Can they REALLY scrap the SS UNITED STATES??? - Cruise Line Fans: Cruise Forum, Reviews and Chat From Real Cruisers

canarymoon · 03-09-2010, 01:25 PM

I hear that the deadline is sometime this month, though what day, I don't know. Current owner - NCL - has set the deadline. Unless a white knight arrives at the last minute, looks like she's destined to become just so much scrap.

Here's what I wrote about it in my blog today.

Is the End Near for the SS United States?

Is the end coming for one of the most beloved Ocean Liners ever?
Sadly, it appears that way.

The famous ship, now languishing at a pier in Philadelphia, was the last to win speed records for transatlantic crossings in both directions by a passenger ship in regular service. Today, she still holds the speed record for a westbound crossing. She's alsos the largest liner ever to be built entirely within the United States - a source of consierable national pride in 1952, the year she entered service. (She continued transatlantic passenger service unti 1969.)

Her fate having been uncertain for years now, she has been sitting idle in Philly since 1996. Many times, hopes have risen that a new owner would come to her rescue. Those hopes have remaiined alive, but unreallized for over a decade.

Now, a deadline looms. A deadline that could mean a national icon that once transported would be new Americans to our shores will surely become nothing more than scrap. Unless, ofcourse, a last minute rescue party arrives. Although unlikely, the dim hope of a reprieve of her death sentence still lives through the efforts of the SS United States Conservancy. Anybody got an extra three milion in their back pocket?

Brought to you, with sadness at the thought of losing a grand lady of the sea,
by Cruise Ready Store
Above: Public Domain photo

reggierail · 03-09-2010, 02:14 PM

Another historic ship to be scrapped by NCL.

Char · 03-09-2010, 02:51 PM

Awwww----that is sad news indeed. I wonder what condition she is in now, having been sitting idle for 14 years?

ziggysun · 03-10-2010, 12:38 AM

Thought I'd share this link about the SS United States

SS United States now in grave peril | Plan Philly: Engaging in Urban Dialogue

There are some semi-recent photos and a YouTube Video by the Conservancy on the link.

canarymoon · 03-10-2010, 06:09 AM

thank you, Judy. the Conservancy has been figihting this battle for quite some time now, but they'be never managed to aquire the firepower to really gain any ground, unfortunately.

ziggysun · 07-01-2010, 10:16 PM

Breaking News, she got her white knight!

Travel Weekly

Char · 07-01-2010, 10:47 PM

Good news indeed!

Three cheers for the "white knight" from Philidelphia!

canarymoon · 07-02-2010, 08:54 AM

Hooray!!!!
This is great news!!!

johnthed0g · 07-02-2010, 09:36 AM

Well they scrapped (or as good as) the Queen Mary, the Queen Elizabeth & the QE2.....not much sentiment .

reggierail · 07-02-2010, 10:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnthed0g

Well they scrapped (or as good as) the Queen Mary, the Queen Elizabeth & the QE2.....not much sentiment .

I hope the Queen Mary hasn't been scrapped. My DGS Joshua and I will be spending the night on board July 4th prior to sailing Paradise July 5th. I have spent many days and nights aboard the Queen over the years and will hopefully spend more time whenever I have the chance.

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