When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Original 1927–1928 “Plan and Rates of the Fourth World Cruise” for the Red Star Line steamship S.S. Belgenland.
This is an exceptionally large folding ship plan measuring approximately 42\" x 36\" when fully opened. It is printed on very thin paper and was designed to fold down into a much smaller format for travel and reference.
Across the top, the piece reads:
Fourth World Cruise · S.S. BELGENLAND · Red Star Line
and:
THE LARGEST STEAMER TO CIRCLE THE GLOBE
The sheet gives the ship’s specifications as:
39,900 Tons Displacement
27,200 Tons Gross Register
Length 697 Feet
Triple Screw
This publication specifically documents Belgenland’s Fourth World Cruise of 1927–1928.
The printed cruise information gives the following departure and return dates:
New York – December 14, 1927
Los Angeles – December 29, 1927
San Francisco – January 1, 1928
Returning to New York – April 26, 1928
133 Days
The cruise was operated by the International Mercantile Marine Company, cooperating with the American Express Company Travel Department.
The large sheet contains extensive color-coded deck plans covering multiple levels of the ship, including:
Boat Deck
Deck A – Upper Promenade
Deck B – Lower Promenade
Deck C – Bridge
Deck D – Awning
Deck E – Upper
Deck F – Main
Deck G – Lower
The plans identify individual cabins and numerous onboard spaces and facilities, including the:
Cruise Office
Terrace Café
Smoke Room
Lounge
Table Tennis Courts
Outdoor Swimming Pools
Ladies’ Gymnasium
Dental Surgeon
Japanese Dancing Square / Tea Garden
Dining Room
Saloon
Reception Area
Music Room
Swimming Pool and Turkish Bath
The left side contains an extensive Schedule of Rates, listing individual cabin numbers, accommodations, passenger capacities and cruise fares.
A printed 1927–1928 Itinerary of the Cruise is also included at the lower portion of the sheet.
The right side includes several original black-and-white photographs showing Belgenland and examples of onboard accommodations, including suite bedrooms, drawing rooms and staterooms.
Two decorative printed panels read:
PLAN AND RATES OF THE
Fourth World Cruise
of the Red Star Line
Steamer
BELGENLAND
and repeat the sailing dates and ship specifications.
Historical records confirm that this was Belgenland’s fourth around-the-world cruise, departing New York in December 1927 and returning in April 1928 after a 133-day voyage. The itinerary included the Panama Canal, California, Hawaii, Japan, China, the Philippines, Bangkok, Java, Singapore, India, Egypt, Greece, Italy and other ports before returning to New York.
Belgenland was one of the best-known Red Star Line ships of the interwar period and became particularly associated with long luxury world cruises during the 1920s. Original material specifically tied to one of these complete circumnavigations has considerably more historical interest than ordinary transatlantic sailing brochures.
Date: 1927–1928
Ship: S.S. Belgenland
Cruise Line: Red Star Line
Cruise: Fourth World Cruise
Duration: 133 Days
Opened Size: Approximately 42\" x 36\"
Format: Large folding deck plan and rate sheet
Paper: Very thin paper
Contents: Detailed color deck plans, cabin rates, itinerary, ship photographs and specifications
Condition:
Original pre-owned condition with substantial age and handling wear consistent with a nearly 100-year-old oversized folding paper piece.
The paper is very thin and fragile. There are numerous original fold lines, creases, edge wear, small tears and splits along portions of the folds and edges, and areas of wrinkling and handling wear. Some corners and outer edges show losses or irregularities. There is also age-related toning and discoloration.
Despite the condition issues, the large deck-plan graphics, printed information, color coding, photographs and major text remain substantially present and displayable.
Because of the thin paper and existing fold wear, this should be handled carefully when opening and refolding.
Important Note to Buyers: Please carefully examine all high-resolution photos, as they are considered part of the description and provide the best representation of condition. This is a fragile antique paper item and is being sold in the condition shown.
