SS Transylvania Archival Collection
Transylvania (1914) (a) Cunard line, (b) Anchor Line
Photo Postcard of the RMS Transylvania of the Cunard-Anchor Lines, circa 1915. GGA Image ID # 1e3afbc0d2
Built by Scott's Shipbuilding & Engineering Co., Greenock, Scotland. Tonnage: 14,315. Dimensions: 548' x 66' (565' 0.1.). Twin-screw, 16 knots. Four steam turbines. Two masts and two funnels. Maiden voyage: Liverpool-New York, November 7, 1914. Transferred to Anchor Line in February 1915. Note: Liner had originally been intended for Mediterranean-New York service. This plan did not materialize. Capacity: Designed for 270 first, 250 second, 1,900 third. Fate: Torpedoed and sunk near Cape Vado, Gulf of Genoa, May 4, 1917, with the loss of 413 lives. Sister ship: Tuscania. Note: First Atlantic liners were geared steam turbines.
Transylvania (1925) Anchor Line
TSS Transylvania (1925). GGA Image ID # 1e3af0099f
Built by Fairfield Shipbuilding & Engineering Co., Glasgow, Scotland. Tonnage: 16,923. Dimensions: 552' x 70' (575' O.I.). Twin-screw, 15 1/2 knots. Steam turbines. Two masts and three funnels. Funnel Fact: The first and third funnels were dummies. Launched, March 11, 1925. Maiden voyage: Glasgow-New York, September 12, 1925. Passengers: 264 first, 458 second, 620 third. World War II Service: Converted to armed merchant cruiser in September 1939. Fate: Torpedoed and sunk by German submarine in the North Atlantic, August 10, 1940. Sister ship: Caledonia.
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1926-01-30 SS Transylvania Passenger List
Steamship Line: Anchor Steamship Line
Class of Passengers: Cruise
Date of Departure: 30 January 1926
Date of Return: Returning to New York on Friday, 2 April 1926.
Commander: Captain D. W. Bone
Route: New York to Funchal (Madeira); Lisbon; Cadiz, Spain; Gibraltar; Algiers; Tunis, Carthage; Phaleron Bay (Athens); Constantinople; Haifa; Alexandria; Naples; Villefranche (Nice); Monte Carlo; Cherbourg; and return to New York.
1927-09-03 SS Transylvania Passenger List
Steamship Line: Anchor Steamship Line
Class of Passengers: Saloon and Second Cabin
Date of Departure: 3 September 1927
Route: Glasgow to New York via Moville
Commander: Captain David W. Bone
1936-09-11 TSS Transylvania Passenger List
Steamship Line: Anchor Steamship Line
Class of Passengers: Cabin and Tourist
Date of Departure: 11 September 1936
Route: Glasgow for New York via Dublin
Commander: Captain David W. Bone
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1926 - The New Anchor Line Fleet
Profusely illustrated brochure from 1926 documents the grand interiors of the Caledonia and Transylvania, the newest additions to the Anchor Line fleet with views of the California and Cameronia, transporting passengers between New York, Londonderry, and Glasgow. Ships Covered: Antonia, Ascania, Caledonia, California, Cameronia, Transylvania, and Tuscania.
Anchor Line Cabin Class - 1930s
For passengers who are accustomed to the amenities of good-living, the Anchor Line offers a truly delightful mode of travel, in the company of other passengers with the same substantial standards which characterize their own good taste. Ships Featured: Caledonia, California, Cameronia, and Transylvania.
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1927-02-14 RMS Transylvania Valentine's Day Dinner Menu
Large Format elaborate Saint Valentine's Day Dinner Bill of Fare from a 1927 Mediterranean Cruise on the RMS Transylvania of the Anchor Line. Featured Bill of Fare items included Prime Rib and Sirloin of Beef, Corned Ox Tongue, and Roast Gigot of Mutton.
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Sailing Schedule, Glasgow-New York, from 25 August 1930 to 13 February 1931. Ships Included the Andania, Caledonia, California, Cameronia, and Transylvania. SS California Passenger List, 20 August 1930. GGA Image ID # 1e39b3e994
Westbound Sailings of the White Star Line from 6 October 1934 to 2 February 1935. Ships Included the Alaunia, Antonia, Aquitania, Ascania, Athenia, Aurania, Ausonia, Berengaria, Britannic, Carinthia, Franconia, Georgic, Laconia, Lancastria, Laurentic, Letitia, Majestic, Olympic, Samaria, Scythia, and Transylvania. The Schedule Includes Originating, Calling, and Destination Ports for Each Voyage. RMS Britannic Passenger List, 6 October 1934. GGA Image ID # 1e3159e0ee
Eastbound Sailings of the White Star Line from 6 October 1934 to 14 February 1935. Ships Included the Alaunia, Antonia, Aquitania, Ascania, Athenia, Aurania, Ausonia, Berengaria, Britannic, Carinthia, Doric, Franconia, Georgic, Laconia, Lancastria, Laurentic, Letitia, Majestic, Olympic, Samaria, Scythia, and Transylvania. The Schedule Includes Originating, Calling, and Destination Ports for Each Voyage. RMS Britannic Passenger List, 6 October 1934. GGA Image ID # 1e3178f51a
Sailing Schedule, Glasgow-New York, from 11 September 1936 to 14 November 1936. Ships Included the Caledonia, Cameronia, and Transylvania. SS Transylvania Passenger List, 11 September 1936. GGA Image ID # 1e3ad41e77
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Information for Passengers - 3 September 1927
Additional Passage Money or Freight paid on board —Passengers should obtain a receipt on the Company's form for such disbursements.
Baggage.—Enquiries regarding baggage on board ship should be addressed to the Second Steward.
To facilitate examination and identification of bag- gage on landing, all packages should have an official label affixed; these labels are supplied on board on application.
Trunks, etc., will be stored and re-shipped by the Company if desired (see Storage).
Baggage Insurance.—Passengers are recommended to insure their baggage as, in the event of loss or damage, the Company cannot accept liability beyond the limit specified on the Steamer Contract Tickets. Rates and particulars on application.
Bar closes at 11p.m.
Barber's Shop.—There is a well-appointed Barber's Shop on board. Ladies will be attended to by appointment.
In addition to the usual toilet requisites, useful articles, ranging from photographic films to material for fancy dress costumes, are on sale.
Cables and Telegrams for despatch by ordinary land wire should be handed in at the Wireless Telegraph Office. The time of acceptance for cables and tele- grams to be sent by ordinary land wire will be intimated on the notice boards.
Wireless, cable and telegraph forms may be obtained from the Wireless office.
Complaints of incivility, carelessness or inattention on thepart of any of the ship's staff should be im- mediately reported to the Purser or Chief Steward, and failing satisfaction to the Captain.
Deck Chairs and Rugs may be hired at a cost of 6/3 (or $1.50) each, on application to the Deck Steward. Each rug is contained in a sealed cardboard box, and bears a serial number worked into the material so that Passengers will have no difficulty in identifying their rugs. At the end of each voyage the rugs which have been in use are sent to the store and thoroughly cleaned before being re-issued.
Divine Service may be held in the Saloon (weather permitting) once every Sunday forenoon, and for those who so desire facilities areprovided for the celebration of Mass.
Dogs cannot be landed in Great Britain unless a licence has been procured from the Board of Agriculture, London. Forms of Licence can only be obtained by direct application to the Department before the dog is taken on board.
Dogs can only be carried by special arrangement being made with the Company prior to embarkation. Whilst on board they are not permitted in any of the public rooms or staterooms.
Drafts are issued, free of charge, payable in currency at any of the offices of the Company in the United States and Canada, and, similarly, drafts are issued in the United States and Canada payable at any of the Company's offices in the United Kingdom in sterling or at the Company's offices in Europe in the currency of the country on which they are drawn.
Information.—If Passengers are in doubt on any point appertaining to their ocean voyage, or railroad journey, they are advised to consult the Purser, who will be leased to give any assistance or information desired.
Kiosk.—Passengers can obtain confectionery, fruit, toys, souvenirs, novels, etc., at reasonable prices in the Kiosk.
Lifebelts must not be removed from staterooms, except in cases of extreme danger and necessity.
Lights in Saloon until 11:00 pm; in Public Rooms until 11:30 pm
Meals.—Breakfast, 8:00 am to 10:00 am; Lunch, 1:00 pm; Dinner, 7:00 pm
When two sittings are necessary, meals will be served as follows :—
Breakfast, 8:00 am to 10:00 am.; Lunch, First sitting, 12:30 pm; Second sitting, 1.30 pm
Dinner, First sitting, 6:15 pm; Second sitting, 7.30 pm
Passengers may reserve seats at table for the voyage on application to the Chief Steward. Meals cannot be served in cabins or on deck unless with the Surgeon's permission.
Children's Meals— Breakfast, 9:00 am; Dinner, noon; Tea, 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Ports.—Passengers are requested not to open the ports. The Stewards will do this whenever practicable.
Postage Stamps are on sale at Purser's Bureau. A notice will be displayed stating the hours at which stamps may be obtained and also the latest time for posting mail matter on board.
British stamps must be used for correspondence posted on the High Seas. Rates :—Letters to United Kingdom and United States of America, 11d. for the first ounce and id. for each additional ounce. Post- cards, 1 1/2 d. each.
Railway and Steamer Time Tables may be consulted on application to the Librarian.
Redirection of Mail.—Passengers who expect letters or parcels to be delivered to the ship after they have dis- embarked should leave their full names and addresses at the Bureau in order that their mail may be forwarded to them.
Return Bookings.—The Purser and his staff will at all times bepleased to assist Passengers in the arranging of their return passages, or to supply them with the name and address of the agent in the town to which they are proceeding.
Smoking.—Cigarette smokers are requested to be care- ful when smoking on deck to see that cigarettes are extinguished before being thrown away. Children are not allowed in the Smoking Room.
Storage.—The Company will undertake to store deck chairs and steamer trunks belonging to Passengers at owner's risk until they are required when returning. Chairs and trunks should have owner's namepainted on them, and they will not be re-shipped without in- structions being sent to Baggage Master, Anchor Line, Yorkhill Quay, Glasgow, or, in the case of Italian Ports, care of Anchor Line, Genoa, or Anchor Line, Naples.
A description of the articles should be given, also name of steamer from which they were landed and date. No shawls, rugs, &c., to be attached to chairs. No charge for storage is made if the owners return by the Company's vessels. If chairs or trunks are forwarded by rail this is done at owner's risk and expense.
Table-Seating —The Chief Steward has the arrangement of table-seating.
The Surgeon is authorized to make customary charges, subject to the approval of the Captain, for treating Passengers at their request for any illness not originating on board the ship. In the case of sickness contracted on board no charge will be made and medicine will be provided free.
Through Bookings to Gibraltar, Egypt and India.— The Anchor Line steamers engaged in this service have excellent saloon accommodation. Fullparticulars as to fares, etc., on application.
Tobacco, Spirits, etc.—Tobacco, cigars, cigarettes, wines, spirits and perfumery are liable to duty on being brought into the United Kingdom, and the smallest quantities should be declared to the Customs Authorities.
Valuables.—Money or valuables should not be exposed in staterooms. The Company will not be responsible for articles lost or stolen. Valuables may be deposited in ship's safe, under care of the Purser, free of charge.
Source: SS Transylvania Passenger List - 3 September 1927
Information for Passengers - 11 September 1936
Meals.—
- Breakfast, 8:00 am to 10:00 am;
- Luncheon, 1:00 pm;
- Dinner, 7:00 pm
When two sittings are necessary, meals will be served as follows :-
- Breakfast, 8:00 am to 10:00 am;
- Lunch, First sitting, 12:30 pm; Second sitting, 1:30 pm
- Dinner, First sitting, 6:15 pm; Second sitting, 7:30 pm
Children's Meals —
- Breakfast, 9:00 am;
- Dinner, noon;
- Tea, 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Passengers may reserve seats at table for the voyage on application to the Chief Steward.
Boat Muster and Fire Stations for Passengers.—A muster of Passengers will be held as soon as possible after leaving port, and in the interests of discipline all Passengers are requested to attend.
Lifebelts must not be removed from staterooms, except in cases of extreme danger and for official Boat Muster.
Divine Service will be held, weather permitting, on Sunday morning. Requisites are provided for the celebration of Mass. Episcopalian and Anglican clergy may, on applying to the Purser, have the use of plate and linen for the purpose of holding Communion.
Additional Passage Money or Freight paid on board. —Passengers should obtain official receipt on the Company's form.
Baggage.—Enquiries regarding baggage on board ship should be addressed to the Baggage-Master.
To facilitate examination and identification of baggage on landing, all packages should have an official label affixed. These labels are supplied on board on application to Bedroom Steward.
Wardrobe Trunks.—The attention of Passengers is called to the fact that the steamer has a Baggage Room where trunks may be stored during the voyage. It is not always possible to have large wardrobe trunks placed in an accessible position in passenger staterooms.
Storage.—The Company will undertake to store steamer trunks belonging to Passengers at owner's risk until they are required for returning. Trunks should have owner's name printed on them, and they will not be re-shipped without instructions being sent to Baggage Master, Anchor Line, Yorkhill Quay, Glasgow. A description of the articles should be given, also name of steamer from which they were landed and date. No charge for storage is made if the owners return by the Company's vessels. If trunks are forwarded by rail this is done at owner's risk and expense.
Kiosk.—Passengers can obtain confectionery, fruit, toys, souvenirs, novels, postage stamps, etc., in the Kiosk.
Barber's Shop.—There is a fully equipped barber's shop on board for the convenience of Passengers.
Clothes Pressing.—Application should be made to the Barber, from whom rates and other particulars can be obtained.
Ladies' Hairdresser and Manicurist.—There is a well-appointed Ladies' Hairdresser and Manicurist's shop on board. For convenience appointments may be arranged.
Changes in Accommodation.—The Purser alone is authorized to make changes in accommodation and may only do so on payment of any difference in fare which may be required according to Company's tariffs.
Information.—If Passengers are in doubt on any point appertaining to their ocean voyage, or railroad journey, they are advised to consult the Purser.
Landing Cards.—Passengers must obtain from the Purser a Landing Card. The hours at which these cards are obtainable will be posted on notice board. It should be noted that before leaving the vessel the holder must present this landing card to an Immigrant Inspector for endorsement.
The Anchor Line News, containing the latest news by wireless and closing prices on the various Stock Exchanges, is published on board and distributed free to Passengers at breakfast time during the voyage.
Library.—Library books may be obtained on application to the Librarian. The books are issued free of charge.
Deck Chairs, Rugs and Cushions are available for hire and may be obtained on application to the Deck Steward.
Port-Holes.—Passengers are requested not to open the ports. The Stewards will do this whenever practicable.
Dogs and Cats.—Passengers are notified that dogs and Cats should be handed over to the livestock attendant on board and are not allowed in Staterooms, Public Rooms, or on Passenger Decks.
Dogs and Cats cannot be landed in Great Britain unless a licence has been procured from the Board of Agriculture, London. Forms of licence and particulars of quarantine period can be obtained by direct application to the Department before the animal is taken on board. Dogs and Cats can only be carried by special arrangement being made with the Company prior to embarkation.
Postage Stamps are on sale at Writing Rooms and Kiosks. A notice will be displayed stating the latest time for posting mail matter on board.
British stamps must be used for correspondence posted on the High Seas. Rates :—Letters to United Kingdom and United States of America, 10. for the first ounce and ld. for each additional ounce. Postcards, 11d. each.
Redirection of Mail.—Passengers who expect letters or parcels to be delivered to the ship after they have disembarked should leave their full names and addresses at the Bureau in order that their mail may be forwarded to them.
Railway and Steamer Time Tables may be consulted on application to the Purser.
Recovery of U.S. Head Tax.—Refund of Head Tax can be obtained provided Passengers have complied with the following conditions:—
- Inform the U.S. Immigration Inspector on arrival that it is their intention to leave the United States within 60 days, and obtain from the Inspector " Head Tax Refund Certificate " (Form 514)
- When leaving the United States to have the departure certified on Form 514 by the Purser of the vessel or by the conductor of the train upon which the departure takes place
Return Bookings.—The Purser and his staff will at all times be pleased to assist Passengers to arrange their return passages.
Smoking.—Passengers are requested to be carefulrwhen smoking on deck to see that cigarettes and cigars are extinguished before being thrown away. Children are not allowed in the Smoking Room.
The Surgeon is authorized to make the following charges for his services :—
- Cabin Class.- 5/- for the first visit and 2/6 per visit thereafter.
- Tourist Class.- 2/6 per visit.
In the case of sea-sickness or the consequences thereof, no charge will be made. In all cases medicines are provided by the Company free of charge.
Nurse—A trained and qualified hospital Nurse is carried. Her services, under the direction of the Surgeon, are at the disposal of Passengers.
Valuables.—Money or valuables should not be exposed in staterooms. For the convenience of Passengers the Company has provided a safe in the Purser's Office in which money, jewels, ornaments, documents, or other valuables may be deposited by Passengers. A receipt for any articles so deposited will be issued by the Purser, but the Company does not, having regard to the ticket conditions and to the provisions of Section 502 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1894, and of Section 4281 of the revised Statutes of the United States, accept any responsibility for the safe custody of any such articles.
Passengers are warned that they should not on any account part with money or valuables to any persons representing themselves as members of the ship's staff.
Money Exchange.—Facilities are available on Steamers for Passengers to change sterling and American currency at favourable rates.
Intimation will be made on the notice boards when transactions may be effected.
In their own interests Passengers should obtain an Exchange Voucher on the Company's Printed Form for each transaction.
Cheques.—Passengers are respectfully informed that the Purser is not authorized to accept private cheques.
Complaints of incivility, carelessness or inattention on the part of any of the ship's staff should be immediately reported to the Purser or Chief Steward, and failing satisfaction to the Captain.
Source: SS Transylvania Passenger List - 11 September 1936
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Wireless Telegraph and Telephone Rates, 1936. SS Transylvania Passenger List, 11 September 1936. GGA Image ID # 1e3ae6f34c
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The First Great Ocean Liners in Photographs - 1983
Sumptuous volume recalls the glorious early years of elegant transatlantic travel. Over 190 historic photographs depict exterior and interior views of 101 great ocean liners, including the Virginian, Imperator, Vaterland, Bismarck, Lusitania, Mauretania, Balmoral Castle, Titanic, Olympic, Aquitania and dozens more. Full captions.
Great Passenger Ships of the World 1913-1923
The period 1913-1923 is dealt with in this second volume. Although it was only a decade, it was one of the most turbulent passenger ships in history. Competition to produce ever-larger vessels declined between leading North Atlantic shipping companies. For 20 years, the ships of the Imperator Class were the largest in the world.
Great Passenger Ships of the World 1924-1935
Volume 3 in the series covers the years 1924-1935 and includes the introduction of the well-known superliners Normandie and Queen Mary, both of which successfully competed for the prestigious Blue Riband award for the fastest transatlantic crossing.
Ocean Steamers: A History of Ocean-Going Passenger Steamships 1820-1970
A history of the steam-powered passenger ship that details its story from the SS Savannah of 1819 to the SS Hamburg of 1969. It contains historical details of all civilian vessels built in the intervening years, with numerous illustrations and previously unpublished material.
Passenger Ships of the World - 1963
Passenger Ships of the World, 1963, represents an incredible resource covering passenger ships that are Trans-Atlantic, Trans-Pacific, Trans-Pacific via Panama Canal, Latin American, Africa and the Eastern Oceans, and California-Hawaii.
Pictorial Encyclopedia of Ocean Liners, 1860-1994
One of the most comprehensive pictorial references on ocean liners ever published, this superb chronicle by noted maritime historian William H. Miller, Jr., depicts and describes virtually every passenger ship of over 15,000 tons built between 1860 and the late 1900s.
THE ATLANTIC LINERS will be cherished by all the millions of Americans who love the sea. Frederick Emmons sketches the histories of every ocean liner that sailed between the United States and Europe between 1925 and 1970.
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