Fantastic news for classic ocean liner lovers! Still can't quite believe that NCL/Genting turned down much higher offers from scrappers in order to preserve the "Big U."

http://www.ssunitedstatesconservancy.or ... oundation/

I'm so happy that a beautiful ship like this will have a new life. In regards to NCL accepting a lower bid, they may be making amends for the losses of the SS France and SS Independence which were both sold/scrapped under.....interesting....circumstances.

Now lets see it turned into a floating hotel like the QM in Long Beach...Philly just faced a report citing its Convention Center and some flaws it faces...one of them being a suitable amount of hotel space.

Yes, I realize the QM has faced serious financial problems, hence my "flying high dreams post"....this is all good, but without a full financed plan, this is just a $3 million stay of execution.

Meanwhile, a few berths down, the Olympia, which has been a Philly Staple since the 1940's still needs a fully funded restoration, even if the purchase agreement follows through with the San Francisco Group, before it literally falls apart in place.

Makes you wonder about that Philly Painting that $68 million dollars appeared for...if it was only of the SSUS or the Olympia and not that damn Gross Clinic....

1. Think of what rail preservation could do with those kind of funds! A restored GG-1 showing everyone how it was done. Your favorite depot restored. A fleet of restored streetcars. Etc...

2. As mentioned the Olympia is in dire need of help. She is, perhaps, one of the top two or three most important historic American ships still with us.

3. The USCG Lilac in NYC is one of the only complete steam ships still floating in the East and is under restoration.

Pretty decent price, just about what the last two railroad tugboats, the CHESSIE and the SEABOARD, cost each.

PC

Junior. People will support items that interest them The rich don't care about old ships or trains. But throw a painting in there and their eyes light up and they begin to drool! Sad but true.

Later!
Mr. Ed

C'mon guys, quit the sour grapes. We should rejoice any time money is going to preservation, whether it's "our" rivets or not. I, for one, am thrilled.