Fun on the Titanic

What did passengers aboard the Titanic do all day, besides eat fabulous meals and stroll around their luxurious ship? Here are some of the amenities those traveling in each class enjoyed: In first class, passengers had many opportunities for entertainment and exercise. The heated swimming pool, only the second one ever built on an ocean liner, was filled with sea water. A ticket cost 25 cents, but men could swim for free between 6:00am and 9:00am. Also available were the gymnasium, with an electric camel, electric horse, rowing and cycling machines; and the squash courts, which cost 50 cents per hour and had an observers’ gallery. The Turkish Baths, designed to soothe away any aches and pains, were lavishly decorated in blue and green tiles and cost $1.00 per use. All of these areas had different hours of operation for men and women.

Swimming Pool on the Titanic

First class passengers could also take advantage of several beautiful public rooms and lounges for meeting friends, writing letters, playing cards, or relaxing with a good book. On deck, chairs and blankets could be rented for the voyage at a cost of $1.00 each. And in case the multi-course meals in the breathtaking dining saloon weren’t enough, the Café Parisien offered tea, coffee, and sandwiches.

Second class passengers could enjoy a brisk stroll or meet fellow travelers on the second class boat deck, where afternoon coffee and tea were served. Deck games such as shuffleboard were popular. Indoors, the smoking room and the second class library provided space for conversation, reading, writing, or board games.

Second Class Boat Deck

The third class "general room" was the meeting place for steerage passengers. Some played instruments and provided music for dancing, either in the general room or on the poop deck, the deck for third class use. A smoking room was also available. Children played on the deck or in the general room. For all the steerage passengers bound for a new life in America, the White Star Line ensured, “the interval between the old life and the new is spent under the happiest possible conditions.”

General Room