Scrapyard

Lisa63 · March 13, 2006

Jeff, I certainly see a pattern in the sinking of several ships around that time period, and definitely regarding our two favorites. I was on SeaBreeze in August 2000, just four months before she sank. She was in fine shape and rode very well. In fact, she rode even better than she did in her Dolphin days. Word was that SeaBreeze was off to Newport News to get parts for a refit in December 2000 after having just been released for non-payment of debts, but I don't believe that for a second. She had been sitting idle for just three months in Halifax, and then left on her own power. Parts? I doubt it.

That's my long-winded way of saying that I agree with you. :smiley:

Lisa63 · March 13, 2006

Joanandjoe, there is really no alternative to scrapping. Sometimes, ships sink under mysterious circumstances, as Jeff and I mentioned above. Only two ships of which I'm aware have escaped either ending -- RMS Queen Mary has been a tourist attraction/hotel in Long Beach for about 35 years, and SS Rotterdam (1959) is currently being fitted for the same, to eventually return to the city of Rotterdam. The Queen Mary Hotel has been hit with some hard times, though, has run at a loss for years, and filed for bankruptcy protection about a year ago.

As far as SS Norway, she was far more successful than SS France ever was. SS France was in service for only 12 years while SS Norway cruised the Caribbean for 22 and set the standard for modern cruising. She has not yet been scrapped, although that will likely happen despite many efforts to save her. I don't know what NCL America's plans are for SS United States and Independence (sister ship to Constitution, which sank while under tow to the breakers in the late 90s... hmmmm). Some believe that NCL America purchased the two US-built ships so that no one else could, thereby giving NCL America an edge in owning American-flagged ships to service the North American market without the restrictions of the Passenger Services Act. I have no opinion on this matter.

BTW, my Regal Empress looks beautiful. I saw her two weeks ago at Port Everglades. You're right -- she's about all we have left in the US.

DaCruzNut · March 13, 2006

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...and they've made a few concessions on the Regal Empress to bring her into today's standards. They enlarged the buffet, in order to serve full lunches and dinners, but by doing so they encroached on the enclosed promenade. Once, the promenade had a large number of overstuaffed love seats, potted palms, hanging baskets; a peaceful, quiet, oasis. Now, tables fill half of the promenade, adding traffic and noise. Other areas have suffered by 'modernization,' as well.