The Future of the SS UNITED STATES

There are several distinct possibilities for a renewed SS UNITED STATES. They include:

All of these options have viability and, yes, all present challenges. The secret to success with the SS UNITED STATES is simple. Apply the best assets and abilities of the ship to a mission that yields the best long-term return on the investment under the direction of a talented team of dedicated and capable individuals. Match the best ship to the best mission.

Here's what I see - Mike Alexander's vision...

I see the SS United States restored and sailing. Of course this presents the most challenge in cost and maintenance. But the mission is not just to sail - rather it is to inspire. Instead of entering the cruise market, sail the Big U into her own niche market. Rather than compete with the hundreds of passenger ships - don't compete at all. Sail on a unique mission: Inspiration. Bring the ship to the people - and let them climb aboard this ship of dreams. And, yes - they can sail her, too.

A New Mission for the SS United States

Imagine a great ship - symbol of adventure, human determination, exploration - called the SS United States. Her mission: to visit all US ports of call. Will you be one of the millions coming on board? Interactive and educational, everyone can enjoy a trip on the Big U. From maritime exhibits and historical perspectives to vibrant new technologies - the Big U will be like a grand world's fair. Stimulating. Engaging. Inspiring!

Spend the night. Spend the week. Call the SS United States home.

Rather than a static display, the mission calls for the SS United States to be ALIVE ! She will be in port for weeks, (not just days), to allow for tours, meetings, conferences, expos and overnight guests. There will be great entertainment, great meeting places and of course there will be fine dining, ballroom dancing and more than a few intimate lounges to discover. That and so much more. But, it's not all roses in the real world...

Rescue her, rescue others....

The SS United States crossed the north Atlantic no less than 800 times. Each time she effortlessly carried 2,000 passengers and over a 1,000 crew. But, by design she was equipped to support and transport over 14,000! Her power, her generators, her water distillation, air-conditioning, communications, refrigeration, storage holds, decks and structure - all built-in to fully support her call-to-duty role as a troop transport ship. That call never came, even though she served that role every day. But a renewed SS UNITED STATES might be chartered in her new life to have two 'personalities' just as she did before. One as the inspirational American beauty that she is - and the other, to race to areas of need. Aboard she could carry relief volunteers and tons of supplies. Swiftly, she could move to areas of great need - and serve honorably. More inspiration. More honor. It is something we can do.

On the Open Sea

It was the no nonsense rule of her creator William Francis Gibbs to build a ship - not a hotel. And this ship is built for the sea. The Big U can sail again. Cruise from port to port - imagine a US Cruise Tour! Once a year, a coast to cost cruise from Boston to Seattle with incredible arrivals at great US ports in between. And even a slip through the Panama Canal - on the SS United States! Wow!

And of course, there will be visits to her old friends in England, France and Germany.

Saving the SS United States will require passion, commitment and cooperative problem solving.

Can a world of supporters come together and make a difference? Time is running out. If you want to join in and support a rescue effort just sign up now. Sign in now and tell us you'll help to rescue the SS United States.

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If you have passion, if you care, if you can communicate and share this dream with others, you've got more power than money can buy. You are qualified to help simply by your desire to do so.

If you know others who might want to help also, tell them about this fantastic ship. Suddenly, you'll be on a team of two or more. Spread the word.

Take a good look at this photo taken from the Promenade Deck of the Big U. I took this shot on a sunny afternoon in Philadelphia. Here the mighty United States casts her shadow and that of her sole passenger looking out over her aft starboard railing. Even in the darkness of her shadow, opportunity shines off the water of the Delaware River. What do you see in the reflection?

Thank you for visiting ss-united-states.com. - Mike Alexander

Want to learn more on-line? Click on 'Links' below.

Go Back in Time.... ...Main Index.........Tour the Big U. . Links to Other Great Sites

Pictured Above: Reflecting upon an ocean of opportunity from the aft deck of the SS United States. -e70216a

Knowledge Builder: Cost: $71 million in 1952. Restoration cost $150 to $500 million depending on future use.

Comments: Write to Mike