The three ships would feature flush decks, an open bridge, three masts with barque rig sails and a single funnel. They would also be the first Cunard vessels to utilize bathrooms. The first two liners, "Abyssinia" and "Algeria", were constructed by J & G Thomson in Glasgow. The third and smallest of the three, Parthia, was to be built at William Denny and Brothers in Dumbarton. On February 2, 1870, the keel of the "Parthia" was laid. Little more than seven months later on September 10, the "Parthia's" completed hull was launched. Her fitting out was completed a few months later. Her total construction cost was £94,970. On December 17, 1870, the "Parthia" embarked on her maiden voyage from Liverpool to New York City. Only able to travel 13 knots, "Parthia" was not able to take the Blue Riband, which was held at the time by Cunard's paddle steamer "Scotia". Nevertheless, "Parthia's" performance was admirable and she quickly became the best vessel in Cunard's fleet and one of the top ocean liners on the Atlantic. Unlike her larger sisters, "Abyssinia" and "Algeria", the "Parthia" was fitted with more efficient Compound steam engines, reducing the space needed to carry coal. The extra space allowed "Parthia" to carry more freight. Another difference from her two sisters was her slightly thinner funnel. In 1871, Cunard once again faced competition, when the White Star Line began operations with their new "Oceanic". "Oceanic" was superior over "Parthia" in both size and passenger accommodations. Despite this, "Parthia" continued to hold her own. In 1874, "Parthia" collided with White Star's "Adriatic" outside of New York, causing the latter to return to New York for repairs. "Parthia" however, received very minimal damage. In March 1880, "Parthia" began towing the partially flooded and damaged barque, "Mary A. Marshall", to safety. 36 hours after "Parthia" began towing her, the "Marshall" sank, but the barque's crew was able to be rescued. In November 1880, "Parthia" rescued the crew of the sunken "James Edwards", after which, "Parthia's" third officer was awarded for his assist in the rescue. At only nine years old, "Parthia" had already become an obsolete vessel in a world of rapid progress.