entire range of cabins were
lighted by gas, made on board, though this has since given place to the
incandescent electric light. A fine promenade deck was provided over
the saloon, which was accessible from below in all weathers by the
grand staircase.

These, and other arrangements, greatly promoted the comfort and
convenience of the cabin passengers; while those in the steerage found
great improvements in convenience, sanitation, and accommodation.
"Jack" had his forecastle well ventilated and lighted, and a
turtle-back over his head when on deck, with winches to haul for him,
and a steam-engine to work the wheel; while the engineers and firemen
berthed as near their work as possible, never needing to wet a jacket
or miss a meal. In short, for the first time perhaps, ocean-voyaging,
even in the North Atlantic, was made not only less tedious and dreadful
to all, but was rendered enjoyable and even delightful to many. Before
the Oceanic, the pioneer of the new line, was even launched, rival
companies had already consigned her to the deepest place in the ocean.
Her first appearance in Liverpool was therefore regarded with much
interest. Mr. Ismay, during the construction of the vessel, took every
pains to suggest improvements and arrangements with a view to the
comfort and convenience of the travelling public. He accompanied the
vessel on her first voyage to New York in March, 1871, under command of
Captain, now Sir Digby Murray, Brt. Although severe weather was
experienced, the ship made a splendid voyage, with a heavy cargo of
goods and passengers. The Oceanic thus started the Transatlantic
traffic of the Company, with the house-flag of the White Star proudly
flying on the main.

It may be mentioned that the speed of the Oceanic was at least a knot
faster per hour than had been heretofore accomplished across the
Atlantic. The motion of the vessel was easy, without any indication of
weakness or straining, even in the heaviest weather. The only
inducement to slow was when going head to it (which often meant head
through it), to avoid the inconvenience of shipping a heavy body of
"green sea" on deck forward. A turtle-back was therefore provided to
throw it off, which proved so satisfactory, as it had done on the
Holyhead and Kingstown boats, that all the subsequent vessels were
similarly constructed. Thus, then, as with the machinery, so was the
hull of the Oceanic, a type of the succeeding vessels, which a