Liner passengers
The steam revolution
The introduction of steam in the early nineteenth century meant
a revolution in sea travel. It at last made sea voyages
comparatively fast, predictable and certain. It began the great age
of passenger travel by sea. More and more passengers began to make
voyages, because they could now do business abroad, or could see a
new country. Even more emigrated as steam ships reduced the length
and danger of an ocean crossing. As travel grew more popular, shipowning companies competed for
passengers. Speed and luxury were considered the most important
factors in attracting business. This was especially so on the North
Atlantic, the busiest route and which generated most competition.
For instance, the Cunard Line eagerly
embraced new propulsion technology in order to build faster and
faster ships, several of which captured the Blue Riband for the
fastest crossing. In the popular mind, the number of funnels a ship
had was seen as a reflection of its power and hence its speed. Some
unscrupulous companies went so far as to produce posters depicting
their ships with an additional number of funnels! Many companies, such as White Star Line
offered luxury. At least, this was for the passengers who could
afford the higher classes of accommodation. It should be remembered
that even the most luxurious ships carried emigrants in very basic
accommodation. The three or even more types of accommodation on
board allowed the classes to be rigorously segregated. Third class
or steerage accommodation was often down in the lower sections of
the ship, below the water line. First class passengers would enjoy
the best positions and views on the craft and have access to
restaurants and amenities that the lower orders could only dream
of. Matters for poorer passengers were still considerably better
than when they had to endure much longer crossings before the age
of steam.
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