Following service in a number of military roles during the Second World War, she was refitted and returned to civilian use in 1950, finally retiring in 1956.

Her maiden voyage was between London (cargo)-Southampton-Quebec-Montreal starting on 22 May 1925; she was employed on this route, switching to Halifax, Nova Scotia and New York during the winter, until World War II.

[4][5] Ascania was returned to Cunard and refitted, resuming passenger service on 20 December 1947 on the Liverpool to Halifax route.

She underwent a major refit in 1949, to 14,440 gross register tons (GRT) and with accommodation for 200 first and 500 tourist class passengers,[1] and returned to service on 21 April 1950 on the Liverpool-Quebec-Montreal route.

In addition, a large cut-away model is displayed at the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 next to the landing deck where Ascania once docked.