Luxury passenger liner, SS United States – 1962

Luxury passenger liner, SS United States – 1962

At the time of this picture, the SS United States would have been only ten years old. She was partially funded by the United States Government as it was designed to easily be converted into a troop carrier just like it’s predecessors during World War II. She was built of aluminum to reduce weight and increase her top speed. She was also built to the United States Navy’s specifications for warships. As such no wood at all was used in the construction, including furniture and artwork on the ship.

Stern view of SS United States

I don’t know where this photo was taken, but it’s a bit odd that there are cranes on the dock. This may have something to do with the fact that the SS United States is 990 feet long, 100 feet longer then the Titanic was. She is also 101 feet wide, which gave two feet of clearance on each side when going through the Panama Canal in those days.

By 1969 Trans-Atlantic cruises were no longer profitable and the SS United States was mothballed. It went through a succession of owners who had plans to update it and put it back in service but these all failed. In 1999 the SS United States Conservancy got the ship put on to the National Register of Historic Places. They were finally able to take possession of the ship in 2011 after paying $3 million to purchase it from Norwegian Cruise Lines.

While in dire financial straights, the SS United States Conservancy is working hard to get the ship moved to New York City where it will become an stationary attraction. Currently it’s located at the docks in Philadelphia.