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© National Museums NI, 2019 Archive of Titanic website for educational use

On Board

In her day, Titanic led the way in technological innovation, luxurious accommodation and

exceptional catering.

The ship’s First Class quarters provided room for 905 passengers in 416 cabins, staterooms and

private suites of the highest standards.

Second Class passengers also enjoyed high standards of accommodation, with meals that were on a

par with first class levels on other ships.

Perhaps less well recognised is the high level of comfort also available to Titanic’s Third Class

passengers.

Eating

Meals were the high point of the day on board Titanic. First‐class passengers were served meals of

the highest standard ‐ glorious feasts, brilliantly prepared and flawlessly served in an atmosphere of

elegance and luxury.

Second class passengers enjoyed similar high quality of food, but with less choice and fewer courses

than first class.

Passengers travelling in third class were offered food that was simple but plentiful, with freshly

baked bread and fruit available at every meal.


1st Class Cafe Parisien

First Class, Café Parisien, Titanic, Belfast, March 1912. Café Parisien was an entirely new luxury innovation aboard Titanic. The café’s large picture windows

gave diners a view of the sea while dining ‐ something that had never before been done on a British

ship. This innovation was later adopted on Olympic.

Situated outside the first class À la Carte Restaurant, Café Parisien captured the style and

atmosphere of a sidewalk café in Paris. White Star literature of the time described it as a

‘…charming sun‐lit veranda, tastefully decorated in French trellis‐work with ivy and other creeping

plants…’.

The First Class passengers in Café Parisien certainly enjoyed the best of food. On April 14, the night

Titanic struck an iceberg, the menu included oysters, salmon, roast duckling, sirloin of beef, pate de

foie gras, peaches in Chartreuse jelly and chocolate and vanilla éclairs.


1st Class Dining Saloon

First class dining saloon.

Over 500 people could dine in luxury in this immense Jacobean‐style dining room, located on D‐deck

between the second and third funnels. Its placement there was no accident. This location gave first

class diners the smoothest ride available onboard Titanic.

The floor of the Dining Saloon was laid with linoleum tiles intricately patterned to resemble a Persian

carpet. The small tables made for easy conversation between tablemates, an activity no doubt

assisted by the superb food, fine wine and comfortable armchairs.

"This immense room has been decorated in a style peculiarly English – that, in fact, which was

evolved by the eminent architects of early Jacobean times (early 1600s)…. The furniture of oak is

designed to harmonise with its surroundings".


Olympic 1st Class Rates


2nd Class Dining Room

Second class dining room.

Titanic’s second class dining room, located on ‘D’ deck, could accommodate all 564 second class

passengers at a single seating. It was a large elegant room, with mahogany furniture upholstered in

crimson. A piano provided entertainment for the diners.

The long tables and mahogany swivel chairs were bolted to the floors in case of bad weather at sea.

The dinner menu on the evening of 14 April, 1912, the night of the collision, shows that the second

class passengers enjoyed a hearty three‐course meal, with a consommé to start, then a choice of

four main courses: baked haddock, chicken curry, spring lamb and roast turkey, followed by dessert

and coffee.

For many of those on board, this would be their last meal.

"The panelling of this room is carried out in oak … at the forward end a specially‐designed sideboard,

with a piano in the centre, is provided; the furniture is in mahogany, the upholstery of crimson

leather and the floor has linoleum tiles of special design".


3rd Class Dining Saloon

Titanic’s third class dining saloons.

Titanic had two dining rooms for third class passengers, located on Middle or F‐deck, and separated

by a watertight bulkhead. They had a joint capacity of 473, and could accommodate two sittings. As

the photograph suggests, the dining rooms were sparsely decorated, but enamelled white and

brightened by sidelights.

Third class passengers enjoyed food that was simple but plentiful, with freshly baked bread and fruit

available at every meal. The dinner served on Sunday April 14th, the ship’s last day afloat, consisted

of rice soup, fresh bread, biscuits, roast beef with gravy, sweet corn, and boiled potatoes, followed

by plum pudding, sweet sauce and fruit.

" … situated amidships on the middle deck, consisting of two saloons extending from ship’s side to

ship’s side, well lighted with sidelights, and all finished enamel white; the chairs are of special

design. The position of this apartment – i.e. in the centre of the ship – illustrates the wonderful

strides made in passenger comfort in modern times".

Sleeping

As the first ship to offer running water in every cabin, Titanic was designed to cater for the needs of

all its passengers. First class accommodation was truly luxurious, with cost ranging from £30 for a

cabin on A‐Deck, to £870 for a private suite on B‐Deck.

Titanic’s second class berths would have been considered first class on other shipping lines at that

time. Most third class cabins had bunk beds for 4 or 6 people and were provided with heat and

electrical lighting.


1st Class Parlour Suite B60

First class parlour suite B60, Titanic, Belfast, March 1912.

The First Class suites were decorated in various period styles and came equipped with many modern

electrical appliances, such as telephones, heaters, steward call bells, table fans and electrical

blowers to provide fresh air.

Many of the first class cabins on Titanic had interconnecting doors so that occupants could walk

directly from one room to another. This meant, for example, that the master and mistress of the

household might occupy the first bedroom, with children in the second, and staff in the third.

Improvements to Titanic’s first class accommodation meant she was able to generate more income

than her sister ship, Olympic. Besides having additional staterooms, the more expensive parlour

suite rooms (such as that shown here) on Bridge Deck B were extended out to the sides of the ship,

to incorporate a promenade deck.




Titanic’s first class accommodation was capable of housing up to 735 passengers. The style of

accommodation on offer ranged from comfortable single‐berth cabins to magnificent multi‐room

parlour suites.

The first class cabins and suites were located over five decks, generally amidships, where the ship’s

motion would be least felt. First class accommodation also held 350 cheaper standard cabins with

single beds, used for accompanying servants and staff.

"Perhaps the most striking are the suite rooms of which there is an unusually large number,

decorated in different styles and periods."



The first class accommodation on Titanic was decorated in a variety of historic styles. However, in

order to save space, Titanic’s decorators wisely used the simpler Neo‐Classic styles in most of the

suites, such as Adams, Chippendale and French ‘Empire’.

"It is impossible to adequately describe the decorations in the passenger accommodation…. They are

on a scale of unprecedented magnificence. Nothing like them has ever appeared before on the

ocean".




The expensive and exclusive staterooms were the last word in luxury. They came complete with

superb fixtures and fittings and were richly decorated in different ornate period styles, including

Louis XVI, Louis XV, Georgian and Queen Anne.

"The Staterooms in their situation, spaciousness and appointments will be perfect havens of retreat

where many pleasant hours are spent, and where the time given to slumber and rest will be free

from noise or other disturbance".




With a passenger list that included the millionaires John Jacob Astor and Benjamin Guuggenheim, it

is clear that only the very privileged could afford to travel First Class on Titanic. The cost of a first

class parlour suite was £870, one way. It is estimated that this would equate to at least £32,000 /

$50,000 in today’s currency.

Fortunately however, children and dogs travelled at half fare in First Class.

"The finish and decoration of the first class staterooms are well in keeping with the excellence of the

public rooms; the staterooms are also exceptionally large and beautifully furnished".

2nd Class Single Berth Stateroom

Second class single‐berth stateroom.

Most of the cabins in second class had bunk‐beds, unless one booked a single‐person cabin, such as

that shown here.

There were no private toilets for each individual cabin, although sinks and shaving/make‐up mirrors

were provided. Bed linen was changed every day by the ship’s stewardesses,

"The White Star Line has done much to increase the attractions of second‐class accommodation

during recent years, having made a special feature of this in a number of their vessels; and in the

Olympic and Titanic it will be found that this class of passenger has been generously provided for".


2nd Class Two Berth Stateroom

Second class two‐berth stateroom.

The staterooms of the second class were very similar to the standard cabins of the first class. Family

rooms usually combined single and bunk beds. As you can see in the picture, a small settee would

often be supplied, together with a writing desk and wardrobe or dressing table and washing

facilities.

"It would have been difficult a few years ago to conceive such sumptuous appointments in the

second class …… natural light to each cabin; the rooms are finished enamel white and have

mahogany furniture covered with moquette and linoleum tiles on the floor".

3rd Class Two Berth Stateroom

Third class two‐berth stateroom. There were 84 two‐berth cabins for third class passengers on board Titanic. However, most cabins in

third class had bunk beds for between 4 and 6 people, a small amount of wardrobe space and a sink

that delivered fresh water.


Six occupant cabins housed families or same‐sex passengers. While this arrangement offered some

privacy to the passengers, it meant they would still have shared their experience with

strangers. Heat and electrical lighting for the cabins was included in the cost of passage.

There were over 1,000 third class passengers on board Titanic and large, clean, public toilets were

provided for their use. Intriguingly though, Titanic had only two bath tubs for all the third class

passengers ‐ one tub for men, and another for the women.

"The accommodation for third class passengers in these steamers is also of a very superior

character, the public rooms being large, airy apartments, suitably furnished, and in excellent

positions, and the same applies to the third‐class staterooms and berths".

Interiors

All of Titanic’s fixtures, fittings and decorations were completed to the highest standards using the

most advanced technology and innovative products of the day.

Every accommodation, including third class, had running water; first and second class passengers

had access to electric‐powered lifts (elevators), and communal rooms were covered in the latest

floor covering, linoleum.

The ship builders’ scrupulous attention to detail was best demonstrated by the Grand Staircase, an

intricately carved work of art which rose majestically through six decks, crowned by a magnificent

glass dome.

1st Class Main Staircase

First class main staircase.

Titanic had two staircases; a forward or Grand Staircase between the first and second funnels and

another staircase for the use of second class passengers, located between the third and fourth

funnels.

Harland & Wolff employed the most skilled carpenters in Ireland to turn the Grand Staircase into an

intricate work of art – a task which they evidently completed successfully. Decorated with oak


panelling and gilded balustrades, the wide sweeping steps and landings of the Grand Staircase rose

majestically through six decks, and were crowned by a magnificent glass dome.

On the uppermost landing, shown here, was a large panel containing a clock flanked by the figures of

Honour and Glory crowning Time.

"In the middle of the hall rises a gracefully curving staircase, its balustrade supported by light scroll‐

work of iron with occasional touches of bronze, in the form of flowers and foliage. The staircase is

one of the principal features of the ship, and will be greatly admired as being without doubt the

finest piece of workmanship of its kind afloat"

1st Class Elevators

First class lifts or elevators.

Titanic’s first class passengers were provided with three electric lifts (elevators), complete with lift

attendants and comfortable sofas. The lifts were located side by side, immediately in front of the

Grand Staircase. Another lift was available for second‐class passengers.

"We may be spared the labour of mounting or descending stairs by entering one of the smoothly‐

gliding elevators which bear us quickly to any other of the numerous floors of the ship we may wish

to visit".

Activities on board

First class passengers could enjoy the ship's swimming pool, gymnasium, squash racquet court and

Turkish baths. For less energetic passengers, the ship’s orchestra played background music and

performed in various public rooms during the day.

Deck games such as shuffleboard and quoits (ring toss) and board games, including chess and

backgammon, were available to second class passengers.

There was not much in the way of formal activities for third class passengers. However, Titanic’s

Poop Deck was a popular place to meet, relax and play deck games.


1st Class Turkish Baths

First class Turkish baths cooling room.

For a charge of four shillings, or one dollar, First Class passengers could soothe away their aches and

pains at the Turkish Baths. This suite had a steam room, a hot room, a temperate room, shampooing

rooms, toilets and a cooling room. There was also an ultra‐modern innovation ‐ electric beds that

applied heat to the body using electric lamps.

As this illustration shows, the baths had a distinctly Moorish theme and its walls were lined with

ornate and colourful blue and green tiles.

"One of the most interesting and striking rooms on the ship. The port‐holes are concealed by an

elaborately‐carved Cairo curtain, through which the light fitfully reveals “something of the grandeur

of the mysterious East”.

1st Class Private Promenade

First class private promenade, Titanic, Belfast, March 1912. As a result of experience gained with her sister ship, Olympic, a number of improvements were

made to Titanic’s first class accommodation. The state rooms were brought out flush with the

outside of the superstructure, and the rooms themselves were much larger. The sitting rooms of

some of the suites on this deck were 15x15 feet.


Very wealthy passengers paying premium fares for exclusive parlour suites had access to two private

promenades, or walkways, one on either side of the vessel. These promenades, each about 50 feet

long, were decorated in a half‐timbered Tudor style.

1st Class Gym

First class gymnasium, Titanic, Belfast, March 1912.

Titanic’s gymnasium was a wonderful innovation for an ocean‐going liner. It had an electric camel,

an electric horse, cycling machines and a rowing machine.

Tickets, priced one shilling, were available from the purser and entitled first class passengers to one

session in this facility, under the watchful eye of the physical educator, Mr Thomas McCauley.

The gymnasium was open for ladies between 9.00 am and noon, and for gentlemen between 2.00

pm and 6.00 pm. Children were allowed in between 1.00 pm and 3.00 pm.

Passengers can "indulge in the action of horse riding, cycling, boat rowing etc, and obtain beneficial

exercise, besides endless amusement".


On the fateful night of 14/15 April 1912, McCauley, remained at his post in the gymnasium and went

down with the ship.

1st Class Squash Court

First class squash racquet court.

The squash racquet court provided for first class passengers was located well down in Titanic’s

Lower Deck. It was under the supervision of an attendant who supplied racquets, balls, and who

would play as an opponent if required.

Players were charged two shillings (50 cents) for the use of the court and games were limited to one

hour if others were waiting. The squash court compartment included an observers' gallery on Middle

Deck above.

"The court is situated on the lower deck and extends two decks high for a length of 30 feet. A

spectator gallery is placed on the after end of the court on the middle deck level".

1st Class Swimming Pool

First class swimming bath.

Titanic was considered the most luxurious ocean liner ever built at the time and her heated

swimming pool was only the second of its kind anywhere on the ocean. The first swimming pool

ever to go to sea had been installed on Titanic’s sister ship, Olympic, the previous year.


2nd Class Smoke Room

Second class smoking room.

At this time there was not only a strict segregation between the social classes, but on occasion,

between the sexes too. These social conventions continued on board Titanic, when, after dinner,

the gentlemen of the second class would retreat to the male‐only Smoking Room. Here they might

spend some time enjoying a drink and engaging in a friendly hand of cards.

Located on B‐deck above the second class library, the Smoking Room was panelled in carved oak. Its

oak furniture, upholstered in dark green Moroccan leather, added to its masculine air. The floor was

laid with linoleum tiles, the very latest in 1912 floor covering.

2nd Class Boat Deck

Second class boat deck.

Titanic’s boat deck was designed to be spacious and uncluttered. The deck was illuminated by

electrical lamps, and passengers could stroll or play deck games on terraces on the raised roofs over

the lounge areas.


The second class promenade on the boat deck was located aft (to the rear of the ship). Here

passengers could take a leisurely stroll, relax on benches, socialise with other travellers and meet

people of different nationalities.

As there were no cafés in second class, afternoon tea and coffee was served either in the second

class library or, if passengers preferred, on the boat deck.

Those using this area would have walked past lifeboats 10, 12, 14, and 16 on the port side and 9, 11,

13, and 15 on the starboard side. Their presence in this illustration is a sombre reminder of what

fate lay ahead for the ship, its passengers and crew.

2nd Class Smoke Room

Second class smoking room.

At this time there was not only a strict segregation between the social classes, but on occasion,

between the sexes too. These social conventions continued on board Titanic, when, after dinner,

the gentlemen of the second class would retreat to the male‐only Smoking Room. Here they might

spend some time enjoying a drink and engaging in a friendly hand of cards.

Located on B‐deck above the second class library, the Smoking Room was panelled in carved oak. Its

oak furniture, upholstered in dark green Moroccan leather, added to its masculine air. The floor was

laid with linoleum tiles, the very latest in 1912 floor covering.

"The decoration is a variation of Louis XVI period; the panelling and dado are of oak relieved with

carving; the furniture is of oak of special design, covered with plain, dark green morocco".


3rd Class General Room

Third class general room.

The third class General Room was a gathering place for the multitude of steerage passengers

steaming towards a new life in North America. Located on the starboard side of the ship, it served

as a lounge, a nursery and a recreational area.

The General Room was finished in white enamelled pine and fitted with slat‐seated benches and

teak chairs. In the interests of hygiene, there were no upholstered surfaces. However, the walls

were brightened with posters advertising White Star’s vessels and ports of call.

Third class male passengers onboard the Titanic had access to a smoking room, similar to the general

room but with its own bar, and spittoons for those who chewed tobacco.

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