The Sketch of 1 May 1929 introduced the 'Southern Railway's new oil-burning cross-channel steamer "Canterbury," 3100 tons, to work in the new "Golden Arrow" service.'
It went on to say: 'Undoubtedly, the most striking feature of the revised service is the arrangement by which a new cross-channel steamer, the "Canterbury," will be alloted to this service, and will leave the respective ports within a few minutes of the arrival of the "Golden Arrow" train, instead of of waiting, as hitherto, for the following second portion. In this way time will be saved at the ports, and much greater comfort will be available in the ship, as the numbers (about 250 to 300) will be limited to those using the "Golden Arrow" service. The "Canterbury," built by Messrs Wm. Denny Bros., of Dumbarton, is 3,100 tons, oil-burning, and the very last word in cross-channel ship construction. She has every possible convenience that has yet been thought of, including a great number of private de luxe cabins, and sheltered alcoves, spacious decks and a Palm Court'
The Palm Court, as mentioned above, gives some idea of the comfort available to Golden arrow passengers.
From The Sketch 1 May 1929
The Daily News of 22 May 1929 also reported ''A SPENDID NEW VESSEL' and went on to say: 'The inauguration of the new and accelerated "Golden Arrow Limited" all-Pullman service between London and Paris is an event of great interest to travellers. Whether they are good sailors or not, passengers will welcome the enterprise of the Southern Railway in providing for their comfort, on the Dover-Calais route, a beautiful vessel, which will rob the Channel of much of its terror when the sea is rough, and enhance the pleasure of crossing in fine weather. The new ship is the oil-burning steamer Canterbury, of 3,100 tons, which is the largest cross-Channel steamer ever constructed. In luxury and comfort she is supreme. The private cabins, sheltered alcoves, spacious decks and garden café are notable features of a vessel in which it is a delight to travel. The Channel is crossed in 75 minutes.
The journey between the two capitals is now accomplished in six hours and 35 minutes, a gain of 20 minutes on the outward journey and 40 minutes on the homeward journey-due to the reduction in the time allowed at the ports. The Customs authorities are co-operating in speeding up the examination of hand baggage. The Golden Arrow now leaves Victoria a quarter of an hour earlier than formerly. Leaving at 11 o'clock, passengers arrive in Paris (Nord) at 5.35; and, leaving Paris, at noon, they reach Victoria at 6.35. The later departure from London is made for the convenience of passengers, whose comfort was never studied so much as it is today.'