RMS "Etruria" was to start her regular service to New York from Liverpool, but the clouds of crisis were looming, and by the New Year of 1885 a crisis involving Russia's threat to invade Afghanistan was coming to 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.