In the 1880s RMSP introduced a series of larger new ships to improve its scheduled services between Southampton, South America and the Caribbean.

[1] After Orinoco's success, RMSP ordered two more ships to an improved and enlarged version of the design from Robert Napier and Sons of Govan.

[6][7] Magdalena's maiden voyage on 2 August 1889 was a charter by the Lord Mayor and Corporation of the City of London in which they attended the Royal Naval Review at Spithead.

The review was held by Queen Victoria to honour her grandson, Kaiser Wilhelm II.

[3] In September 1889 Magdalena joined RMSP's regular scheduled route between Southampton and the east coast of South America.

That December the cabins-de-luxe on Magdalena, Thames and Clyde were refurbished and the ladies' saloon on each ship was converted into more cabins.

[12] Just after the turn of the 20th century Magdalena and her sisters had their hulls painted white, perhaps to reflect more heat in warmer latitudes.

This was short-lived as the new colour showed any grime, rust and soot, and white paint was three times the price of black.

[8] In 1909 the RMSP liner Trent grounded on a sandbank in the Caribbean and Magdalena tried unsuccessfully to tow her clear.

When the United Kingdom entered the First World War in August 1914 Magdalena was 25 years old and near the end of her useful life.

[18] In August 1918 Magdalena brought the Gold Coast Regiment home at the close of the East African Campaign.