The Fleet
Arabia
1853
-
1864
• Gross Tonnage - 2,402
• Dimensions - 86.62 x 12.50m
• Number of funnels - 2
• Number of masts - 2
• Construction - Wood
• Propulsion - Paddle
• Engines - Side lever, two
• Service speed - 12 knots
• Builder - Robert Steele & Co., Glasgow ( engines Robert Napier, Glasgow )
• Passenger accommodation - 180 1st Class
The history of the Arabia is rather complicated. In 1851 Cunard had two sister ships in the process of being built, the Arabia and Persia. The Arabia was the first to be launched in December 1851. In January 1852, however, the Royal Mail lines lost their best ship, the Amazon, on its maiden voyage. To replace this ship and restore public confidence they entered into negotiations with Cunard and then bought the Arabia. It was renamed La Plata and used in the South American trade.
In the meantime her sister ship, which was to have been named the Persia, was renamed the Arabia (it was not until 1856 that the name Persia was given to a Cunard ship). The Arabia was launched on 21 June 1852.
The Arabia made its maiden voyage from Liverpool to New York on 1 January 1853 and became a Crimean War transport in 1854. In 1856 it returned to Cunard service and sailed to both Boston and New York. In 1858 it collided with another Cunard vessel, the Europa, off Cape Race and both ships were damaged. In 1864 it was converted in to a sailing ship.
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