These two ships were often referred to as “cattleboats” due to the fact that they had special facilities for carrying cattle.

The two ships were also the first in the line’s fleet to be fitted with triple-expansion engines, and the experience of this type of machinery was watched closely as the future propulsion system for new passenger ships then being planned.

The Inman Line bought into service the first of two passenger ships of 10,000grt, the Teutonic, completed for the White Star Line in 1889 was smaller of 9,984grt, and the Majestic completed in 1890, 9,65grt.

With the new ships entering service, the original White Star Line ships were sold.

Holland America Line bought the Baltic in 1888, which became the Maasdam. The Celtic was sold to Danish owners in 1893 and renamed Amerika; the Oceanic was broken up on the Thames in 1896; and the Adriatic was broken up at Preston in 1899.

In August 1896 the North Atlantic crossing was made in 6 days, 21 hours and 3 minutes but there was no attempt by the White Star Line to build for speed until the 20 knot vessels Teutonic and the Majestic entered service in 1889 which, incidentally, were the first ships to operate without sails.

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