Published: January 2022 by Fonthill Media
The SS United States was the most important and newsworthy ocean liner of the post-Second World War era.
She was sheer magnificence: technologically advanced, futuristic, stylish and extremely powerful. The year 1952 will mark the seventieth year since her record-breaking maiden voyage between New York and England, sweeping the seas in three-and-a-half days and at extraordinary speeds of over 35 knots.
Triumphantly, she took the prized Blue Ribbon from Britain’s Queen Mary and became a symbol of great American pride, a shining symbol of post-war Yankee genius and joy. She sailed at ninety per cent capacity for the next decade, but her passenger numbers slowly declined in the face of an even faster rival: the trans-ocean jet. By 1969, the struggling liner was decommissioned.
Over fifty years of idleness followed and of schemes for revival coinciding with deepening neglect and decay.
Just a few years ago, there were still vibrant rumours circulating of restoring the SS United States as a contemporary cruise ship. Sadly, nothing came to pass. The 72-year career of the SS United States is one of striking contrasts – triumph and success, then struggle and indecision.
Read the Nautilus Telegraph's review
