FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Dan McSweeney
Director of Media Relations
SS United States Conservancy
Phone Number: 617-320-8459
Email: media@ssunitedstatesconservancy.org
Website: www.ssunitedstatesconservancy.org
SS UNITED STATES CONSERVANCY AND NCL AMERICA COLLABORATE ON LIBRARY HONORING AMERICA’S GREATEST PASSENGER SHIP
New York, NY – Explosive growth in cruise ship travel has introduced new generations of Americans to sea travel. Construction of new ships continues to grow at a record pace, the vast majority of these being foreign-flagged. It is fitting that the third U.S. flagged cruise ship to emerge in over 50 years, the Norwegian Cruise Line’s NCL America’s Pride of Hawaii, will boast the SS United States Library, a grand celebration of America’s greatest ocean liner.
Greg Norris, Vice President of the SS United States Conservancy, a national nonprofit advocacy group, said “The Conservancy is proud to have partnered with NCL America to bring the SS United States Library to life aboard the Pride of America.” The Pride of Hawaii is expected to begin her Hawaiian cruises in June, 2006 following April christening ceremonies in Miami and transit to her homeport of Honolulu. The SS United States Library pays homage to America’s greatest ocean liner, the SS United States. Through its generous donations of original photographs, period advertising materials and other items, the Conservancy hopes that the library will educate and excite passengers about the proud history and majesty of the SS United States.
Embodying the best of American materials and technological knowledge of the postwar era, the SS United States remains the largest passenger ship ever built in the U.S. and is still recognized as the world’s fastest passenger liner, having shattered both the eastbound and westbound Atlantic speed records on her maiden voyage in July, 1952. Hollywood stars such as Joan Crawford, Bob Hope, Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor, John Wayne and many other notables, including Presidents Eisenhower, Truman, Kennedy and a young Rhodes Scholar named Bill Clinton, chiefs of industry, world diplomats, royalty, military personnel and immigrants sailed aboard the SS United States to and from Europe during the heyday of transatlantic sea travel. The 990 foot long liner was the flagship of the U.S. Merchant Marine and the envy of the world during her reign as “First Lady of the Sea” in the 1950’s and 60’s.
“It’s truly been a pleasure to share our knowledge and experience with NCL America and we hope that this library is the first step in returning our nation’s flagship to the high seas,” said Greg Norris, who fondly remembers his eight voyages aboard the SS United States during his youth. NCL purchased the SS United States in April, 2003 and has since been evaluating the ship for return to service as part of its U.S. flagged fleet. The ship is currently laid up in Philadelphia awaiting revitalization and her legions of fans and supporters are eager to book passage on their beloved “Big U”.
The SS United States Conservancy is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to saving the SS United States either through a return to active sea service or renewal as a stationary sustainable and dignified commercial venture. The Conservancy is an initiative of the SS United States Preservation Society, Inc., founded in 1992.
www.ssunitedstatesconservancy.org
