SHIPS OF THE U.S. MERCHANT MARINE 



THE Washington and her sister ship, the Manhattan, were the largest 

 and fastest American luxury liners in service between 1933 and the 

 outbreak of the war, and enjoyed enormous popularity with travelers of 

 all nations. They ran regularly in the North Atlantic service on the regu- 

 lar United States Lines' route between New York, the English and 

 French channel ports and Hamburg. Competing easily in service and cui- 

 sine with the largest foreign ships, they were particularly noted for the 

 excellence of the food served, just as the America is today. In fact, many 

 gourmets consider it better than on any foreign ships. Other American- 

 flag lines have also received this compliment, particularly since the war. 



American travelers and others from various parts of the world are de- 

 lighted that the majestic Washington is now back in service on her old 

 run, completely refitted and renovated as a tourist ship. Today she is 

 easily the premier ship of the world for this class of service. It has been a 

 fine gesture on the part of an American-flag steamship line to give the 

 tourist of moderate means a chance to go abroad. 



The Washington was always a great favorite with women passengers 

 before the war, and everything possible has been done in reconverting her 

 to continue her attractive qualities. She is completely air-conditioned. She 

 has a wire-enclosed play deck equipped with sandbox, slide and other 

 amusements for children, where they can play in the open air in perfect 

 safety. It adjoins the indoor playroom, and can be entered only from this 

 room. A stewardess is in charge during the day. It is easy to understand 

 why the ship is a favorite with so many mothers. The Washington also 

 has a fine gymnasium, and a sundeck which includes a full-size tennis 

 court, one of the few on ocean liners. The tennis court is located between 

 the two red, white and blue stacks, and has a deck area of about 4,000 

 square feet. In addition to this court for regular hard-court tennis, with 

 ball and racquets, there are also courts for the usual deck tennis, played 

 with rubber rings. 



The Washington, during her prewar service, made approximately one 



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