Passengers had a great deal of respect for Edward Smith.

One of the interesting facts about Edward Smith was that he was well-liked by passengers because of the high degree of security he was able to maintain on the voyages he oversaw. Most people who had to go across the Atlantic decided to choose the ships under his command.

Smith developed a reputation for being well-liked by both the crew and the passengers during the course of his career. Because he was so well-liked by rich tourists, he was given the nickname "the Millionaire's Captain."

Smith was a veteran of the Boer War and spent many years at sea before being promoted to senior captain of the White Star Line. The White Star Line added a new Baltic to their fleet in 1904 after being recently acquired by the International Mercantile Marines. It was one of the largest ships at the time and weighed 23,876 tons. On their first trips, he was named the new ship's commander for the White Star Line. For three years, under his direction, there were no occurrences. Although a particular event occurred as the ship was docked in New York port, the Olympics' maiden journey also passed without a hitch.

Edward Smith was able to complete the journey successfully and without taking any lives because of his talent and experience. Captain Smith was not only well respected, but he also had specific expertise in commanding very big ships. Smith then had command of the 24,541-ton Adriatic after commanding the Baltic.