The Doric was built in 1883 by Harland & Wolff in Belfast for the White Star Line. She was a sister ship to the Ionic and was initially chartered by the New Zealand Shipping Company for service between London and Wellington.

In 1885, the Doric was used for a joint service operated by the White Star Line and Shaw, Savill & Albion Line on the same route. In 1895, she was refitted with more efficient engines. Her sailing rig was reduced, and she appeared with a taller funnel. She was subsequently reassigned to operate between Hong Kong and San Francisco under the Occidental and Oriental Steamship Company.

In 1906, as that company withdrew from service, the Doric was sold to the Pacific Mail Steamship Company and renamed Asia. She continued on the same Pacific route until 1911, when she ran aground near the Taichow Islands off the coast of China. The passengers were safely evacuated, but the wreck was later looted and burned.