Prince of Wales was built by Fairfield Shipbuilding and Engineering Company, Govan, in 1887, and was launched on Thursday, 14 April 1887.

However, she was purchased by the Steam Packet Company together with PS Queen Victoria for the sum of £155,000 (equivalent to £21,800,000 in 2023)[2] Length 330'; beam 39'1"; depth 15'2".

Both sisters were fitted with compound engines developing 6,500 shp (4,800 kW) at 40.5 r.p.m., with a boiler steam pressure of 110 pounds per square inch (760 kPa).

The Manx Line, as the Isle of Man, Liverpool and Manchester Steamship Company was called[3] commenced service with the Prince of Wales and her sister Queen Victoria.

Together with her sister, both vessels were still considered fast for their day, and although they were getting on in years, naval architects appeared to think that paddlers, if not converted to troop carriers, were well suited to an anti-submarine role.

At one time during the Gallipoli Campaign they found themselves accompanying their Steam Packet sister Snaefell, which was landing troops at Suvla Bay.