Adriatic Mediterranean Cruise, 1931

‘The Adriatic is a ship on which gentlefolk like to travel. Her public rooms impart a sense of well-being…of good taste. One is wont to mingle freely with one’s fellow passengers…to enjoy to the fullest extent the cosmopolitan group of voyagers who refer to the Adriatic as “my ship”.’ — Adriatic Plans and Rates 1931

Adriatic’s Turkish, electric and plunge bath establishment - alongside the large gymnasium - were the first luxuries of their kind onboard a White Star liner. (And the first to go to sea, if we exclude the electric baths.) Despite its small size, the plunge bath - which was intended to be used as part of the Turkish bath experience - also had a claim to being the first swimming pool afloat. The instructions to passengers from 1907 specified the opening hours and charges. (Author's collection.)

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Note: Further information about Adriatic can be found at Malcolm Shifrin’s Victorian Turkish Bath Project.

‘Amusements on these ships are a little less stressed, perhaps, than on the fashionable express liners, but they are not lacking. On each ship the orchestra gives daily concerts of classic and popular music and also plays for dancing. Games of various kinds are played in the lounge and smoking room, and there is generous deck space for outdoor sports.’