S/S Bergensfjord of the Norwegian America Line

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The Bergensfjord was the second ship built for the Norwegian America Line's passengers service between Norway and America. The first ship, the Kristianiafjord launched in 1912 and the Bergensfjord launched in 1913 were sister-ships. The Kristianafjord was short lived, as on June 28 1917 she was wrecked and lost in a storm. The Bergensfjord however, stayed in the transatlantic service for the N.A.L. till 1940. During her service she brought thousands of emigrants and travelers back and forth across the Atlantic. In the summer season she was also used for tourist cruises along the Norwegian coast. The steamers were considered modern and efficiently equipped for the utmost safety and comfort of passengers. To insure steadiness in rough weather the ships were equipped with bilge keels. They were heated and ventilated by the thermo-tank system and electric lights were fitted throughout. They also had the Marconi system of wireless telegraphy.

3rd class accommodations (steerage) The staterooms for the 3rd class passengers were located on the Upper Main Deck and on the Main Deck, and provided accommodations for 860 passengers in staterooms arranged for 2, 4 and 6 persons. The berths of galvanized iron (Hoskin's System) are furnished with mattresses, pillows, sheets and blankets. The staterooms were also fitted with wash-basins, mirrors etc., as can bee seen on the picture. The 3rd class cabins were located at the abaft and forward parts of the ship, and were connected to commodious sitting rooms and smoke rooms. The large, airy dining saloons located on the Upper Main Deck had seating accommodations for 354 passengers. Well-prepared meals were served by the ship's stewards, and every provision was made for the comfort of the passengers.   2nd class accommodations The Second Class state rooms, were located on the Shelter Deck amidships. They were all well ventilated and neatly furnished, and rooms could be secured for two or four persons. The Second Class Dining Saloon was located on the Shelter Deck aft, and was furnished in polished birch, and highly decorated with seats for 120 passengers. The 2nd class Music Room and Smoke Room were located on the Promenade Deck.   1st class accommodations The First Class staterooms, with all modern improvements, were all outside and located amidships on the Promenade Deck, accommodating 100 passengers. Two sumptuously furnished Cabins de Luxe en-Suite were located on the Upper Promenade Deck, each comprising an exceptionally large sitting room, bedroom, private bath and toilet, assuring the maximum of comfort and luxury. The First Class Dining Saloon, well ventilated and extending the entire width of the vessel, was furnished with small tables, and all first class passengers dined at one sitting. The decorations were tastefully carried out in white and gold with panels of Norwegian scenery. The handsomely appointed Lounge, Music Room, Reading and Writing Rooms were located on the Promenade Deck. The Smoking Room on the Upper Promenade Deck, finished in Australian oak, was arranged in cozy alcoves and adjoining the Smoke Room was the popular Veranda Café. The spacious Promenade Decks afforded opportunity for participating in open-air recreation and deck games.