55-Year Old Cruise Ship May Be Reborn

[Jason]

55-Year Old Cruise Ship May Be Reborn

(AP) PHILADELPHIA

The S.S. United States may be reborn. The head of the cruise line that owns the ship says the once-grand ocean liner will be refurbished and carry passengers again and at top fares.

Right now, the ship sits at a pier on the Delaware River in Philadelphia, its paint flaking and its engines silent since 1969.

But Colin Veitch, the chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Lines, said he is not giving up on the 55-year-old vessel.

He said he has drafts of plans to add one or two decks and other amenities, and he thinks renovating the United States would be "a fantastic project."

Rebuilding the gutted ship would cost about $500-million dollars, more than the cost of new ship. But the nearly 41 mile per hour average speed the ship posted on its maiden voyage in 1952 still stands as the trans-Atlantic speed record.

Veitch said the ship would sail worldwide and command premium fares because of its history.

[JoeyandDavid]

its nice for a change to see that just because its old ..it still has value..

[saltydog]

Joey,

I was saying that to Sally just the other day

[TheSkipper]

and, I for one, doubt that it will ever happen or if it does that it will be the financial success they expect.

What cruisers expect has changed vastly over the years. How many balconies does she have?? Just one example of what is now "expected" these days.

It's a neat idea, but somewhat of a "pipe dream" IMHO.

[Joanandjoe]

Sadly, I agree with the Skipper. It's a great idea, but probably just a pipe dream. This isn't the first time NCL has announced it will refurbish the S.S. US. I'll believe it when the line starts taking bookings. Joe

[JoeyandDavid]

that is a great answer

[Peddler]

I for one would like to see it done as I sailed her when I was a kid. (see sig)