Napier, Shanks and Bell built Modjeska in Yoker, Glasgow, Scotland, launching her on 13 April 1889.

She was a twin-screw steamship, and each of her screws was driven by a triple-expansion steam engine built by Dunsmuir and Jackson Ltd. of Govan.

[1] On June 13, 1903, the Modjeska was involved in an early Canadian demonstration of ship-to-shore wireless transmission.

While the ship was about 20 miles offshore, members of the American De Forest Wireless Co. exchanged messages with company engineers, scientists and dignitaries on shore in Toronto.

The refit provided cabins and staterooms for up to 150 passengers[4] and increased her tonnages to 913 GRT and 453 NRT.