The Atlantic crossing was not the trial that it had been in the days of the sailing vessel, when the journey could have taken anywhere from one month to two or three months in bad weather. The use of steam-powered vessels and the close government inspection of shipboard accommodation improved shipboard conditions, especially for steerage passengers. But the crossing was still a traumatic experience, and their aspirations and the anxiety about their future life in Canada often strengthened the bonds between many immigrants during the ocean voyage. This sense of comradeship is illustrated in the photo showing a group of immigrants relaxing on deck during calm weather.
