First Class Accommodations of the Hamburg-American Line Steamships - 1890
PROMENADE DECK.
This deck runs almost the whole length of the ship, and offers every facility for enjoying open air and exercise. Fourteen splendid staterooms are located on this deck, as also the ladies' saloons, music-room and smoking-rooms, which are all easily accessible from inside passage-ways.
UPPER DECK.
The main saloon of 64 x 32 is on this deck, well forward of the machinery, where the motion is felt least. This is a magnificent apartment, covering nearly the whole width of the ship, well lighted by day from the side port-holes and by a beautiful glass cupola, and brilliantly illuminated by night by electric lights profusely distributed.
The decoration of this room is truly magnificent -- a masterpiece of modern German decorative art, the most ornate and artistic effects being gained by a combination of dark wood and gold in the richest style of the later renaissance. The panels are carved by hand in hard wood and most handsomely decorated.
The panel paintings and mirrors are used with fine effect, and the upholstery is very elegant in style and color. Special attention is called to the position of the main saloon on the upper deck, as most other steamers have it on the deck below. There are also eight fine outside staterooms on this deck, and on each side of it a promenade of six feet width, extending almost the whole length of the ship, which, being protected by the deck above, gives an opportunity for exercise under shelter in rainy weather.
MAIN DECK.
Most staterooms are on this deck, and also another saloon of 40 x 20 feet. Broad and convenient stairs lead to the upper decks. There are a lower and an "orlop" deck under this deck, which accommodate steerage passengers and freight.
STATEROOMS.
The rooms on these steamers are all of large size, 20 of them being furnished in the style of chambres de luxe. All staterooms are provided with electric bells connected with the steward's pantry ; they have also a wardrobe and other conveniences. Berths and sofas are large and comfortable, so that a whole family often finds sufficient accommodation in one room.
LADIES' SALOON.
The ladies' saloon is situated in the best part of the ship, on the promenade deck, well forward. Nothing can exceed the elegance and good taste displayed in furnishing this room. Large oil paintings, mirrors, rich hangings of silk and damask combine to make it a most luxurious chamber. This room, as well as the adjoining music-room, give rather the impression of some state-apartment in a European castle than a room aboard ship. The favored position of this saloon enables ladies to enjoy fresh air and an outlook even in bad weather.
MUSIC- ROOM.
Adjoining the ladies' saloon is the music-room, which is also exquisitely furnished and upholstered in silk of delicate tints, the furniture being white and gold and the decorations in keeping with the general taste displayed. A magnificent grand piano is placed in the center of the room. The ship has its own band of trained musicians, giving a concert twice a day.
SMOKING- ROOM.
The large, comfortable and airy smoking-room is amidships on the promenade deck. It is furnished in light wood, the walls being inlaid with curious panels, representing smokers of every age, nationality and condition.
CUISINE.
The Hamburg American Packet Company has always been well known for the excellent fare provided. The best culinary artists have been engaged as cooks, and the menu on these steamers is equal to that served in the best hotels in Europe. Wines, liquors and cigars are carefully selected by the Company, and are of the finest quality.
