SS Oceanic (1870)

The SS Oceanic was a British ocean liner built by Harland and Wolff in Belfast for the White Star Line. She was the first vessel built for White Star under the ownership of Thomas Ismay's Oceanic Steam Navigation Company, after Ismay acquired the then-struggling line in 1867.

Oceanic represented a significant step forward in ocean liner design. She was intended to offer unprecedented levels of comfort and luxury for first-class passengers, setting a new standard on the North Atlantic route. Some of her notable innovations included larger portholes, relocating the dining saloon to the centre of the ship, and offering suites with en-suite bathrooms – rare features at the time.

Launched in 1870, she made her maiden voyage from Liverpool to New York on March 2, 1871. She quickly gained popularity and became one of the most prestigious ships on the transatlantic run.

In 1872, Oceanic underwent a refit and was lengthened by 40 feet to increase passenger capacity. She was subsequently used on a new route from Liverpool to Hong Kong and Yokohama in 1875, and later returned to the North Atlantic.

The Oceanic was eventually replaced by newer and larger ships within the White Star Line fleet. She was sold for scrap in 1896 after a long and successful career, marking the end of an era and a pivotal chapter in the history of ocean liner travel. Her impact on ship design and passenger comfort paved the way for the grand liners that followed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.