Gilded Age “Maritime Society“ Etiquette

 

The importance of annual pilgrimages, which are increasing year by year, has developed a system of ocean etiquette that governs the conduct of what may be termed the best circles of “maritime society.” Nowadays, the Captain of a crack ocean steamer must not only be a first-class sailor, but he must also be a man of infinite tact and method, with a thorough knowledge of what “society” requires at his hands. 

Eighty thousand Americans annually visit Europe. Of this number, 50,000 sail from the port of New York. They spend upon an average while abroad $2,500 apiece. The greater number are ladies. Much is the statement made by a Broadway traveling commission firm to a Journalier. The importance of these annual pilgrimages, which are increasing year by year, has developed a system of ocean etiquette that governs the conduct of what may be termed the best circles of “maritime society.”

Nowadays, the Captain of a crack ocean steamer must not only be a first-class sailor, but he must also be a man of infinite tact and method, with a thorough knowledge of what “society” requires at his hands. To sit at the right of the Captain at table at once accords to the occupants of that distinguished honor the highest place in the social scale on board ship, and the position is competed for with an amount of anxiety that is very amusing. 

The senior surgeon and his assistant (when two are carried) act as deputies, and rank, socially, next in importance to the Captain himself. How to accommodate the various claims for this coveted distinction is a matter of serious moment. The personnel of the passenger list is closely searched at least forty-eight hours before the vessel sails. 

Very often the purser is called into consultation, and the difficulty is finally settled by placing a card bearing the passenger’s name upon his or her plate. From this decision there is no appeal. It frequently happens, however, that one or more persons may consider themselves slighted, and where it is probable that the imaginary slight will disturb the social harmony, the Captain escapes by taking his meals in his own room. — New York Journal, 1883

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