Vintage Vacations: Red Star Liner "Belgenland"

In 1924, the Red Star Ocean Liner, "Belgenland" made it's first of many round-the-world cruises. At the time, it was the largest ship to circumnavigate the globe. Many years ago, I was in a little antique store and saw a poster for this cruise hanging on the wall. The graphic was extraordinary and, knowing I couldn't ever afford it, I asked "How much is this?" The owner said "I'd have to get at least $35. for that." As my blood pressure shot sky high, I feigned an expression of gravity and pretended to contemplate it. Finally I said "OK..I'll take it." I have since seen this same poster in auction catalogs for thousands of dollars. Sometimes you win. This spawned a curiosity of the Red Star Line round-the-world Belgenland cruise, so I started collecting other artifacts. Here are some of them:

This is the promotional booklet for the Belgenland's first round-the-world cruise in 1924. Inside, there is backround information of the ship as well as the intinerary and many photos of the ships interior and ports of call.

Belgenland Postcard 1

Belgenland Postcard 2

Belgenland Postcard 3

Belgenland Postcard 4

Belgenland Song Sheet

Elaborate Foldout Brochure for the Belgenland's first round-the-world cruise. It has the itinerary, the rates, and a plan of the ship as well as many photos of the ship interior.