As you’re no doubt aware if you keep up with these blogs, it’s been a busy few months for ultra-luxury line Crystal, with the announcement last year of plans to build not only new ocean-going vessels but a fleet of river cruise ships too. Now the line has made another announcement, one which has certainly turned plenty of heads in the maritime world.
If you’re old enough to be able to cast your mind back to the 1950s or 1960s, then you’ll be able to recall the glory days of one of the world’s most iconic ocean liners, the SS United States. One of the fasted ships ever to sail, she still holds the coveted Blue Riband for the fastest transatlantic crossing, by a passenger liner, though she’s spent the last 45 years out of service.
That’s until now. During a hotly-anticipated press conference, Crystal Cruises President Edie Rodriguez announced the luxury line’s intention to purchase the iconic vessel and return her to her former glory, putting her into service as an ultra-luxury cruise liner. As far as cruise ship makeovers go, this is the biggie, with Rodriguez herself predicting a rebuild cost of at least $750 million. Notwithstanding the $60,000 a-month dock charges Crystal has agreed to cover while the legendary liner remains laid up in port in Philadelphia, undergoing feasibility tests.
SS United States has been subject to various plans and been in the hands of a number of owners over the years, featuring in numerous Hollywood films and musicals, with Norwegian Cruise Line initially showing an interest in getting the ship back on the waves in the 2000s, but subsequently abandoning the idea.
The move is certainly being seen by some as a gamble, but there’s certainly some major kudos points up for grabs if this celebrated luxury line can return what was once regarded as America’s flagship (with her American-built hull) back on to the ocean waves.
We’ll of course keep you up to date with developments, but in the meantime, if you can’t wait until SS United States returns to service, you’ll be pleased to know that we have a fantastic selection of Crystal Cruises available, so call us today to book or find out more.
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Crystal to buy SS United States
