The tourist leaflets issued by the shipping lines not only describe what organised trips passengers could take in the various ports of call, they also try to remove any doubts that potential customers might have about the prospect of a long stay on board. The leaflet Europa-Nederlandsch Indië via Egypte-Ceylon-Straits [Europe-Dutch East Indies via Egypt-Ceylon-Straits] of the Netherlands Steamship Company claims, for instance, that life on board is, in fact, ‘the most charming part of a sea voyage’: ‘After all, on board one can enjoy beach life, perfected, as it were. Not only can one take a refreshing dip in the beautiful swimming pool or sunbathe on the lido deck, but one can also play all kinds of sports on the spacious decks.’
Europa-Nederlandsch Indië via Egypte-Ceylon-Straits. Doorverbindingen naar het Verre Oosten en Australië. Amsterdam: N.V. Stoomvaart Maatschappij ‘Nederland’, n.d. [first half 20th century]. [9554 A 34]