European Traveler's Memorandum Book - 1890

Express Service.

The magnificent new twin-screw steamers of the Hamburg Line, with which it inaugurated its new Express Service between New York, Southampton and Hamburg, have from the start attracted general attention in Europe and America on account of their construction as well as their marvelous achievements in speed.

The first ship of the new service was the AUGUSTA-VICTORIA, the construction of which had been entrusted to the Vulcan Shipbuilding Company in Stettin.

Her success was immediate. On her first voyage from Hamburg to New York she made the fastest maiden trip on record, and when she reached New York she was visited by nearly thirty thousand people, who expressed their admiration of her beautiful appearance in unmeasured terms.

The COLUMBIA, the second twin-screw steamer, was built in the yards of Messrs. Laird Bros. in Birkenhead, on the Mersey.

She is an exact counterpart of the AUGUSTA-VICTORIA, and has proven to be the fastest ship afloat sailing between the Continents of Europe and America.

These two steamers have immediately become favorites among the traveling public, so that during the past season it was impossible to accommodate all who applied for passage.

The third twin-screw steamer, the NORMANNIA, which will correspond in most particulars with its predecessors, is now approaching completion in the yards of Messrs. John Elder & Co. in Govan, Scotland, and will be put in ser-. vice next May.

The fourth twin-screw steamer, the FURST BISMARCK, is on the stocks of the Vulcan Shipbuilding Company in Stettin.

With these steamers, the HAMBURG-AMERICAN PACKET COMPANY will, during the coming season, operate an Express Service, offering the American public the convenience of reaching England and the European Continent with absolute safety, in the shortest possible time, and with a degree of comfort hitherto unattainable.

These leviathans have a length of 460 to 520 feet, a width of 56 to 6o feet, and a depth of 38 to 40 feet; are of 10,000 tons displacement, and their engines develop the force of 12,500 to 16,000 horses.

SAFETY.

These steamers are practically unsinkable, their great feature being a longitudinal bulkhead, running from stem to stern, which divides the ship, each side being provided with a separate set of machinery, boilers, shafts and screws. An accident to one side of the ship, therefore, does not in any way affect the other.

Each side is again subdivided by solid bulkheads into numerous compartments which do not communicate with each other, and any one passing from one compartment to another must ascend to the upper deck.

They also have a double bottom, the space between being divided into chambers which can be filled with water or emptied by means of automatic pumps, thus increasing or decreasing the draught at will, and guarding against any accident from grounding.

The boilers are placed in three water- tight compartments, completely cut off from each other, so that even if two of the boiler compartments should be flooded, the boilers in the third compartment will be able to keep one of the engines working.

These are a few of the safeguards provided; lack of space prevents enumerating them all.

SPEED.

These steamers have at once stepped to the front rank among ocean greyhounds, and must be counted among the fastest ships afloat. The best time accomplished was 6 days 18 hours from Southampton to New York and from New York to Southampton, being the fastest trips ever made between these two ports.

During the past year these two steamers have maintained a regular fast Express Service between New York, Southampton and Hamburg, bringing passengers to London within 7 days, and to Hamburg within 8 days, while the actual ocean passage is reduced to 6 days. Passengers leaving London at noon on a Friday, and boarding the Hamburg steamer at Southampton, have been landed in New York on the following Friday before noon, thus bringing them from their business in London to their business in New York in less than a week—a feat not equaled by any other line. This shows the wonderful convenience which these steamers offer to the traveling public.

The fastest runs were over 20 knots per hour, which is equal to 23 English miles, and exceeds the speed of transcontinental trains.

COMFORT.

The comfort and elegance displayed on these steamers surpasses anything yet offered on any Atlantic liner. The large and luxurious saloons, the ladies' boudoirs, music, smoking and staterooms generally, are fitted up in magnificent style, the best European artists having been retained to design, decorate and furnish them.

It has been the aim of the Company to relieve passengers of all annoyances which were heretofore considered inseparable from a sea voyage, and provide for them the same accommodations that can be obtained in a first-class hotel. Among the many improvements that contribute to the passenger's comfort will be found larger and more commodious staterooms, with most luxurious toilet conveniences and large beds, thorough methods of ventilation, ample deck-room for exercise, spacious dining-saloons, ladies' saloon on the promenade deck, also a large music-room, the absence of all offensive odors or noises, and a complete and first-class service throughout, with conveniences of barber shop, bath and toilet-rooms, electric lights, etc.

The steamer has five decks constructed solidly of steel and teakwood, the upper decks ending in strong turtle-backs at the bow and stern.

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.

SECOND CABIN

The conveniences in the second cabin of these steamers are excellent, everything being provided to make the passage agreeable. All accommodations for second-cabin passengers are on the same decks as those of first cabin. The whole aft-part of the promenade deck is specially appropriated for the use of second-cabin passengers, thus giving them ample opportunity for exercise on one of the finest portions of the deck. In addition, there is a tastefully fitted up ladies' saloon and a comfortable smoking-room on the same deck.

The main saloon is on the upper deck, occupying almost the whole width of the ship, and is artistically furnished and well lighted and ventilated. Staterooms are on the upper as well as on the main deck. They are all large, commodious and well-furnished, and the provisions for air and light are excellent. Bath-rooms with hot and cold water are also provided, besides lavatories in sufficient number. All rooms are fitted with electric light, so that, in fact, nothing is omitted to secure comfort.

STEERAGE.

The steerage is unusually high, well-lighted and provided with a perfect system of ventilation. Passengers are placed in separate rooms, thus securing a degree of comfort and privacy which steerage passengers could hitherto rarely attain. They also have convenient eating-rooms with tables and benches, where they can pass their time when bad weather keeps them below. The meals served are of excellent quality, the Hamburg - American Line having always enjoyed an enviable reputation for the care and consideration with which steerage passengers are treated.

Regular Service.

All the Company's steamers have been built by the most famous shipbuilders in Europe, and are constructed of the best wrought iron and steel. They have water-tight compartments, with all of which the pumps are connected, and are provided with patent steam-steering apparatus, all necessary donkey engines for lifting, pumping, etc., a distilling apparatus supplying fresh and pure water daily, and electric lights and bells.

These steamers have several extras above the highest rating in the Bureau Veritas. They perform a regular service between the United States and Germany, and are great favorites among the traveling public, on account of the many advantages which they offer.

They carry only First Cabin and Steerage passengers, and in the accommodations nothing has been omitted that could promote comfort. The commodious staterooms are all on the same main deck, thus insuring those greatest luxuries at sea—perfect ventilation and light. They are heated by steam and fitted up in the latest improved manner.

There are staterooms for ladies traveling alone, piano, library, smoking and card-rooms for gentlemen, bath-rooms, etc.

The kitchens are on the upper deck, thereby avoiding all obnoxious odors. Neither cattle, pigs nor sheep are carried on any of the passenger steamers of the Line.

Passengers wishing to obtain at a moderate price the comforts of large, airy rooms, elegant saloons, polite and prompt attendance, and—last, but not least—excellent meals, will find complete satisfaction on these steamers.

Baltic Line OF THE HAMBURG-AMERICAN PACKET CO.

The steamers of this line sail from New York for Copenhagen and Stettin, and offer unsurpassed facilities for passengers going to Denmark, Norway, Sweden (Scandinavia), and to the countries of Eastern Europe. Stettin is a center of commerce and traffic for all parts of Brandenburg, Pommerania, East and West Prussia, Posen, Silesia, Saxony, Bohemia, Austria, Hungary and Galicia, Russia and Poland etc., and passengers to and from these countries, going via Stettin, enjoy the benefit of a shorter railway trip than a journey to any other port of embarkation would require, and thus save both time and money.

The accommodations are the same as on the steamers of the Hamburg service.

Hamburg-Baltimore Line.

This service is performed by the steamers of the Hamburg - American Packet Co. The line does not need any other recommendation. Particular attention is called to the cheap railroad fares between Baltimore and the West.

Officers of the Hamburg America Line Steamships - 1890

The vessels of the Hamburg-American Packet Co. are manned by officers who have been in the Company's employ for years and whose seamanship has been thoroughly tested during many trying voyages; the strict discipline maintained on these vessels comparing favorably with that on board of a man-of-war.

Before entering the employ of the Company all officers have to pass two rigorous examinations in nautical schools, and, in accordance with the Company's system of promotion, have to work their way up from inferior positions in the service.

All captains in command have obtained their positions in this manner, and no appointments to this important post are made unless the officer has had long experience in the service and has given ample proof of his thorough qualification for the efficient fulfillment of his responsible duties.

It would, perhaps, be difficult to present a more striking proof of the seamanlike qualities and the high character of the Company's officers than is furnished by the fact that the steamships of this line have been so frequently the means of saving the lives of shipwrecked sailors at sea.

BERTHS.

In order to secure berths favorably located, it is at all times advisable, but particularly during the spring and summer season, to apply as early as possible to the General Passenger Agents of the Hamburg Line, Messrs. C. B. RICHARD Co., 6i Broadway, New York, or 9 La Salle Street, Chicago, or to one of their numerous agents in any of the principal cities of the United States and Canada. They will send such contemplating a journey, upon application, a cabin plan of the steamer the passenger wishes to take, with the vacant berths or rooms marked, from which he can choose.

Cabin berths are not considered engaged unless secured by payment of 25 per cent. for each berth. The full amount must be paid two weeks before sailing, and if the passage money is not then paid the berths will be otherwise disposed of.

During the traveling season, passengers desiring the exclusive use of a whole room must pay two fares. The same price must be paid by an adult and one child for a whole room. At other seasons children between one and twelve years pay half-price, and infants under one year are free, except on the Express Steamers, for which special rates for children are made.

ROUND TRIP TICKETS are issued at reduced rates.

SERVANTS.

On the Express Steamers servants accompanying first cabin passengers pay second cabin fare, and receive accommodation in a second cabin stateroom; they have, however, access to the first cabin. If passengers desire them to be berthed in first cabin, the regular fare for the berth occupied must be paid.

On the Regular Steamers servants pay $45 each way.

STEWARDS.

Trained Stewards and Stewardesses, speaking English and German, attend to the wants of passengers.

PHYSICIAN.

An experienced Physician is attached to every steamer. For medical attendance and medicines no charge is made.

BATHS.

Comfortable bath-rooms are provided in first as well as in second cabin; the bedroom stewards will attend to the bath upon the passenger's request.

SEATS AT TABLE.

Passengers will have their seats allotted to them by the Chief Steward immediately after leaving the docks. Nurses and children will be served separately.

BOOTS AND SHOES

will be cleaned if left outside the room door.

VALUABLES.

The Company is not responsible for theft if valuables are kept in the staterooms. Money, jewelry, etc., can be handed to the Purser for safe keeping.

BAGGAGE

Passenger's baggage can be sent to the Ham burg Piers, Hoboken, N. J., two days before sailing, and will be kept in the baggage-room there until claimed by the passenger. All trunks should be marked plainly with the passenger's full name.

All baggage should be provided with a tag, giving name of passenger, number of cabin, name of steamer and whether the trunk will be wanted during the voyage or not. Tags can be obtained at C. B. RICHARD & Co.'s office.

Cabin passengers are allowed 20 cubic feet of baggage free of charge; all excess is charged for at the rate of 25 cents per cubic foot.

Passengers arriving in New York by train or boat can have their trunks checked direct to the Hamburg Pier in Hoboken by the Baggage Express Agent, who meets incoming passengers.

All articles wanted during the voyage should be put in a steamer trunk, which must not exceed 13 inches in height, so that it can go under the sofas in the staterooms.

MONEY

The safest and most convenient way of carrying money abroad to meet expenses is in the form of drafts, circular letters of credit, or of circular notes, all of which are issued in the banking department of Messrs. C. B. RICHARD & Co. for the convenience of passengers.

Circular letters of credit contain a list of banks in all the principal cities of Europe, at which one may draw from time to time as much as is needed.

Circular notes are also payable at all the principal places in Europe; they are issued in the sum of £10 sterling each, or their equivalent, according to the currency of the country where presented. Instead of endorsing the name upon presentation, holders of such notes are required to endorse them with a certain word of identification that will be given, so that in case of loss none but the party possessing such word will be able to realize upon them.

Drafts are issued on nearly ,000 places in Europe, Asia, Africa, America and Australia.

C. B. RICHARD & CO, have also constantly on hand to meet the requirements of travelers, English, German, French, Austrian, Scandinavian, Italian and Russian gold and paper money, of which passengers usually take a small amount, in order to defray first expenses.

Should travelers be in immediate need of funds, Messrs. C. B. RICHARD & Co. have arrangements whereby money may be cabled to them in any part of Europe.

PASSPORTS

are at present only needed by American travelers in Europe when visiting Berlin (Prussia), Russia, Turkey, Egypt, Spain or Portugal; but, at the same time, a passport is useful for obtaining admission to certain museums, for obtaining letters from post-offices, and for establishing identity whenever necessary.

Passports can be procured from Washington for such as desire them within forty-eight hours. The Government charges a fee of $1.00, while notary's and other fees amount to $2.00 more.

LONDON.

The Express Steamers touch at Southampton on their way to Hamburg to land passengers and mail. Passengers are transferred at Southampton to the Hamburg America Line's special train and forwarded to London free of charge. The trip occupies about two hours, and trains arrive at Waterloo station.

PARIS.

Paris is conveniently reached from Southampton via Dover—Calais, or Folkestone — Boulogne, in about ten hours, or via New Haven — Dieppe, where steamers cross in six hours, twice daily except Sundays; or by Southwestern Railway Steamers, which leave Southampton every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 11.45 P. M., arriving in Havre early the next morning.

Passengers can obtain through tickets to Paris, via Havre, at C. B. RICHARD & Co.'s office at reduced rates.

After landing passengers and mail in Southampton, the steamer immediately proceeds to Hamburg, which is reached in about twenty-four hours. Passengers are landed at the fine new landing place of the Hamburg-American Packet Co. Hamburg is a city of over 500,000 inhabitants, the principal commercial emporium of the continent of Europe, and one of its most beautiful towns. It is a most important railway center and has frequent and direct express trains to all parts of the interior.

IN FOREIGN PARTS.

On landing in Europe the traveler's baggage will be examined, but Custom Houses in Europe are not as difficult to pass as in America. Spirits, tobacco and cigars are the articles mainly looked for, and if any are found that have not been declared, they will be confiscated.

Second-class hotels in Europe are far better in their way than those of the same grade in America; they are plain and simple, but excellent in their way.

Railway Traveling in Europe.

There are generally three classes of carriages on the European railways. The first-class is luxuriously furnished; but second-class carriages are also very comfortable, especially in Germany, and this is so well understood that mixed tickets are sold for long journeys, entitling the holder to first-class in other countries and second-class in Germany. Third-class carriages are generally neat and clean, but have no cushions. This class is frequented by the general public for short journeys.

Nearly every train has compartments exclusively for ladies. In England, France and Italy smoking is forbidden, except in compartments specially designated for that purpose. In Germany and Austria smoking is allowed in all carriages save those where it is forbidden, and these are labeled "Fur Nichtraucher."

LUGGAGE

The allowance of luggage varies greatly. In England it is too pounds; in most continental countries it averages fifty pounds; in Bavaria, Belgium. Italy, and in most parts of Switzerland there is no allowance. The charge for excessive luggage is high; all hand baggage is free.

There are no " baggage checks," though on the Continent receipts are given; but travelers will always do well to look after their trunks, especially in crossing a frontier, when they must see to it that their luggage is examined and again put on board the train. In England no receipt is given, and passengers must pick out their property themselves at the end of their journey.

TIME - TABLES.

Of railway guides for Great Britain, "Bradshaw's " is to be recommended; for Germany and neighboring countries, the " Reichs-Kursbuch," and " Henschel's; " for France, " l'Indicateur Chaix; " for Italy, " l'Indicatore ficiale," and for Switzerland, "Le Guide Privat."