Anything Goes is set in the 1930s, during the Golden Age of Ocean Liners, aboard the luxurious S.S. American, a ship traveling from New York to London. This period was marked by economic struggles due to the Great Depression, but the opulence and glamour of ocean travel offered an escape from reality. The story unfolds against this backdrop of high society, featuring a mix of wealthy passengers, Broadway stars, gangsters, and stowaways, all wrapped in the carefree, jazzy atmosphere of the era. The setting reflects the charm and escapism of the time, with lavish costumes, lively dance numbers, and a sense of adventure on the high seas.