The Titanic's Third-Class

RMS Titanic departing Southampton on April 10, 1912.

When people think of the RMS Titanic, images of grandeur often come to mind: the sweeping staircases, luxurious cabins, and the elite passengers who sailed on what was dubbed the "unsinkable ship." However, while much has been written about the first-class experience, the Titanic’s third-class passengers—also known as steerage—represented the majority of the people on board, each carrying their own stories of hopes, dreams, and aspirations for a new life in America.

The Third-Class Experience

The third-class passengers on the Titanic were primarily immigrants from Europe, hailing from places like Ireland, Scandinavia, and the Mediterranean. They were bound for the United States, where they hoped to begin new chapters in their lives. Despite the Titanic being a luxury liner, the conditions in third-class were more modest but still considered better than on many other ships of the time.

Third-class accommodations, located in the lower sections of the ship, consisted of dormitory-style rooms. These cabins typically housed up to 10 people and were equipped with bunk beds, each passenger receiving a thin mattress and a blanket. There were communal bathrooms, and although rudimentary, these facilities were a step up compared to other vessels, where steerage passengers often endured squalid conditions.

Dining in Third Class

Meals for third-class passengers were served in a large communal dining room, and the food, though simple, was hearty and nutritious. The menu included soups, stews, breads, and porridge, along with tea and coffee. The Titanic's third-class passengers ate three meals a day, which was more than many had been accustomed to before boarding.

For many, dining in such a setting, with a full range of food, was itself a luxury. The ship's designers and crew took care to ensure that the third-class passengers felt well-treated, as they represented the future success of transatlantic voyages—immigrants who could become regular customers.

Life Onboard

The third-class passengers had their own section of the ship, including shared spaces like the general room, where they could socialize, play games, and listen to music. Life in steerage was more communal, with passengers coming together to sing traditional songs, dance, and share stories. These gatherings were lively, as many were young families or single travelers with high hopes for the future.

Unlike the luxury of first-class promenades and lounges, third-class passengers spent most of their time below deck. However, they were allowed to take fresh air on certain parts of the outer decks, and this provided them with a brief respite from the enclosed spaces.

The Tragic Divide

As the Titanic struck the iceberg on that fateful night of April 14, 1912, the divide between the ship's classes became all too real. The third-class passengers were at a significant disadvantage when it came to evacuating. Many were housed in the lower sections of the ship, which quickly became flooded. Worse, barriers and locked gates intended to separate the different classes made it difficult for them to reach the lifeboats in time.

Out of the 709 third-class passengers, only around 174 survived the disaster. Women and children had a slightly higher survival rate, but the lack of clear instructions, delays in getting to the deck, and overcrowded lifeboats all contributed to the disproportionate loss of life.

Remembering the Forgotten

The stories of the third-class passengers on the Titanic are often overshadowed by tales of wealth and opulence, but their experiences represent the dreams and struggles of millions of immigrants in the early 20th century. These passengers were the heart of the Titanic, filled with hope for a better life. Their courage, community spirit, and resilience in the face of tragedy remain an important part of the Titanic's legacy.

Today, as we reflect on the story of the Titanic, it's important to remember the third-class passengers—their journeys, their sacrifices, and their dreams that, for many, were lost at sea. In their memory, we honor not just the grandeur of the Titanic, but the human stories that truly defined it.

Sources:

1. "The Titanic: The Official Story." RMS Titanic Historical Society, 2023.
2. Eaton, John P., and Charles A. Haas. Titanic: Triumph and Tragedy. W. W. Norton & Company, 1994.
3. Biel, Steven. Down with the Old Canoe: A Cultural History of the Titanic Disaster. W. W. Norton & Company, 2012.
4. "The Life of Titanic's Third-Class Passengers." National Museums Liverpool, Maritime Museum archives.
5. "Steerage Life on Titanic: Myths and Realities." Encyclopedia Titanica.