RMS Transylvania Leaves Glasgow, 25 August 1928.

This photograph​ depicts a familiar scene off the Scottish coast in the late 1920s, as RMS Transylvania of the Anchor Line steams past Greenock, taking her to the Firth of Clyde and out on her transatlantic crossing to New York. This photograph is dated 25th August 1928. This particular passage leaving Glasgow on 25th August was fairly busy. The Scotsman newspaper reported that she was leaving at the height of the tourist season for returning American travellers. Among her more than 1,400 passengers were some officials of the USA Olympic team along with around 140 supporters. The 1928 games had been held in Amsterdam, and the Team themselves had already returned directly aboard SS President Roosevelt on 19th August.

SS Transylvania off Greenock, 25 August 1928.

Transylvania was one of the Anchor Line's newest vessels; the middle of three sisters launched between 1923 and 1925. Along with SS Caledonia, her three funnel profile was rather distinctive for a ship of her size. Their eldest sister SS California was only fitted with one, and the addition of two 'dummy' companions was thought to add something which has been lacking. Interestingly, a few days into this particular crossing, the Anchor Line announced that California would be converted to cabin and tourist class from the following April. Transylvania and Caledonia remained first class steamers for the time being.