The SS Normandie, pride of France, sailed the oceans from 1935 until 1942. Many historians claim that the ship was the greatest and most elegant ocean liner ever. Sailing the transatlantic route during the mid-late 1930's, the SS Normandie competed against the SS Rex of Italy, RMS Queen Mary of Great Britain, and the SS Bremen and SS Europa of Germany.
Sailing during the golden age of ocean liners, the SS Normandie showcased the pinnacle of steam ship design, accommodations, and service. Using a hydrodynamic hull design, as well as a streamlined deck design, the ship contended for the Blue Riband throughout her career, capturing the prize multiple times.
As WWII broke out, the Normandie was claimed by the United States Navy in NYC and renamed the USS Lafayette. During a refitting to become a troop ship, the Normandie caught fire and capsized, another casualty of war.
An Elegant and Sleek Ship
Although not as powerful as the competitors, the Normandie was quite fast. Capturing the Blue Riband on her maiden voyage, the ship showcased French elegance, design, and style throughout the 1930's.
On the exterior, the ship utilized new streamlined loading equipment on the bow that concealed itself during travel. This feature proved to not only be aerodynamic, but gave the appearance of a futuristic vessel.
Another aspect of the exterior sleek design are the hidden ventilation shafts. Most vessels have visible fresh air intakes along the base of the funnels.
These design cues created an un-cluttered ship with clean lines, and a wonder of the seas.
A Unique and Futuristic Design
Designed as a superliner from the progress innovation an prosperity of the 1920s, the Normandie was like no ocean liner before. Designed with new technologies, such as a bulbous prow, and steam turbo-electric propulsion, this ship embodied French design and Russian ingenuity.
Designed by renowned naval architect Vladimir Yourkevitch, the ship was a blend of non-traditional ship design and French Art-Deco panache.
Although sleeker and just as fast as her rivals, the Normandie was reserved with an emphasis on first class accommodations at the expense of more affordable crossing options. That focus led to a spacious ship of opulent interiors for the wealthy and powerful.
A Ship Interior Like None Other
Utilizing several design tactics, the ship layout was unlike any other. The interior spaces were on a majestic scale. The main dining hall, longest room afloat at the time, highlights this with the incredible size due to the unique routing of the mechanical systems - split exhaust ducts staggered to the exterior hull allowing for open space to run between them.
Designed in an art-deco theme throughout, the SS Normandie showcased opulence in a new fashion. Most of the ship was focused on first class, including the pool, winter garden, dining hall, and theater.
All over the ship, grand artwork adorned the walls and intricate lights, especially the two chandeliers in the main dining hall gave the ship the nickname "Ship of Light."
Tragedy at Pier 88
After the final voyage as a passenger liner, the Normandie was seized by the US Navy to be converted into a troop transport to help the allied forces during World War II. Renamed the SS Lafayette to commemorate Marquis de la Lafayette, the French general who fought with the American Continental Army, the ship underwent extensive modifications.
On February 9th, while all of the opulent interior accommodations were being removed for new spartan furnishings, a spark from a torch started a fire. Although the ship had a modern fire suppression system, it was deactivated during construction. Fire spread rapidly throughout the ship and was ultimately contained by surrounding port fire ships pouring tons of water in the process. Unfortunately, the ship would not survive the evening and by morning, rest peacefully on its side. A casualty of war without ever fighting, the Normandie was a ship passed before her time.
SS Normandie Ship Facts
Tonnage:
79,280 GRT
Length:
1,029'
Beam:
119' - 5"
Draft:
37'
Number of Decks:
12
Cruising Speed:
29 Knots (33 mph or 54 km/hr)
Max Speed:
32.2 Knots (37.1mph or 59.6km/h)
Line:
Shipyard:
Chantiers de Penhoët, Saint-Nazaire, France
Port of Registry:
Le Havre
Maiden Voyage:
May 29, 1935
Years in Service:
1935-1939
Current Status:
Capsized in New York City in 1942, scrapped in 1946
SS Normandie Frequently Asked Questions
Is it Normandie or Normandy?
The ship’s name is Normandie, the French spelling of the region Normandy. English searches often write “SS Normandy” or “Normandy ship,” but the French Line liner of 1935 was officially named Normandie.
What happened to the SS Normandie?
She caught fire at her New York pier on 9 February 1942 while being converted into the troopship USS Lafayette. She capsized early on 10 February from the weight of firefighting water, was raised in August 1943, and was scrapped at Port Newark, New Jersey, between 1946 and 1948.
What caused the Normandie fire?
Sparks from a welding torch ignited stored kapok life vests in the first-class lounge, and her fire protection had been disconnected during the conversion. A congressional inquiry found the fire accidental. One man died. Claims of sabotage appeared later.
Is the Normandie wreck still there?
No. She was raised in 1943, judged too costly to restore, and scrapped at Port Newark from October 1946 to the end of 1948. Nothing of the ship remains on the Hudson River today.
What was the USS Lafayette?
USS Lafayette was the name the US Navy gave the Normandie after the US Coast Guard seized her on 12 December 1941. She was being converted into a troop transport when she burned. This is why searches for “USS Normandie” lead here.
Was the Normandie a cruise ship or an RMS?
Neither. SS Normandie was a transatlantic ocean liner that carried passengers between Le Havre and New York on a fixed schedule. “RMS” was a British Royal Mail Ship title, and Normandie sailed for the French Line (CGT) as an SS.
Was Normandie bigger than the Queen Mary?
At first, no. Normandie measured 79,280 gross tons in 1935, and the Queen Mary (81,237) was larger in 1936. After her own 1936 refit Normandie measured 83,423, which made her the larger ship again.
Did the Normandie win the Blue Riband?
Yes. On her May 1935 maiden voyage she took the Blue Riband from the Rex, crossing westbound in 4 days, 3 hours, 2 minutes at 29.98 knots. The Queen Mary took it in 1936, Normandie regained it in 1937, and the Queen Mary took it back in 1938.
How was the Normandie powered?
She was turbo-electric: four steam turbines drove alternators that powered the electric motors turning her propellers. The system was rated at about 160,000 horsepower. She was not hydro-electric, which means powered by water.
What was the inside of the Normandie like?
The interiors were French Art Deco and Streamline Moderne. The first-class dining room was about 305 feet (93 m) long with twelve tall Lalique glass pillars, and the Grand Salon had murals by Jean Dupas. The page has photos of the dining hall and the first-class bar and grill.
Where was the Normandie built?
The Penhoët shipyard at Saint-Nazaire, France, built her for the French Line (CGT). She was launched on 29 October 1932 and made her maiden voyage from Le Havre on 29 May 1935. She was about 1,029 feet (314 m) long.
Last edited: November 2026