I know this doesn’t have a thing to do with business travel, airlines, or mileage points. But I have a soft spot in my heart for ships, so I appreciate your tolerance. Today, the SS United States Conservancy announced that it has successfully purchased the great oceanliner, SS United States from NCL Cruises. The ship’s new owners intend to restore her to her former glory, minus the ability to sail across an ocean at 36 knots. The SS United States still holds the world speed record for a westbound trans-Atlantic crossing. For a ship her size, 36 knots is a pretty rapid clip! However, there aren’t likely to be anymore crossings for this once great ship. Instead, she might have a future as a hotel or similar attraction much like the Queen Mary in Long Beach.
I doubt it was ever practical to restore the ship to seaworthy condition, as great as that would be to see. That said, it’s good news that this great ship has a chance to avoid the scrap heap. I can’t wait to see how she turns out. I’ll gladly take the train to Philadelphia just to see.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Sex1qjiVX8
I saw the story on the Philadelphia news last night and am happy to hear it. I’m still amazed when in the IKEA parking lot and can just look at the ship across the street and take her in her elegance, even in her current condition.
Oh, Thank you SO much for telling me! I live in Philadelphia and see her on a regular basis when I drive through the city. Seeing her uncared for has been breaking mine and my husband’s hearts for so long… we used to joke about hitting the lotto so we could save her! I can’t want to see her in all her beautiful Glory… and I’d love getting a trip on her even more. (If the owners see this and want some to photograph her… write me!! lol)