Navigazione Generale Italiana
Following the end of World War I, many shipping companies were planning to build new liners once they had enough money. Navigazione Generale Italiana decided to build two new liners of over 30,000 gross registered tons for post war service. The first ship was "Roma" which was launched in 1926. The second ship was launched in December 1926 at the Ansaldo Shipyard and was christened "Augustus" by Edda Mussolini (daughter of dictator Benito Mussolini). She was fitted out and made her maiden voyage on November 10, 1927. Her interior was decorated in the Baroque style. She was the largest diesel-engined passenger ship of her time, whereas her sister was equipped with geared steam turbines. The "Augustus" was c. 215 meters long and was designed to carry 1,675 passengers.