RMS Majestic 1914 History and Features

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A luxury cruise ship sailing through the majestic Fiordland National Park, New Zealand.
Credit: pexels.com, A luxury cruise ship sailing through the majestic Fiordland National Park, New Zealand.

The RMS Majestic was a massive ocean liner built in 1914 by the Hamburg-American Line. It was one of the largest ships in the world at the time.

The Majestic was 1,000 feet long and had a gross tonnage of 59,000 tons, making it a behemoth of the sea. It had a top speed of 21 knots.

The ship was designed to be a luxury liner, with elaborate dining rooms, grand staircases, and opulent staterooms.

Technical Details

The RMS Majestic was a massive ship, measuring 291.3 meters long by 30.5 meters at its widest point.

She was assessed at 56,551 gross register tons, which was a staggering amount for her time.

The liner had two masts and three funnels, with the first two used to evacuate the smoke produced by the boilers.

The third funnel was used to ventilate engine rooms, allowing for a much larger space for passengers inside the ship.

A majestic grey heron standing by a calm lake, surrounded by reeds in natural light.
Credit: pexels.com, A majestic grey heron standing by a calm lake, surrounded by reeds in natural light.

The Majestic was propelled by a set of quadruple propellers driven by four direct drive Parsons turbines.

Each low-pressure turbine weighed a whopping 375 tons, and the steam turbines generated approximately 66,000 shaft horsepower when running at 180 rpm.

Steam was supplied to the turbines at 260 psi by 48 Yarrow & Normand water-tube boilers located in four watertight compartments.

The boilers had a heating surface of 220,000 square feet and there was a total of 240 oil burners fitted to them.

The ship could reach a maximum speed of 25 knots, which was among the fastest of its time.

However, the Majestic's main problem was her electrical installation, which was made of German origin cables and suffered from electrical fires.

Category

The RMS Majestic was a passenger liner, which means it was designed to carry people, not cargo. It was a massive ship, measuring over 950 feet in length.

Built by the Blohm + Voss shipyard in Hamburg, Germany, the Majestic was a testament to the engineering prowess of the time.

The ship had a gross tonnage of over 59,000 tons, making it one of the largest ships in the world at the time.

Facilities and Amenities

Credit: youtube.com, RMS MAJESTIC: World's Largest Liner (1922)

The RMS Majestic's facilities were designed to cater to the diverse needs of its passengers, with four classes of accommodation available at its launch.

The ship's interior was designed by Charles Mewès before World War I, but he unfortunately passed away in 1914 without seeing the completed ship.

First-class passengers enjoyed luxurious accommodations, including the Imperial Suite with veranda, while third-class passengers had dormitories.

The ship's dining room was a notable feature, spanning two decks and being the largest ever built on a ship at the time.

Other meeting places for passengers included a veranda café and an à-la-carte restaurant for those who wanted meals different from the main dining room.

Here are the different classes of accommodation available on the RMS Majestic:

  • First class: 700 passengers
  • Second class: 545 passengers (replaced by tourist class in 1931)
  • Third class: 850 passengers

A Deck

The A Deck on this ship is a hub of activity, offering a range of facilities and amenities that cater to the needs of passengers and crew alike.

You'll find a 1st Class Promenade on the A Deck, perfect for taking a leisurely stroll and enjoying the ocean views.

A serene view of the promenade deck on a cruise ship at sunset, overlooking the ocean.
Credit: pexels.com, A serene view of the promenade deck on a cruise ship at sunset, overlooking the ocean.

The 1st Class Writing Rooms are also located here, providing a quiet and comfortable space for passengers to catch up on some writing or correspondence.

In addition to these amenities, the A Deck is also home to a 1st Class Smoke Room, where passengers can relax and socialize over a cup of coffee or a cigar.

The Bar on the A Deck is a popular spot for passengers to grab a drink and mingle with fellow travelers.

A 1st Class Forward Entrance & Staircase is also located on the A Deck, providing easy access to the ship's interior.

Here's a list of some of the amenities you can find on the A Deck:

  • 1st Class Promenade
  • 1st Class Writing Rooms
  • 1st Class Smoke Room
  • Bar
  • 1st Class Aft Entrance & Staircase
  • 1st Class Gymnasium
  • Wireless Operators' Cabins
  • Wireless Room & Office
  • Transformer Room for Telegraph
  • Palm Court (upper level)
  • Restaurant (upper level)
  • Switchboard Room
  • Tank Room
  • Restaurant Staff Cabins
  • Restaurant Galley
  • Butcher's Shop
  • Confectioner's Shop
  • Officer's Mess & Pantry

Facilities

The Majestic's facilities were designed to cater to the diverse needs of its over 4,000 passengers. The ship offered four classes, ranging from the luxurious Imperial Suite with veranda to the steerage dormitories.

The accommodation capacity of the Majestic was modified in the early 1920s to accommodate 700 passengers in first class, 545 in second, and 850 in third. This was a significant change from its original design.

Credit: youtube.com, Amenities and Facilities

One of the standout features of the ship's interior was the large living room decorated with oak panels, which gave it an aspect similar to the lounge on board RMS Olympic, but in much larger dimensions.

The Majestic's dining room was a notable installation, spread over two decks and the largest ever built on a ship at the time. It was a grand space that would have been a highlight of any passenger's experience.

The ship also featured a swimming pool decorated in a Pompeian style, which contrasted with the sober basin installed on the Olympic-class ships. This was a unique and stylish touch that added to the ship's charm.

Here's a breakdown of the Majestic's passenger capacity:

  • First class: 700 passengers
  • Second class: 545 passengers (replaced by tourist class in 1931)
  • Third class: 850 passengers

The third-class facilities extended over three decks, right at the stern, providing ample space for passengers to relax and enjoy the ship's amenities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Was the Majestic related to the Titanic?

The Majestic was reactivated after the Titanic disaster to maintain service, but there is no direct relation between the two ships. The Majestic's reactivation was a response to the loss of the Titanic, not a familial connection.

Darla Bartell

Senior Assigning Editor

Darla Bartell is a seasoned Assigning Editor with a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling. With a background in research and journalism, she has honed her skills in identifying and assigning compelling articles that captivate readers. Her expertise spans a wide range of topics, including Truck Dimensions and Regulations, where she has consistently delivered insightful and informative content that meets the needs of her audience.

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