The bygone era of transatlantic voyages - SS United States

A little off topic as this isn't is any way connected with Cunard, but as most of the transatlantic cruisers tend to hang out here I thought some of you might be interested in this recently posted video tour of the SS United States, the transatlantic speedboat.

Obviously she is in poor condition, and heavily stripped out, but I still found it fascinating to look at the old layout of the first class cabins - you can see the location of the bathroom, entrance way, and general layout.

Oh the stories she could tell. Anyway, hope you find it as interesting as I did.

I hope the Conservancy is able to repurpose her. It is sad to watch a ship rusting away.

Thanks for sharing the video.

There've been a lot of attempts to save her for years. For awhile even NCL was looking to purchase her since she was built in the US and can be used for itineraries that would otherwise be impossible due to the Jones Act. Unfortunately she's not really set up to even be adaptable to modern cruising needs. The most likely plans for saving her would have her converted to a non-mobile ship and serve as a hotel and/or restaurant, much the way the Moshulu already does in Philly.

I have to agree. As wonderful as she was from a performance perspective, she will never sail again under steam. Her very powerful and extremely thirsty steam power plant is ancient. It would be very hazardous to try and use it at this date as well as steam ship Engineers are becoming very rare. So, a complete mechanical tear out and replace the power plant at the minimum and then you still have, as others have mentioned, a ship with zero balcony cabins and very limited (by today's standards) entertainment. As Cunard has shown, present day passengers don't care a whit about fast speeds. Very sad to see present condition. I went aboard her back when that was allowed. Never got to sail aboard as Mother is from England and only Cunard would do but I did see her underway from onboard Queen Mary. A stunning sight at speed in the North Atlantic. Never to be seen again.

If you play with Google Maps a bit you can view some Street View images taken aboard the United States.

NCL owned her for a while, with the intention of refitting her for their NCL America operation. Here's one proposed design.

Maybe in hindsight it's better that the conversion never happened. She would have been partially neutered as happened with the SS France.

Thanks for that design. I had not seen that before. I have to say it looks better than what they did with France. I noted the missing propellers. Passengers today think 20 knots is way fast anyway.:eek::D

There was an interesting segment on the NBC Nightly News tonight about the United States and how the 31st is the deadline to save her.

Wonderful video. Thank you for posting it. I knew she was in bad shape but didn't realize how bad. It's so sad to see a once powerful beauty reduced to an abandoned, lonely hulk.

"...The owner of the Gowanus Bay Terminal is looking to buy a 63-year old cruise ship to create a massive floating office and entertainment space.

The S.S. United States was once the fastest and largest cruise ship in the world, but these days it's languishing miserably in a dock in Philadelphia to the tune of $60,000 per month, the Brooklyn Paper reports. Its current caretakers aren't sure how much longer they'll able to maintain the floating relic, and now, Red Hook concrete magnate John Quadrozzi Jr. is interested in buying it up..." -quoted from http://gothamist.com/2015/10/28/ss_pipe_dreams.php

Here's hoping!

My DH had been part of a team 25 years ago to do a feasibility study to see if she could be resurrected. He had a marvelous time exploring the ship but it was quickly obvious that it was not worth the cost to modernize her.

Poor old lady. How sad.

Tonight there is a fund raiser in Philadelphia that will attempt to re-create an evening on board the SSUS. It will either be a celebration or a wake.

The Red Hook proposal is her last chance. Under normal circumstances she would have been scrapped decades ago. Yet somehow she's had a rescuer to save her from the torch. (And she has "New York" right on her ass.)

What a wonderful sight a restored SSUS she would be upon entering New York. I hold out hope that I can see QM2 passing her.

Today it was announced that Crystal Cruises signed an option purchase agreement with the SS United States Conservatory.

"...The nonprofit, Washington-based S.S. United States Conservancy, which owns the ship, announced its plans for the ocean liner at a New York City news conference Thursday, saying the vessel would be based in New York City but would travel the world.

"The SS United States is ready to make history again," said Susan Gibbs, the conservancy's executive director.

The option agreement runs for nine months, during which the cruise line will conduct extensive checks and surveys of the vessel. If anything might sink the deal, the company CEO said, it would be environmental issues..." copied from http://www.philly.com/philly/news/20160205_Report__Cruise_ship_company_in_deal_to_buy_SS_United_States.html#0siS7pKEoXzOtcy8.99

Crystal has been expanding rapidly into new ventures. I wish them well if this in fact is true. I for one would love a chance to sail on SS US. Thanks for the link.

Thank you so much for the link. It is fascinating to think that she might return to service! I sailed back to NY from Southampton on her in August, 1962. Would love to sail again on her - and this time not in cabin class. Here's hoping the feasibility study will produce positive results.

As much as I hope this will happen, I'll believe it when I see it.

Thanks for posting the video.

It would be lovely to see her sail again, although I'm not too optimistic that this will ever happen. Still one can dream of better things for her than rusting away in Philadelphia.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CRYSTAL CRUISES ANNOUNCES PLANS TO RESTORE AMERICA'S FLAGSHIP

Crystal signs exclusive purchase option agreement to begin work on returning the historic vessel to service as the fastest cruise vessel in the world

NEW YORK, February 4, 2016 - Already in the midst of the most significant expansion in the company's celebrated history, Crystal Cruises' next step in expanding its award-winning fleet is truly an historic endeavor. Together with the SS United States Conservancy, Crystal today announced it will save "America's flagship," the SS United States, and embark on the enormous undertaking of bringing the ship into compliance with the latest standards, and returning her to oceangoing service. During the announcement, made at a press conference at the Manhattan Cruise Terminal in New York City, Crystal also committed to covering all costs associated with preserving the ship while undertaking a technical feasibility study, which is expected to be completed by the end of 2016.

"The prospect of revitalizing the SS United States and reestablishing her as 'America's Flagship' once again is a thrilling one. It will be a very challenging undertaking, but we are determined to apply the dedication and innovation that has always been the ship's hallmark," says Crystal President and CEO Edie Rodriguez. "We are honored to work with the SS United States Conservancy and government agencies in exploring the technical feasibility study so we can ultimately embark on the journey of transforming her into a sophisticated luxury cruise liner for the modern era."

"Crystal's ambitious vision for the SS United States will ensure our nation's flagship is once again a global ambassador for the highest standards of American innovation, quality and design," said Susan Gibbs, executive director of the SS United States Conservancy and granddaughter of the ship's designer, William Francis Gibbs. "We are thrilled that the SS United States is now poised to make a triumphant return to sea and that the ship's historical legacy will continue to intrigue and inspire a new generation."

In order to meet modern demands and be in full regulatory compliance, the SS United States will have to be extensively re-built to meet over 60 years of new maritime rules and shipbuilding practices. The modern United States by Crystal Cruises will be transformed into an 800-guest-capacity vessel, featuring 400 luxurious suites measuring about 350 square feet with dining, entertainment, spa and other luxury guest amenities that are true to the ship's storied history. Features of the original SS United States such as the Promenade and Navajo Lounge will be retained, while new engines and sophisticated marine technology will be installed to maintain her title as the fastest cruise vessel in the world.

Adds Rodriguez: "It is truly a privilege for the world's most awarded luxury cruise line to be entrusted with the opportunity of restoring a ship that served as a symbol of patriotism and maritime supremacy and bring her into the modern day, while also giving guests a taste of a bygone era of luxury travel."

Crystal will be examining exciting new itineraries for the 60,000-gross-ton United States by Crystal Cruises including not only the traditional transatlantic voyages from New York City, but cruises from key U.S. ports as well as international voyages around the globe which are a signature offering of Crystal and part of the line's "World Cruise."

The epitome of American post-war innovation and design, the SS United States was launched in 1952 and captured the transatlantic speed record on her maiden voyage - a record to this day that still stands. She remains the largest passenger ship ever designed and built in America. Before her retirement in 1969, the SS United States was the most glamorous and elegant ship in the world, having transported four U.S. presidents, international royalty, many of Hollywood's "golden era" celebrities, as well as a million passengers. While the ship captivated travelers with its features and elegance, the ship's origin was equally intriguing. She was designed as part of a top-secret Pentagon program during the Cold War, which stipulated it could be quickly converted from a luxury liner into a naval troopship in the event of a war, carrying 15,000 troops with a 240,000 shaft horsepower propulsion plant capable of traveling 10,000 nautical miles - almost half way around the globe - without refueling.

In October 2015, the SS United States Conservancy's Board of Directors announced that the persistent challenge of covering the vessel's monthly expenses had compelled them to engage a ship broker to explore the potential sale of the ship to be responsibly recycled. This news resulted in an outpouring of public support worldwide and led to the Conservancy raising additional funds which enabled the organization to continue its preservation efforts and pursue negotiations with potential investors and partners.

"The Conservancy could never have reached this momentous milestone without the lifeline provided by our supporters from across the country and around the world. Thousands responded to our SOS last October and they refused to give up the fight for America's Flagship," continued Gibbs.

To facilitate the complex technical feasibility study and to ensure a smooth execution of the project, Crystal has appointed retired U.S. Coast Guard Rear Admiral Tim Sullivan to build and lead a team with a wide range of cruise line technical, legal and regulatory expertise. With 36 years of active service, Admiral Sullivan has extensive experience in ship operations as a Commanding Officer of numerous Coast Guard cutters, and over the years has engaged in high level of interaction with a myriad of U.S. government agencies and international regulatory entities.

"Tim's integrity and leadership will help ensure the feasibility study is conducted with appropriately wide consultation, and rigorous adherence to both safety and environmental awareness," said Rodriguez.

The Conservancy will continue to expand its curatorial and archival collections as it advances its mission of educating the public about the SS United States' history. The organization will work with Crystal to establish shipboard displays and other educational programs. Planning is also underway for a land-based museum dedicated to preserving the legacy of America's Flagship along with broader design, innovation, and discovery themes.The museum will feature a wide range of original artifacts and historic components from the ship's heyday.

About SS United States Conservancy

A national nonprofit organization, the SS United States Conservancy leads the global effort to save and repurpose America's Flagship, the SS United States. The Conservancy raises public awareness and financial resources for the maintenance, restoration and ultimate reuse of this iconic vessel and works to ensure that the fastest ocean liner ever to cross the Atlantic remains an inspiration for generations to come. For more information about the SS United States visit www.ssusc.org or on the Conservancy Facebook Page.

About Crystal Cruises

Crystal Cruises is the world's most awarded luxury cruise line, having earned more "World's Best" accolades than any other cruise line, hotel, or resort in history. Crystal Cruises has won "World's Best Cruise Ship" in Conde Nast Traveler's Reader Choice Awards for 22 years; been voted "World's Best Large Ship Cruise Line" by Travel + Leisure readers for 20 consecutive years; and the "Best Luxury Cruise Line" by Virtuoso for two-consecutive years (2014 & 2015). In summer 2015, Crystal embarked on the most significant brand expansion in the history of luxury travel and hospitality, introducing three new classes of cruising - the recently launched Crystal Yacht Cruises (December 2015), Crystal River Cruises (July 2016), Crystal Exclusive Class Ocean Cruises (late 2018) - and Crystal Luxury Air (March 2016).

Visit crystalcruises.com for more information and join the thousands who follow the Crystal Cruises Facebook page and @crystalcruises on Twitter and Instagram to engage in the conversation with #crystalcruises.

http://www.ssusc.org/

"Crystal will be examining exciting new itineraries for the 60,000-gross-ton United States by Crystal Cruises including not only the traditional transatlantic voyages from New York City, but cruises from key U.S. ports as well as international voyages around the globe which are a signature offering of Crystal and part of the line's "World Cruise."

The Blue Ribbon Holder, will sail to Southampton once again!!

THE FASTEST OCEAN-LINER, EVER BUILT!

As much as I hope this will happen, I'll believe it when I see it.

I truly wish this latest proposal the greatest luck, however I believe we've been here before (Star Cruises? I think, sorry if I'm wrong), I hope this is not another false dawn.

I'd love to see the SS United States in Southampton again :)

"Crystal will be examining exciting new itineraries for the 60,000-gross-ton United States by Crystal Cruises including not only the traditional transatlantic voyages from New York City, but cruises from key U.S. ports as well as international voyages around the globe which are a signature offering of Crystal and part of the line's "World Cruise."

 

The Blue Ribbon Holder, will sail to Southampton once again!!

THE FASTEST OCEAN-LINER, EVER BUILT!

Let's hope!

I have to agree. As wonderful as she was from a performance perspective, she will never sail again under steam. Her very powerful and extremely thirsty steam power plant is ancient. It would be very hazardous to try and use it at this date as well as steam ship Engineers are becoming very rare. So, a complete mechanical tear out and replace the power plant at the minimum and then you still have, as others have mentioned, a ship with zero balcony cabins and very limited (by today's standards) entertainment. As Cunard has shown, present day passengers don't care a whit about fast speeds. Very sad to see present condition. I went aboard her back when that was allowed. Never got to sail aboard as Mother is from England and only Cunard would do but I did see her underway from onboard Queen Mary. A stunning sight at speed in the North Atlantic. Never to be seen again.

NCL owned her for a while, with the intention of refitting her for their NCL America operation. Here's one proposed design.

 

Maybe in hindsight it's better that the conversion never happened. She would have been partially neutered as happened with the SS France.

One of the reasons the NCL conversion (and it was for world cruises, not the Hawaiian trade) never happened was that the Conservancy filed a class action suit to prevent NCL from removing the power plant, as this was considered the prime historical aspect of the ship, and what made it unique. I have a hard time believing the Conservancy has changed its stance 180* on this, but in order to operate the ship at anywhere near break even, they will need to remove the entire power plant, and I would be surprised if she ends up with more than 2 screws. It will also be interesting to see how the ship falls into the Safe Return to Port IMO regulations on propulsion segregation, based on whether this is considered a retrofit of an older ship, or a new power plant installation.

All of the interior furnishings, and cabin walls have been torn out decades ago, she is just the steel structure, which in my mind takes away the history of the ship. And to make the ship appeal to today's cruising public, you would need to completely redo the entire accommodation. What to do with steerage cabins?

And, while the US was the fastest ocean liner, the larger Sea-Land Exchange (55,000 vs. 45,000 tons displacement), using 2 120,000 hp screws vs. 4 60,000 hp screws, nearly beat the US, coming in only 0.67 knots slower over the length of the crossing.

I hate to say it, but the Conservancy and Susan Gibbs are the last entities you want /need to save the "Big U". As to Crystal. It would be cheaper to build a new one.

Gibbs is in outer space when it comes to this. All they do is collect money to keep the ship rusting away and keep the Conservancy in business. :mad:

With these folks at the helm, the ship, IMO, is doomed. Probably was 10 years ago too.

A large number of furnishings are in storage in VA; I am guessing many can be refitted in order to have a nice hybrid recreation of certain rooms, as well as new areas. I called the VA museum one time and asked how much stuff they had and if I could come see some of it, and she laughed and said they had "tons and tons". Don't forget the first class lounge/dining room & a few other areas were recreated in NC for awhile, and most of those things were sent to the VA museum.

I don't believe they will do a complete replica, more of a hybridization of old and new.

They will make it appealing to the modern cruiser; I am guessing "steerage" cabins will become crew area, for instance.

I think it can happen. Crystal has the clientele who will want to sail on a liner like this - while NCL did not. I will sure as heck forgo Cunard for that inaugural year and be on board!