The first SS Fürst Bismarck was an ocean liner built in 1890 by AG Vulcan for the Hamburg America Line.

A steamship of 8,430 gross register tons, it was assigned to transatlantic crossings between Hamburg Germany and New York City, United States.

Fürst Bismarck and the sister ships were part of an express fleet that usually made the trip in five to six days.

With these vessels the company maintained a weekly transatlantic express service, offering the public the convenience of safe and comfortable travel between America and the European Continent.

[6] In the service of Hamburg America line (HAPAG) on September 27, 1894, 5 days, 18 hours, 10 minutes,[7] with Captain Adolph Albers (1843–1902) at the helm.

Albers, later Commodore of the Hamburg America fleet, held several speed records for trans Atlantic crossings before his death at the helm of the SS Deutschland in 1902.

The vessel was seized by Italy at the end of the First World War, rebuilt, and renamed San Guisto.