How did passengers reach top bunks without ladders

[Richard Coplen]

Hey all,
i've always wondered - how did Titanic's 2nd and 3rd class passengers reach the top bunks in their cabins??? I've seen many photos of 2nd and 3rd class cabins which show the 2-tier bunks however there are no built-in ladders and the upper bunk seems quite high. How did passegers manuoever themselves up into the bunks without breaking their necks? I can't imagine the women of the day - in 2nd class at least - trying to hoist their legs in the air - especially with restrictive corsets n' all. How on earth did they ascend???

 

[David F. Smith]

Hi Richard, In some photos, you can see metal grab handles attached to the overhead beams, but one would think some upper body strength would be needed. Perhaps you would ring for a cabin steward who brought a stepstool or ladder?

David

 

[Bill Sauder]

Richard;

They used portable ladders.

Bill

 

[Tracy Smith]

And the women removed their corsets before putting on their night clothes. They didn't wear them to bed.

 

[Paul Rogers]

Hi Richard.

As an addendum to the above posts: David Haisman's book "I'll See You In New York" indicates that the top bunks (in 2nd Class at least) were equipped with varnished bunk ladders to provide access for passengers.

Regards,
Paul.

 

[Lester Mitcham]

Paul,

Any idea about 1st Class? Unless required I understand that the hinged Pullman Upper Berths were generally folded back.

Lester

 

[Paul Rogers]

Hi Lester.

Sorry - no idea regarding 1st Class arrangements. I'm still reading David's book however so, if I find out any more info, I'll post it here.

Regards,
Paul.

 

[Sonja van Rooijen]

it might be so that first class passengers didn't have bunkbeds but more likely normal beds

 

[T. Eric Brown]

Where were the portable ladders stowed? I've always heard that they were kept in a small closet inside the room, wouldn't they be too big for that though.