In 2003 the SS United States was purchased by Star Cruises of Hong Kong with the idea of renovating the ship for cruising under their subsidiary Norwegian Cruise Line. Against rising fuel and material prices a cost effective plan for restoring the ship to service could not be devised. As a result the United States has been placed on the market for sale.

Having faced widespread criticism for the sale for demolition of two other classic ocean liners - the SS Norway (former France) and America's SS Independence - Star/NCL is very aware of the historic and patriotic nature of the SS United States. As a result the company has placed restrictions on the terms of sale. Currently, no offers will be considered from any non-U.S. entities or from companies wishing to dismantle the ship for her steel and aluminum.

While no specific deadlines have been set, the company has already invested a significant sum in the purchase and evaluation of the ship. The cost of her berth, insurance, security and other basic expenses is estimated at over half a million dollars each year. It is not economically feasible for a business to continue losing money on an abandoned venture. It stands to reason that at some point in the not too distant future the restrictions will be lifted. At present, the most readily available buyer would be one of a number of scrapyards, primarily from India.

Why do we preserve the Constitution, the Statue of Liberty, the Liberty Bell or numerous military vessels such as the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Intrepid? We do so to preserve our country's heritage. We do so to better understand the world as it was, so that we may take inspiration and experience from those who came before us.

The United States is an awe-inspiring example of American innovation, ingenuity and national pride. A relative newcomer to the world of shipbuilding, the United States - with this ship that would not only fly her flag but bear her name - proved capable of producing a vessel that far exceeded the safety, utility and speed of competing ships from around the world. She remains to this day the fastest ocean liner ever constructed, a one of a kind technological marvel and the last survivor of America's great passenger ships.

Her top speed of nearly 50 mph may not seem impressive in comparison to today's primary means of trans-Atlantic travel, the jet. But at the time of her maiden voyage in 1952 this was a breakthrough on par with the iPod, and just as "cool". Mail, parcels and passengers could for the first time travel from New York to Europe in less than four days; and do so in comfort and style!

There is so much more history and inspiration to be taken from the ship. For example, her speed, the great lengths taken to prevent the peril of fire at sea, and her nearly $80 million price tag are all attributable, in part, to the dawning of the cold war. While her red, white and blue livery may have been a symbol of victory in World War II, it was her ability to transform into a military troopship that made her existence possible.

History can be told through photos, recordings and printed words - but only to a degree. It is far more compelling to contemplate a steel hulk the size of a building moving across the ocean at the speed of a car while standing upon her decks. It is one thing to see a photo of the Grand Canyon, read facts and look at figures. It is quite another to experience it in person.

To learn more about the ship, her rich history and our endeavor to preserve this one of a kind symbol of the American Spirit please visit the links above & left. Then be sure to join our mailing list and share our website with everyone whom you wish to inspire.

If you're interested in donating time, money or the support of your business or other organization feel free to contact us through the Contact US page. We also appreciate introductions to potential sponsors. See our Active Campaigns section.

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