In 1895 Gefion accompanied the imperial yacht Hohenzollern during the opening of the Kaiser Wilhelm Canal, a visit to the Swedish king, and the Cowes Regatta. She also participated in the annual autumn fleet maneuvers before returning to escort work. These assignments gave Germany a visible ship for ceremonies, royal travel, and naval diplomacy. They made the cruiser useful as a prestige vessel even though that was not the combat or reconnaissance role for which she had supposedly been designed.
Chapter · 21:15-23:11
From cruiser to imperial yacht escort
Gefion's early career centered on escorting the Kaiser's yacht, canal ceremonies, royal visits, regattas, and fleet maneuvers rather than combat scouting.