She was launched on 11 March 1925 for the Anchor Line and was the sister ship to the SS California and RMS Caledonia.

She was converted into an armed merchant cruiser, pennant F56 during World War II.

[2] Transylvania was completed on 2 September 1925 and sailed from Glasgow to New York on her maiden voyage ten days later.

On 28 March 1929, Transylvania ran aground in the fog at La Coeque Rocks, 10 nmi (19 km; 12 mi) west of Cherbourg.

[4] The wreck lies at a depth of 134 m (440 ft) about 30 nmi (56 km; 35 mi) north of Tory Island.