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I'm writing a book set on an ocean liner crossing the Atlantic in the early 1930s. The ship is a Cunard-style liner (think Mauretania, Aquitania etc). I've read a few books on the subject and found a wealth of information online, but there are a few niggling questions I haven't been able to answer. Any help appreciated!
Many First Class passengers brought their own valets and ladies maids with them (as evidenced by contemporary passenger lists). Would the servants share cabins with their employers or would they be placed elsewhere on the ship? If they did share First Class accommodation, would that mean they would also eat in the First Class dining rooms?
Would passengers pay for food and drink as they consumed it or would there be a tab/account which they would pay at the end of the trip?
Would the stewards expect gratuities or would such payments be included in the price of the ticket?
How would passengers in Second/Third/Tourist Class be prevented from using First Class facilities, and would a First Class passenger be able to visit people in Second/Third Class?
What procedures would be in place if a passenger dies? I know there were doctors on board, who would presumably examine the deceased and issue a death certificate, but presumably a post mortem/inquest would not take place until they reached the next port of call? What would happen to the body in the meantime? Would it be left in the cabin or removed from view / put on ice?
Many First Class passengers brought their own valets and ladies maids with them (as evidenced by contemporary passenger lists). Would the servants share cabins with their employers or would they be placed elsewhere on the ship? If they did share First Class accommodation, would that mean they would also eat in the First Class dining rooms?
Would passengers pay for food and drink as they consumed it or would there be a tab/account which they would pay at the end of the trip?
Would the stewards expect gratuities or would such payments be included in the price of the ticket?
How would passengers in Second/Third/Tourist Class be prevented from using First Class facilities, and would a First Class passenger be able to visit people in Second/Third Class?
What procedures would be in place if a passenger dies? I know there were doctors on board, who would presumably examine the deceased and issue a death certificate, but presumably a post mortem/inquest would not take place until they reached the next port of call? What would happen to the body in the meantime? Would it be left in the cabin or removed from view / put on ice?