RMS Caronia (1905)

RMS "Caronia" was launched on July 13 1904. She was built for Cunard by John Brown & Co. of Glasgow. She left Liverpool on her maiden voyage to New York on February 25 1905. A successful 1906 cruise from New York to the Mediterranean led to Caronia's being used for cruising frequently in the coming years.

Caronia briefly placed on Cunard's Boston service in 1914, but the start of World War I caused her to be requisitioned as an armed merchant cruiser. In 1916, she became a troopship and served in that role for the duration, returning to the Liverpool-New York run after the War.

In 1920 Caronia was converted to burn oil instead of coal.

After returning to service, she sailed on a number of different routes, including:
*New York/Boston from Liverpool
*New York from London
*New York from Hamburg (1922)
*Quebec from Liverpool (1924)
*New York from Havana

Her last voyage, from London to New York was on September 12 1932, after which she was sold to be disassembled. Initially sold to Hughes Bolckow for demolition at Blyth, she was resold, renamed "Taiseiyo Maru" and sailed to Osaka, where she was scrapped in 1933.

Built by John Brown & Company, Clydebank, Scotland, 1905. 19,524 gross tons; 678 (bp) feet long; 72 feet wide. Steam quadruple expansion engines, twin screw. Service speed 18 knots. 1,550 passengers (300 first class, 350 second class, 900 third class).Two funnels, two masts.

Built for Cunard Line, British flag, in 1905 and named Caronia. Liverpool-New York service. armed merchant cruiser, then troopship during World War I. Scrapped at Osaka, Japan in 1933.

ources

*Haws' Merchant Fleets
*Bonsor's North Atlantic Seaway