country (Germany); Swiss Peasants of the Lotschen Valley; Marketing in Middleburgh in Holland; Douglas Fairbanks; Otto Kahn; Gloria Swanson and Michale Farmer; Rachmaninoff.

1932-02 The Seven Seas Magazine, Special European Events Number, North German Lloyd

The Seven Seas, Vol. 8, No. 6 for February 1932 - Special European Number. Photographs Include: Hessian Holiday (dancing); Mt. St. Michel; A Village in Luxembourg; Caledonia Market, London; The Moat at Wells; Bass Pale Ale - pouring from a keg; Enjoying a circus ride in Heidelberg; Merry-go-round in Middleburgh; Playing Volleyball at Sea; The Bremen seen from the Bridge of the SS Europa; Musician at the Café du Dôme; At the Paris Ham Fair; Single up all lines in Bremerhaven; Sailing party: Señora José Maria Sert, Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert Miller, Ina Claire, Leslie Howard, Señor Sert; 11:30 p.m. onboard ship carrying food trays.

1932-03 The Seven Seas Magazine, North German Lloyd

The Seven Seas, Vol. 9, No. 1 for March 1932. Photographs Include Schwarzwald; Relaxing in Heidelberg; Horse-Drawn Cart in Berlin; Place De La Concorde; Brittany Fête; Grand Duke Dmitri Romanoff; Will Rogers; Gerhart Hauptmann. Content Include Sunshine in Quimper, Transatlantica, Tuileries, Snack Counter, by John Mosher, Im Wien by Charles G. Shaiv, Marktplatz, English Spoken Here by John Cournos, a Calendar of Events Abroad, St. Michael’s Mount by Barbara Frost, and Books for Bon Voyage by Donald Douglas.

1932-04 The Seven Seas Magazine, North German Lloyd

The Seven Seas, Vol. 9, No. 2 for April 1932. Photographs Include April in Holland; The Tyn at Night; Fleet Street, London; Mrs. Harvey and Ina Claire. Featured Articles Include Frontispiece, April in Holland, Transatlantica, Kindergarten, Sokol, by C. McCord Lowes, When in London... by Ernestine Evans, Baden, by James B. Wharton, Books for Bon Voyage by Donald Douglas, and Foreign Events.

1932-05 The Seven Seas Magazine, North German Lloyd

The Seven Seas, Vol. 9, No. 3 for May 1932. Photographs Include Wedding Day in Donameschingen; Horse Guard on Parade in London; A Bayerischer Bua; Two Chefs on the Promenade Deck. Illustration of Sport at Sea - Tossing Rings Circa 1900 on Deck. Articles Include: Wedding Day in Donameschingen, Transatlantica, Horse Guards on Parade, Campanella, an Attic Romance by Byron Steel, a Bayerischer Bua, "All That Life Can Afford" by Dale Warren, a Bucket in Budapest by Claudia Cranston, and Books for Bon Voyage by Donald Douglas.

1932-06 The Seven Seas Magazine, North German Lloyd

The Seven Seas, Vol. 9, No. 4 for June 1932. Photographs Include Frankfurt-Am-Main; Messrs. Kirchhoff and Kahn Relaxing on Deck. Articles Include Steeple in Kaiserstuhl, Transatlantica, Blue Lake and the Black Forest, Frankfurt-Am-Main, a "Bweek" in the Forest of Arden by Frances Crane, Fury in Perugia by John Mosher, a Quick Glimpse of Ireland by Fred C. Kelley, and Books for Bon Voyage by Donald Douglas.

1932-07 The Seven Seas Magazine, North German Lloyd

The Seven Seas, Vol. 9, No. 5 for July 1932. Photographs include Scene on the Canals of Naples; Bavaria - Pub Table; Two children arriving on the SS Bremen; Bridge of the SS Bremen. Articles include Transatlantica, Fishing Scene on the Seine, The Afternoon of a Faun by Rackham Holt, Naples, A Chaperon on the Danube by John Mosher, "Among Those Arriving...," and Cheer Up ... In London! by John V. A. Weaver.

1932-08 The Seven Seas Magazine, North German Lloyd

The Seven Seas, Vol. 9, No. 6 for August 1932. Photographs Included: Sidewalk Scenes on the Seine; Brittany; Jil Esmond, Douglas Fairbanks, Jr., Joan Crawford, Laurence Olivier Enjoying Dinner on the SS Bremen. Articles Include Promenade in Budapest, Frontispiece, Transatlantica, Thirst in Hungary, in a Vicar’s Vineyard, by Claudia Cranston, Heuriger, No Luck, by Frances Crane, Brittany, Arrival in France by Virginia Hersch, and Books for Bon Voyage by Donald Douglas.

1932-09 The Seven Seas Magazine, North German Lloyd

The Seven Seas, Vol. 9, No. 7 for September 1932. Photographs Included: Fest in Burgenland; Party in Cornwall; Pantry Shop in Nuremberg, Germany; Dawn in Venice; Oysters in Marseille; Tender Approaches the Ss Bremen with Passengers Watching from the Promenade Deck. Articles Include Frontispiece, Florence, Transatlantica, Pottery Shop, Polyglot Children by Sidney A. Clark, Harvest in Morocco, a Day in Moscow by Josephine Herbst, Artist as Guide, by John Mosher, And, Broadway Looks at Berlin by Doug Brinkley.

1932-10 The Seven Seas Magazine, North German Lloyd

The Seven Seas, Vol. 10, No. 2 for October 1932. Photographs include Byzantine, Istanbul; Holiday in Hungary with Dancing Girls in Costume; The Beach at Majorca; School girls in Brittany; Mme. Costes and Baronne de Beaufort; Bavarian Pastorale; VIP Passengers Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Lunt and Mr. Henry Miller found relaxing on the SS Bremen; Toscanini - The Bremen. Articles Include Frontispiece - Byzantine, Transatlantica, Majorca, Live Dangerously by Rack Ham Holt, The Bastile Column, The Country of "The Angelus" by Padraic Colum, England Is like This, by Fred C. Kelly, and Books for Bon Voyage by Donald Douglas.

1932-11 The Seven Seas Magazine, North German Lloyd

The Seven Seas, Vol. 10. No. 3 for November 1932. Photographs Include Wedding Processional in Budapest; Statute of Cupid in Nuremberg; Choir from Bavaria in Costume; Marching Band in Florence; Parade in Berlin - Unter Den Linden; Katharine Cornell on the Ss Bremen. Articles Include Frontispiece: Glance over Egypt, Transatlantica, Cupid in Nuremberg, Notes Found on an Old Cuff by Russel Crouse, near East Lady by Claudia Cranston‭, Slow Boat, by Alison Smith, What I like About Berlin by Charles G. Shaw, Katharine Cornell, and ‬Books for Bon Voyage by Donald Douglas.

1932-12 The Seven Seas Magazine, North German Lloyd

The Seven Seas, Vol. 10, No. 4 for December 1932. Photographs include: The Sphinx at Memphis Egypt; Boats on the Canal in Venice; Women in Costume in a Horse-Drawn Wagon in Bavaria; Paris Night Scene from Sacre Coeur; Midnight Supper in Paris; Trumpeter of the Guards in London; The Horses of St. Mark's in Venice; Young couple enjoying a Ski Luncheon in Tyrol; Young Woman skiing Under the Midnight Sun in Sweden; Cross-Country Skier in Voralberg; Cross-Country Skiers - Dreiländerspitz; Wine Pedler in Werder (Woman inside a large keg); View of the Crows Nest on the SS Bremen; Dejeuner in a Paris Café; J. P. Morgan on the S. S. Europa; Captain Ziegenbein with Miss Wera Engels on the SS Bremen.

1933-04 The Seven Seas Magazine, North German Lloyd

The Seven Seas Magazine for April 1933, Photographs included Trafalgar Square 1910 and 1933, Fruit Maidens of Rome, Flower Girls of Grasse, Café on the Havel, Fair Day at Guipavas, Ladies of Brittany, Chartres, and an advertisement from Saks Fifth Avenue featuring a woman wear the latest in Suits - Seraceta - Strands of Fashion. Many articles were unrelated to maritime.

1935-04 The Seven Seas Magazine

Volume 14, No. 4, April 1935 issue of the Seven Seas, published quarterly by Hamburg America Line and North German Lloyd in New York featured articles on the Baroque Garden by Helen Appleton Read, Moslem Metropolis by Stoyan Christowe and two location articles on Salisbury and Baden ~ Baden. Lavishly illustrated with black and white photographs throughout. 32 Pages plus Covers.

1936 Winter - The Seven Seas Magazine

Winter 1936 Issue of the Seven Seas, Published Jointly by the Hamburg America Line and North German Lloyd. Featured Articles Included: Marburg on the Lahn, the Epitome of the Concept Mittelalterlich and the Seat of the First Lutheran University Founded by Philip the Magnanimous Landgraf of Hesse in 1523 by Helen Appleton Read, Roman Holiday by Charles G. Shaw and the City of Gay Night -- Budapest, Hungary by William B. Powell.

June 1932 Seven Seas Magazine from the North German Lloyd. GGA Image ID # 128c10a430

Administration Building at Bremen (Verwaltungsgebäude Bremen). SS Bremen Passenger List, 3 October 1930. GGA Image ID # 16091fd2e4

Signal Flags, National Flags, and Sea Markings (Signal-Flaggen, Nationalflaggen, und Seezeichen). SS Bremen Passenger List , 3 October 1930. GGA Image ID # 1609439f04

Track Chart of the North Atlantic, Norddeutscher Lloyd. SS Bremen Passenger List, 3 October 1930. GGA Image ID # 160992fa5d

Front Side of Vintage Postcard is a Photograph of the Third Class Ladies Lounge on the SS Berlin of the Nordeutscher Lloyd, 1908. GGA Image ID # 15afcd173c

Postcards of the North German Lloyd 1900-1934

The Postcard Collection of the Norddeutscher Lloyd Bremen / North German Lloyd of the GG Archives. Our postcards date from 1900-1934 and include Ship Interior and Exterior Photographs, Paintings of Ships.

Advertisement: The Building of Two New Large Ships, SS Bremen and SS Europa, Each 46,000 Tons Registered, For Bremen-New York Service Launching Spring of 1929. GGA Image ID # 15e409d073

Global Port of Calls Map of the Norddeutscher Lloyd Bremen Steamship Company, 1928. GGA Image ID # 15e4030e93

Review and Summary of the North German Lloyd (NDL) Archival Collection

Introduction: North German Lloyd and Its Influence on Global Shipping

The North German Lloyd (NDL), or Norddeutscher Lloyd, was one of the most significant and innovative steamship companies of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Founded in 1856 in Bremen, Germany, NDL pioneered transatlantic travel, European migration routes, and luxurious ocean liners, becoming a central force in global maritime history.

This archival collection provides an in-depth look at NDL’s expansive history, including:

• Passenger lists tracing German and European migration to the United States.
• Travel documents, passage contracts, and prepaid tickets for immigrants and tourists.
• Brochures and periodicals showcasing the luxury and efficiency of NDL ships.
• Menus, postcards, and photographs that bring NDL voyages to life.

Why This Collection Matters

This rich maritime archive is an invaluable resource for:

• Genealogists researching German, Austrian, and Eastern European ancestors who emigrated via Bremen.
• Historians studying transatlantic migration, German maritime commerce, and luxury ocean travel.
• Educators and students exploring Germany’s role in global maritime history.
• Travel enthusiasts interested in the grandeur of ocean liners and early cruise travel.

Key Highlights from the Collection

1. North German Lloyd’s Rise as a Maritime Power (1856-1914)

Founded by H. H. Meier in Bremen, NDL brought together several shipping interests to form a powerful transatlantic and global steamship company.

Expansion of NDL’s Routes:

By the late 19th century, NDL dominated major global shipping lanes, offering:

• Transatlantic passenger services from Bremen to New York, Baltimore, Philadelphia, and Galveston.
• Express mail steamers stopping at Southampton, Cherbourg, and Gibraltar.
• Regular routes to South America, Asia, and Australia.

🔹 Why This Matters:

• Maritime historians can explore how NDL’s expansion shaped global trade and migration.
• Genealogists can trace family immigration records from Germany to the U.S. and beyond.

2. Passenger Lists: Tracing Immigration and Luxury Travel

The extensive collection of passenger lists documents voyages from 1881 to 1938, covering both emigrant voyages and elite transatlantic travel.

Notable Passenger Lists:

• 1881-04-20: SS Hohenzollern (Bremen to Baltimore) – A key route for German immigrants.
• 1896-06-20: SS Havel (Bremen to New York via Southampton) – One of NDL’s popular transatlantic mail steamers.
• 1901-02-19: SS Kaiser Wilhelm der Grosse (Bremen to New York) – The world’s first four-funnel ocean liner, known for its speed and luxury.
• 1927-05-29: SS Columbus (Bremen to New York via Southampton and Cherbourg) – A premier ocean liner of the 1920s.

🔹 Why This Matters:

• Genealogists can use passenger lists to track family migration routes.
• Historians can study how class divisions influenced ocean travel—from steerage to first-class luxury.

3. Travel Documents: Immigrant Contracts, Prepaid Tickets, and More

This collection includes original passage contracts and prepaid tickets, offering rare insights into the logistics of transatlantic migration.

Key Travel Documents:

• 1883 Prepaid Steerage Ticket – A German immigrant family paid $72 for steerage passage from Bremen to New York.
• 1891 Prepaid Passage Receipt – A beautifully engraved document showing how tickets were purchased in advance for family members to join relatives in America.
• 1925 SS Bremen Passenger Manifest – A tourist-class contract for a U.S. citizen traveling from Germany.
• 1935 SS Stuttgart Passage Contract – A tourist-class ticket purchased in Paris for a westbound voyage to New York.

🔹 Why This Matters:

• Genealogists can track ancestral migration patterns and family connections.
• Historians can analyze how ticketing systems impacted immigrant movement.

4. Brochures and Periodicals: Advertising the Golden Age of Ocean Travel

NDL produced lavish brochures and magazines to promote its services.

Highlighted Brochures and Periodicals:

• 1889 Short Route to London Guide – A compact travel guide for NDL passengers heading to Britain.
• 1929 SS Bremen Brochure – A superb pictorial guide showcasing the ship’s accommodations.
• 1936 “Go Tourist Class” Brochure – A joint Hamburg America Line and NDL production promoting affordable transatlantic travel.
• The Seven Seas Magazine (1930s) – A beautifully illustrated lifestyle magazine for transatlantic passengers, featuring:
  • Travel articles on Europe and America.
  • Luxury fashion, onboard entertainment, and cultural events.
  • Celebrity passengers, including Hollywood stars and political figures.

🔹 Why This Matters:

• Historians and travel enthusiasts can explore how NDL marketed ocean travel to different social classes.
• Educators can use these materials to teach about luxury travel before commercial aviation.

5. Menus: Culinary Traditions at Sea

NDL’s onboard menus provide a fascinating glimpse into early 20th-century dining on ocean liners.

Notable Menus:

• 1900 SS Lahn Luncheon Menu – Featuring roast mutton and Saratoga chips.
• 1925 SS Bremen Dinner Menu – Included Boeuf à la Mode and Berlin Doughnuts.
• 1937 SS Bremen Dinner Menu – A high-end multi-course meal with live lobster, filet mignon, and French pastries.

🔹 Why This Matters:

• Food historians can study how cuisine differed across travel classes.
• Travel enthusiasts can see how ocean liners competed through dining experiences.

6. Photographs and Postcards: Bringing NDL Ships to Life

The collection includes stunning postcards and photographs of NDL ships, interiors, and destinations.

Featured Images:

• 1908 Postcard of SS Berlin’s Third-Class Ladies Lounge – A rare view of female immigrant accommodations.
• 1928 Global Port of Calls Map – Shows NDL’s extensive worldwide routes.
• 1937 Advertisement for SS Bremen and SS Europa – Showcasing Germany’s most advanced ocean liners.

🔹 Why This Matters:

• Maritime historians can visualize the evolution of passenger ships.
• Genealogists can connect family immigration stories to actual ship photos.

Final Thoughts: Why This Collection is Essential

The North German Lloyd Archival Collection is a goldmine of historical records, capturing:

✅ The rise and fall of one of Germany’s greatest shipping lines.

✅ Thousands of immigrants’ journeys to America.

✅ The golden age of luxury ocean travel.

✅ Rare menus, periodicals, and travel documents from a bygone era.

🔹 Who Should Explore This Collection?

• Genealogists researching German and Eastern European ancestors.
• Historians studying transatlantic migration and early tourism.
• Educators teaching about maritime history and luxury travel.
• Ocean liner enthusiasts fascinated by classic steamship voyages.

This unique collection preserves a lost world of ocean travel—one that shaped generations of immigrants, explorers, and tourists alike.