The RMS Oceanic, operated by the White Star Line, was launched on January 14, 1899, and was one of the most advanced and luxurious liners of its time. Built by Harland and Wolff in Belfast, it was designed to carry 1,710 passengers and 349 crew members. The ship featured lavish first-class accommodations, including a dining room with a piano and organ, a library, and a smoke room. Second and third-class accommodations were also spacious and comfortable, albeit less opulent . The Oceanic departed Belfast for Liverpool on August 26, 1899, where it was received with great fanfare before embarking on its maiden voyage to New York on September 6, 1899 . During World War I, the Oceanic served as an armed merchant cruiser for the Royal Navy until it ran aground and was wrecked off the coast of Foula, Shetland, on September 8, 1914 . Photo credited by: Ste Midgley