Just read this info at http://www.maritimematters.com/shipnews.html
That NCL is working trying to sell the Norway to be used in Hamburg as a floating hotel, permenantly docked. Much remains before this can happen.
Also, the United States; They're still thinking about using it for east coast to west coast via Panama Canal. Possibly can be in service by 2010. However, cost is estimated at 500 mil. or more! From reading it all, it seems as though all they'd use is the hull. Diesel engines and new superstructure.
Hull and engine work would be done here, then overseas for the rest. However, the cost is a big factor.

Maritime Matters.com
mnmach@lakes.com

My 2 cents: I am very sorry to think of the S.S. "France/Norway" as a static hotel when she is already outfitted for service in the Caribbean market. If she does go to static use, perhaps she'll revert her old colors, if not her name?
Regard the "United States", her character is her superstructure. If she's merely to be a hull, then the magic is gone and she'll attract no special clientele as the famous vessel she is. A similar situation is the cruise liner built on the hull of the "Stockholm" ("Andrea Doria" collision). She looks similar only in that she is a ship.
I had hoped we might see the two great ships in their original colors once again, perhaps even dashing the Atlantic together.
(sigh) The romance never dies, does it?

glueck@maine.edu

> My 2 cents: I am very sorry to think of the
> S.S. "France/Norway" as a static
> hotel when she is already outfitted for
> service in the Caribbean market. If she does
> go to static use, perhaps she'll revert her
> old colors, if not her name?
> Regard the "United States", her
> character is her superstructure. If she's
> merely to be a hull, then the magic is gone
> and she'll attract no special clientele as
> the famous vessel she is. A similar
> situation is the cruise liner built on the
> hull of the "Stockholm"
> ("Andrea Doria" collision). She
> looks similar only in that she is a ship.
> I had hoped we might see the two great ships
> in their original colors once again, perhaps
> even dashing the Atlantic together.
> (sigh) The romance never dies, does it?

You and me both! My feelings exactly. But, what will be done, will be done.
Mark D.


mnmach@lakes.com