Before airplane travel became commonplace, cruise ships were the only way to travel vast distances. And if you had money, then these ships, on which you had to spend weeks and months to get from point A to point B, became the personification of the highest class and luxury.
Of course, today's cruise liners can boast planetariums and huge pools on board, but these modern floating shopping malls lack the elegance and taste of bygone years.
What first class looked like on cruise ships before the era of airplanesWhat first class looked like on cruise ships before the era of airplanesWhat first class looked like on cruise ships before the era of airplanes
Traveling across the ocean was not a cheap pleasure.
What first class looked like on cruise ships before the era of airplanes
That's what people who could pay for tickets to the upper deck got.
What first class looked like on cruise ships before the era of airplanes
During the construction, special attention was paid to the smallest details, the ships tried to make exact copies of luxury hotels.
What first class looked like on cruise ships before the era of airplanes
The suitcases of first-class passengers were sorted by a maid.
What first class looked like on cruise ships before the era of airplanesWhat first class looked like on cruise ships before the era of airplanes
On board such a ship, you hardly remember that you are in the middle of the ocean.
What first class looked like on cruise ships before the era of airplanes
Luxury was everywhere.
What first class looked like on cruise ships before the era of airplanesWhat first class looked like on cruise ships before the era of airplanes
Greta Garbo and Moritz Stiller during a trip from Europe to the USA, 1925.
What first class looked like on cruise ships before the era of airplanes
There were gyms on such ships.
What first class looked like on cruise ships before the era of airplanesWhat first class looked like on cruise ships before the era of airplanesWhat first class looked like on cruise ships before the era of airplanes
Swimming pool with fountain.
What first class looked like on cruise ships before the era of airplanesWhat first class looked like on cruise ships before the era of airplanes
People spent whole months on the ship, so they had to come up with some activities.
What first class looked like on cruise ships before the era of airplanesWhat first class looked like on cruise ships before the era of airplanesWhat first class looked like on cruise ships before the era of airplanes
Even boxing matches were held during the cruise.
What first class looked like on cruise ships before the era of airplanes
The dinners during the voyage were very long.
What first class looked like on cruise ships before the era of airplanes
And the canteens were worthy of kings.
What first class looked like on cruise ships before the era of airplanesWhat first class looked like on cruise ships before the era of airplanesWhat first class looked like on cruise ships before the era of airplanesWhat first class looked like on cruise ships before the era of airplanes
The dining rooms looked like a theater or an opera.
What first class looked like on cruise ships before the era of airplanes
For dinner, people dressed accordingly.
What first class looked like on cruise ships before the era of airplanesWhat first class looked like on cruise ships before the era of airplanesWhat first class looked like on cruise ships before the era of airplanesWhat first class looked like on cruise ships before the era of airplanes
Live music and dancing.
What first class looked like on cruise ships before the era of airplanesWhat first class looked like on cruise ships before the era of airplanesWhat first class looked like on cruise ships before the era of airplanes
These are the recreation areas.
What first class looked like on cruise ships before the era of airplanes
Library and reading room.
What first class looked like on cruise ships before the era of airplanesWhat first class looked like on cruise ships before the era of airplanes
Passengers could call home from their cabin.
What first class looked like on cruise ships before the era of airplanes
And also take your clothes to the laundry.
What first class looked like on cruise ships before the era of airplanes
And buy the necessary medicines at the pharmacy.
What first class looked like on cruise ships before the era of airplanes
A playroom for children.
What first class looked like on cruise ships before the era of airplanes
The bedrooms were comfortable and cozy.
What first class looked like on cruise ships before the era of airplanesWhat first class looked like on cruise ships before the era of airplanes
The beds were single even for married couples.
What first class looked like on cruise ships before the era of airplanes
The non-first class bedrooms also looked good.
What first class looked like on cruise ships before the era of airplanesWhat first class looked like on cruise ships before the era of airplanes
The regulars of cruise trips were celebrities of that time. Pictured: Cary Grant.
What first class looked like on cruise ships before the era of airplanes