The Whale Liner

The "Whale" was a revolutionary ocean liner concept designed by industrial designer and futurist Norman Bel Geddes in 1932. Inspired by the shape of a porpoise or whale, the ship had a fully enclosed, teardrop-shaped hull to reduce air and water resistance. Bel Geddes believed the design would save an entire day crossing the Atlantic.

Unlike ships of the time, there were no permanent open decks. Instead, it had sliding transparent panels that could be opened in good weather. It was designed to measure over 300 meters (1,083 feet), and would carry 2,000 passengers and 900 crew in extreme luxury.

Its oval chimneys would house hangars for seaplanes and even dance halls, the boats would be hidden behind panels and launched via internal ramps.
Despite the enthusiasm, the ship was never built due to the high costs of the Great Depression and the conservatism of American shipyards. It survived only in exhibition models and patents, becoming an icon of retrofuturism.