 "Adriatic" was similar in configuration to the earlier "Oceanic"-class ships, with a single funnel and four masts, with the highest towering to , and the first three square-rigged.Her hull was painted black in typical White Star fashion, and accommodated two classes, First and Steerage.As the largest of the six White Star Line ships, "Adriatic" received the designation as the Line's flagship, a title she held until the larger "Britannic" came on line in 1874.