In the heyday of ocean travel--between the late nineteenth century and
World War II--ocean liners were a home away from home. Passengers
prepared for voyages that could last as long as three months, and
shipping companies ensured their guests were as comfortable as possible,
providing entertainment, dining, sleeping quarters, and smoking lounges
to accommodate passengers of all ages and budgets. Secrets of the Great
Ocean Liners leads the reader through each stage of ocean liner travel,
from booking a ticket and choosing a cabin to shore excursions, on-board
games, social events, and even romances. This book dives into a vast,
unique collection of ephemera to reveal the scandals, glamour,
challenges, and tragedies of ocean liner travel. Shipping companies
produced glitzy brochures, sailing schedules, voyage logs, passenger
lists, postcards, and menus, all of which help us to enjoy daily life on
board. Diaries, letters, and journals written by passengers also reveal
a host of fascinating insights into the experience of traveling by sea.