The express steamer "ELBE" (1881–1895)

The "ELBE" was built in 1881 by John Elder & Co. in Glasgow. It made its maiden voyage on April 4, 1881. The "ELBE" was the first express steamer to be operated by Norddeutscher Lloyd and was a popular ship with emigrants on the Bremerhaven–New York route. Voyages were virtually always sold out. Apart from sailing to the USA the  "ELBE" also made three voyages to Australia. The  "ELBE" could carry a total of
1 117 passengers.

The longitudinal section shows life on board the vessel during the crossing. The metal bunk beds of steerage class and the luggage room on the bottom deck can be clearly seen. Steerage class passengers on the "ELBE" ate their meals in the dormitories.