the company served ports in the chesapeake bay with week day, overnight freight and passenger service between new york, pier 26, north river, and norfolk (old point comfort) with routes extending to richmond, virginia and washington, d.c. service by "yorktown" and sister ship "jamestown" was planned to begin 10 april 1894. on 19 march 1898 "yorktown" was advertised by the company as the most comfortable way to travel from new york, sailing at 3 p.m. on 22 march and arriving the next morning for a $13 fare that included berth and meals, to see the "launching of the great twin battleships and " on 24 march 1898 at newport news.