S.S. Constitution, a Tribute.mp4

[@82ndAirborne15]

Thanks Jim he did an excellent job. I was on the crew from 1988. Man I had a great time you don’t believe it. We had a lot of fun on the crew. Always I will treasure my time. As a young kid I was only 20.

[@robertmccloskey8315]

84 to 93 sailing on the Indy, and Connie and one year on the Liberte' in Tahiti. Best people and the best time of my life. Aloha

[@keithfernandez8965]

Oh my God thank you I worked on that ship in 1986 you brought back so many good fond memories

[@bethbryant220]

In 1994 I worked on the S.S. Constitution as a Purser. I worked along side a number of wonderful people... Lisa, Danelle, Robert, etc... I am sure during your visit in 1994 I had interaction with your family in one way or another. This video sure does bring back memories...GOOD ONES! Thank you so much for sharing. It is bittersweet indeed to know that our beloved gal rests at the bottom of the ocean. But it gives comfort knowing that she didn't go far from where she and I first met. Again... thank you so much for sharing!

[@movieandvideogamefanatic9848]

i went on a cruise on this ship in 1994 cool

[@rosemaryhansbury3947]

Loved that ship. I boarded her in Genoa, Italy, to sail home from my job in Europe. We called on the French Riveira, Spain, N. Africa, Gibraltar and the Canary Islands, enjoying lovely, warm weather, then headed into a snow storm near the coast of the US. Ropes were hoisted throughout the main rooms, to help us from tumbling. Waves crashed over the bridge, but Constitution plowed on to New York. She was elegant and beautiful. I'm happy to have these memories of her.

[@josephsoresi8022]

Worked on her and the Indy 89-91. Some of the best years of my life!!!!

[@Helen-rv9qy]

Thank you so very much for sharing your story. In 1964 and after our dad completed a three year tour of duty in Italy, our family packed up from Villafranco di Verona, and caught a train to Genoa, so that we could board the beautiful SS Constitution and return to the States. It was definitely a high light of our young lives. My twin brother and I had three elder siblings but since we had our Fifth year Birthday on board, we were all privileged and over joyed to dine with the Captain that evening. Of course, the orchestra played the Birthday song and balloons were attached to our chairs. I will always cherish the days spent and Ports- of-Call on the Atlantic Ocean. More than those, I will always remember my surprise in New York, NY--and not just to see the Statue of Liberty but realizing that everyone spoke English, the same language as we did❣

[@odissmith9965]

I've had the pleasure of working on this ship, 94 to 95 . And it was the best job I ever had. The only reason why I quit was I lived in Hawaii for 5 years and needed to see my mother because of her failing health. I got to work with some great people. I met someone from Vicksburg as well as someone from Jackson Ms, who also worked on board. I truly miss that job and that ship. Thanks for the tribute.

[@marcellodigiulio2104]

In 1965 we boarded the liner in Naples. We were emigrating to the US , i was 13 years old. The ship was on its way back to NY after a long cruise. The first week was fine traveling at night and stopping in Genoa, Barcellona during the day, after we hit the Atlantic the rolling was brutal.

[@zjelkof]

We went on a Hawaiian Cruise in 1990 on the SS Constitution under the American Hawaii flag. It was our first cruise experience. It was one of our most memorable vacations as a family. The most memorable moment was leaving Honolulu just after dark, and watching the party on the aft deck from the semi-enclosed lounge area. Dinner time was a grand experience, and we each had an opportunity to be photographed with the Captain. Compared to today's cruise liners, it was a much more personal experience with fewer passengers. Still remember the experience of boarding the ship and setting sail for 7 days.

[@lisabowers7516]

The SS Constitution will forever remain in my thoughts. Such a ship of history. Thank you for this trip down memory lane. This was our very vacation one month later in mid-July, 1994 and could have very well been our video too. There were 10 friends and family who took this trip, however our trip was also quite different. Many things started breaking down on this magnificent ship. Air conditioning went out on our first day at Kauai and we were told it was fixed while we toured that island. The toilets in the lower cabins started to back up and diesel fumes filled the air. By the time we got to our next day's destination, we were at Maui for 2 nights and the AC was still not fixed. We were put up in resorts (our floor's cabins stayed at the beautiful former Stouffer Wailea Beach Resort). At which point we found out we were soon to be hit by Hurricane Emilia. With all the pending problems, they decided to cancel the rest of the cruise mid-week, thus missing Hilo and the big island of Hawaii, the SS Constitution would return to Oahu to ride out the hurricane and end the trip. The cruise company then had to find further hotel rooms. But there were some great times too, including my daughter winning the sock hop costume contest, learning some hula dance moves, ukulele lessons, the luau and so much more. Lots of good memories. Sad she ended this way..... taken from the last paragraph of www.shawnandcolleen.com : Competing in the cruise industry is difficult at best, and it must be particularly so with ships over 40 years old and registered under the U.S. Flag. By the mid 1990's American Hawaii was in serious trouble. After forcing their one competitor, Aloha Pacific Cruises with their s.s. MONTEREY, out of the market and into bankruptcy in 1989, the company now found themselves bankrupt. Out of money and time, the American Hawaii Cruises was sold in 1995 to the Delta Queen Steamboat Company, who put the combined companies under the title of American Classic Voyages. The INDEPENDENCE was sent to Newport News for an extensive refurbishment. The result was huge cost overruns, delivery delays and lawsuits filed by both the ship owners and the shipyard. The CONSTITUTION was scheduled for a similar refurbishment but due to the dispute, a West Coast shipyard was selected and the ship sailed to Portland, Oregon without passengers. It would be her final voyage. After an extensive survey, and partly owing to the owner's financial status, it was determined that it would not be economical to bring the CONSTITUTION up to SOLAS (Safety Of Life At Sea) standards, and the refurbishment was cancelled. The old ship remained in layup at Portland while parts were canibalized for use in her sister which had resumed sailing in Hawaiian waters. Finally in October, 1997, American Classic Voyages announced that they had entered into an agreement to sell the vessel for scrap. An unconfirmed report suggested that other parties in the Far East might be interested in reconditioning the vessel for further service once it arrived in Asia. The facts are that on November 5, 1997, the CONSTITUTION was towed from Portland by the ocean-going Chinese tug DE DA. The tug's crew told the U.S. Coast Guard that they cut their tow loose after observing that the ship was taking on water. Twelve days after leaving port for the last time, the ship was on the bottom of the sea. It is not known whether the ship was insured for more than her scrap value. It is also not known what her final destination would have been. From any point of view, she did in fact reach her final destination 700 miles north of the waters she once cruised in the final days of her long career. Thank goodness for the films, the photographs, and the recollections of passengers and crew members of this splendid ship. May she rest in her element, and live on in our memories. S.S. CONSTITUTION 1951 - 1997

[@montarakid1943]

My dad was in the USAF. We were stationed near Madrid, Spain. When he transferred back to the U.S. we returned on the SS Constitution circa 1958. I thought the ship was huge...at the time.

[@rabbitramen]

In June of 1995, I was stationed at Schofield Barracks with my recently dear departed wife and our 3 children, 2 girls, then aged 5 and 3 and son age 1 (we went on to have 3 more kids) My parents flew over to join us on a 1 week cruise around the islands. We had a wonderful time eating, drinking, dancing, swimming and touring. My parents ensured plenty of babysitting relief to help make it a second honeymoon for she and I! My wife and I were big fans of the Titanic's history and it was a rare pleasure to be able to sail on a former transatlantic liner. Though the "Connie" as the crew nicknamed her was showing her age. A few things were noticed like the fresh water taps gave out rusty water (we were given water bottles and fresh water via room service), the aft docking bridge wheel's cables were severed and the shuffleboard decks were so badly worn that some of the discs went over the side! We especially loved seeing the lava flows from the Big Island by night. I remember talking several times with the First Officer about the ship's history and specifications. He told me that soon she would due for her annual refit and that the boilers were being replaced because the company cut corners and bought Korean made boilers and the steel was starting to delaminate. My questions also invited a tirade from him where no sugar coating was used, about how the United States was the only nation whose government didn't subsidize it's Merchantile Marine. He made an address the first night out urging all of us to petition our congressmen to vote that subsidy. Your tribute was well done and reminded me of our time aboard. It was like stepping back in time and I'm looking at the photos we took as I write this. We were sad to hear of the inglorious end to the great "Connie" and this is one of the reasons I'm involved in try to help save the SS. United States from the same fate. I would like to see those of you who view this video to get involved in saving the last of America's ocean liners, especially since she was our flagship and the fastest liner in history. She's a national treasure that needs to be preserved for our future generations. Thanks for making this video.

[@robertgaglioti6702]

I worked on the Connie in the early 90's in the engine department as a wiper, I had the best time ever on that ship!

[@jeffreywhipple6892]

I was on the ship many times. My dad, Gerald Whipple worked for American Export Lines form the end of WW to the late 1960s and was port superintendent of the Hoboken piers for many years. He got me a job as a summer replacement waiter on the Constitution for the summer of 1966. I made three 1-week turn around trips to San Juan and St. Thomas and two 3-week trips to the Med. After the 1st trip I got bumped up to handle 2 tables in the 1st Class Dining Room. Met a lot of interesting people both crew and passengers. What a summer

[@josephforest7605]

Where was the American Export Pier located in New York City ?

[@charlessmedmor220]

I have friends who wen to Hawaii and cruised on the Constitution. They enjoyed the cruise, the ship, the service.

[@rileywilliams9799]

I think their white paint scheme with the red blossoms on their funnels is the most beautiful look for cruise ships.

[@rabbitramen]

One other memory just came to mind. My wife was a big "I Love Lucy" fan and i told her that we were on THE "Lucy Ship" that Lucy was transported to by helicopter in the European tour episode. I told my wife many times she acted a lot like the Lucy character and she agreed. I used to address her like Ricky when she would have trouble with anything ie. "Lucy, what did you do?!" Of course, she also had a lifelong friend who was exactly like her Ethel. My wife later reminded her friend many times that she sailed on that famous ship.

[@rhondakoski2948]

I sailed on the Constitution and the Independence from 1981 to 1987.Fun times RIP.😓

[@thomasrudder9639]

Worked aboard her '90-'91 great memories......what I can remember anyway......party days!!!

[@dtigger6396]

I sailed on both ships in 87, 88, 89. I have pictures I can share. Wonderful memories.

[@robgaglioti]

I worked on each of those ships as a wiper, had a blast with the other crew members.

[@jackpegram422]

Nicely done, This was the best ship i've ever worked on 85-88. I realized later what a gem she was. Proud to have ben part of the memory.

[@glennpaull903]

Very well done - I enjoyed it and thanks for posting. The S.S. Constitution was a Great lady and you sir have a great family.

[@dantroutman8327]

Well done! Sailed with my family in Nov of ‘94. Great memories!

[@cindyravine8261]

My late husband and I sailed around the Hawaiian islands in 1992' November. I was thinking about what a lovely trip that was and wAnted to see what happened to her. I'm sort of relieved to know she's buried in the lovely waters where she served . Thank you for posting

[@cruisekevin462]

Jim, thanks for posting this. My wife Josie and I (seen here in the 50's sock hop section as "Cyn" and "Chip") so enjoyed our time working aboard the Connie as entertainers and cruise directors.

[@johnkeeper5604]

Thank you for creating this GREAT memory of a magnificent ship; I traveled on her along with my Beloved mother, Mina Grassi. It was our first trip to AMERICA in 1959. Your video touched my being and brought tears. Two other friends had the opportunity to sail on her, one from the US to Italy the other when it was refitted for the HAWAIIAN CRUISES. Both spoke highly and in delight of the experience. The ending IS quite fitting for her .. she simply slipped into the dept's of the PACIFIC; most fitting for a royal star. Thanks again for posting this personal video; many blessings to you and your family > we have a connection.

[@jsiluvmykittes]

Thanks for the video. My dad and I sailed on the constitution in 1984 and hit all the major islands. Nice memories.

[@gogglespisano8719]

I cruised on the Constitution in 1984 in Hawaii with my dad. Such a classic little ship (by today's standards). I was only 18. Remember going to the Club Jetty (Maui?) for my first taste of sushi and a few too many cocktails. Barbara Eden was on our cruise and sang a song one night by request. Such great history with this ship. Sad she's gone.

[@WatermarkPros]

Great memories of sailing her with my dad back in the early 80's.

[@mikedrown2721]

I sick of My heart will go on for every ship documentary

[@garynunn9440]

I lived on and worked on her and her sister in the 80s. Sad to see there end.

[@donpoulson4455]

In 1989 I was on the ship as a young kid with my mom I still have pitchers witch are a 110 film so they are kinda old but what wonderful memories

[@ArtNowandThen]

Thank you, glad you liked it.

[@movieandvideogamefanatic9848]

this was my fav cruise great memerys from 1994 Hawaiian cruise they dont make cruises like this anymore

[@justjkh3738]

I spent several years in the early 90's working on both of the white ships, mostly on the SS Constitution.

[@Bill23799]

I came to learn about the SS Constitution because I am a fan of a great old NY City Police TV Series called " The Naked City ", based on the feature film of the same name. In season 4, episode 8 there is a young Italian/American woman who works as the radio operator on an ocean liner. She has only five days ashore to get her neurotic boyfriend to marry her. Near the end of the episode we see the tugs in NY Harbor pushing the ship out of her dock. It was a two funnel ship and at first I thought it was the SS United States but some details were not right. I looked again at the episode and saw on the prow of the ship was SS Constitution. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hKLMkpqBq8mFkM0 Thanks for this video.

[@kathleendomanski2623]

Sailed on her twice in her Hawaii years.

[@jimmypinetwinchell2454]

Amen...

[@55amsic]

i work on it too as sa no morey atall but a start as a usmm

[@jerrymalinab7335]

1986-1989....... aboard the ship.......

[@82ndAirborne15]

I was one of the porters. We used to party on the deck and had a bunch of lines and hardware. Do you remember that guy that used to go in the galley and open up a 21 game? He was the dealer. 1988

[@82ndAirborne15]

Coke was the thing. Everybody was high except me.🤨🤨

[@velezdragon3574]

And now the ss United States will be joining her fate sadly 😢