Men, women, and children were packed into dark, foul-smelling compartments. they slept in narrow bunks stacked three high. they had no showers, no lounges, and no dining rooms. food served from huge kettles was dished into dinner pails provided by the steamship company. because steerage conditions were crowded and uncomfortable, passengers spent as much time as possible up on deck. details such as "foul-smelling,” "bunks stacked three high,” and "no showers, no lounges, and no dining rooms” show that living conditions on the steamships were challenging but rewarding. difficult and unpleasant. crowded but clean. exciting and lively.