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"Big U" Update

Philly Steve
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Philly Steve

Philly Steve

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Just saw the show, really enjoyed it, find it strange they did not use it for Carribbean rather than just stop sailing it in 1969. They did not seem to give it that much hope.

 

The Big U did cruise warmer climates, especially in her later years of service but the ship might have needed tweaks (including a topside swimming pool) for extended Caribbean service.

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George C

George C

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The Big U did cruise warmer climates, especially in her later years of service but the ship might have needed tweaks (including a topside swimming pool) for extended Caribbean service.

 

again I worked for the company as a computor operator when I was a teenager, one of my co-workers used to sail on her every Christmas to Caribbean, he said his only job was to tell them when to close the bar.

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Post Captain

Post Captain

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The segment about the SS United States that was broadcast on CBS Sunday Morning (2.17.2013) is now posted on YouTube:

 

 

In addition to this feature, the SS United States Conservancy has several other videos on its own YouTube channel--all well worth viewing:

 

http://www.youtube.com/user/VideoSSUSC?feature=watch

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Philly Steve

Philly Steve

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one of my co-workers used to sail on her every Christmas to Caribbean, he said his only job was to tell them when to close the bar.

 

I can only imagine how the United States must have dwarfed most of the other cruise ships in the Caribbean at the time. ;)

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Pumbaamd

Pumbaamd

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Steve,

Really enjoyed the CBS clip. Didn't NCL have something to do with this? Or, is my aging brain confused?

You bring back great memories of Empress.

Take care,

Rick and Deirdra

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Philly Steve

Philly Steve

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Steve,

Really enjoyed the CBS clip. Didn't NCL have something to do with this? Or, is my aging brain confused?

You bring back great memories of Empress.

Take care,

Rick and Deirdra

 

Hi Rick & Deirdra, always great to hear from you!

 

Yes NCL owned the ship at one point and had plans of a return to service along the lines of the Norway. Unfortunately for fans of the Big U, the line decided that new ships would better meet the needs of balcony demanding customers. NCL could have sold her for scrap but the SS United States Conservancy obtained ownership two years ago thanks to a nearly $6 million dollar gift from philanthropist Gerry Lenfest. Alas, money is tight again and fundraising efforts have shifted into crisis mode. There are no plans to return the ship to cruising but she could serve as an education-retail-museum facility.

 

Ah, Empress. I loved that ship. For me, she was just the right size and could still make the cut at St. George, Bermuda. :)

 

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Philly Steve

Philly Steve

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Check out the new movie "Dead Man Down" for some scenes shot aboard the SS United States in Philadelphia.

 

There are four recognizable shots; aerial set at NYC pier, promenade, stern and limited interior. The ship did not get nearly as much screen time as I had hoped.

 

The movie stars Colin Farrell and Noomi Rapace and is rated R.

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Philly Steve

Philly Steve

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found this article on line this morning..........

 

http://news.yahoo.com/ap-historic-ship-philly-short-funds-time-064434914.html

 

Thanks for posting. Yes, we saw this coming with expenses of $80k a month. The Foundation is hopeful the half Mill can be raised.

 

If you love this ship, now is the time to come forward and help.

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Rotterdam

Rotterdam

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Got this email this morning;

 

 

On Monday we announced that the SS United States' faded red, white and blue funnels may soon disappear forever unless $500,000 in emergency funding can be raised this spring. While the Conservancy continues to make steady progress, the 1000-foot-long ship's maintenance costs are formidable and a permanent location for the ship's conversion into a mixed-use destination and museum complex has not yet been secured.

 

 

We are proud to provide our first SOS Campaign update: During the Campaign's first five days, the Conservancy raised over $25,000 from over 400 supporters from across the nation and around the world. While the situation remains critical, this initial outpouring of support demonstrates that the SS United States can become the beautiful, educational, and job-creating engine we have long envisioned.

 

 

Of course, we can't do it without your help. Please become a member of the Conservancy, contribute to our interactive crowdfunding campaign, and learn about the many ways you can volunteer. We also ask that supporters in New York and Pennsylvania reach out to your public officials - you can download our customizable letter here.

 

 

At this critical time, we need your support more than ever to help Save America's Flagship and launch the SS United States Center for Design and Discovery.

 

Thank you so much for your support!

 

 

 

 

Need to talk to that guy in Jersy that just won the 300 million power ball

 

Unfortunately after taxes he will only receive about $152M and the latest is that he owes child support!!!!

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Philly Steve

Philly Steve

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Living in N.J. and seeing the ship docked on the Pa side, I wonder after this reading what happened to the idea of turning it into a gaming boat??

 

Unfortunately, the idea never gained traction because of a lack of support from top officials. The City of Philadelphia never embraced the project and it may have not met requirements by state gaming authorities. There were concerns about parking, terminal conversion and the ship's proximity to the existing Sugarhouse casino on the Delaware River waterfront. Also, the cost of building a new facility may have figured less costly.

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Philly Steve

Philly Steve

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Here's a reminder for those who live in the Philly region about this Saturday's meeting of the SS United States Conservancy Philadelphia chapter. It begins at noon at Champps, 2100 Columbus Blvd., across the street from the ship. There will be discussions about the on-going fund raising effort to save the ship along with plans for a Philadelphia rally. Those who signed up for a paid donation tour will go aboard the ship following the meeting. Hope to see you there!

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