First Class Accommodations on SS United States

[@Jhwwebber]

My family moved to the U.S. from England in 1967. I was 12. We left Southhampton on the SS United States on January 28 and arrive in New York on February 2. It was a winter crossing and for a few days I did not do well. It was interesting seeing the enclosed promenade deck as I threw up there one day during the crossing. I remember the Tourist theater and remember seeing "After the Fox" with Peter Sellers. My uncle who moved to the U.S. about 20 years before us had some connections and we went to the First Class lounge to be processed through immigration. There was a tug boat strike when we reached New York. We had to dock without tugs. I think it took about 2 hours to dock with ropes being thrown and we gradually moved into the slip.

[@colinmontgomery1956]

Very fascinating! Thanks for sharing. Do you retain anything of an English accent?

[@rongendron8705]

Great historical memories!

[@loyalrammy]

Thanks for sharing. My great grandparents did the same on the RMS Majestic in 1925.

[@franzfanz]

It's amazing how natural Ryan looks in front of the camera now. He's come a long way from looking a bit like a deer in headlights in the early days.

[@motodog1977]

😅😅😅

[@phillipbouchard4197]

You mentioned "The Poseidon Adventure " movie which I believe came out in 1972. I remember seeing this movie in the Theater with our family and my Aunt yelled out as Poseidon was capsizing " you will never get me on any damn boat ". The whole theater erupted in laughter. Thanks Ryan and staff for this series on United States. Hope to see more of it including the bridge area.

[@atomicshadowman9143]

Shelley Winters saved that film! Of course Leslie Nielson was the CO, lol.

[@bighohnster]

Poseidon adventure was filmed on the queen Mary it was actually based on a true story that took place on the queen Mary when she was in her war time configuration a 90 foot wave hit her while she was carrying close to 10,000 troops. The ship listed to a 50° angle and remain that way for several minutes before slowly righting herself. Queen Mary also holds the record for the most amount of passengers transported across the ocean at 15,000 troops during WWII.

[@bighohnster]

Also, the Queen Mary was the ship that held the blue ribbon record that the SS United States stole from her after 14 years as the fastest ship in the world.

[@robertthomas5906]

@@bighohnster 50 degree angle? Wow. I bet they all thought they were going down.

[@rogersmith7396]

What did she say during "Jaws"? If they would have just put Shelly Winters somewhere low in the ship they could have rode it out.

[@NeedtoSpeak]

Having Ryan do this tour, with his ship expertise, makes these empty areas come alive. Great job!

[@Bellthorian]

It is crazy that this ship is one of the few if not the only one that makes an Iowa class look slow.

[@eugenerob8492]

Fact

[@Ganiscol]

Hmm I dont know. The Nimitz class is as fast if not slightly faster, yet much larger and heavier. If you disregard displacement, there is a whole lot of faster ships.

[@edwardpate6128]

@@Ganiscol I think the Enterprise CVN-65 may still hold the record for the fastest carrier ever.

[@firstsgt279]

​@@edwardpate6128 With United States having top maintained speed of 42nts what was Enterprises?

[@robertkb64]

@@firstsgt279 I served on an SSBN rather than a CVN, but the actual answer to both is the same: the actual top speed is classified. But there are two insights we can glean from public records. First, in 1996 President Clinton ordered the Enterprise to support the cruise missile reprisals against Saddam Hussein’s attack on the Kurds in Operation Desert Strike. It’s initial reposition was from the Mediterranean to the Persian Gulf, an approximately 5,000 mile cruise that was completed in 5 days, and which included passing through the Suez Canal (which requires no-wake speed of about 5 knots for the roughly 24 hours the transit takes). If you assume a constant speed the whole way (and you can’t because of the Suez Canal) then the Enterprise maintained 41 knots for 5 days. If you assume that was really done in 4 days because they lost a day in the canal then she did better than 50 knots. While her exact location at the beginning was classified so we don’t know the exact distance travelled, we can safely conclude that the Enterprises Flank Speed was at least in the high 40’s, if not the low 50’s. Secondly, the top “maintainable” speed means something very different on a nuclear ship than one burning bunker fuel: a nuclear ship (of any kind) can generally maintain her top speed indefinitely, while one burning bunker fuel has to refuel surprisingly often to maintain that speed. As a set of examples: the Iowas burned about 2,500 gallons per hour at 15 knots, 5,000 gph at 22 knots, and 15,000 gph at 30 knots (the Navy didn’t publish BB fuel consumption at max speed, but only at a set of standard speeds - 30 knots being the highest), requiring them to refuel at least every 5,000 miles - and 2 million gallons takes a while to pump, so whether you do it at sea and maintain 10 knots or stop in port to pump faster you’re taking a bit hit in long distance average speed. Any of the CVNs, on the other hand, can maintain 35 knots (or more, potentially a lot more) indefinitely - and since it’s an aircraft carrier they can even maintain that while bringing in food replenishment. So in the context of nuclear vs conventional, “maintainable” really don’t mean the same thing.

[@TheHylianBatman]

That promenade still looks beautiful. I love how you can still see outlines for the way things were within the ship, as well as your talking about the fittings being in museums. It'll never happen, but... imagine if we could put it all back... I also love the little detail of you walking through the imaginary doors in your imaginary stateroom!

[@PeterG1975]

Great presentation.

[@rogersmith7396]

You can still see the outline where Nixon tossed his cookies mid ocean after the "Checkers" incident.

[@mistymvp917]

Yes it could be restored, if people would contact their Houe of Reprentatives and Senators. Donate to the SSUnited States Conservatory. Every little bit helps. This ship needs to be preserved just like any military ship or historical building.😮

[@mcmillanndu]

In my own direct experience (yes!), the most luxurious thing was the 1st class dining room. As a USAF lieutenant colonel, my dad rated first class passage back home after three years in Germany (and en route to Vietnam) in April 1967, Bremerhaven to New York via Southampton and Le Havre. Every dinner was black tie except first night out and last night before arrival in New York. My dad's mess dress uniform got more use on the single voyage than it had in the whole time we were overseas. You had an assigned table and the same waiter at each meal (I still remember the name of ours, a Scot named Archie Morrow), and the service was the best I've ever known. Teen center (I was 13), free movies, swimming pool (indoors, with cold sea water sloshing back and forth), the classic experience of warm bouillon on the lounge chairs on deck in the afternoon. An incredible ship.

[@brettany_renee_blatchley]

Who knew _Museum Curators_ were of such high and noble social position! 🫡💜 Loved this tour!! 😊💜

[@jacquesduplessis3047]

Hi Rayn Szimanski and crew. As a South African with a generous curiosity in naval and maritime subjects, I unfortunately find myself stranded in what is basically the geographical center of my country. As far away from any ocean as a South African can get in this country. In addition South Africa does not have a good history of maintaining land locked museums, even if some of them are only one curator in size, let alone museum ships like Battleship New Jersey. So I just want to thank you an your team for brining very fascinating stories and information about the battleship "because you have one" as well as a number of other ships. The only thing I'm missing from your videos is the smell of the ocean, but I'm guessing future KZbin programmers will find a solution to that. Keep up the great work and Thanks again.

[@paullewis2413]

Thanks for the upload. First off please remember S.S. United States was a liner not a cruise ship. They are different animals. When you see the promenade deck devoid of any furniture etc you realise just how vast they were on the great liners. No way would I ever contemplate paying for one of today’s cruise monsters, not because of safety issues but because they are so damned hideous inside and out. I remember as a kid seeing some of the legendary liners including United States, Queen Elizabeth, Nieuw Amsterdam, France etc and they looked so beautiful.

[@marybabiec]

Please save the SS United States ship

[@squidwarddiesel8462]

She need help 😭

[@MrChickennugget360]

one thing that they should do is a detailed digital scan so they can create a 3 D model of the SS United States and recreate what she looked like in the 1950s. Similar to what Titanic Honor and Glory

[@williammoreno2378]

If it hasn't been saved since 1969, I'm not very optimistic. It's sad it's been left to rot away.

[@Zickcermacity]

12:42 - You're correct - It wouldn't be a "cruise" - post-WW2, or 1950s or 1960s. It would be a voyage, or more exactly, a CROSSING. Not your fault, but most folks born after 1980 wouldn't know what ships were primarily used for, pre-jet age, and even for some years beyond the dawn of the jet. Liners were called that because they crossed an ocean along established paths, or 'lines'! 😀

[@mech-a-redneck9745]

Interestingly, the gentleman who was my boss at my previous job. Came over from Europe on the last sailing of this ship. He said that coming from a farm in Latvia to steerage class on an ocean liner was a mind blowing experience.

[@therealtony2009]

latvia

[@MrJeep75]

No steerage class on this ship, it was call tourist class

[@davidmarquardt9034]

@@MrJeep75 Every time I hear steerage class I think of poor 1900's immigrants down in the bilges of the Titanic, with the propeller shafts overhead, hanging there clothes on the rudder cables. In Victorian times maybe it was that bad.

[@rogersmith7396]

So you mean much worse.

[@Katoshi_Takagumi]

@@davidmarquardt9034 On the Olympic class, the steerage was much better than on older ships, though.

[@rmp5s]

"Guys with the white thing on their arm"...hahaha...you can tell Ryan is a ritzy man of stature and class. 🤣

[@rogersmith7396]

The ones with the MD 20/20.

[@stevekirk8546]

Really good of you Ryan to help the SS United States people with promoting their ship. It's a very interesting contrast to Battleship New Jersey. Thank you.

[@jmikeperkins]

I love your videos on the SS United States! What an amazing ship. I sure hope someone can save it and turn it into a museum.

[@MrDallaskincaid]

Thanks for doing this, Ryan. The future of this ship always seems very much up in the air and the more attention we can bring to its existence, the better. It's a breathtaking sight and I still remember the first time I saw it years ago.

[@oaw117]

You only stepping through "Doors" while showing off the cabin was making me laugh. Great work as always.

[@bobroberts2371]

Perhaps he watched the TV show " WKRP "

[@MrJeep75]

Why

[@oaw117]

@@bobroberts2371 never heard of it, what is that?

[@bobroberts2371]

@@oaw117 See the vid " WKRP in Cincinnati: The Complete Series (5/6) Les Asks Herb to Respect His Imaginary Door " on the channel " Shout! Factory "

[@nebr72]

This was fascinating and brings back great memories. I came back from Europe on the SSUS in 1964. My father was in the Air Force and the government bought a certain number of tickets to subsidize the ship. Pretty classy way to travel for a 13 year old! Maybe you were standing in our cabin 😀

[@TooManyHobbies58]

Thank you to Ryan and the Conservancy for this tour through the ship. Not something I would ever seen, with explanations.

[@christophermarsh6983]

Museuem curators are more aware of their surroundings than others. I only inspect 360 degrees around me, but Ryan inspects 365 degrees! This is why I'll never have my own Iowa class battleship.

[@jonathan_60503]

5 degrees of safety overlap, just to make sure you don't accidently come up a degree or two short in your inspection and miss something 😉

[@BrowncoatInABox]

Well not with that attitude

[@deadmanhiking9260]

I commented on another Big U video about my working as a first class bell boy, seeing the dining room in this video reminded me of another job I had on the big U, kitchen utility. We went around in the galley with a cart and delivered empty garbage cans and picked up the full cans. When the cart was full we went to a room on either port or starboard side and and got the cans of the cart. Port or starboard side depended on the wind, as we had to lift the cans up to a large opening, a sort of door with hinged at the top, across the opening from side to side was a large steel tube, situated such that you could tip a garbage can on the edge of the opening and the can would tilt over and be caught by the tube..out went the garbage. When it was rough we stacked up the full cans secured with chains. You can imagine how much a garbage can full of food (80%) water weighs..at the end of that trip I was pretty buffed. But I also ate well filet mignon for dinner?

[@rickpinelli1586]

Hi Ryan, Now here is a challenge for you... Restoring the SS United States! Thank you for the video, I grew up in awe of the SS United States and her sister ships, SS America and SS Independence.

[@richardorton3881]

When I was 12 we got to tour the SS United States before it left New York in the summer of 1961. For 50 cents, in those days the public was allowed on board to look around or see people off before the ship sailed for Europe. We went all over the ship and I remember the energy and excitement of all the people about to go on this big adventure. I remember the band playing Rogers and Hart... "I'll take Manhattan...". Back then, before security was such an issue, they posted the passenger list all over the ship so you could check to see if one of your fellow passengers might be a member of your country club. Names I recognized were Mr and Mrs Walt Disney, Mr and Mrs Fred MacMurray, Mr Tommy Kirk. Found later they had filmed part of a movie on board, "Bon Voyage" about a family trip to Europe, released in 1962.

[@billkallas1762]

In 1951, the cost of a First Class cabin was $295 and up. Cabin class was $200, and Tourist class was $160. That First Class price in 2023 dollars is $1837. That is not a bad price for a First Class suite. If it is per Cabin, instead of per person, it is a bargain. $3700 is still not a bad price.

[@rmp5s]

Not bad at all!!

[@jimcronin2043]

I am wondering what the size of the cabin might have been. From the video it appears to me to be approx. 12x24 ft. exclusive of the hallway and bathroom area.

[@johnsutcliffe3209]

What strikes me is the price difference. Its not even double the price of tourist.

[@ronstucker3550]

Those prices must be for the SS America because the SS/US was christened in 1952

[@rogersmith7396]

I think QE II is a lot more. If you want a ship that actually leaves the dock that is.

[@Seiskid]

Thank you so much for filming this ship. I've seen videos before of the interiors but yours was the best for actually giving a perspective on what the interior layout is actually like.

[@scottcatherine-sf2gf]

I'm sure you are aware, but the term "cruiseship" is incorrect in reference to the SS United States or other vessels designed and built for transatlantic crossings. Those vessels are oceanliners, designed and built stronger, faster and seaworthy which cruiseships are not. The SSUS, like all oceanliners, where built with the purpose to get from point A to point B on a schedule, get there on time, regardless of weather and seas. Each passenger had their own purpose and destination in mind as a reason for being aboard, a cruiseship passenger hasn't a destination, only purpose is to relax are enjoy. In case of bad weather, those shallow draft, lightly constructed vessels must head for the nearest port for safety. As a former SSUS passenger, I can say that the SSUS oceanliner plowed ahead on schedule through the North Atlantic like a high speed train at 35 knots, the experience of moving at that speed is unlike anything you'll ever know aboard a cruiseship at 21 knots or less. On the SSUS, whether inside or out, you'd need to hold on. Stored deck chairs where lashed together, those left unattended frequently blew off, walking on deck almost impossible, but a crossing on the Big U was the thrill of a lifetime. The SSUS's design, construction, safety and abilities is taught today at the US Naval Academy as the most ideal ship ever.

[@yahwey12001]

Thankyou, this small series on the United States has been amazing

[@geoguy001]

The 1960s feature comedy film "Munsters Go Home" was partly filmed on United States I think

[@RodCornholio]

" _You_ are the curator Mister Szimanski. You've _always_ been the curator."

[@davidmarquardt9034]

HEERS JONNY

[@rogersmith7396]

This little shit is calling for help. I expect you will know what to do. Discipline with extreme predjudice.

[@ouroboris]

I love this look at the SSUS! Thanks to you & your photo crew for bringing this incredible view to us 😀

[@penultimateh766]

My family crossed the Pacific from Japan on a similar liner when I was two. My mother said I looked really cute at the lifeboat drill barfing all over my little life jacket...

[@Philobiblion]

In August 1964 I transited the Atlantic aboard SS America, which seems very similar to United States.As a 15 year old, I don't remember much from that time. My enduring memory of America in tourist class is of how well proportioned and accommodating America was for a relatively large number of people in each class. Although in lowly tourist accommodations I was made to feel special, and we were treated to a non-stop menu of attractions that I suspect haven't changed much. One of my enduring memories is of a gang of us exchange students on the forward part of the ship at dawn, banging on my cheap guitar, while the ship plowed on. It was a great time.

[@dougm5697]

As a docent on the battleship Wisconsin in Norfolk I was offered a tour and lunch on the German cruise ship Miene Schiff. It was spectacular! From the pools topside, shops, dining areas, theaters, and lounges, it was magnificent. What finally blew me away was how she got underway and did a complete turn in the harbor to depart Norfolk.

[@swampfuel20]

Well Done. I enjoyed your video. My parents got to sail on the United States and the France. They had wonderful stories of both ships. Cheers!

[@NJintheImagination]

Very interesting video. I am glad you are showing your support and helping out the SS United States. I think showing this on your channel will help. I too, have never been on a cruise and have no desire to do so. An Atlantic crossing is another matter but I doubt it will ever happen. I do hope they are able to save the SS United States but frankly, I am not overly optimistic.

[@Neutercane]

As far as I've seen, I'm really impressed at the good condition the ship is in. If you only saw the outside, you could be forgiven for thinking that the inside was just as bad.

[@Chris_In_Texas]

Not the modular cabin types of modern cruise ships! Back when they made things to last! 👍🤠 You guys being on different sides of the river, need to collaborate more often! Nice to have the mix of various ships.

[@Paul-wp2jl]

Fascinating video Ryan. It has a particular resonance for me as I travelled on her beautiful sister the SS Australis from Southampton UK to Melbourne Australia in 1969. I would love to see some more videos of the United States engine room or anything technical about the SS Australis Once again I want to thank you Ryan for such a fascinating video. Cheers Paul

[@camickelson]

I am thankful for your tours.. I am Amazed how fast she was!! Thank you and Praying GOD blessing you!

[@harriettedaisy2233]

I hope we get an episode with the bridge, navigation and radio rooms.

[@gunnergoz]

Wonderful tour, thanks! I was raised as an army brat in the 50's and 60's and so crossed the Atlantic on ships five (5) times before I was 18. Two trips were on US naval transports (USNS General Hodges and USNS General Rose) and then three trips on the American Export Lines liners Constitution and Independence. Those were wonderful experiences, even for a young boy. Of course the civilian liners were much more luxurious, not too different from USS United States. The military ships were adequate and not shabby at all, just not fitted out quite as ritzy. Talk about a long gone era.

[@daniel_poore]

Lol i love you Ryan ... " since we are on a ship the archeology is 365... " I poke fun but i could never do even half the job you do on camera, and iam really loving this SS United States mini series, thanks to both of you for making this happen!

[@timmotel5804]

WoW. Wonderful video tour. You do great and educational work. I love the "The Poseidon Adventure" comment. My wife says: "As long as the ship doesn't leave the dock, She's OK with it". Remarkable ship. Thanks again and Best Wishes.

[@FunDudeGirl]

Great video for a really great ship. Please film more areas if possible. There was a fairly large first class theater and a indoor swimming pool on a lower deck. There were also some outdoor areas too for people to enjoy.

[@brantleyforehand7733]

Thank you for highlighting this amazing ship. I’ll never forget the first time I saw her on our way to the Navy Yard to see the USS JFK. I really hope she gets saved one day. She deserves it.

[@Yourmanbiddle]

Just want to say I appreciate all your hard work !

[@gsp0113]

Great content. Your videos on the _United States_ have brought her to life more than any other videos I've seen. The photo of the two gentlemen in formal wear coming down the staircase is fantastic. I also found the artwork behind them -- what looks like a seal of the United States and also flying songbirds in aluminum or stainless steel -- attractive and memorable. I wonder what's become of it.

[@toms1348]

This is a great video series! I've always wanted to see the interior of the SS United States as it is now! I didn't realize the hull plates were riveted though. I thought by the 1950s, hulls were all welded.

[@happyboater3058]

Hey Ryan!!! Quite a week. I was really amazed at how quickly that dry docking procedure came about. Now a long time ago I used to do some historical work on large early 1900s buildings. Ryan you did a really good job on understanding the ss United States!!

[@Formulabruce]

Super Structure is all ALUUUUUUminum !! Love it!

[@MarkWick]

This is an interesting tour. My family did not travel first class, but we did sail on this ship from Scotland to New York in May of 1958. I do have memories of parts of the ship. I do remember waking up one morning when a storm with near hurricane winds and 25 foot waves was really tossing us around. That was the only time I was ever seasick, (this was the second of my four Atlantic crossings on ocean liners) and that passed quickly and I was fine. I did try to go out on deck that morning, but after going only two or three steps beyond the door, and holding on the the railing for dear life, I decided I should go back inside. Of the three ships on which I sailed, the United States is the only still in existence. I later crossed the Atlantic both ways on the Empress of Britain, which eventually became the first ship of one of the major cruise lines of today.

[@mortimersnerd4156]

Thank you Sir. Branching out like this is very interesting, both, for you and for your viewers. I very much like your work over the past 2 1/2 years on your Battleship and this is just frosting on the cake so to speak!

[@VOOODOOO37]

Loving your tours of this ship, always been interested in it. With your depth of knowledge of it, you could easily be the curator for it as well.

[@willdecker4630]

Great vid, Great that you explane the layout of things & how they would have been placed.

[@atthebreakwaters]

At 11:17 you totally missed the so called "First Class Observation Lounge" - you walked right trough it. It was a huge part of the ship, with probably the greatest art on board. However, thank you very much for covering my favorite ship so great.

[@rachelcarre9468]

What an amazing space. Thank you for sharing and i hope your visit helps focus bringing a more permanent future for the old lady!

[@NickRatnieks]

From from the information I have seen, this ship was the largest fastest moving physical object ever constructed and it may never be exceeded. Ships may be a lot bigger now but they are not "ocean greyhounds" any more. As a kid in the 1960s when I saw this and many other ocean liners from the beach at Southsea, here is an anecdote. We knew that some time after the ships had passed in the distance, a huge bow wave would hit the beach. We would watch visitors from London stay where they were with all their stuff close to the edge of the sea enjoying themselves. We would move up the beach a fair few feet and wait for these happy tourists to be engulfed suddenly by this large wave- ruining their picnics. This we thought, was very funny! Kids can be horrible...

[@richhoule3462]

Love the Poseidon Adventure reference lol

[@johnsykesiii1629]

Same here. Gave me a real chuckle.

[@kevinkoepke8311]

Very cool seeing these videos on SS United States. The promenade deck was always the place to be.

[@Turboy65]

I want to see this ship saved, fully restored to seaworthy, passenger ready condition, modernized and upgraded where required or desirable for crew and passenger comfort and safety, and put back out to see carrying passengers on some very special cruise tours.

[@CaffeinatedFingers]

My grandfather met Harry Winston on the SS United States when he was coming back from Europe with his new wife Edna. Got along well enough that on another trip they got neighboring cabins to share the cost for the tub cabin. Was his favorite great ship. Great seeing you walk out the footprint of the cabins...I'd never understood the shared tub thing before.

[@Edgetravelguy]

Wow.....that was amazing! What a great tour and such interesting information. Well done!

[@rutheliz75]

This ship was designed to be stylish and fireproof . Streamlined and clean lined yet not overwhelming like the Normandy . Thanks for posting .

[@GroovesAndLands]

I sailed on the SS France (aka Norwegian Cruiselines "Norway") a couple times in the mid 1990s. Overall, a similar style ship with similar accommodations. Definitely a nicer look than the modern stuff.

[@McTroyd]

Thanks for featuring this ship! Hopefully the Conservancy picks up a few pointers from your KZbin videos.

[@dmfinpa]

Excellent video and timely given the ship’s current situation. I have been a Conservancy member for many years. This Saturday (8/3) I am finally touring the ship. Not to be a profit of doom, but I do not want the opportunity to slip by while she is still moored in Philadelphia. There are pluses and minuses to her having been stripped to the bare metal. On one hand, it makes her easier to repurpose. On the other, much of the history in her fittings and furnishings is lost to private owners, many of whom are not the original acquirers. By the way, useful to mention that her lifeboats are also gone. I believe there are only a couple still surviving in museums.

[@Snaproll47518]

I enjoyed the tour. I crossed Le Harve to New York in Dec 1956 as a 7 year old fortunate to travel first class. My memory is somewhat vague but the layout of the FC stateroom fits my recollection. I think my folks hired a nanny so they could enjoy the onboard nightlife. I clearly recall the lifeboat drill on the promenade and looking at the heavy winter seas.

[@Gadget0343]

Thanks for showing this ship. When I originally came to the USA it was on this ship.

[@thomasfreeman7770]

In 1963 as an 8 year old I visited this ship in port on the Hudson River. A fiend of mine’s father was a member of the crew. I can remember seeing lots of the historical photos you show as real rooms.

[@dcviper985]

Aww, come on, Ryan! I bet you’d make a great enrichment facilitator on a high end cruise ship like Cunard Line or Holland America Line. I know I’d sail with you.

[@paulg2132]

The First Class Dining Room is nice but I LOVE the Promenade. It's so long!

[@rogersmith7396]

I've got the original bar in my sailboat. Great conversation piece.

[@austinread554]

I'll never use a ships elevator. Not after hearing about the people that died stuck in the Costa Concordias elevators when the power went out. Terrible way to go.

[@adrianghandtchi1562]

This is just awesome, love this walk through!

[@SuperMig1970]

I like the promenade deck. lots of sun. I can see lounge chairs, wait staff with drinks and snacks, and lots of green plants (I know they would not be there, but I like the idea). I like the largeness and openness of it I guess (land lubber I know). It does seem relaxing.

[@davidhewson8605]

Beautiful ship !!. QE2 , Normandy and other fast Liners would have been left in the wake. Brilliant commentary about height of bathroom fawcetts. 35 knots on " outside " verandah deck , would have blown your wig off !!. Am looking for a book on this American pride and joy. Any fellow subscriber suggestion ?. Thanks mates. Dave

[@loyalrammy]

Unexpectedly, I really enjoyed this Ryan. I always considered the elegance of this end of age ocean liner as being cheapened compared to Titanic and her sisters. The SS United States is completely restorable and could be a statement of 1950's class. A ship where the Rat Pack could have comfortably hung out.

[@DJ-mz7td]

Fantastic and unique video! Marvelous!

[@dutchman7216]

I think the bar is most luxurious.. And thank you for doing a special on this ship.

[@graham2631]

That was really cool! More ships from the past, please. I really think you will find a lot of interest.

[@deadmanhiking9260]

As a bell boy I had the authority to order drinks at that bar in the ball room, in my bell area there was an unused room, I believe it was perhaps a small physical rehab space or something, anyway the deck steward and one other guy used it as a hang out. Before too long they were sending me up to the bar for a round for us three, an afternoon on the North Atlantic.

[@jdlft.w836]

Do tell, Dean. I'd love to hear more. Like like your seafarer view of the landlubbers.

[@bebopkirby]

SS United States, the perfect metaphor for the United States.

[@davidkimmel4216]

Thank you

[@andrewbulak9793]

I remember the ship being used taking the Munster family to England in MUNSTER GO HOME. Great Movie

[@thurin84]

that bow looks sharp enough to slice cheese! fascinating to see the bones of the ship. hopefully she can be restored to her former glory.

[@jamesschulz5518]

Love the united states video gibbs was a great naval architect!

[@bitdancer1005]

Enjoyed immensely and cried at the same time.

[@_gregc]

I am amazed and impressed at just how much of a model first class passenger you are. It’s almost a little overwhelming really.

[@hinahanta]

I was a bit surprised to see rivets on the hull, I figured they would be welding most of the hull by the 1950s.

[@KennethStone]

It's funny your comment at the end. When I saw the dining area, my first thought was "that kinda reminds me of The Poseidon Adventure..."

[@squid0013]

Ryan i found it halarious how you made sure to use the passage ways and doors

[@markpettis2896]

As a child I was onThe SS United States twice I remember most the Promenade and I enjoyed running up and down it looking out into the ocean

[@alanfan8941]

I am happy that I saw this video. I was wondering how much of the ships interior was left. All that I had heard was that it was essentially gutted, and with the exception of the machinery spaces, that appears to be true. It was a truly beautiful ship in its day, but I cannot imagine that it will ever be restored to its former majesty.

[@aaronkcmo]

Production quality is getting way better guys!

[@MayaPosch]

I had maybe heard of this ship before, but it's only now with this tour by Ryan that I feel that I'm really being introduced to it. I'm both relieved that the ship still seems to exist in relatively good condition, and saddened at seeing it stripped down like this. Even if it cannot get all of the original fittings back, replicas could be made, and maybe it'd then be able to serve as an excellent museum and movie set backdrop for many decades to come.

[@rogerwilco2]

Indeed. But it would be really expensive.

[@DrsharpRothstein]

A degree per day?

[@mistymvp917]

Expensive? Yes, but how much do we pay in tax dollars to restore military ships or historic buildings?

[@jongoldman9279]

Thank you for this very interesting tour. Have always been fascinated with the history of passenger ships. I remember, as a kid, looking at pictures of the United States and thinking it was the most glamorous thing I'd ever seen. What made me wary of sailing on one, was not Poseidon Adventure (the '72 version). I was in my teens by then, so there was more an interest the special effects and set design, than fear of the ship being capsized. My fear came from the first time I saw the 1950's version of Titanic, in the early 60's. I think it was the first time I realized that, yes, death is scary, but knowing you are about to die, and not be able to do much of anything about it, is absolutely terrifying. At the same time, it sparked an interest in the tragedy, and I devoured every piece of info I could find. Today my hesitance is more about being in a space with 2-4000 people.

[@richatom71]

Thank you for this.

[@ericcriteser4001]

Fascinating.Thanks for sharing.

[@Kitfoxmk1]

Great video, thanks. Promenade decks were present in most transatlantic ships because they ran all through the year. If it was too cold on deck, passengers would use this space to exercise, sit in steamer chairs and watch the world go by. One thing I don’t think you mentioned was that SS United States had virtually no wood on board, everything was aluminium or glass.