Concession of postal services for the Mediterranean. The company becomes a limited company. Renewal of the fleet and postal conventions. The company wins first place in the New-York postal service. First cruise for American passengers, by La Touraine, from New-York to Constantinople.
European competition is tough.
The Ville de Saint-Nazaire is abandoned at sea in 1897 and La Bourgogne sinks with 568 passengers in 1898. Strike movements affect all ports and all staff. The strikes continue up until 1923. Jules Charles-Roux is named as president. This hales a reorganisation period for the company.