RMS Cedric was an ocean liner owned by the White Star Line, renowned as part of the "Big Four" quartet of ships built to combine comfort, regularity, and fuel economy. Launched on August 21, 1902, and completed in January 1903, she was constructed by Harland & Wolff in Belfast, with yard number 337. At her launch, Cedric was the largest vessel in the world, with a gross tonnage of approximately 21,073 and a length overall of 700 feet (213.4 meters). Her beam measured 75.3 feet (23 meters), and her depth was 44.1 feet (13.4 meters). She featured two funnels with a chamois color and black cuffs, complemented by four masts supporting lookout and wireless telegraphy equipment. The hull was black, topped with a white superstructure, adhering to White Star Line's signature livery. Internally, Cedric offered luxurious amenities, including a lounge, promenade deck, verandah café, reading and writing rooms with bay windows, a stained glass-decorated smoking room, and a dining room with a glass roof. She boasted her own orchestra, emphasizing passenger comfort. Her passenger capacity was initially 2,875, with accommodations for first, second, and third-class travelers, later reduced and reconfigured in subsequent refits. Propelled by twin propellers powered by quadruple expansion steam engines producing 14,000 horsepower, Cedric cruised at an average speed of 16 knots, reaching up to 19 knots maximum. Her fuel consumption was notably efficient, with daily coal use of around 260 tonnes. She was equipped with Welin-type davits, a technological advancement over previous models. Cedric's service primarily involved transatlantic crossings between Liverpool and New York, beginning her maiden voyage in February 1903. She became well-known for her luxurious interiors and relatively smooth ride. Throughout her career, she experienced several incidents, including collisions and minor fires, but continued her service until the early 1930s. Requisitioned during World War I, she served as an auxiliary cruiser and later as a troop transport, transporting soldiers from Egypt, Palestine, and the United States. After the war, she returned to civilian service but faced increasing competition from newer ships. Decommissioned in 1931, she was sold for scrapping in 1932 at Inverkeithing. Cedric remains a notable example of early 20th-century ocean liner design, reflecting White Star Line's emphasis on comfort, size, and technological innovation.

This description has been generated using GPT-4.1-NANO based on the Vessel's wikidata information and then modified by ShipIndex.org staff.