The mailboats that sailed between the Netherlands and the Dutch East Indies during the period 1850-1940 formed a micro-colony: a compressed version of colonial society. During the sea voyage, white newcomers, experienced travelers and the native (ship's) personnel sat together in a limited area for several weeks under varying weather conditions. No wonder that many novels and short stories have been written about life on board, stories full of extreme emotions, harsh clashes and extraordinary destinies. Using an analysis of 43 travel stories, Coen van 't Veer shows how colonial identity is represented and constructed in the ship's contact zone. The ideals that play a role in this move with the waves of the colonial political tide. In subtle ways, these colonial mechanisms still leave their traces in our postcolonial society.