S.S. Ariosto (1), Wilson Line

The Ariosto was introduced as one of the largest and fastest steamships serving Gothenburg. Built for Wilson Sons & Co., the vessel was 340 feet long, with a beam of 40½ feet and a cargo capacity of 2,500 tons. Her triple-expansion steam engine developed 2,637 indicated horsepower and was designed to provide a service speed of 15 knots.

The ship offered unusually comfortable passenger accommodations for the period. First-class facilities were located amidships and provided accommodation for 68 passengers. The dining saloon, with a ceiling height of eight feet, could seat 60 people at a time. Other facilities included an elegantly furnished ladies' saloon, decorated in white, and a separate smoking room. The interiors featured fine hardwoods, including various types of walnut and maple, with decorative inlays. The extensive use of polished wood rather than paint and upholstery was intended to provide both an attractive appearance and surfaces that were easy to clean and maintain.

Second-class accommodation consisted of a spacious saloon and cabins for 23 passengers. The high between-deck space was fitted out for emigrants, with capacity for as many as 1,086 steerage passengers. Electric lighting was installed throughout the passenger accommodations, between decks, and in the engine room. The vessel was also equipped with heating and running water.

The Ariosto was intended to operate the regular service between Hull and Gothenburg, alternating with the steamship Romeo. The scheduled crossing time was reduced to approximately 34 hours, six hours less than that of earlier steamships on the route. Under the new timetable, passengers leaving Hull at 6 a.m. on Saturday were expected to arrive in Gothenburg early enough on Sunday afternoon to connect with the overnight train to Stockholm. Departures from Gothenburg remained scheduled for Fridays at 1 p.m.

The vessel was commanded by Captain Dossor, an experienced master who was described at the time as the longest-serving captain on Wilson Line's Hull–Gothenburg service.