The Queens of the American Waves
While the British might be famous for their grand Cunard liners, the United States has a proud and glittering history of conquering the North Atlantic with its own fleet of magnificent ships. These vessels carried everyone from hopeful immigrants to Hollywood royalty, all while battling for the prestigious Blue Riband. With that in mind, here are 20 of America’s most stunning historical ocean liners.
National Museum of the U.S. Navy on Wikimedia
1. SS United States
This magnificent ship is still the fastest eastbound crossing ever recorded by a passenger liner. Commissioned in secret with military specifications that could convert her into a troopship in a matter of days should war ever be declared. Her colossal hull still resides in Philadelphia to this day.
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2. SS Leviathan
Originally built by the Germans, this massive ship was seized during World War I and became the flagship of the United States Lines throughout the roaring twenties. She was one of the largest and most luxurious ships of her time, offering a level of opulence that made her a favorite among the social elite. Travelers loved her grand ballrooms and the sense of security that came with her enormous size as she cut through the waves.
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3. SS America
Launched mere months before the outbreak of World War II, she was famous for her stunning Art Deco design and incredibly hospitable atmosphere. She worked under many different names; most notable were her years spent as a luxury liner for America.
4. SS Constitution
If you’ve seen any “I Love Lucy” episodes featuring tropical ocean crossings, you’ve seen this beauty. She sailed the glamorous Mediterranean route throughout the 1950s and 60s, taking Americans to Europe when they vacationed abroad.
5. SS Independence
As the sister ship to the Constitution, this liner helped define the mid-century American style of ocean travel with her bright and airy public spaces. She spent years carrying passengers in luxury before transitioning into a popular cruise ship in her later life. Many people still remember her fondly as one of the last true American liners to maintain a regular presence on the high seas.
American Export Lines; Centpacrr (Digital image) on Wikimedia
6. SS Manhattan
This ship was the first one built from the ground up by the United States Lines back in 1930. Her interiors were designed to offer quality travel at a relatively low fare for cabin class passengers. She helped prove that American yards could compete with Europeans during the height of the Depression.
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7. SS Washington
Following right behind her sister Manhattan, Washington continued building United States Lines’ reputation on the North Atlantic circuit. She played an important role as a troop transport during wartime, safely escorting hundreds of soldiers across the ocean. She eventually returned to passenger duty after the war.
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8. SS President Cleveland
Used on the transpacific run between San Francisco and the Orient, this lovely liner represented America in Hawaii and Japan. She featured air conditioning and swimming pools on deck since she spent so much time sailing through tropical waters.
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9. SS President Wilson
Wilson was Cleveland’s sister ship, and they spent decades together ruling the luxury market on the Pacific Ocean. She offered passengers top-notch American food as they crossed from mainland USA to Asia.
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10. SS Mariposa
This liner was a key player in the Matson Line’s service to the South Pacific, connecting California with the exotic islands of Hawaii and Australia. She was built with a sturdy hull to handle the long stretches of open water while keeping her passengers entertained with music and dancing. Her bright white paint and classic silhouette made her a welcome sight in any harbor she visited.
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11. SS Monterey
Monterey sailed in tandem with her sister Mariposa for years, turning the trip to Honolulu into America’s favorite vacation spot in the 1950s. She was later refitted as a cruise ship but will always be loved for her days as a scheduled liner.
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12. SS Brazil
One of three liners that made up the “Good Neighbor Fleet,” Brazil sailed between America and many of South America’s finest ports like Rio and Buenos Aires. She provided upscale travelers with the chance to experience life in the southern hemisphere.
13. SS Argentina
As the partner to Brazil, this ship was a vital link for trade and tourism between the two American continents for many years. She underwent several major renovations to keep her up to date with the latest technologies and passenger preferences of the time. Her presence in the Atlantic helped maintain a strong American influence in a region typically dominated by European shipping lines.
14. SS Lurline
Flagship for the Matson Line, she’s perhaps best known today as Hawaii’s most glamorous clipper. People in Honolulu would line the docks for “Boat Day” when she arrived from the mainland. She was welcomed by thousands of revelers, flowers, and live Hawaiian music.
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15. SS Saint Paul
Launched in the late 19th century, this early liner was a pioneer for the American Line and proved that domestic shipbuilders could produce world-class vessels. She was notable for her impressive speed and served with distinction as a scout cruiser during the Spanish-American War. Her long career spanned the transition from the old-fashioned steamships to the modern liners of the new century.
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16. SS Saint Louis
Saint Paul’s sister ship had some of the wealthiest Americans sailing in her cabins while she crisscrossed the Atlantic during the Gilded Age. Building her proved the US could not only build quality ships, but they could build big ships.
17. SS Malolo
Launching in 1927, this island-bound beauty was the fastest and most luxurious liner in the Pacific. She made the trip to Hawaii quicker than her older sisters. She rammed another ship during her sea trials, but luckily was barely damaged and went on to prove just how solid her construction was.
18. SS President Roosevelt
This ship had a long and storied history, including a famous rescue at sea where her crew saved the men of a sinking British freighter during a violent storm. She was known for being a very steady and reliable vessel, which made her a popular choice for those who were prone to seasickness. Her career is a testament to the bravery and skill of the American sailors who manned these great liners.
19. SS City of New York
Designed to be the most beautiful ship on the ocean, this twin-screw liner was a marvel of late-Victorian engineering and aesthetics. She held the record for the fastest crossing for a short time and was the first ship to feature truly comfortable third-class accommodations. Her graceful clipper bow and three elegant smokestacks made her one of the most recognizable ships in any port.
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20. SS California
This was the first major turbo-electric passenger ship ever built, representing a massive technological leap forward for the American maritime industry in 1928. She sailed the long route between New York and California via the Panama Canal. Her modern propulsion system made her exceptionally quiet and smooth, providing a level of comfort that was ahead of its time.
Boston Public Library Fred J Hoertz & Harry H Baumann on Wikimedia
