With fitting out completed, the vessel left the River Tyne on 17th September 1907 to carry out preliminary trials off the east coast of Scotland. These early trials were conducted in great secrecy as they were testing  new technology and any failure would have been very embarrassing for the builders. Even the Marconi apparatus fitted on board was not used to keep the builders informed of progress. Confidentiality was maintained by the use of carrier pigeons. During many runs on the St. Abbs Head Mile the best speed attained was 25.73 knots and following low speed manoeuvring trials off Whitley Bay MAURETANIA returned to her berth on 20th September. The trials were classed as a success and  the concept of the vessel had been proven. There was a slight problem with vibration, which was to remain with her during her long career but this was classed as being within acceptable limits. Following  a general spruce up the vessel finally left the River Tyne on her delivery voyage to Liverpool under the command of Captain Pritchard on 22nd October 1907. She was given a magnificent send off being escorted down the river by all manner of craft while thousands upon thousands of people lined both banks of the river to say bon voyage to a ship which had captured the hearts and minds of the entire region.