RMS Mauretania (1906) RMS Mauretania (1906) RMS "Mauretania" was an ocean liner designed by Leonard Peskett and built by Wigham Richardson and Swan Hunter for the British Cunard Line, launched on the afternoon of 20 September 1906. She was the world's largest ship until the completion of in 1911. "Mauretania" became a favourite among her passengers. She captured the Eastbound Blue Riband on her maiden return voyage in December 1907, then claimed the Westbound Blue Riband for the fastest transatlantic crossing during her 1909 season. She held both speed records for 20 years. The ship's name was taken from the ancient Roman province
RMS Etruria a head. This was to bring "Etruria's" North Atlantic service to a halt temporarily, before she had even made her maiden voyage. On 26 March, "Etruria", and , found themselves chartered to the Admiralty. With the dispute reaching a settlement, "Etruria" was released from Admiralty service within a few days, although her sister was retained for six months. On 25 April 1885, "Etruria" finally made her maiden voyage under the command of Captain McMicken. She made the Atlantic crossing calling at Queenstown (Cobh). On her very next crossing, westbound (Liverpool to New York), she won the prestigious Blue Riband (see