The "Cedric" was built for the White Star Line in 1902 by Harland & Wolff, Belfast. She was a 21,035 gross ton ship, length 680.9 ft x beam 75.3 ft, two funnels, four masts, twin screw and a speed of 16 knots. There was accommodation for 365 First, 160 Second and 2352 Third Class passengers. Cedric was the second of White Star's "Big Four" which also included Celtic, Baltic and Adriatic. The Celtic was the first ship to exceed Brunel's Great Eastern in overall tonnage, which was quite an accomplishment, considering Brunel's giant ship held the size record for almost 40 years. Except for the Adriatic all of these, when built, would be the largest ship in the world for a short time.

Launched on August 21, 1902, Cedric commenced her maiden voyage from Liverpool to New York on February 11, 1903. This was the only route on which she was ever used, although Cedric was also sometimes used for winter cruises to the Mediterranean. Her last voyage on the Liverpool-New York service started October 21, 1914 and she was then converted to an Armed Merchant Cruiser. She resumed Liverpool - New York sailings on December 18, 1916 and on January 29, 1918 collided with, and sank the Canadian Pacific ship "Montreal" near the Mersey Bar. After repairs, she resumed Liverpool - New York voyages on December 14, 1918 and in 1920 was refitted to accommodate 347 First, 250 Second and 1000 Third Class passengers.

On 30 September 1923 the Cedric collided with R.M.S Scythia II of the Cunard Line in Queenstown harbour during dense fog. Neither vessel was seriously damaged.

On October 23, 1926 she was again altered to Cabin, Tourist and Third Class. Her last Liverpool - New York sailing commenced September 5, 1931 and she was sold later the same year and scrapped at Inverkeithing in 1932.