RMS Carpathia - History, Accommodations, and Ephemera Collection.
The latest outcome of this consistent effort to provide the maximum of accommodation
and comfort for second and third class passengers is the steamship Carpathian which
carries only these two classes of voyagers.
Her builders are Messrs.
Swan and Hunter, who achieved such a pronounced success with the Cunarder Ivernia.
View of the Second Cabin Dining Saloon on the Carpathia.
The Carpathia has four complete steel decks, the lower, main, upper and shelter deck ;
while below the lower is the orlop deck, and below that again the cellular double-bottom,
which not only serves the useful purpose of carrying water ballast but prevents the real
bottom of the ship being injured should the vessel be so unfortunate as to run ashore, a
contingency which has not yet happened in the long history of the Cunard Line.
The Third Class Dining Room on the Carpathia.
On the bridge deck amidships is a steel deckhouse which contains a large number of
second-class staterooms, and in its forward part a handsome library and writing-room.
Here are bookcases, writing and occasional tables, lounges, etc., while the
decorations and upholstery are suggestive of good taste and solid comfort.
Aft of the library is the grand staircase leading to the second—we
had almost styled it first-class— dining saloon on the deck below.
At the other end of the bridge deck aft is a steel deckhouse containing the
smoke-room, with bars and lavatory en suite.
The smoking saloon is paneled in walnut, and is handsomely and
tastefully furnished and upholstered.
The second-class cabins are large and airy, and contain two or four beds,
sofa, lavatories, wardrobe, etc.
A Second Cabin Two-Berthed Room on the Carpathia.
The saloon is a handsome apartment extending the full width of the ship, and
capable of dining at one sitting the full complement of second-class passengers.
Natural light is provided by nine ports on the port and starboard sides and ten ports
forward, in addition to which there is a central light shaft, the dome of which is
tastefully glazed with stained glass, and this, with the old gold curtains screening
the ports, add considerably to the appearance of this spacious saloon, which includes among
its other equipment, handsome sideboards, piano, etc.
Needless to say, the service-rooms adjacent to the saloon are of the most up-to-date
type and passengers will appreciate the double entresol where they may hang hat or
wrap preparatory to entering the saloon.
Third Class Smoking Room on the Carpathia.
The sleeping quarters consist of two and four berthed rooms, all done in
white enamel, with lavatories, spring mattresses and bed linen en suite.
No rooms contain more than four berths, and no passengers are carried in “open quarters.
View of the Third Class Ladies Sitting Room.
For all classes of passengers, and also for the seamen, stewards and Bremen,
baths are provided, and, in fact, nothing is lacking which the long experience
of the Cunard Company can suggest to make passengers as comfortable as possible.
Of course, a barber’s shop is a part of the tout ensemble.
The heating and ventilating arrangements of the passenger accommodation are on
a specially designed system by which fresh air, the temperature of which
can be suited to the weather, is forced through the whole of the living rooms
at the rate of 25,000 ft.per minute.
The sanitary arrangements are excellent for both classes of passengers.
Throughout, the vessel is lighted by electricity, and there
are in all about 2,000 lamps.
It will be noticed, however, that the state-rooms are provided with an
alternative illuminant in the form of lamps.
Thus, should anything go wrong with the electric light, there is a lamp
to hand, ready for the lighting.
Four-Berthed Third Class Room.
This solicitude of the Cunard Company for the safety of the lives entrusted
to them is everywhere apparent.
Passengers will notice that the Carpathia carries two masthead
lights, one on each of the foremasts, but, of course, at different heights.
Passengers Relaxing on Deck in the Pentland Firtil.
Seen from the deck the engine-rooms appear a bewildering maze of gratings,
iron stairways, steam pipes, levers, and heavy pieces of machinery.
But when one descends from platform to platform and stands in the engine-room,
what looked chaos is the most wonderful example of order and scientific method.