' Normandie ' leaves Southampton for America after after strike hold up . May attempt record . After being held up for 15 hours by a French shipping strike , the ' Normandie ' left Southampton for New York on her first voyage of the season . It is expected that the French liner , which has been specially overhauled for the attempt , may break ' Queen Mary ' s ' record to make up lost time . Photo shows , Passengers boarding the ' Normandie ' from the tender ' Greetings at Southampton ' . 11 March 1937