Documentary on PBS

jacketwatch · May 23, 2008

I just watched a documentary on PBS about the SS United States which during its time from the 1950's-late 60's was the gold standard for trans Atlantic cruise travel. It was also even to this day the fastest liner ever built hitting speeds of arounf 43 knots which is incredible for this type of ship. Now she is moored in Phila. and is awaiting her fate from NCL who purchased her. The plan was for a full refit and restoration but that has not yet happened. It would be amazing to see this beauty of a bygone era restored and back at sea. Now, sadly she is just a hulk in disrepair. Its sort of like seeing the Taj Mahal just rotting away.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SS_United_States

rogue · May 23, 2008

I see it quite frequently travelling on I-95. It is sad to see her rusting away moored in the Delaware River. There is always talk about doing something with her, but the longer it goes on, it becomes more ane more obvious that her fate will not be good.

DebbieandJerry · May 23, 2008

My father, being that Navy man that he was, loved visiting the Tall Ships in Philly. Whenever Jerry and I returned to visit, we always made the trip downtown.

I remember 1976 - year of the bicentennial. Year that Mark Spitz came to Philadelphia. Year that ALL of the tall ships were docked. It was spectacular.

Thank you for bringing these back to me.

Rat · May 24, 2008

I don't think anything is going to happen to the SS United States. I've read articles where they stated it's simply not cost effective to restore her. Look what happened to the SS Independence. She was also bought by NCL to be retrofitted and be part of NCLA. After sitting in SF for a few years, she was recently towed away under secrecy, probably headed to India to be scrapped.