The Last American Ocean Liners

[StarFox]

The days of the Ocean Liners are over. The Jet has won. Now we cross the ocean packed in a plane, and enjoy the wonders of Jetlag.

But me, I was not around for the era....or for 2 decades after it ended, but I would love to go back to it. Imagine it, being on a ship 990 feet long, 101 feet wide, you could walk around, enjoy a play, catch up on reading, anything that was possiable in the 1950's (sorry, no bigscreen TVs) you could do it

There were, and to some extent still are a large number of ex Ocean Liners in the world, however they are vanishing, but one ship remains. Hands down the Best Ocean Liner ever built.

She was once called the First Lady of the Sea's. She is still the largest passenger ship ever built in the United States (even Project America was shorter). She was, and still is, the fastest Passenger Liner EVER built anywhere in the world. She could carry over 2,000 passengers, across the Atlantic in 3 days 10 hours....10 hours faster then the famed RMS Queen Mary.

She is still the Last Liner ever to hold the Blue Riband. The Award for the fastest Transatlantic crossing. Even the modern Catamaran Ferrys that hold the record today.....less then 1/10th her size and carrying 3,000 less people could only top her record by 2 hours.

Still not sure which ship I'm talking about. If not, here you go



I only learned of this ship about 4 years ago. During a school project on Maritime Engineering. I was looking up examples of ocean liners (at the time I was focused on the Titanic) when I learned of the SS American Star....A ship wreck that until recently was on one of the Canary Islands. some of you may know her as the SS OWND!



I was sad to see such a great ship get wrecked like that. and as I started reading her history, I learned she had a much Larger Sister, the SS United States. I quickly learned about her speed, size, everything about how great she was. I was almost sure thats where it ended, but I was wrong. I learned that unlike the SS America (American Star) the United States was still around, and intact (minus interior)

at once I thought, how can such a great ship still exist and no one knows about it! I very quickly and very sadly learned, that after 17 years in service, she was laid up in 1969. and quickly forgotten.....

Today she sits, idle and rusted, in my place of birth...Philadelphia Pennsylvania. She is currently owned by Norwegien Cruise Lines, who promised to restore her, and another great American Liner the SS Independence (see photos below) to Cruise Service. that was in 2003. today, the Truth shows. NCL America is in service, the only US Flagged Cruise Line. The Independence has been sold to "someone", no one really knows who. the Great SS Norway (ex SS France) which was also promised to be redeemed in some sense, possiably a hotel, is currently being scrapped in Alang India

Sadly it seems not that NCL has lied to us. Although they still own the United States, their main promise has been broken. there will be no pair of classic ocean liners cruising American Waters, at this rate there will be no Ocean Liners Crusing American Waters at all. The Independence, in her almost pristine state of preservation based on pictures taken recently of her interior, has an unknown fate

the SS United States, rusted, empty, and static, also has an unknown fate. Maybe she will end up in India...but that has been asked for 30 Years...and has yet to come true.

One thing is for sure....SOMETHING must be done

I am Currently Working with Reuben Goossens, Corey Abelove, and Alex Naughton who are all part of the ssmaritime.com "Save a Classic Liner" Campaign, dedicated to Saving the SS United States, SS Independence, and any other Vintage ocean liners left in the world. and do not think it is a senseless fight!

the Campaign in the hands of Reuben, has Already preserved one ocean liner for the future, the SS Rotterdam

Who knows, with enough support, some day the SS United States hotel in New York City will open. Maybe the SS Independence Hotel in Oakland, or Honolulu, where she cruised up until 2001.

But without support, these last great AMERICAN ships, the Mighty United States, and the Delightful Independence could be scrapped, turned into "something else"

I urge anyone, everyone who loves the ocean and the Ships and Subs that sail it, contact every Senator, represenative, news agency, everyone. Tell them the Story I have shared with you, Americans espically, DO NOT let this ship, who has been called the "Flagship of America" for over 50 years now, fall into the hands of a steel worker in india. Dont Let the Independence, who could cheaply be restored and either returned to service, or made into a hotel, be turned into next years new cars.

Both ship Deserve to be Preserved. Any and All Americans should make an effort, even if just signing my petition, to protect this great ship

http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/s...igu/index.html

Email Senators, do your part

Edit #1

I would also suggest getting in contact with any 2008 hopefuls. If they are on the side of protecting the ship, it could easily become a campaign issue...with huge press....which would bring these great ships to the light once again

Best Regards
-Will Gant
Proud SS United States and SS Independence Supporter
http://www.ssmaritime.com/SS-United-States.htm

Below are images of the ships Mentioned

the SS Independence, and her current home at Pier 70 in Oakland



The SS United States....Awaiting her fate in Philadelphia, such a sad sight, she has not been painted since 1968





The SS Norway (ex SS France) who was disgracefully disgaurded by NCL, who neglected her boilers until one exploded, then lied about her destination and fate to the German Government to get her to a breaking yard in southeast asia....what a Disgrace for their fleets flagship for over 20 years!!

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