"Variety" announced that RKO's "Pacific Liner" was "filler in the duals" (the lower half of a double bill). The film, however, rose far above its humble origins, not only making a profit of $87,000, but with generally favourable reviews coming in, RKO consequently moved it to the top of the bill for six weeks in major theatre markets. The film was also nominated at the 1939 Academy Awards for Best Original Score.