Originally built as a cruise vessel for the Nazi Strength Through Joy (Kraft durch Freude) organization in 1937, Wilhelm Gustloff had been requisitioned by the Kriegsmarine (German navy) in 1939. She served as a hospital vessel in 1939 and 1940. She was then appointed as a floating barracks for marine personnel in Gotenhafen before being armed and put into service to ferry evacuees in 1945.