Originally named RMS '' Port Kingston '' , she was built by Alexander Stephen and Sons of Govan on the River Clyde . She had been ordered by the Imperial Direct West Mail Company of Bristol , who were a subsidiary of Elder Dempster Shipping Limited . She was intended for the Bristol to Kingston , Jamaica route , which she was able to cover in ten and a half days . She had accommodation for 277 first class , 97-second and 141 third class passengers on four decks and had a crew of 135 . Besides carrying mail , she had a hold for a cargo of fruit . '' Port Kingston '' survived the 1907 Kingston earthquake and although beached , was successfully refloated . She was laid-up in 1910
1907 Kingston earthquake
1907 Kingston earthquake
RMS Tahiti