5 UNBELIEVABLY Good Ship Makeovers

[@OceanlinerDesigns]

DID YOU KNOW: You can join my channel as a member and get access to perks like badges, emojis, early video access and more! Step aboard and join the fun :) kzbin.info/door/sE8PTncfn2Vga48jH46HnQjoin

[@MaritimeHistoryandArchitecture]

Can you upload a video of the franca c sections with a just kidding counter

[@speederscout]

Mike, this episode was SO MUCH FUN!! What cool old ships; my favorite kind!

[@TiffanyL2]

Why memes

[@rogerrendzak8055]

Hot damn, Mike!!! That was an exquisite documentary👍!!! Just watched your 5 'worst' ship, makeovers yesterday, and wanted just the opposite, today (back to back). Like your enthusiasm, about ships☺️, for I also have that addiction. I grew up on an island (off the southern NJ, coast), and still reside there. Only 4 blocks, to across the 'pond'. Just learned about the 'Medina', last week, and now your input on it. Amazing that it was constructed in 1914, and still exists today (in Indonesia, of course).

[@davidpople-xb1fr]

Just love your programs, and your enthusiasm.

[@AndyHappyGuy]

“However, in 2060, the Duolos’ hull began to warp after 50 years out of the water, and she was deemed structurally unstable. She was scrapped on site…” “JUST KIDDING! Her engines were replaced for the bazillionth time with rocket engines and shot into space! She now serves as the world’s first space liner.”

[@LuisAngelSantos]

Lmao 🤣🤣🤣🤣 I could see that happening “However, in 2199, for the 285th anniversary, the Duolos’ hull was deemed severely outdated and so, she was sent back to Earth, put up for sale, and sold for scrap… JUST KIDDING! Her hull was completely redesigned and now she serves in the Galactic Japanese Navy alongside Space Battleship Yamato as a troopship.”

[@Reptilianmaster-1120]

Some guy: Doulos is time to go to the scrapyard. Doulos: Sike

[@ProjectLeviathan]

@@LuisAngelSantos I'm so glad there's more people who like Space Battleship Yamato, it's so friggin underated

[@aimee-lynndonovan6077]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@aimee-lynndonovan6077]

Onion boat!🤣🤣🥰

[@Jjames763]

The story of the _Doulos_ is absolutely astounding. I suppose she might technically qualify as one of the last remaining “ocean liners” still extant, even if that was just one part of an absurdly varied career.

[@SaintNyx]

Doulos has pretty much qualified as every transport vessel except for an oil tanker. Truly an unbelievable career, and I can’t help but wish her builders were still around to see what became of her.

[@danielcallender8649]

The company is still around.

[@GetDougDimmadomed]

@@danielcallender8649 Yes, but her original builders aren't. The probably died prematurely due to factory work, excessive cigarettes and day drinking. They would be proud that their old girl is still going strong, though.

[@samuellourenco1050]

What amazes me is that the hull is a traditional-riveted hull. I was not expecting it to survive that long.

[@ivechang6720]

I think she found her forever home with people who truly treasure her and her history of dedication. I don't think she'd be as beloved and well cared for here in the USA, sadly. Good on everyone who saw her value and gave her a chance .

[@hanzzel6086]

Well, never thought I'd add "stay in a 110 year old cargo ship" to my bucket list, but here we are!

[@fanboyofabandonedthings481]

Idk why but I find the story of the Duolos extremely damn inspiring and triumphant. She was built all the way back in 1914, and stayed in service for several companies who put money down to constantly refurbish her is outstanding, especially since most companies would've just had her scrapped and or replaced! And honestly, it's nice to know that even after all her extensive modifications and rebuilds, she's rightfully preserved and serves as a hotel. Besides, she managed to stay in service for 95 YEARS is a huge achievement for a passenger ship, as some ships that were very revolutionary didn't last more than 20 or 30 years, and it would make the MS Stockholm blush!

[@goawayleavemealone2880]

I love it, it's a true testament to what can achieve... talk about rags to riches. If it was a movie I'd watch it, but I also want a movie about John DeLorean and the DMC.

[@hansklimstra5987]

In 1955 I was a 10 year old passenger on The Groote Beer to Canada. I remember distinctly being on the aftdeck by myself during a storm and seeing the bow going up and down something like 30 feet. Unbelievable. My mother was seasick the entire voyage but I spent all the time exploring the ship, even to the engine room area--I still don't know how I would be able to slip down to that area, as I'm sure it was out of bounds.

[@spooksbukowski63]

That’s a really cool story! I bet it was fun to walk through the decks and exploring. All the machinery was surely impressive ^^

[@charlyandrew1]

I was just over 1 on the Port Victor to Australia, I was 'adopted" by the crew and spent many, many hours in the engine spaces and on the bridge. I have no visual memories but the smells still bring me joy.

[@amazer747]

The timeline of two of these vessels is a lifetime history for me. I was 3 years old when my family emigrated to Australia on the "Aurelia" in 1959. Then in 1997, aged 41, I had the privelege of serving as a volunteer on the Doulos. Now retired, I too am hoping to be refurbished!

[@the4tierbridge]

Lol

[@bmolitor615]

that's cool!

[@richardw64]

My parents, with my 2 brothers and myself , went to England in late 1963 as my father had not been back there since the war. I was only 3 and a half. We were on the Flavia and the Aurelia but can not remember which was going or coming back.

[@SRFriso94]

Dutchman here: the three names of those cargo ships are all star formations: Groote Beer (would be spelled with only one 'o' now) is Ursa Major, Waterman is Aquarius, and Zuiderkruis is the Southern Cross. Hopefully this makes a little bit more sense now.

[@russellmark7838]

So what's a hobgoblin?

[@RailPreserver2K]

When you build a liberty ship in 4 days and it survives for nearly 30 years

[@NonsensicalNauticalRambings]

The power of if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

[@TheStig_TG]

@@Nostalgic-Mechanic when you make so many that failure's are uncommon

[@TheStig_TG]

@@Nostalgic-Mechanic Oh sorry

[@Brock_Landers]

I saw the SS John W. Brown when she was in Pittsburgh a few years ago and she was beautiful. Everyone talks about how unappealing they were, but I think that they had a nice hull design with a cruiser stern and the decks were very utilitarian (hence them being used as part of our military equipment and cargo transports). I really found it hard to believe that even with compartmentalization construction, fully welded hulls and decks, and the many rooms and holds that were built into those ships that the construction crews were able to build the later ships as quickly as 4 days 15 hrs and 29 minutes from blocks to launching! Granted, some of them had cracked and sunk due to the welded hulls being plowed through some fairly rough seas, but when you're mass producing ships at the speed that the merchant navy was you have to expect some issues.

[@definitelydumb2357]

And when you build a basic ship during the first world war and it is now a luxury hotel

[@carolyncave4440]

I lived and worked on the Doulos from 1988 to 1990. I met my husband on board (a Love Boat, of sorts) and when our eldest daughter was just six weeks old we went back for all of 1993 to help with the major refit that took place in Cape Town. It was amazing to sail to ports in Australia, New Zealand, South-east Asia, India and Africa on board the stately old girl that reached speeds of 15 knots (when the wind was behind us!). Good memories.

[@maxwaus]

I actually went aboard the Doulos in the late 90’s or 00’s when it visited Adelaide when it was the book ship. I have a few photos somewhere of my visit. It was open to the public. I had no idea about her long history and that she’s still around. Thanks for the info Mike. Another great video. ❤️

[@joanfreestone1707]

Yes. We visited it too in Fremantle. It was good to hear the ship's history and nice that it wasn't scrapped.

[@kevincarlson668]

So did -Port Adelaide.I'm a Yank but lived in Melbourne(Coburg) then Adelaide(Glenelg) a couple years.This was earlier though,'89 or'90.It was just good fortune that she was docked there when my dad and I visited the port.He led me up the wrong(eg lower) gangplank.I knew better but dad wouldn't listen.A Danish mechanic came out and directed us to the upper one.I could tell the huge bookstore had once been a lido deck.

[@__-fm5qv]

The fact that so many companies invested so much in the Doulos to keep her sea worthy is a testement to her design and construction. She must have been a very well handling and sturdy ship (before she was too corroded after a century at sea). I also love that she was still using steam well into the middle of the century. There's something special about steam vs diesel.

[@wayneantoniazzi2706]

Man, Doulos must have been one well-built tough ship to have lasted from 1914 to the present! Solid as a rock! I guess in 1914 nothing was too good for the onion trade! One thing that struck me during the video and that we all should remember is nothing returned to normal quickly when WW2 ended, like flipping a light switch. There's an old cowboy saying: "There's bound to be a lot of tore-up ground where a herd's stampeded!" And WW2 was a hell of a stampede. It took years for things to stabilize. All those laid-up Liberty and Victory ships remind me of the "Ghost Fleet" at Tompkins Cove on the Hudson River. I remember seeing them as a boy. There were there for decades after WW2, some were reactivated for Korea and Vietnam but all are gone now. Great video as usual Mike!

[@ToreDL87]

They knew how to build hulls back then!

[@krismangila1594]

What do you expect from a ship built by Newport News Shipbuilding; that company builds ships for the US Navy after all.

[@MorrisHillmanProductions]

As a seven year old kid, I was fortunate enough to be taken on board the 'MV Doulos Phos' during its 1999 visit to Sydney. Thanks, Mike, for reminding me of a happy childhood memory.

[@davidsherwin8967]

Thanks!

[@sirboomsalot4902]

Here’s an interesting one; USS Chickasaw. Chickasaw was a Milwaukee-class ironclad monitor built for the Federal Navy in 1864. She would take part in the Battle of Mobile Bay, dueling the Confederate forts and the ironclad CSS Tennessee. After the war, she was decommissioned and laid up until being sold in 1874 to the New Orleans Pacific Railway company. She was used as a coal barge under the name Sampson until 1880, when the railroad converted her to a train ferry with a side paddle wheel propulsion system. They would also rename her as Gouldsboro. She would serve in this role all the way until the 1940s, when she was sold and converted to a work barge. She would continue on until she sank sometime in the 1950s (Not sure the reason but probably being in almost continuous use for 80 years had something to do with it). Her wreck was found when a river bank collapsed in 2003.

[@frankyrubful]

Hi Mike, Love all your programs and ocean liners, of course! I’ve sailed on 5 liners and one of these was the SS AURELIA in 1963 with my family from Sydney to Italy. I was only 11 but still have a few vivid memories of the voyage on that small but smart ship. I was very surprised to find her mentioned at all and especially here as one of your favourite rebuilds! I knew nothing at all about her history so thank you so much for telling her story. Cheers, take care

[@TheHylianBatman]

Well, that was delightful! What tales those were! I'm glad to see companies recognizing that a little bit of work can save them a lot of waste. Nothing like "Let's refit this ship 3 times over a span of 20 years" to make me joyful. I would LOVE it if Doulas were still sailing, but the fact that she's still here at all is amazing enough!

[@beneddiected]

We’ll take a good care of her here in Indonesia! And I plan to visit her someday 😁

[@ussindyboyz9683]

I met Jesus in 1998 on the MV Doulos in Abu Dhabi as a US Navy Sailor. 2 years later when it was in Yokohama Japan I got to go help the ship for a couple weeks. There I met a girl from the Faroe Islands. Six months later, she brought me back to her university in Japan, and I met my beautiful wife from Malaysia. We have now been married 21 years. Thank you for researching this special ship.

[@jurgenskrause]

Awesome story!

[@KnightFilms32]

I was listening to this as I was repainting/re-fitting my Empress of Norway, a fictional vessel I built. she went lots of changes in the last 3 years.

[@JamesFrank-q5u]

Mike is an absolutely delightful speaker, I really enjoy his presentations especially as I'm a retired professional mariner.

[@longdogmurph]

Man, I remember the MV Doulos that stopped over in the Philippines as a Missionary Floating Library. I remember keeping an old papercraft of the ship. Never knew this ship outlasted Titanic and many great ships that were made in her time.

[@Kanbei11]

The MV Liemba's story fascinates me. She was built for the Kaiser's navy in 1915 and is still operating today as a passenger ferry on lake Tanganyika

[@robertballard8833]

Ever heard of the TSS Festivale? She was a Canivale cruiser at the end of her life, when I Honeymooned in 1994. She was a 50's - 60's long cruise ship, about the last before Bath tub boats, and may be worth a episode. Pretty ship.

[@harrisonnightingale6600]

You got to respect that old girl started life as an onion carrier now a luxury hotel in Indonesia she clearly didn't know the meaning of the word retire, she was determined to not share the same fate as many others.

[@nickfliesplaces]

Ok Imma say it Mike Brady, Is as good looking as the SS France or Normandy, I have a crush on him 10/10 no rebuild needed.

[@silvertbird1]

The story of the Medina Roma Franca Doulos made my day. What a survivor! When I was stationed in Virginia Beach, I visited the Newport News yards once, and love that this unsinkable daughter of Virginia is in exotic Indonesia. It was hilarious hearing you pronounce Neches (I live in Texas) but I doubt I’d do much better with some of the Australian place names. Speaking of Neches, I wonder what happened to the sister ship…if it’s an Olympic/Titanic equivalent story, the other one probably went to the bottom during WWI.🙀😿

[@anantr99]

You are not too far off the mark. The Neches was sunk in a collision with the M-class destroyer HMS Milbrook in May 1918 off the British coast. I remember reading that the collision happened as a result of a sudden turn by Neches to avoid what was thought to be a mine. Two crewmembers were lost and sixteen injured, and the ship sank a few hours after everyone alive was evacuated.

[@SCF6161]

I emigrated as a 6 year old with my family on the Aurelia in 1968. Half way around the world to Australia on a little ship that was ,at the time, beautiful.

[@human498]

The story of the Medina is my favorite ship's story thus far. Amazing!😂

[@Alex-cw3rz]

Although not cruise ships, two superyacht conversions are absolutely stunning that being Christina O made from a ww2 Canadian frigate for Aristotle Onassis and La Sultana converted from an old soviet Ferry. Christina O looks so graceful from the outside and La Sultana's interior is some of the most beautiful wood paneling I've seen on land or at sea.

[@bazza945]

As radio operator, 1964 - 1991, I had radio contact with the Fairsea* and Doulos. *Sisters, Fairsky, Fairstar and Fairwind. Thanks for another informative bit of maritime history.

[@OceanlinerDesigns]

Hey Barry! Would love to know more about your time at sea. Would love to get in touch if you like, my email’s [e-mail]

[@paultrangmar4330]

Thanks Barry, you must have had a very interesting career. If I may correct, while the other SITMAR liners you mention were owned by the Vlasov group at various times they weren’t true ‘sisters’ of Fairsea, with modified exception of Fairsky (II) being of similar C3 origin and WWII escort carrier background. However she wasn’t rebuilt to carry passengers until 1957-58, to more contemporary design than that of Fairsea (I). Fairstar joined the SITMAR fleet 1964, from extensive rebuilding of the former British troopship Oxfordshire. Her long and successful career - mainly as an Australian based cruiseship is extensively covered elsewhere online. Fairwind - and Fairsea (II) were later vessels and true sisters, being both former Cunarders later converted together in Trieste for eventually long careers as cruiseships. Thanks Mike for opening this excellent video with Fairsea, in which our family sailed to Australia 1964.

[@Onyok.Bentot]

Mike: Thank you for creating videos that have significantly deepened my appreciation for ocean liners and cruise ships. Since discovering your channel two years ago, I've delved into reading and watching documentaries about all types of ships, from ocean liners to bulk carriers. Your passion has inspired me to become a fervent aficionado of cruising and sailing on authentic ocean liners, and while I may not possess your level of expertise, I sincerely value your zeal for the majestic ships and ocean liners of the early 20th century. This newfound interest has led me to embrace a new lifestyle with my family. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to you! Wishing you continued success and may you reach 1 million subscribers soon, with even greater milestones ahead, reaching 100 million subscribers! God Bless!

[@ericunruh7381]

No way! I'm currently sitting in the engine office of Operation Mobilization's current ship, the Logos Hope, and this video had details even me and my coworker didn't know about the Doulos. Our last 4 chief's all served aboard the Doulos and we still share stories about it all the time. I'll tell you this: it certainly showed it's age in the engine room; crazy stories came out of there. Also, two quick fun facts: 1.) It had one of the longest stern tubes in the world, and it still has the original wooden stern tube it was built with. 2.) Our organization was approached and requested if we would offer up the ship to be used for the filming of the Titanic before they ended up going CGI (don't ask me why; I know they certainly don't look very similar besides age). They offered to compensate them for the time it would be used, and to have it drydocked, repainted, and repainted again, back to it's original coat. Our company said no because it meant that the bookfair would be closed down for too long!

[@Johnathan04]

Kind of expected to see the SS Stockholm/ MV Astoria. It’s crazy to think that the ship that sank the SS Andrea Doria back in 1956 is still sailing today albeit looking completely different.

[@ih302]

Absolutely, the little ship that could although, I'm pretty sure her sailing days are behind her now.

[@eternal5930]

@@ih302 She is still sailing deepwater routes

[@ih302]

@@eternal5930 That is awesome!

[@richardnevillewalker672]

@@eternal5930 I cruised on her in 2018 - she is a lovely little ship. Sadly, Cruise and Maritime Voyages went out of business because of the Coronavirus pandemic, and she hasn't seen commercial service since.

[@chriscool5869]

I was expecting her to be there too. One of my favorite ships.

[@madwomanofdonnellyst]

Thank you. I’m a huge fan of your channel already. My family emigrated from the UK to Australia on the Fairsea in 1956. Having the commentary of one of my fav KZbinrs overlap with my family history has me a bit emotional. You’re a good friend, Mike Brady. Thank you.

[@goawayleavemealone2880]

I love the story of The Doulos, it just makes me smile.

[@WritersMuse1]

The Doulos: *cackles evilly* AFTER ALL OF THESE YEARS NO ONE HAS DARED TO STOP ME!

[@larsyngvejonsson197]

being late to the party as usuall, but Mike really nailed the comedy of a ship that well over a 100 years old. Love your videos

[@sethrivers5303]

Ok, the way you told the story of the Doulos cracked me up, but when I was a kid, I would have seriously loved to live in a place where an entire old ship full of books could just sail into town. (Guess her builders were expecting her to have to move some mean-ass onions if they built her that well!)

[@antchan4892]

SS Doulos is so impressive. From 1913 to now

[@Local-Of-The-Mitten-State]

The amount of times he said "Just kidding!" for the Doulos was hilarious

[@WritersMuse1]

For me it was shocking, sometimes I use his videos for background noises whilst I’m colouring in or playing some games but when he began to talk about the Doulos and after the first “just kidding” I looked at the screen like: what? Then the second and I set my iPad aside to listen carefully, by the end my hands were on my head I was so flabbergasted what a career wow 😂

[@garybrown1404]

Another outstanding production, Mike! Your work was excellent when you first started, but somehow it continues to get even better! I always look forward to each new video, my friend!

[@CookiedoughProductions]

The doulos had a really cool history it’s crazy how long it has been around

[@tedvandermale2597]

Wow! In 1952, as five year old I travelled from Rotterdam to Capetown on the Groote Beer when my family migrated to South Africa. Then in 1961 I traveled from Durban to Sydney on the Zuiderkruis when we migrated to Australia. Really fond memories of these ships.

[@johnholt9399]

That last story is incredible.. what an indestructible ship.

[@charlyandrew1]

I liked your first conversion because of my background. THE HMS Vindex a "Nairana" class Aircraft carrier was converted to the "Port Victor" a cargo passenger vessel sailing from England to Australia. After my father completed hid extra masters certificate at the end of 1961 in Plymouth, he sent mum, my brother and I out to Adelaide as passengers. (he was a pom, mum Aussie). I still find the smell of warm engine fuel very pleasant. Thank you for this video.

[@cristiancristi9384]

I was on the Doulos somewhere around 2003 -2004 while it was making cruises around as a book fare ship ... I was very young and for me it was the first time I was seeing a cruise ship.... I remember how excited I was seeing it with its high profile on the dock overlooking every other ship....and then climbing aboard... We bought some books there, among them were very good and expensive ones but all were sold really cheaply and I remember regretting of not taking more money with us because there were really bargains ( which we didn't expect... We thought it would be expensive stuff and it was no worth bothering to take much money with us....and we were coming there only for the experience itself... Had we known, we would have bought wagons of books there 😁). I still remember the Doulos this day and I found my love for cruise ships which still holds on....

[@frankmiller95]

Great job. ln 1968 l sailed to England on the "Aurelia" as a young HS student. Nine years later l was newly licensed third mate on reefer ships for the deservedly infamous United Brands.

[@anysailer]

I visited the Doulos in 1993 when she docked in Durban prior to her refit, she was still in very good condition and clearly much loved by her crew. A ship with an amazing story. There are so many wonderful ships with interesting stories, and it is so easy to develop emotional connections with ships almost imbuing them with human qualities. A ship that you might care to read up about is the MS Willem Rys/Achille Lauro, which was built in Vlissingen in the Netherlands. In many respects a very advanced ship for the era in which she was designed and built. To me she remains one of the most elegant ships of the post WW2 era (although she was built before WW2 she was completed and launched in 1946 - a very interesting war time survival story). In many respects she was a lucky ship, surviving not only WW 2 (when the occupying Germans attempted to blow her up) but also two collisions, at least two fires (but sadly not a third), and a hijacking. She underwent two major refits and was a firm favorite as the cruise ship Achille Lauro, but I will let you decide if her various facelifts were improvements or disasters.

[@offrails]

One ship that comes to mind is the MV Aratika, which was a RORO ferry that sailed across the Cook Strait in NZ. My family sailed on her a few times when I was a kid, and she was originally built solely to carry rail cargo. When the ferry company (now known as the Interislander) realized that they couldn't keep up with passenger demand, they sent the almost brand new ship to Hong Kong to have passenger and car decks added. She served the Cook Strait until 1999 and then in the Philippines until 2008, when she was sold for scrap

[@randaldeemermorgan6714]

I would love to see you do a history on ship steam whistles. They have always fascinated me even though there isn't much information on them.

[@dragonflyBMX]

This would be really cool, especially showing off the differences in sound each ships used.

[@sockjim9016]

Huge support, I’ve been waiting for a vid like that for ages and I think this channel would do it really well

[@aberry2521]

My family sailed on the MV Fairsea from Southampton in 1961 to Australia, it was fantastic experience for a 10 yr old boy, there wasn't anywhere that I didn't explore from stem to stern and even got into the engine room; the food was great and plenty to do including crossing the line ceremony, rough seas and storms, but to me it was all fun. As an afterthought, a family that we had travelled with from the UK decided they didn't like Australia and back to the UK, we all went down to the passenger terminal (Outer Harbour 1963) to see them off on the MV Aurelia, it to looked like a great little ship, one thing I can remember is it had a lounge toward the stern of the ship and the ceiling height could not have been more that 7 feet if that, I could touch the ceiling with a bit of a jump. I always wondered what their trip would have been like considering the families mom, was always seasick on the way out to Australia, and they were traveling in the winter months through the Indian ocean.

[@Straswa]

Amazing how many rebuilds the Doulos underwent. Great work Oceanliner Designs.

[@rossross6456]

The best part of this episode, Mike, was how much fun you were having.

[@markdavis2475]

Brilliant! Snappy script, great subject, no loud music, perfect, thanks 😃

[@OceanlinerDesigns]

Cheers Mark!

[@paultrangmar4330]

Well said Mark 🙏

[@byteme11]

Now there is a surprise! I came to Australia on the Groote Beer in 1958. The things I remember most was that (as a four year old at the time) it was easy to get into the child care centre by climbing on the balustrade but it was impossible to leave until your parents collected you. I also remember the crossing of the line ceremony, a visit from Sinter Klaas and Zwaarte Piet, a really bad storm where my friend fell out of his bunk and developed amnesia (I learned that later), standing on the docks in Cape Town to be confronted by a tall African who had the biggest smile and the whitest teeth holding his arms out to me and standing close to the ship in Rotterdam the day before departure and smelling the cooking of pork chops through the port holes.

[@merthemarijberkhout3814]

What a nice memory. Are you born in the Netherlands?

[@byteme11]

@@merthemarijberkhout3814 Yes. Zutphen

[@MegaSnow121]

The story about the last ship was awesomely presented! I enjoy all your videos, and this one made me smile. Greetings from beautiful Oregon.

[@freakfreak12345]

All of those just kiddings got me...every single one, I laughed at them all. I should've known better, but that was amazing.

[@Jackspladt]

I like how 90% of these are “ship was built in 1910-1940”, “ship becomes a transport or troop ship and survives war”, “ship is sold and does immigrant trade”, “immigrant trade stops and ship becomes cruise ship until like 1970-1990 and is scrapped”

[@filigrant]

I've been on Doulos!!!! I was sooo fascinated by the ship.... I love tgta you out it in this list, cuz it deserved it!

[@dalemccarthy]

Oh wow! I actually went on board the Duolos in the mid-2000's when she was the travelling book shop! She stopped at the Durban port in South Africa. I wan't on for long though, as it was SO bloody crowded with people. Still, I had no idea it was such an old ship!

[@jameshenry8563]

Wow! I spent a couple of nights onboard Romantica on my first cruise from Cyprus to Egypt! I could see she was old and the cabin was basic but never realized it was that old with an amazing history!

[@lucienleech-larkin7544]

There's an excellent movie I think you'd enjoy: "The Last Voyage," (MGM, 1960), with Robert Stack, Dorothy Malone, George Sanders as the Captain, and Edmond O'Brien as Chief Engineer of the "Claridon." They actually sank a large liner to shoot the death of Claridon, which was played by the "Ile de France!!" Truly a very suspenseful "sleeper" of a movie, with all the nautical references I think you'd enjoy! Greetings, from your Blue Mountains Subscriber!

[@danielkinder8260]

I haven't checked yet but you might consider making a video on AMC's (Armed Merchant Cruisers) and eventually another on yachts requisitioned or donated for use as warships. Since I am sure there were so many used by navies of the world you might even break them up by nationality. Another project might be what was referred to as "The Hooligan Navy" of the US Coast Guard Auxiliary during World War II that patrolled offshore of the United States during WWII. They used armed yachts as well.

[@stbg1719]

The "Just Kidding" with the Doulos has the same energy as Bob Hale's "But not for long" during the Horrible histories HHTV News reports and I'm all for it.

[@evilchaosboy]

Imagine how proud those lowly onions felt and you should give the onions more respect. Not only do they make many dishes scrumptious, but they were pioneers into the modern age of boats! \m/

[@scottyg9167]

I hadn’t really thought of visiting Indonesia much before, but ow I gotta go, just stay aboard Doulos! How cool! Awesome channel sir!

[@toddbonin6926]

Absolutely the best ship video ever!! JUST KIDDING! NO, I’m absolutely serious. Informative, clever, funny! I loved every minute. In fact, I’m about to watch it again! BRAVO

[@ErichRand]

The last one made me laugh a lot Mick how many times you said jk to her being scrapped lol good work on the video and as always stay safe.

[@paulomelo4170]

Very nice video amazing story of Doulos I went inside when he was a library ship in Ponta Delgada azores 👍

[@markbowen3638]

Sailed on the Fairsea in 1966 back from Australia to Southampton. We had sailed on the P&O Stratheden three years earlier as immigrants (my parents however didn't like the change and opted to return home) . Can remember coming through the Bay of Biscay on the Fairsea in exceptionally bad weather, and her origins as an aircraft carrier became apparent. She rolled excessively, I can still remember the green faces on the adults around me!

[@kath1626]

I never really cared about ships or boats because I get seasick every single time. Yet here I am. These videos are pure "down the rabbit hole" entertainment. ❤

[@paperaviation147]

I remember the doulos because i had bought a book on it when it visited manila when i was little. It was the first time i got on a ship, didnt go anywhere tho.

[@LeglessWonder]

Okay the Duolos is my new fave ship. That story is awesome

[@collinsbaraza6140]

That Doulos came to Mombasa,Kenya in 2004 when I was in primary school

[@brokenbones78629]

Omg the doulas deserves its own book

[@WritersMuse1]

For real 😂

[@bigbird9186]

What an absolutely beautiful story of the last ship mind

[@GetDougDimmadomed]

6:15 Groote Beer sounds like something you get at Disney World from the Marvel snack shop.

[@IvyroseGullwhacker]

The picture of young Mike is SENDING me

[@jantyszka1036]

I was amazed about ten years ago when my mother took a Baltic cruise on a ship called 'Azores'. A bit of research showed the ship was originally the "Stockholm", the ship which collided with, and sank, the 'Andrea Doria' in 1956.

[@Daniel_Huffman]

And it’s insane that this ship is also still around, albeit with no owner.

[@bamboo7563]

@@Daniel_Huffman but I think it will not be here for long because the ship has a chance of being scrapped and it will probably be scrapped

[@Boeing.797]

I went to see the MV Doulos in 2009 while it visited the Port of Manila Philippines. Bought some souvenirs on the library that I still have to this day like DIY cardboard model of the ship, pens, tumbler, ID lace.

[@jurgenskrause]

Thanks for a great video, fun fact, I met my wife on the Doulos where we both volunteered in 2008! This video took me back!

[@user-lx6bl2wd8g]

The story of the Dolous was simply heart warming. Great form of recycling. Just think if the attitude towards this ship was the norm. We'd have all manor of wonderful old ships still travelling around the world!

[@MJVlogsGutierrez]

I was lucky enough to see Doulos docked here in the Philippines when I was a wee lad. It was a sight to see

[@jadyphan5892]

Got to love those onions! Fascinating history. Thank you.

[@ronnieince4568]

Jady Phan and this onion carrier as a floating luxury hotel now charges eye watering prices !!!

[@vlahostrazicic861]

When I close my eyes, I can still se "Romanza" entering Dubrovnik harbour, 1988, 1989 years. Very beautiful ship IMO. Nice job, nice video. Keep going! Regards from Dubrovnik!

[@KiLDELTA]

I was able to visit the Doulos when it docked here in the Philippines. Incredible history for this beautiful ship.

[@itstitanictime2002]

One of the Best Ship make overs was for the Battlecruiser HMS Renown which served in both World Wars. When it was built it looked similar to HMS Hood or USS Arizona with a Tri-pod Tower Superstructure but just prior to WWII it was Reconstructed to have a modern superstructure like the ones seen on KGV-Class Battleships. To the point that Admiral Lutjens of the Bismarck after the Battle that sank Hood actually mistook Prince of Wales, A KGV-Class Ship, for HMS Renown.

[@Sue300]

Your videos are so interesting! I wasn't too interested in ships but the Titanic videos drew me in and then I wanted to watch more content. You have a great delivery and the nautical set and your excellent content presentation adds up to an A+ channel. Many thanks!

[@alankeith7866]

Loved the throwback picture of yourself. Takes a brave man to do that! Amazed with the last story of the onion carrier morphing into a swanky hotel. Fantastic work as always!!!

[@tomcatfoolery]

I love the last vessel's journey. She came from humble beginning, and she is a beautiful lady.

[@Leannchops]

I've been on the Doulos!

[@urijah9810]

Awsome video man! Like always! Another huge transformation was the ps/ ss seeandbee, a great lakes paddle steamer that was turned into an aircraft carrier, yes you heard me right, a paddle-powdered aircraft carrier.

[@NordicTG]

The last one, defintly had one heck of a Journey from being Transporting Onions to become a Hotell on Land, that is amazing stuff, learned something new today Cheers :)

[@jeb156]

seeing the Duolos made me wonder what would've happened if, for example, the Olympic wasn't scrapped and continued in service? 🤔

[@onewolf3750]

Very good! I appreciate your enthusiasm.

[@ccrider3435]

You know how to tell a good story young feller. I have enjoyed all you work. All the best. CC

[@CJODell12]

0:15. “All those years, no one ever told me I looked ridiculous”

[@WritersMuse1]

Me when I had a Hermione granger fringe in year 5.

[@julieputney4317]

This was amazing!! Thank you, Mike!

[@countteddy]

my family travelled to Australia on the Aurelia as 4 pound poms in 1967.....i was only 4 years old ....good times..

[@chipps1066]

That last ship history was remarkable and so glad to see she was preserved.My mother won a cruise in an insurance selling contest in 1973.She and my Dad went on their only cruise which was 3 nights and 4 days to the Bahamas on the SS Emerald Seas which originally was also a WW2 Victory ship.