RMS Pendennis Castle was a Royal Mail Ship, passenger and cargo liner operated by the Union-Castle Line.

The merger resulted in Clan Line people taking the leading role in the new company's management and they immediately decided to improve and enlarge Pendennis Castle even though she was already under construction.

[1] The ship had originally been intended as a third example of the Pretoria Castle class, but the fitting of Denny-Brown stabilizers required lengthening amidships and her overall length was increased by 18ft.

Following the success of the introduction of "stewardettes" in the one class Transvaal Castle, these female waiting staff were added to the other ships in the fleet.

In May 1968 an onboard fire broke out while Pendennis Castle was berthed in Southampton, resulting in limited damage to some forward accommodation.

Later that year Pendennis Castle set a new Union-Castle record for the fastest passage time from Cape Town to Southampton.

[2] Now displaying a white hull and golden brown funnel, she sailed for what was intended to be a new service life as a cruise ship, in Hong Kong.