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Cruise Ships and Liners of the 20th Century

The Role of Cruise Ships in World War II

During World War II, cruise ships played a vital role in transporting troops and supplies around the world. Their large size and capacity made them ideal for this purpose, and they were often converted to troop carriers or hospital ships. One of the most famous examples is the SS Normandie, which was converted into a troop carrier and renamed the USS Lafayette. It transported over 900,000 troops during the war.

Intermediate Dutch Liner Willem

The Willem was an intermediate Dutch liner that was built in 1935. It was designed to carry passengers and cargo between the Netherlands and the Dutch East Indies. The Willem was requisitioned by the Dutch government during World War II and served as a troop transport. It was sunk by a German submarine in 1942.

Panama Pacific to California

In 1935, the Panama Pacific cruise ship began offering cruises from New York to California. These cruises were very popular, and the Panama Pacific quickly became one of the most popular cruise ships in the world. The Panama Pacific was retired from service in 1964.

1940s Travelogue On Board Cruise Ship

In the 1940s, a travelogue film was made about a cruise ship. The film shows the ship's passengers enjoying the many amenities on board, such as the swimming pool, the dining room, and the dance floor. The film also shows the ship's crew working hard to keep the ship running smoothly.