Exploring Inside the SS United States - The Final Ship Tour 2024

[@WildwoodVideoArchive]

What do you think should happen to this ship? Let us know! (and please subscribe as we try to hit 100,000 subscribers)

[@pmoney5217]

@@WildwoodVideoArchive leave it there its been in that spot for decades mas well say thats a historic landmark of Philadelphia

[@WildwoodVideoArchive]

The current dock owner doesn’t want it there sadly

[@J.M.Chadwick6]

In the email I received tonight it appears that it is "full speed ahead" with the reefing scenario. How very sad!

[@rehabmax]

@@WildwoodVideoArchive it wail serve the fish better than rusting away in a Philadelphia port for another hundred years.

[@kitt2000car]

@@2fast790 I highly doubt they are going to allow the ship to leave until the back rent is paid. I predict she will be seized for non payment and sold for scrap. Time will tell.

[@elizaalden]

I'm from Malaysia. Eventhough I'm not an American but seeing her in that dire state of beyond saving breaks my heart. I'm sure that great ship is still structurally in good condition. She's one of the last great ocean liner thats left in the world from the bygone era of transatlantic mode of transportation.

[@TheRussianFloofCat]

An absolute shame she's came to this state. She deserved better. So much better

[@cosminogloocosy1154]

Right!

[@joemajeski4109]

My father played piano on her in the 60s. My mom and us 6 kids would drop him off and actually go on the ship for a little while until the streamers would fly and she sailed. We'd then drive to the river and watch her go by and wave on their way to Europe. Then we would head back to Blackwood, NJ. It was pretty cool.

[@WildwoodVideoArchive]

That is so cool. Do you remember going on board?

[@williamdixon1992]

What wonderful memories you have of the ship and your Dad getting to play the piano on board!

[@ElleCee62978]

I worked for the Conservancy for the SS United States briefly last year prior to my strokes. She was beautiful. I was on board once. Susan Gibbs is my historic preservation idol.

[@Dbodell8000]

Let Susan Gibbs pay for it then.

[@ElleCee62978]

@@Dbodell8000 She has paid a lot. She’s given her life to this ship. I don’t know what happened, but it was supposed to go to New York to be a hotel. That was a year and three months ago, though.

[@iceslayer777]

Even just from a distance it’s very beautiful and elegant looking. Bummer they can’t really let people on because of that pier being part of homeland security. Plus the safety I mean there’s so many holes and railings which are knocked out.

[@ElleCee62978]

@@iceslayer777 And the DHS is no joke. My fiancé and I went aboard and they wanted all kinds of information. The only scary part for me was the engine room. I swore I saw a ghost.

[@iceslayer777]

@@ElleCee62978 Oh wow I bet! You know I’ve seen a handful of other videos showing off the engine room here on KZbin and it looks very scary down there. People will bring just a bright light or two and it’s still hard to see anything outside of right next to you! Funny enough I was lucky to go and see this ship twice now. First time was during Christmas break with my whole family and the second being early June. Really sad to see they haven’t managed to find her a new home but at least the conservancy tried by doing their best. I’d much rather see it turn into an artificial reef which will bring a 2nd life to our great ocean marine life + scuba divers. Scrapping to me would be absolute last resort because you’d have nothing left if everything was melted back down.

[@Accel_1]

She’s only got a few weeks left till eviction She’s only one of the few ocean liners of the golden days left. She better not be scrapped because we would never see her again. I will donate any money I can to help.

[@racoming1035]

Keep your money. It going to be sunk as a reefer.

[@Creepermanp]

It needs to be able to get moving and sailing to titanics dock

[@nickwebb9937]

@@racoming1035what a waste

[@chrisjeffries2322]

@@nickwebb9937 Titanics Dock is where she now sits, at the bottom. She will be a new reef for fishing and scuba diving off Florida.

[@OFCbigduke613]

Dude. 20 nin too long and get a goddamn gimbal. $100. I could not finish the fkn vid

[@rivervisual7802]

I toured her June 2016. So glad I did.

[@oldlady12345]

Thank you for recording what is left of this magnificent, historic ship. It's sad no one bothered to save her back when it was a possibility😢. I could see her when I drove by Philadelphia many times 20 years ago and always wished I could go on the old girl to see her inside.😮

[@nickcef]

My dad's uncle sailed in that ship to Italy from NYC back in the early '50s, when it was spanking new. Made the Atlantic crossing in no time, faster than all the other lines.

[@timothyokane9710]

Thank you for the tour of the SS United States, my father worked for a Marine repair company, which was responsible for mechanical maintenance of the ship, till they ceased operation.

[@MarkWick]

Thank you for the tour. I don't have to imagine walking those decks because I did in may of 1958 as a seven year old coming to the United States with my parents and little sister. I have some distinct memories, some not distinct, and some photos from the voyage. I do remember the big storm with near-hurricane winds and 28 foot waves. I got seasick while still in the upper bunk of our room when U woke up that morning. Once I got on deck I was fine and that is the only time I have ever been seasick. This was one of four voyages across the Atlantic, and the United States is the only one of the three ships I crossed on that is still in existence. I hope somehow I sill still be able to say that a year from now.

[@alannewman85]

That’s floating real estate - and asbestos free. Hard to imagine there’s nowhere in the great USA that has a huge accommodation crisis and couldn’t convert this beautiful artifact.

[@mathy906]

They should put her on land and turn her into a hotel! I wish i could go there and see her in real life while she's still there. Must be such an incredible sight!

[@glennbzt]

Billions spent on war ….ukraine Israel…politicians don’t get rich …preserving our heritage..sad this iconic liner was the fastest in the world up to 35 knots ❤

[@jeffedwards4111]

Thanks for sharing, incredible, well done

[@oliviaduke6939]

This is such a tragedy. This ship should be saved. My mother, Myra Duke, was with the Hit Pararders doing a live performance from the ship, the day it first launched in 1952 from the NY Harbor.

wow thats amazing.....God bless your family.....wow

[@Dbodell8000]

A tragedy? It’s been sitting rotting away for decades where was all the concern back then before it was gutted? Let it go no tragedy here whatsoever.

[@82accs]

Awesome video, thank you for this!! Another one of those things most lifelong Philly residents never get the chance to see in person... Really enjoyed it, thanks again!

[@WildwoodVideoArchive]

So happy you enjoyed it. It’s rare to get on board so I’m glad they let me film her

[@flightforensics4523]

The pool is pretty cool. Rumor has it that, the pool on the RMS Titanic, after over 100 years, STILL has water in it!

[@louiesmom7394]

I passed by her so many times over the years and always wondered what it looked like inside. Thanks for sharing this video ❤

[@WildwoodVideoArchive]

You're welcome! I’m glad I could give you a glimpse inside. It’s always fascinating to see what’s behind those exterior views. If you have any more questions or want to see more, just let me know!

[@Chabagirl]

It's ashame she couldn't be saved.My parents sailed on this ship from Germany to America. MY dad was in the Navy.My parents said this ship was smooth,fast and beautiful. Thanks for sharing.She is going to the sea where she belongs.

[@williambutler9635]

I am grateful that you were able to capture such an extensive tour. I was on the ship in 2019 but the engine room was not on the tour. I am somewhat disappointed that you did not try to have someone more knowledgeable about the machinery spaces with you to provide a more detailed explanation as some of your descriptions fell short. But otherwise, great video. For those interested, the power plant in the SS United States is identical to that in the USS New Jersey.

[@J.M.Chadwick6]

Your tour was far more informative than I would have thought possible, and I am impressed. I am in favor of saving the ship and as such, I have been a financial contributor for a number of years. Yes, it is unfortunately gutted, and its interiors are destroyed but those vacant spaces could now provide for numerous other tourist uses, more adaptable to our world of today. But the superstructure remains! And just look at it! That massive ship with its red, white and blue colors actually "screams" "United States of America"! With our country fast approaching its 250th anniversary, what a wonderful tribute it would be to save this ship. Once it's gone, it will be gone forever. Don't let future generations of Americans regret our lack of courage, interest and dedication in not preserving this ship!

[@WildwoodVideoArchive]

Thanks for the kind words! I’m really glad you enjoyed the tour and appreciate your support for saving the ship. I totally agree-it’s such an iconic piece of American history, and preserving it would be a great way to honor our past, especially as we get closer to the 250th anniversary of the United States. Once it’s gone, there’s no getting it back, so it’s up to us to keep pushing for its preservation.

[@J.M.Chadwick6]

@@WildwoodVideoArchive I am pleased that you think the same way. It would take a great deal of effort but we can do anything in America if we make our minds up to it. The problem is is that the "right people" are not getting involved and only God knows what that would take. Moreover, a new home is desperately needed very soon. If it ends up getting sunk, the cheering from the ignorant will be heard all over the world. I couldn't bear to watch.

[@joefraga7377]

I am looking forward to watching this and saving it. We will never see her again inside. Thanks Joey. I was here in Norfolk when all her insides were auctioned off. I guess that is why i have followed its journey. It is best to let go and give her a burial at sea. The fish will love it. Farewell to our old friend. Only memories now. A lot of people do t k ow it has een stripped inside.😊

[@williamdixon1992]

Amazing tour Of the famous SS UNITED STATES! I hope she can be restored. If she is sunk it will be a huge loss for every one. What a pity that would be. Support the ship!!

[@WildwoodVideoArchive]

I share your hope that the SS United States can be restored and preserved. It would indeed be a tremendous loss if she were to sink.

[@Dbodell8000]

Support the ship and say goodbye to your money.

[@brettcannon74]

I'll be there on Tuesday to see it from Dallas

[@ivomac416]

thanks for your excellent video.have posted on facebook.appears so easy to paint ,compared to steel ,the alluminiam superstructure,no rustbusting required!,would have captured the publics attention/admiration,i restore vessles in Sydney Australia

[@jimcrickmore1347]

Hi all nice to see where are all the striped parts and fittings gone too would love to see here used as a reef then she would still live on.

[@joefraga7377]

Well i feel like i just went to a funeral viewing. I am so happy to have seen her inside. I was present when many of her insides were actioned off here in Virginia. That was the beginning of the end. It is best that she now is laid to rest for the ocean residences to enjoy. I can move on now that i finally saw her close up. This is a keeper for sure.

[@eileenmoyer6239]

It's really a shame that this ship is going to have to move in early September. Hopefully the concervancy can do something because she is not seaworthy.

[@WildwoodVideoArchive]

she is seaworthy as in there is no leaks coming in. We just need to find her a home

[@johnfranklin5277]

Are you not aware of the difference in a STATIC ship that is docked...and a ship in motion rising and lowering, twisting and flexing in the ocean???? It may be ok docked, but those terribly rusted hull plates, and severly rusted rivets may LET GO !!!! Also, dont forget its 72 years old. Her sister ship I believe it was SS AMERICA, was under tow to the Breakers, whe she suddenly started taking on water and sank out in open sea. There is NO DOUBT, this vessel is DEFINITELY STRUCTURALY COMPROMISED. ​@WildwoodVideoArchive

[@tylermartin9474]

@@johnfranklin5277uhhhh the ss America broke her tow lines and ran aground during high seas……. Get your facts straight

[@thekidfromcleveland3944]

​@johnfranklin5277 how much of that rust is surface level though

[@hayleyb1981]

Shes likely being scuttled……

[@ctg6734]

Really curious to know what condition the interior was in at the time it was decided to strip everything out.

[@dmfinpa]

I also took what I’ll sadly call the farewell tour in early August. This video is a solid historical retrospective I’m saving on YT as a memory of my own visit. Unfortunately, try as they may, any valiant last minute efforts to save the ship will probably fall short. Years have gone by with numerous tipped windmills when nothing came to fruition. With the court and Penn Warehousing breathing down their neck the clock is going run out on the Conservancy. I think in their heart of hearts they recognize this, so gratitude to them for making a touring opportunity available to fans of the ship wanting a last look and to bid the Big U a fond farewell. It will be strange driving I-95 and not seeing her funnels.

[@WildwoodVideoArchive]

It’s truly bittersweet to think about the end of an era for such an iconic ship. I’m glad the video could serve as a lasting memory of your visit. The efforts to save the SS United States have been commendable, even if the outcome seems uncertain. It will indeed be strange not seeing her funnels as we drive by.

[@martypalmiere7672]

She still owns the Atlantic crossing speed record for ocean liners, "The Blue Ribband".

[@freddobbs4437]

Very interesting, ill have to watch the rest later tonight. Is it haunted? Zak and his ghost crew should investigate, good PR for the preservationists.

[@WildwoodVideoArchive]

Hey. It wasn’t haunted when I went.

[@mikehicks8064]

I worked at pier 84, right next to where she's docked. It's an amazing ship. Sadly, no one seems to have the means or interest to restore her.

[@Dbodell8000]

Cost prohibitive for sure.

[@HorizonAndrew]

She's a battleship in disguise. Equipped with the most powerful machinery known to man to make the ship average speeds faster than an average speedboat using only 2/3 of its power, built to battleship grade and the only fireproof passenger ship, containing all steel interior, state of the art fire supression system, nothing was flammable. The SS United States was one of the only mega passenger liners built entirely in America, with construction and upkeep funded by the U.S. Government. The ship was designed by William Francis Gibbs (Susan Gibbs grandfather). Susan Gibbs is the current owner, trying to save the ship. The ship is in better condition than she looks. Don't judge a book by the cover. This ship is one of the only classic ships still afloat that contains no asbestos, giving a blank slate for redevelopment with ease. The SS United States is as famous, if not more famous than the RMS Queen Mary, which is funded by the City of Long Beach California. The SS United States should've gotten the same government funding and docked as a tourist attraction, or even repaired to be a traveling museum that stops in many ports to offer tours or leisure cruises. The ship would be booked up for months in a matter of seconds. There are lots of people born in the time of floating shopping mall resorts (modern boxy bulky ugly ships of the 21st century) who would want to sail on or experience the life of being on a beautiful ship from the golden ages of the ocean liners.

[@robdog1245]

Yes and no. The Iowa class actually shared the design and engine specs with the United States. 5 blade inner props and 4 blade outer. Gibbs realized that the Iowas had really bad vibrations at high speed, and by having 5 bladed inner props, the water hitting them from the outer props wouldn't be as disturbed, thus leading to less vibration. If you look at her stern, she also shares the same round then flat stern that the Iowas have. Her bow isn't a bull nose like the Iowas, BUT she does have a semi bulbous bow like them. Gibbs took a lot of the stuff he learned and designed from the Iowa class and put it in this ship, that's why she was so fast. As for Queen Mary; she's only funded by LB because the original owners declared bankruptcy and they had no way to really remove her, so the city decided to fund her until they could find someone to buy it. QM looks '*better* than she did, but she's still dying a very slow and painful death, I see it every day.

[@WayneFeenan]

Great video Joey, I have always wondered what it would be like to tour the S.S. United States thank you

[@WildwoodVideoArchive]

Glad you enjoyed it! I have 2 more videos hopefully coming soon on the ship

[@epe1238]

@24:56 you can see the forward deck is rust and the after portion green. The white superstructure on the top of the ship was aluminum while the front, by the bridge, remained steel to have the strength to take a rogue wave head on. That line notes where the change occurs.

[@epe1238]

@34:34 the prop shafts outside of the hull were pulled inside and the openings welded over to prevent leaks. The props were mounted on the deck exactly over where they were mounted on the ship to keep her balanced.

[@dawnafflerbach135]

She looks beautiful like a queen And Hopefully they can work their magic and bring her back to the glory days.That would be awesome. Do you know when she was built

[@glennryan9770]

I remember when this ship was new. I even built a model of her. What a sad ending for the one time pride of the US.

[@momthechauffer]

The first time I saw her back in November 2018, my daughter and I had to make a stop at the Best Buy you could see in the distance. We had no clue since we have never been to that part of Philly in our travels there, especially for Irish Dance as it was Thanksgiving weekend and the Oireachtas was happening. I was enamored and shocked to see an ocean liner, just docked there. After a quick Google search I learned it was the SS United States. I love ships and it made me sad to see her just rusting away. Now it's going to be an artificial reef, such a sad end for a glorious ship. It's a shame she was left to deteriorate over time, being gutted it would have been too costly to refurbish to former glory. I'm just wondering how it's going to make it to Norfolk. Love the video and I'm glad you got to see the inside as extensively as you did. Thank you for sharing. I only got one picture of her.

[@etmccaus]

I did not realize the staterooms had largely been completely leveled. Wow. As much as I'd love to see her restored to some form of her glory, I think we all know what its future is...

[@epe1238]

@37:34 the First and Cabin Class theater also showed movies. The projection room was one deck above on the Sun Deck. There was a film vault up there too.

[@LuvBubblesIII]

Hoping and praying she can be saved not sunk, and the conservancy can continue pursuing preservation.

[@GalaxyDaveD]

Great video Joe. Enjoyed it.

[@WildwoodVideoArchive]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thank you!

[@earlatkins9559]

Don't apologize for the length of the video. The more footage you shoot, the more coverage you can have. I f this is the last time anyone can film the interior, spend all day if you have to. We just love to explore ships like this, so the more we can see, all the better for documenting before she's gone.

[@JStrike42]

A fantastic video. Thank you.

[@WildwoodVideoArchive]

Glad you enjoyed it! Which part of the ship did you like to see?

[@JStrike42]

@@WildwoodVideoArchive Seeing it up close at the beginning. It's size and decay. I have a pair of salt and pepper shakers from the ship.

[@WildwoodVideoArchive]

@@JStrike42 that is so neat. I was trying to get some of her stuff but it’s hard to come by. That’s a cool way to remember her.

[@deluca9805]

Its sad to see theres nothing left, it wouldnt really be a museum it would be theseus's ship. Underwater diving experience sounds fun tho

[@epe1238]

@39:52 I believe this is the crew commissary. The bakery was behind it. The dumbwaiter at 40:05 was used to feed baked goods to the kitchens that were on the same deck as the dining rooms. More video @ 50:05.

[@alycelappin]

I was on that ship in 1961 from LeHavre to NY as a 17 year old

[@artweeks6986]

On the 4th day sailing from Southampton to NYC in 1954, my dad introduced me as a 6 year old to Emperor Haile Selassie on the foredeck, port side of the SS United States. I can remember like it happened yesterday… a majestic ship, early morning, clear skies, wind blowing and 2 bearded body guards with suits (each packing a piece I am sure now). Selassie was on his way to meet President Eisenhower in NYC. Sad to see her go, but I cherish the 2 trans Atlantic crossings I made….. A fitting end would be the scrap heap…….all good things must come to an end.

[@WildwoodVideoArchive]

That is amazing. Do you remember walking the decks? Did you swim in the pool?

[@artweeks6986]

@@WildwoodVideoArchive I remember the pool……very deep to get to the water to allow for sloshing. I was not a fan of the pool. ….basically scared. I also remember the Primary safety drill….very strict with everyone lined up in single file in what seemed the length of the ship, but in the enclosed deck with the large vertical windows. The crew would not take any guff and reprimanded those who were talking.

[@artweeks6986]

Also when I look at the lead in on this video showing the foredeck, I can see the door which my Dad and I went through to meet Selassie…. Meeting was totally unexpected but my Dad knew what was going on. Emperor Selassie bowed down and shook my hand.. that I remember! He had a bathrobe on that matched what my Dad had on… most likely SS United States ship issued.

[@MichiganPeatMoss]

2024: Ah, imagine all the lascivious acts behind those formerly partitioned floor spaces in a Mad Men's world. Excellent then-and-now pics though!

[@JohnNesbitt-x2m]

I live in Newport News, Virginia, where the SS United States sat at a. Dock similar to where it is now for years and years when they finally had to move it they had a huge auction and everything that was sellable walked off that ship if you ever want to see what the real ship look like Wise and dining wise, which of the windmill restaurant in nags head North Carolina when you walk in there, you’re on the United States. The ship was within sight of the Newport News shipyard and drydock on the James River in Newport News. Years later the catalog of items being sold had such great pictures in it that people were selling catalogs on mine and making great money.

[@paulakauffman2153]

This is so cool.

[@WildwoodVideoArchive]

Thank you! Which part was your favorate?

[@paulakauffman2153]

@WildwoodVideoArchive The promenade deck, the pools, the propeller and the whole tour was amazing.

[@epe1238]

@50:35 there were banks of dumbwaiters that ran from the kitchens all the way to the top officers deck. Each deck going up had a pantry for the crew to receive meals for passenger room service. These pantries were all stacked above each other with the crew elevators, crew stairs and dumbwaiters inside to allow food, linen and crew movement never having to set foot in passenger areas away from passenger eyes. The behind the scenes magic.

[@williamdixon1992]

His tour of the ship is excellent! Best I have ever seen!. If it were on a DVD I would purchase it.

[@epe1238]

@@williamdixon1992 did you ever see the pre-Ukraine video? Sort of crappy VHS but the interiors are still there.

[@jdslyman1720]

​@epe1238 Shot in 1991. The ship still had paneling, walls, and even power in it! Fortunately that has been digitized so there always be a record of how she used to look. There is also video footage from 1984 when the auction took place.

[@epe1238]

@@jdslyman1720 oohhh... where is the '84 footage? Anywhere online?

[@epe1238]

I also like we see some other spaces here. I've seen where what was, was but not what still is. Let's see more crew spaces, kitchens, holds, engineering... Only so many floor outlines of cabins from the main deck before you get bored!

[@epe1238]

@27:29 remember she was fast. At cruising speed there would be a 40mph wind constantly blasting that area.

[@LaszloBagi]

The ship will make a great reef!

[@nickwebb9937]

Screw a reef

[@LaszloBagi]

@@nickwebb9937 Sounds like its a done deal

[@2009FordCrownVic]

I mean it’s unfortunately leaning towards it, it’s kinda sad that soo many “outdated” things are getting destroyed or demolished.

[@LaszloBagi]

@@2009FordCrownVic 25 years the "Conservancy" has been in charged and they failed on so many levels

[@cozziec1196]

I've donated to the conservancy in the past, but frankly I am shocked by the condition of the interior. I had no idea it was totally gutted. Not sure what we're trying to save at this point... Is there some value in maintaining the hull and the external superstructure...? Maybe? Maybe not. It may bring the most joy to the greatest amount of people as a reef. I just don't know!

[@2009FordCrownVic]

It apparently still has the motors and boilers still in it.

[@2009FordCrownVic]

And could “theoretically” fire up

[@Someguy6571]

@@2009FordCrownVic Stuff that has probably seen use or maintenance for over 30 years! So at this point it's pretty much scrap!

[@drakecarter1780]

​@@2009FordCrownVicno engines

[@johnfranklin5277]

@2009FordCrownVic lol, no,steam Turbine engines that have sat untouched for for 55 years are absolutely ruined.

[@davidlelacheur3217]

The SS. United States had very midcentury, modern interiors. A designing period, not seen before. And one that will probably will not be frequently reproduced! The biggest mistake the people who originally took her restoration on made, was removing the interior fittings, and, selling them!

[@EricWeberGoogle]

And all stripped not there anymore, the bulkheads were transite asbestos.

[@EricWeberGoogle]

How many divers will die in the hulk ?

[@dawnafflerbach135]

It's very awesome very big

[@gk2811]

The ship was graced by many notable figures of the era, including Marilyn Monroe, Judy Garland, Cary Grant, Walt Disney, John F. Kennedy, and Princess Grace of Monaco. I hope that it is preserved and restored to its former glory.

[@dawnafflerbach135]

And who was the captain that sailed her?I was wondering if you had the names of the crew too

[@historytok1772]

It’s eerie but I would love to see this firsthand. Such a shame she has nowhere to go.

[@danielrose7515]

When stop and think about about the possibilities it just meaness to keep it unuse or two be scrapped if nothing else it could be converted into apartments for the homeless or restored unused for a volunteer ship to go to places and help out in disasters. May God save this ship ! And may she live full new life. God bless her and all whom I sail in her !

[@RonaldOyer]

I was involved with her drydocking prior to her sale the Hadley back in the 80's while I was with MarAd. Sadly that was the beginning of her end.

[@DangerSk8er]

Are you able to buy guided tour tickets

[@bradcausey5513]

Very sad that such a great ship has been allowed to deteriorate to this condition. I was in Philly in June and was able to take some exterior photos. Would have gladly paid money for a tour, but the conservancy does not allow it. She is still majestic, especially from a distance.

[@Kevin_Rhodes]

Drove through Philly this morning (9/22/24) - she's still there. But for how much longer? I specifically went that way rather than the NJ Turnpike to see the grand old girl one more time. Worth the extra miles.

[@jordanla6453]

I think it's time to save another American forgotten legend for her speed record as an ocean liner as museum not something only divers could see, bring profit

[@Comm0ut]

It's been dead a very long time and was heavily photographed in its heyday. It would be a glorious dive site available to anyone to visit alone with the enormous amounts of marine life it would support.

[@bicknell67]

Im already seeing stuff that could be saved and sent to that land museum before the sinking. Obviously that propeller should be preserved for sure. Also that crows nest you climbed and I know highly unlikely but one of the funnels would be a neat thing to save.

[@WildwoodVideoArchive]

Salvaging key pieces like the propeller and the crows nest could definitely help preserve some of the ship’s history. A funnel would indeed be an amazing artifact, though I agree it would be a huge undertaking.

[@christinecollins6302]

Yes- and the leather chairs near the cafeteria

[@abhayajoodha3113]

Appart from the Olympic class, she's the best looking ocean liner imo.

[@Myuutantobasuta]

how did you get inside?

[@curtis-thebicentennialist1776]

Going to Destin-Panama City Florida to be sunk and be a Diving and Tourism site

[@scottswanson4578]

Did the Libary have books about Aminals?

[@AleunkiBrud]

Hope she has a better life.

[@DjGhostChi]

Should be turned into an artificial reef but they should do it in freshwater. Like Lake Michigan, to help it stay preserved and make it a dive site and a historically protected site.

This needs to be turned into a serious museum.....Why the delay?

[@Dbodell8000]

Rumour has they are just waiting for your 400 million dollar donation. Why the delay?

[@christinenapoli5106]

Wonder if the Disney Wish will look like that in 100 years? 😊 interesring

[@WildwoodVideoArchive]

Prob not. The only reason she looks like this is due to asbestos

[@gridley]

When the interiors were ripped out in the 1990s, the ship's fate was sealed. Also, the SSUS was built in the 1950s, so it lacks the lavishness of older ships or a newer ship like the Queen Mary 2 launched in the early 2000s. However, if it were still in good shape it could be marketed to appeal to nostalgia-1950's buffs. Meanwhile, the QM (from the 1930s) in Long Beach, Ca has struggled through the decades with profit & loss, & the QE2 (from the 1960s) in Dubai, UAE apparently isn't exactly SRO for its owner.

[@3UZFE]

I agree. Even at her best she wasn't even that opulent, nice for sure, but nothing like the liners from the 1900-1930s. In this decayed, gutted state it's really hard to save unless 100s of millions are spent to make her an post art deco 1950s themed ship, but for who and what exactly? A hotel or museum, is there an investment on the return? Likely not. When studying other superior ships such as the Queen Mary at Long Beach, she is a much nicer classic ocean-liner and is still mostly intact where it matters, but is constantly needing more investment to keep in order. Her profits have been in the red a lot of the time too.

[@jdslyman1720]

It lacks warmth because the designer wanted no wood (or anything else) flammable in it. It had a lot of glass and metal sculptures instead, along with paneling made out of asbestos.

[@gridley]

@@jdslyman1720 The 1950s were also the era of fins on cars & a quaint dowdiness in general. A shellshocked post-depression, post-war-II mentality still existed.

[@TheAngryKilljoy]

@@3UZFE her interior was not very impressive anyway. What she does still have mostly intact are her engine and boiler rooms and a lot of equipment. It could have opened up as a museum to show these things off at any point then raised money to restore other parts of the ship. I don’t know everyone things for some reason in order to save it that it needs to be fully restored all at once.

[@robdog1245]

@@3UZFE Lol Queen Mary is in worse shape than this, she's not 'superior' in any way, shape or form, she's literally rusting through in many areas and is in a constant state of disrepair.

[@michaelmakemson4390]

They should turn it into a restaurant instead of letting it rot away many famous people cruised on that ship

[@sirboomsalot4902]

Wow, if only someone thought of that!

[@JohnThomas-lq5qp]

It's been rusting away for the last 55 years. It would cost tens of millions of dollars to install sprinklers, smoke alarms , modern wiring, all new plumbing, heating & Air conditioning, elevators etc. It's like my old great American Flyer trains from the 1950's. Nobody under 60 could care less about model trains, or a 5:55 ship that only ran for 19 years. Best use would be tow it to Ocean off of Wildwood and make it a fishing reef.

[@WildwoodVideoArchive]

I care about the American Flyer trains and the ship and i'm in my 30s lol

[@michaelmakemson4390]

@@WildwoodVideoArchive yes I like history on things watched a documentary on the United States ship I seen this ship sitting there for many years to learn the famous people who sailed on it. And it’s like your video of the grave on the side of the parkway drove past that millions of times never knew who was there and someone told me it was the guy who made the road till I saw your video to find out the truth of the grave

[@johnfranklin5277]

I wouldn't get within 50 feet of that rusty, TOXIC bacteria laden ship without a Tetnus shot. Seriously, no one should be inside that thing without wearing medical grade respirator masks.

[@LovesMike33]

I Never Knew There Was No Pool. I thought there Was. I will always Remember Bon Voyage. Disney Movie.

[@lawrencejelsma8118]

The 1970s Poseidon Adventure movie sort of parallel showed your decent down into the ship from the Promenade area (or areas of dining and shows). It is kind of neat seeing your Adventure without water filling from the top of the ship down into the pool area and engine rooms. I think further decent into bottom blade engines etc to where the movie they got cut by torch out of the ship's hull. Very neat to watch after seeing the movie Poseidon Adventure of 1975.

[@jdslyman1720]

Did they use a set for that? Because I've seen Queen Mary's engineering spaces and they don't look like what was in that movie. It had to be more than flipping the camera upside down😂

[@lawrencejelsma8118]

@@jdslyman1720 ... The set would have been based off the SS United States or similar back in 1974 (it wouldn't be a Queen Mary design).

[@jdslyman1720]

@lawrencejelsma8118 There was a lot of wood in the lounge (where they had the New Year's party) and Art Deco elements. The SSUS didn't have any of that, as that can all burn up just like Queen Elizabeth did. The engineering spaces could've been based of something newer like the SSUS.

[@lawrencejelsma8118]

@@jdslyman1720 ... Actually it was called SS Poseidon in the movie. It had a similar build as the SS United States of you watched the video. No swimming pool but the restroom after the pool and the downstairs leading to the engine room looked eerily similar to when in the Poseidon Adventure movie they went to the engine room to get to the bottom hull of the ship and the other survivers walked past to somewhere else not listening to where they were going in the movie. The Queen Mary was used in World War II. I think they said the USS United States was also to transport GIs to Europe (the entertainment areas show). The USS Poseidon for the movie probably could be looked up but I bet it is based off a 1940s or 1950s cruise ship if not how the beginning of the 1970s built their newest cruise ships between the United States and Europe.

[@lawrencejelsma8118]

@@jdslyman1720 ... Update: I finally went to Wikipedia and it, USS Poseidon, is a fictional three steam engine stacks ship mirroring the Queen Mary's near capsizing moment in its history of a large ocean wave as you suggested. Wikipedia doesn't state USS Poseidon being other internal Queen Mary looks (no two internal swimming pools nor hatches that lock in sections of the stack steam rooms and ultimate base engine room). I've seen a tour of the Queen Mary and nothing at all resembles the Warner Bros fictional movie set. The USS United States resembles it more. However ... It is an unreal or fictional design where movie scenes won't make ship expert sense of being either Queen Mary design or USS United States design influences.

[@epe1238]

@27:11 the steps went right down to the officers quarters. CO and XO lived very close to those stairs for quick access.

[@pauljay828]

This ship is beyond repair.

[@crabbyhayes1076]

I had a model of the ship that was nearly 2 ft long. Although I am sad to agree with you, I believe the only viable future is to scrap it. Like many other things, it is a symbol of a bygone era, which we can never recover.

[@thefancydoge8668]

The hull is completely fine and only has surface rust, and the inside is just gutted. The ship could be restored for a cheaper price than building a new one. And the most expensive parts of the inside (the engines) are still there and most likely are still in working order.

[@robdog1245]

They've done hull soundings and they came back as strong as the day she first hit the water. Most of the 'beyond repair' is cosmetic. I would call that anything but 'beyond repair.' If you want 'beyond repair' all you need to do is look at Queen Mary, or our government.

[@epe1238]

@29:26 the crowsnest could be accessed from the inside one deck below too in fowl weather.

[@michaeljohnson2136]

Should be a floating museum like the William A Irvin

[@Dbodell8000]

The money needed to restore this hulk would be astronomical. You could probably build a totally new ship for less.

[@DFord-rv3nz]

I think old navy is at risk of running out of docker shorts and 8th grade tennis shirts. Thanks for the review McLovin

[@WildwoodVideoArchive]

You have to go to JCrew for good shorts these days

[@DFord-rv3nz]

@@WildwoodVideoArchive hahahahha. Awesome. Thanks for the tour.

[@DFord-rv3nz]

@@WildwoodVideoArchive I love to save that shitt but I got to tell you something the amount of money you'd have to throw into that thing to make that happen. Someone has to have that cash.

[@epe1238]

@14:34 bar was a movie set, not part of the ship.

[@user-th5mn5mz2c]

It’s sad. If her furnishings and other equipment had not been stripped, she may have had a chance. It’s a lot like a classic car, you have people buy it with the intention of restoring it, yet let it rot in their backyard instead of selling it to someone who would and by the time they try to it’s too far gone.

[@Paperista]

This would be criminal if the ship is scraped. The designer Frances Gibbs was the premier ship architect and was the Steve Jobs of his day. This is literally a piece of history. Would you scrap the Statue of Liberty or Monticello? You would say no, and the Statue of Liberty wasn't even built in the USA. This ship broke the record for fastest transatlantic crossing, and its secret engines were long rumored to be nuclear driven. The interior boasted no wood, to make it modern for the time and most importantly to Gibbs... fireproof. I'm so fortunate to have one of the original time records given out the day they broke the record, mine came from the walls of an exec at Newport News Shipbuilding, where she was built, and they still have pride in her. A great book people might find interesting is A Man and His Ship: America's Greatest Naval Architect and His Quest to Build the S.S. United States. It has a great narrative and pictures explaining how and why the ship worked. She was sailed on by the Duke and Dutchess of Windsor, Princess Grace, Rita Hayworth, Harry Truman, Dwight Eisenhower, Bob Hope, John Kennedy, Bill Clinton and Duke Ellington, as you mentioned. It was like the floating Catskills, also now bulldozed. The SS United States went 44 miles per hour, something a modern cruise ship of today can't even come close to. Again, I ask, when do we stop caring about history? When it is gone it is gone. Everything can't be a parking lot. I certainly hope Clusters is kicking in a nice donation to save the ship. Given the preservation of hotels in Wildwood, I would think Clusters is well aware of the value of history from every period. Without that history, the doo-wop being maintained, Wildwood would be nothing special and not different than any other beach town. For example, my husband adores Wildwood for keeping the era alive when his native hometown of Virginia Beach, would not. Thank you for the look into the ship, so kind of you to do.

[@sushirollusa]

Amazing with all of the vacant docks they are pressing moving her to the bottom. This Ship was built to last . Thanks for posting this video . We are spending trillions on sending money on so many project as a country . She has another life and can see why so many people have faith in saving . Its amazing she would cruise @ 40 -45 Miles per hour in any sea condition.

[@WildwoodVideoArchive]

To find a dock that size is kind of hard. It needs to be at least 1000 feet and 30 feet deep. Most of those docs, unfortunately are being used for commercial purposes.

[@sushirollusa]

@@WildwoodVideoArchive I have been fortunate enough to travel this great country and have seen her . We can dredge channels for Casino's and other use less projects etc. Guarantee if this was in China or India this bad M.F would still be cruising . We have become such a Lazy nation.. nothing like the Generation that over built her to last . Thanks again for uploading the video and keeping her in our thoughts.

[@MotocrossGuru-zf8pk]

lets hope next summer season the wildwood boardwalk will be as good as it used too be. the party flame of wildwood has burnt out

[@masterskrain2630]

Somehow I think that William Francis Gibbs would rather see "The Big U" sunk as an artificial reef than seeing her slowly cut up and gutted for scrap.

[@WildwoodVideoArchive]

I am with you on that. His daughter runs the conservatory.

[@jdslyman1720]

Especially after the SS America and her fate, I would think he would want to see her as a reef too.

[@TheAngryKilljoy]

No reason it couldn’t be made into a museum other than the incompetence or outride fraud of his granddaughter.

[@joelombardo3420]

I always wondered what it looked like on the ship, thanks for the tour. I pass the ship daily, I think it’s time she be put out to pasture.

[@cchog1]

Where did all the stuff inside go ?

[@WildwoodVideoArchive]

Auctioned off many decades ago

[@oldlady12345]

​@@WildwoodVideoArchiveso sad they auctioned off everything. Put the nails in the coffin.

[@3UZFE]

It's a shame the ship was gutted, this really took a lot away from her.

[@kay9549]

@3UZFE yes unfortunately; her structure is still there. In hindsight it would have been leaving her as she was.

[@martypalmiere7672]

There are only 4 screws, not 8

[@MrBagpiperob]

There's nothing left. It's been stripped bare and left a rusted rotting hulk.

[@Creepermanp]

No lets put all the systems back in

[@2009FordCrownVic]

Actually, the Boilers and engines are still in it.

[@Someguy6571]

@@2009FordCrownVic They haven't been used or even maintained for over 30 years! They are junk. A total overhaul and rebuild would be required. That is defiantly not going to happen. Hell look at actual museum ships like the Iowas. BB New Jersey which recently had a dry docking. They didn't even run her engines (she was towed into dry dock), and they look 1000% better than this ships engine.

[@Dbodell8000]

@@CreepermanpDream on 🙄

[@Creepermanp]

@@Dbodell8000 bitch what