Big Four White Star Line Overview and Features

The White Star Line was a major shipping company that played a significant role in the history of ocean travel. It was founded in 1845 by John Pilkington and Henry Wilson.

The company's fleet consisted of over 80 ships, including the iconic RMS Titanic. This massive vessel was considered the epitome of luxury and innovation at the time of its launch in 1912.

White Star Line's ships were known for their speed, with some vessels reaching speeds of up to 21 knots. This was impressive for the era, and it helped the company establish a reputation for efficiency and reliability.

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The Big Four, with their massive tonnage of 21,035 - 24,541, were truly giants of the sea. They were propelled by two propellers driven by steam quadruple expansion, reaching an average speed of 16 knots (30 km/h).

The silhouettes of the four vessels were remarkably similar, with a black hull, red keel, and white superstructure.

The RMS Celtic was a massive ship, measuring 701 feet long with a beam of 75 feet. It was a popular choice for passengers, especially during a time when immigration numbers were high.

She could carry nearly 3000 passengers and 350 crew members, making her a significant vessel in the early 20th century. Her gross tonnage was 20,904, a testament to her size and capacity.

The Celtic had a storied career, serving as an armed merchant cruiser during World War I. She was later converted to a troopship, transporting soldiers to Egypt in 1916.

In 1917, the Celtic hit a mine off the coast of the Isle of Man, but miraculously, she did not sink. She was towed to Peel Bay and repaired in Belfast.

Two years later, she suffered another close call when a German U-boat torpedoed her, but again, she remained afloat and was repaired.

The Big Four ships were much larger than the first two, with a tonnage of 21,035 - 24,541.

Their propulsion system consisted of two propellers driven by steam quadruple expansion, allowing them to reach an average speed of 16 knots (30 km/h).

These vessels had a distinctive silhouette, with a black hull, red keel, and white superstructure.

The ships were equipped with four masts, two in the front and two in the rear, which supported the cables of wireless telegraphy.

The Big Four ships had two chimneys, tan brown in color and topped with a black sleeve.

The vessels boasted luxury on an unprecedented scale, with a dining room dominated by a glass roof.

A lounge with a reading and writing room, adorned with large picture windows, was also a feature of these ships.

The Big Four ships had a covered promenade deck, perfect for taking in the sights and fresh air.

The Adriatic, the largest of the four, even had an indoor pool and Turkish baths for the ultimate in luxury and relaxation.

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The White Star Line was a British shipping company that played a significant role in the history of transatlantic travel.

Founded in 1845 by John Pilkington and Henry Wilson, the company started small but grew rapidly over the years.

The White Star Line's most famous ships were the Olympic, Titanic, and Britannic, which were known for their luxurious amenities and cutting-edge technology.

These ships were designed to be the epitome of luxury and comfort, with elaborate dining rooms, swimming pools, and even dog kennels.

The White Star Line's fleet was eventually absorbed into the Cunard Line in 1934, marking the end of an era for the company.

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