Up until the mid 20th century the traditional means of transport for emigrants was by ship.

On the following pages some of these emigrant ships are described as an illustration of the development of transatlantic passenger shipping. These generally sailed the route Bremerhaven–New York.

1843–1850

1862–1882

1881–1895

1897–1914

1923–1939

1929–1941

1957–1971