The twin-screw motorship Britannic launched at Belfast in 1929, was one of the last liners ordered by the White Star Line and despite the merger with Cunard in 1934, carried White Star markings to the end of her days.

At the time of her maiden voyage from Liverpool via Cobh to New York in June 1930, Britannic, at 27,600 tons, was one of the world's largest motorliners. She also had a distinctive profile in that her two squat funnels, well-raked masts, straight stem and cruiser stern were prominent features.

Britannic and her sister-ship, Georgic, were listed as cabin-class liners and their accommodation was superior to any White Star ship previously associated with this grade. Each could carry around 1,550 passengers.

During the Second World War Britannic was a troopship and carried up to 5,000 servicemen.

In her later years Britannic was used as a cruise liner, operating mainly from New York to the Mediterranean, and she often called at Southampton to land passengers.

She continued to serve until 1960, when her withdrawal was accelerated by an unofficial seamen's dispute over pay.

She was finally broken up at Inverkeithing.