[7] The ship boasted numerous modern luxuries, including distilled water, air conditioning, movie theaters, and wireless equipment for communication.

Its modern decor was widely praised and included numerous frescoes and murals depicting the maritime and cultural history of the Great Lakes; company advertising from the period proclaimed it was "the last word in marine architecture.

"[4][5] It was also equipped with numerous safety features including a double bottom hull, 16 watertight compartments, and sprinklers in every room to combat fire.

[10][11] The entry of the United States into World War II brought some relief as gas rationing caused many to use the ship for travel as well as recreation.

Although this brought some badly needed cash to the company, it also caused logistical issues as the previous daily round trip service could no longer be conducted.

[5][9] Rising labor costs and competition from the automobile made the ship's post World War II future uncertain.

The interior fittings were sold as souvenirs to area residents, and on December 12, 1956 the ship was towed out onto Lake St. Clair and lit on fire to remove all wooden elements of the superstructure and make scrapping easier.

Without steam power the 6,000 lb (2,700 kg) anchor was unable to be raised and was instead cut, resting on the bottom of the Detroit River for almost 60 years.