SMS "Kronprinz Erzherzog Rudolf" was laid down on 25 January 1884 at the Navy Dockyard in Pola. She was launched on 6 July 1887 and then began fitting out, which was completed in September 1889. The ship was commissioned to begin sea trials on 20 September. Embarrassingly for the Habsburgs, the ship's namesake had committed suicide earlier that year in the Mayerling incident. In 1890, the German emperor, Kaiser Wilhelm II, invited the Austro-Hungarian fleet to take part in the annual fleet training exercises in August. "Kronprinz Erzherzog Rudolf", the ironclad "Kronprinzessin Erzherzogin Stephanie", and the protected cruiser were sent to Germany under the command of Rear Admiral Johann von Hinke. While en route, the squadron made visits in Gibraltar and Britain; during the latter stop, the ships took part in the Cowes Regatta, where they were reviewed by Queen Victoria. The ships also stopped in Copenhagen, Denmark and Karlskrona, Sweden. During the voyage back to Austria-Hungary, the squadron visited Cherbourg, France and Palermo, Italy. "Kronprinz Erzherzog Rudolf" experienced repeated difficulties with her engines on the trip, but it was nevertheless considered to be a great success in the Austro-Hungarian Navy.