How Transatlantic Ocean Liners Ferried Women Into The Workforce

When people think of women on cruise ships in the early 1900s, many probably picture wealthy heiresses with hatboxes.

Among them were Gloria Vanderbilt and her twin sister, Thelma Furness, the longtime mistress of the Prince of Wales until Furness introduced him to her friend Wallis Simpson. He promptly sailed off with Simpson, abdicating the throne.