The Apollo class and the related Astraeas offered a smaller cruiser solution than the Edgars. At roughly 3,600 to 3,700 tons and about ninety-six metres long, they carried crews of up to approximately three hundred. The ships were not always the best sea boats, but they were capable for their time and role. The Astraeas' long careers and the number built show how service suitability could outweigh weakness in one characteristic.
Chapter · 27:39-28:38
Apollo and Astraea develop the second-class cruiser
The Apollo and Astraea classes use moderate displacement and compact crews to provide useful second-class cruisers for worldwide service.