|
White Star Line would operate the world's largest liner from 1922 until 1935. Launched as the S.S. Bismarck for the Hamburg-America Line in 1914, she had been the largest of Albert Ballin's trio of superliners designed to surpass his British competitors. History was unkind to Ballin's vision. Bismarck remained incomplete upon the outbreak of war in 1914, only to be appropriated for the British Government by the terms of the Treaty of Versailles. Rechristened as R.M.S. Majestic, the giant vessel finally sailed on her maiden voyage from Southampton on 11th May 1922. From unhappy circumstances, White Star Line found themselves with a new flagship, not only the largest, but also one of the best appointed and most popular ships on the North Atlantic.
R.M.S. Majestic earned the affectionate name, 'The Magic Stick'. Her interiors were vast, employing lofty spaciousness on a scale previous unseen aboard a ship. In 1923, she carried more passengers than any other liner on the North Atlantic, frequently outperforming her running mates Olympic and Homeric throughout her career. From the mid 1920s, she offered her passengers accommodation in First, Second, Torist-Third, and Third Class travel, with a new Tourist Class later being introduced in 1931. Upon the merger of Cunard and White Star in 1934, she would serve the new Cunard-White Star Company for only two years. Initially sold for scrap, the government instead had her converted to a naval training vessel and renamed H.M.S. Caledonia. She served in this role until she burned out in 1939, finally facing the scrappers in 1943. |
|
First ClassSpacious suites, lofty public rooms, lavish cuisine, and extensive leisure facilities were put at the disposal of passengers travelling First Class aboard the world's largest liner. White Star Line's advertising made considerable efforts to emphasise the grandeur of their much favoured flagship.
|
Tourist ClassIn response to changing passenger needs and economic circumstances, Majestic's impressive Second Class and Tourist-Third Cabin accommodations were merged into a new single Tourist Class from late 1931. This offered generous and comfortable accommodation for a new age of travel as she enterred the early 1930s.
|
Step aboard |
LEARN MORE |
|