"Big U" Update

[StanandJim]

- America's Flagship in the birthplace of the Amercia

 

 

With all due respect to Philadelphia, calling the USA "America" is one of those "everyone says it" phrases that really grate on my nerves.

 

Because it can come across as so insulting to the other Nations that share our Continent, I always try not to do it.

Edited December 2, 2010 by StanandJim

[laser110]

Other nations that share our continent? Canada - the 51st state and Mexico the 52nd?

 

Relax dude, America and USA are compeletly interchangable, in fact your post was the first one I had ever heard of anyone having an issue with it.

 

Scott

[Rotterdam]

I read recently that Phil is not renewing contracts for ships to call there...so send THE BIG U back to NYC.....

[Philly Steve]

I read recently that Phil is not renewing contracts for ships to call there...so send THE BIG U back to NYC.....

 

The agency that handled Philadelphia cruises, the Delaware River Port Authority, decided to cut ties with the Cruise Ship Terminal at the former Navy Yard. The facility will be used as a warehouse. There is hope the City of Philadelphia will court the cruise industry with an eye toward building a more modern terminal and resuming cruises.

 

Sadly, it appears Harrah's is not interested in the bold proposal for a floating casino on the Delaware River.

 

I would gladly visit the Big U in the Big Apple, if the investors can be found.

 

[Philly Steve]

The SS United States Conservancy has announced it has purchased the liner from Norwegian Cruise Lines and its parent company for 3-million dollars. It is a "20 month stay of execution" as efforts continue to find investors to transform the "Big U" into a tourist attraction-museum-meeting place in south Philadelphia.

 

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-02-01/preservation-group-is-new-ss-united-states-owner.html

 

 

[NYCruzr]

Wow...that really is an accomplishment! Kudos to all of those involved in the effort. I do hope that it will be possible to bring the SS United States back to its original splendor! Best of luck!

[Philly Steve]

Join the email list to save the SS United States.

 

http://www.ssunitedstatesconservancy.org/

[kelz66]

Join the email list to save the SS United States.

 

http://www.ssunitedstatesconservancy.org/

 

done!

 

thanks for the link sir.

[Philly Steve]

The next scheduled event is set for June 24th in the Philadelphia area. It's called "Relive an Evening Board the SS United States" and includes dinner, an open bar and live music. Guests are encouraged to dress in 50's attire. The evening will celebrate the ship's title transfer and on-going fund raising effort.

 

More info at ssunitedstatesconservancy.org

 

http://www.examiner.com/travel-in-new-york/ss-united-states-conservancy-to-host-major-gala-celebration-fundraiser

[CroozinFamily]

Was rooting around today and came across SS United States Passenger List, some menus and some newspapers from our crossing! I hope I uploaded these pics right.

 

 

 

[Philly Steve]

Thanks for passing along. :) Did you spend New Year's Eve aboard the United States?

[CroozinFamily]

No, we did not spend New Year's Eve on board. We sailed the end of January. That menu was from the gala dinner.

[Philly Steve]

No, we did not spend New Year's Eve on board. We sailed the end of January. That menu was from the gala dinner.

 

You must have some rich memories of that voyage. It would break your heart to see the condition of the ship now, but there is hope for the future. ;)

[Philly Steve]

The SS United States Conservancy says New York City is emerging as the top contender to host a redeveloped SS United States but any refit work would be done in Philadelphia.

 

http://www.ssunitedstatesconservancy.org/news/_/2011/8/an-update-from-conservancy-executive-director-dan-mcsweeney/

[marco]

NYC would be a perfect fit. Either in South Seaport, if it could be docked there or near the "Intrepid" which is right between the Circle Line dock and the cruise ship terminals in Manhattan. If it were there, it certainly would be a big attraction for pre/post cruisers sailing out of the terminals, there.

[Philly Steve]

The SS United States Conservancy is marking the 60th anniversary of the ship's maiden voyage with the release of a new calendar that would make the perfect holiday gift for the ocean liner fan in your family.

 

http://www.ssunitedstatesconservancy.org/news/

 

The non profit Conservancy has funding for the ship for only one more year and fund raising efforts will shift into high gear soon.

[Philly Steve]

The SS United States Conservancy is conducting an inventory of items from the World's Fastest Ship.

 

If you have any SS United States furniture, dinner ware, signs, etc., the Conservancy would like to know about it. It is not interested in acquiring the items.

 

http://www.ssunitedstatesconservancy.org/

 

The interior of the ship was sold at auction before being towed overseas for asbestos removal years ago. Since then, many items have popped up on Internet auction sites.

[BruceMuzz]

I'm looking forward to purchasing a big supply of "Big U Razorblades", which should be on the market in large quantities in about 18 months.

[Philly Steve]

The non profit SS United States Conservancy is planning a party Friday night, June 15th at the Independence Seaport Museum in Philadelphia to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the ship.

 

There will be an update on efforts to save the ship and there will be a screening of a new documentary on the United States.

 

The meeting will conclude with a lighting of the ship's funnels.

 

Hope to see you there. :)

 

More info here...

 

http://www.ssunitedstatesconservancy.org/news/_/2012/5/conservancy-to-host-60th-anniversary-celebration-at-philadelphias-independence-seaport-museum/

Edited June 7, 2012 by Philly Steve

[George C]

Thanks for keeping us updated, I would attend if I lived in the area, but I am not even close.

[Philly Steve]

Thanks for keeping us updated, I would attend if I lived in the area, but I am not even close.

 

No problem, George. We'll keep the faith!

 

I find it curious that some people have no problem in seeing this effort fail. :(

[DevCruise]

Just curious....is any work actually being done on the ship? At least anything that would keep her from getting worse?

[Philly Steve]

Just curious....is any work actually being done on the ship? At least anything that would keep her from getting worse?

 

That's a good question and hopefully it will be answered tomorrow night. I'll report back. I think there are regular inspections of the hull.

 

I'd love to see some new paint which is an expensive proposition but it would go a long way toward restoring the ship's image.

Edited June 14, 2012 by Philly Steve

[George C]

It would be nice if US Lines should get involved ( they are the original owner of the ship)

[BruceMuzz]

US Lines is no longer a US owned Company.

They are a subsidiary of Australia National Lines.

 

So many people are willing to moan endlessly about the demise of this American icon, but not willing to put up the money to save her. That seems to be the way in America today.

They should have scrapped her years ago.

Edited June 15, 2012 by BruceMuzz