S.S. United States Deck Plan

The fastest ocean liner to ever cross the Atlantic Ocean.

This double-sided deck plan would have been distributed to the fortunate passengers who traveled aboard the Transatlantic liner S.S. United States. The accessible portions of eight of the ships’ twelve total decks are shown across both sides of the sheet. The luxurious fittings and room furnishings are outlined down to the individual sofas, toilets, tables, and wardrobes (as depicted in the accompanying legend). Labeled amenities include theaters, observation lounges, bars, smoking rooms, promenades, a gymnasium, swimming pool, library, barber/beauty parlor, and a children’s playroom.

The SS United States was an American engineering marvel. She was designed as the fastest and largest ocean liner ever built in the U.S., capable of being converted into a troopship for national defense. On her maiden voyage in 1952, she set an unbroken Transatlantic speed record, earning (and since retaining) the coveted Blue Riband. Despite her speed and luxurious, fireproof interiors, the rise of commercial jet travel led to her retirement in 1969. Despite the best efforts of preservationists, the ship is planned to be sunk off the coast of Florida as one of the world’s largest artificial reefs.