top of page

SS Normandie FAQs

SS Normandie
  • What is the SS Normandie? Answer: The SS Normandie was a French ocean liner that operated primarily on the transatlantic route from 1935 to 1939.

  • Where is the SS Normandie located? Answer: The SS Normandie was scrapped in 1946 after a fire broke out during its conversion into a troopship in New York City.

  • When was the SS Normandie built? Answer: The SS Normandie was built in Saint-Nazaire, France and was launched on October 29, 1932.

  • Who designed the SS Normandie? Answer: The SS Normandie was designed by Russian born French naval architect, Vladimir Yourkevitch.

  • How long was the SS Normandie? Answer: The SS Normandie was 1,029 feet (314 meters) long.

  • What was the maximum speed of the SS Normandie? Answer: The maximum speed of the SS Normandie was 32.2 knots (59.6 km/h or 37.1 mph).

  • How many passengers could the SS Normandie carry? Answer: The SS Normandie had a capacity of 1,972 passengers and 1,345 crew members.

  • How many decks did the SS Normandie have? Answer: The SS Normandie had 12 decks.

  • Is the SS Normandie still in operation? Answer: No, the SS Normandie was scrapped in 1946.

  • What is the history of the SS Normandie? Answer: The SS Normandie was built for the French Line and was considered one of the most luxurious and innovative ocean liners of its time. It served as a passenger liner until World War II, when it was seized by the US Navy and converted into a troopship. During its conversion, a fire broke out, and the ship was ultimately scrapped.

  • Can you tour the SS Normandie? Answer: No, the SS Normandie is no longer in existence.

  • What were the tour options available on the SS Normandie? Answer: There were no tour options available on the SS Normandie.

  • Is the SS Normandie haunted? Answer: There are no reports of the SS Normandie being haunted.

  • Can you stay overnight on the SS Normandie? Answer: No, the SS Normandie is no longer in existence.

  • What amenities were available on the SS Normandie? Answer: The SS Normandie featured several restaurants, bars, shops, and other amenities, as well as a swimming pool, and cinema.

  • Can you host events on the SS Normandie? Answer: No, the SS Normandie is no longer in existence.

  • Was the SS Normandie the largest ocean liner of its time? Answer: Yes, the SS Normandie was the largest ocean liner of its time when it was launched in 1932.

  • What made the SS Normandie unique? Answer: The SS Normandie was unique for its innovative design, luxurious amenities, and advanced technology, including its streamlined shape, expansive interior spaces and interior design, hydro-electric propulsion system, and air conditioning.

  • What was the fate of the SS Normandie after it capsized? Answer: After the SS Normandie capsized, it was salvaged and sold for scrap in 1946. Many of its luxurious features, such as the grand staircase and art deco panels, were auctioned off and can be found in museums and private collections around the world.

  • How many propellers did the SS Normandie have? Answer: The SS Normandie had four propellers, each powered by a separate engine. This allowed the ship to maintain speed even if one or two engines failed.

  • What was the maximum speed of the SS Normandie Ship? Answer: The maximum speed of the SS Normandie Ship was 32 knots (59 km/h or 37 mph).

  • How many decks did the SS Normandie have? Answer: The SS Normandie had 12 decks, including a promenade deck, a sports deck, and a sun deck.

  • How many crew members did the SS Normandie have? Answer: The SS Normandie had a crew of 1,345, which included officers, engineers, cooks, and other staff members.

  • What was the SS Normandie's most famous voyage? Answer: The SS Normandie's most famous voyage was its maiden voyage in 1935, which was attended by many celebrities and dignitaries.

  • Who owned the SS Normandie? Answer: The SS Normandie was owned by the French shipping company Compagnie Générale Transatlantique, also known as the French Line.

  • What is the history of the SS Normandie Ship? Answer: The SS Normandie Ship was built for the French Line and was one of the most luxurious and innovative ocean liners of its time. It was seized by the US Navy during World War II and was later sold for scrap.

  • What are some notable features of the SS Normandie Ship? Answer: The SS Normandie Ship was known for its Art Deco design, innovative engineering, and luxurious amenities.

  • What is the SS Normandie Ship's connection to the French government? Answer: The SS Normandie Ship was owned by the French government and was intended to showcase France's technological and artistic achievements.

  • How did the SS Normandie Ship contribute to the war effort during World War II? Answer: The SS Normandie Ship was seized by the US Navy in 1942 and was converted into a troopship. Unfortunately the ship caught fire and capsized, never serving in WW2.

  • How many funnels did the SS Normandie have? Answer: The SS Normandie had two working funnels and one that housed vents and equipment. The funnels, or smokestacks, were self-supporting and positioned diagonally to give the ship a sleek and modern appearance.

  • What was the SS Normandie's maiden voyage? Answer: The SS Normandie's maiden voyage was on May 29, 1935. It departed from Le Havre, France, and arrived in New York City on June 3, 1935.

  • What caused the SS Normandie Ship to catch fire and sink? Answer: The SS Normandie Ship caught fire during its conversion into a troopship in New York Harbor in 1942 and while It was being converted into a troopship when it caught fire and capsized in the Hudson River in 1942.The exact cause of the fire is unknown, but it is believed to have been the result of a welding accident.

  • Are there any artifacts or relics from the SS Normandie Ship that still exist today? Answer: Yes, there are several artifacts and relics from the SS Normandie Ship that are on display in museums and private collections. Many of the SS Normandie's furnishings and artwork were sold at auction or salvaged by collectors and museums. Some pieces can still be seen today in various collections around the world.

  • What is the SS Normandie Ship's legacy in the history of ocean liners? Answer: The SS Normandie Ship is widely regarded as one of the most innovative and luxurious ocean liners of all time and has had a lasting impact on the design and engineering of modern ships.

bottom of page