SS United States for Sale?

For those of use who follow the classic ships, the hope that NCL would someday renovate and continue sailing the SS United States has been a treasured dream. Unfortunately, that dream may be ending as economic conditions necessitate other directions for the cruise line.

The SS United States Conservancy has issued an alert to its supporters that the 1952-built liner SS United States might be up for sale. The United States was purchased by Norwegian Cruise Line in 2003, and ownership of the vessel was recently transferred to a holding company controlled by NCL’s parent, Hong Kong-based Star Cruises, the conservancy said. “In light of current economic conditions, the SS United States is now in grave danger of being sold for scrap,” the Conservancy said.

The American-built SS United States shattered all trans-Atlantic speed records on its maiden voyage in 1952 and remains the fastest passenger liner ever built. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places before attaining 50 years of age because of its “compelling national significance,” the organization said. “We believe that a project to restore and revitalize the SS United States could create thousands of jobs and help stimulate the economy in these challenging times as well as preserve one of the world’s finest engineering achievements.” The SS United States Conservancy has been working behind the scenes to secure a future home and reuse for the ship. The Conservancy is launching a public education and outreach campaign and urged supporters to contact federal senators and representatives. For more information, call 888-488-7787 or visit http://www.ssunitedstatesconservancy.org/.