Begun right after the 1929 crash, the S.S. Normandie controversially had to be given a government subsidy to finish construction. However, the ship was considered to represent all of France and its progress was followed with great interest.

At 27,567 tons, its hull was the largest that had ever been launched from the shipyard and the wave it created soaked hundreds of spectators. 1,029 feet long and 184 feet high, the Normandie was built to be a luxurious liner.

The ship was devoted to its First or "Cabin Class" passengers. Each first-class suite was designed uniquely and featured sitting rooms, private decks, grand pianos, multiple bedrooms, and even dining rooms.

The cabin class dining room was the largest room afloat and was able to seat 700 for meals.

For the first class passengers of the Normandie, there was no end to the services provided. Roger-Henri Expert, a French Architect, ensured a stylish design scheme throughout the entire ship.

However, the Normandie's focus on luxury would be its own worst enemy. While it became famous and beloved, few could afford to travel in such luxury and it was rarely sailed with more than 60% of its berths occupied.

It had 848 Cabin class cabins, compared to 670 Tourist class cabins, and 454 Third class cabins. Furthermore, much of its public space was devoted to Cabin class, quickly earning the Normandie the reputation as a ship for the rich and famous.

Seized by the United States Navy in 1941 due to Vichy France's alliance with Nazi Germany, it was converted into a troop carrier (a far cry from its glamorous past.)

Unfortunately, the new crews' failure to understand the Normandie's fire suppression system marked the end of the ship. When an accidental fire broke out on the 9th of February, the Normandie capsized and sank.

The mafia would later claim (falsely) to have sabotaged it in order to try to force concessions from the U.S. government.

Salvaged following the fire, the Normandie's famous doors now adorn Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite Cathedral in Brooklyn Heights!