MUSKOKA STEAMSHIPS > RMS DESIGNATION

Royal Mail Ship

RMS Designation

In the world, there are only three active ships that are referred to as Royal Mail Ships or Royal Mail Vessels: RMS Segwun, RMV Scillonian III & RMS Queen Mary.

IN ORDER OF SIZE, FROM SMALLEST TO LARGEST

  • RMS SEGWUN
  • LENGTH
    125 feet
  • BEAM
    21 feet
  • DRAFT
    6 feet Gross
  • TONNAGE
    271
  • RMV SCILLONIAN III
  • LENGTH
    223.1 feet
  • BEAM
    38.91 feet
  • DRAFT
    9 feet & 5.8 inches
  • TONNAGE
    1,255.25
  • RMS QUEEN MARY
  • LENGTH
    1131.98 feet
  • BEAM
    147.63 feet
  • DRAFT
    32.8 feet Gross
  • TONNAGE
    151,400

Since the 1800s, when the designation was first used, there have been approximately 200 Royal Mail Ships. Because these ships carried mail, they were contracted to be on time. They faced stiff financial penalties for delays. The designation became a mark of excellence.

The only steam-powered Royal Mail Ship in the world of the three remaining vessels only one is powered by steam – RMS Segwun. She is the only steam-driven Royal Mail Ship in the world.

Although Segwun no longer carries mail from port to port in Muskoka, mail dropped in the onboard mail box will be franked RMS Segwun. The cards and letters will be forwarded to the addresses inscribed.