The Greatest American Ship Ever? | SS America

The SS America was a ship with a legendary career - designed by legendary naval architect William Francis Gibbs, the ship served as an ocean liner, troopship, migrant vessel and cruise ship under no fewer than nine names including USS West Point, RHMS Australis and Italis. She was a legend in her own right - but it wasn't all smooth sailing. This is the incredible true story of the United States Lines' SS America.
Oceanliner Designs explores the design, construction, engineering and operation of history’s greatest vessels- from Titanic to Queen Mary and from the Empress of Ireland to the Lusitania. Join maritime researcher and illustrator Michael Brady as he tells the stories behind some of history's most famous ocean liners and machines!
0:00 Intro
1:18 Hard Times for the USA
3:33 Designing SS America
11:23 Sea Trials and Maiden Voyage
15:16 SS America Goes to War
20:10 The Happy 1950s
23:21 With Chandris Line - SS Australis
29:01 Venture Cruises' Fail
31:08 SS Italis and Mothballing
34:20 The End Comes for America

[@OceanlinerDesigns]

If you enjoyed that awesome blues riff at 1:18 give the video a thumbs-up. 😎 Song is: Jailhouse Blues by Peter Crosby per Epidemic Sound

[@MatthewLambley-yy9dy]

❤

[@ironhell813]

No it is the ss United States slipped in Philadelphia

[@yjwrangler7819]

I ADORE when they go out on their own terms.

[@ronjon7942]

Mmm, I give all your videos a thumbs up. But yeah, I enjoyed the riffs:)

[@xavierwalko4175]

Bright Sun Films also made a video about this.

[@N8Harris99]

I know ships aren’t (TECHNICALLY) sentient beings, but with all the “torment” this ship went through in her final years, it honestly makes me feel kind of sad for her. A once proud and beautiful flagship, reduced to a rusting hot potato between owners with these lofty aspirations, all the while she’s practically begging to finally be put to rest. In the end, she made it happen herself, Godspeed SS America.

[@krevo6c]

But i think it's still better to go out slowly like this than getting cut up and scrapped.

[@lemagicbaguette1917]

@@krevo6c not really. She spent years unable to do anything, then just gave up off of a shore. I’d rather a ship be able to serve her whole life and be quickly scrapped (preserved would be nice).

[@robgraham9234]

@@lemagicbaguette1917preserved as a floating hotel maybe?

[@lemagicbaguette1917]

@@robgraham9234 either that or a museum ship.

[@macgeorge8229]

I mean those images at the later end of its career i got the vibes of this ship is saying kill me.

[@austinreed5805]

The S.S. America’s career is wild. From 1941 to 2013, it had experienced things that other ships couldn’t even dream of. R.I.P. S.S. America 🇺🇸

[@ianmangham4570]

She's seen things 😮 she has been there man and seen 😮 ,I'm getting ptsd its all flooding back 😅 we seen things man 😮

[@robmanueb.]

Immigrated on her to NZ from the Netherlands when I was seven in 1976. It was a massive adventure and I loved every minute of the journey. We went to Crete and I saw Jacques Cousteau's boat moored next to us, we travelled through the Suez canal and stopped in several ports in North Africa before hitting the Indian Ocean and on to Australia. The crew were really cool to us kids and doted on us, we were allowed to explore the entire vessel and I got into every nook and cranny, as well as getting tours of the engine room and bridge. I think it is amazing that she died at sea and didn't go to scrap, it was an honorable end in my view.

[@dino877777]

I wonder if this is around the time Jacques Cousteau found the Brittanic wreck which was in Greece.

[@gadjoswing1970]

What a great story. Thx

[@TerryHickey-xt4mf]

Thanks Rob, it was a very similar experience for myself on the 'Fairstar" in 64 thanks to the friendly Italian crew, the Suez was also an eye opener for my young mind, my dad being a scouse said ' I should have bought my bucket and spade' referring to the seaside sand in the UK, and adding the fact he had never seen so much bloody sand in his whole entire life! by the way the Red sea is very blue, I have it on (silent 8mm) movie to prove it. 😃.

[@fiddley8894]

why did a lot of the dutch come to nz do u think?

[@robmanueb.]

@@fiddley8894 Netherlands was at that time happy to have less citizens, I doubt that will ever happen again, so they paid for half the voyage. NZ was looking to grow its population, they wanted skilled trades and my dad was a sparky, so they paid for the other half. We were allowed to chose between sea or air, so a lot of people went by boat as that would normally be too expensive. We got to take a big chest of stuff for every family member which probably saved us a bit of money as well.

[@veratisu]

When he said that Australis was involved in a collision with an Australian aircraft carrier I just knew it had to be Melbourne. Melbourne was good for a few things. Hitting friendly and neutral ships was definitely one of them.

[@brodzilla623fordawin4]

That she was

[@ronjon7942]

I have to wonder how many captains and senior officers she went through.

[@Rhubba]

And here's the thing...in all cases it wasn't the Melbourne's fault.

[@BMTEnjoyer160]

We love you oceanlinear designs

[@Darilon12]

It's our friend Mike Brady.👍

[@user-so6jl8od2x]

True

[@bentboybbz]

I didn't know anything had been launched in the james River...I should probably research my own area I suppose....😅

[@jakobquick6875]

Love ur channel especially history of ocean liners 2 parter❤ I’ve watched it over and over 😂it’s amazing Thank you my friend Mike Brady I’m glad to see you blowing up l🎉 congrats and bless you sir back as much as you’ve blessed me

[@jakobquick6875]

I’m a car guy btw so you gotta have great content for me to now give up the asphalt life and am now an ocean dreamer😂

[@QuebecGamer20]

There is something kind of poetic about the old ship that was so sick and tired of being neglected and sold that it decided that it had enough of that BS and decided it's fate. The pictures of the wreck itself are also really surreal, the massive ship just laying there on the coast.

[@rich_edwards79]

The America is one of my favourite classic liners - just the right size, with elegant, sweeping lines. That video of her laid up in Greece in the early 90s goes on to show just how well-preserved her 1930s interiors were even 50 years on. Such a tragedy she ended up wrecked - what were they thinking, attempting to tow her such a distance, unpowered and in such fragile condition, in the dead of winter? Anyone with knowledge of the sea could see that attempting to drag her ailing hulk through those storms was a fool's errand. The interior footage of her from just a few years later, her back broken and her public spaces ravaged by the relentless waves, is heartbreaking. It's a small mercy that she didn't fall prey to the cutting torch on a different beach somewhere, but the fact that she came so tantalisingly close to being saved still stings.

[@robstowe7679]

Totally agree,the tow was very badly planned or was it never mean't to get to Thailand.....

[@Bradman2004]

I found a menu to the America in the attic of my 1960 house when I was renovating it in 2010! Framed it and still have it!

[@deejayimm]

The Gibbs brothers not only saw success as naval architects, but they later became very successful musical artists, with such hits as "stayin alive", "how deep is your love", and "too much heaven". A truly talented bunch.

[@johnstreet797]

I believe that, millions wouldn't but I do

[@marcasso006]

The most amazing fact about them is that they were able to turn completely British and write their best hits after they had already died. Amazing staying power !🤣

[@lztx]

​@@marcasso006that is the power of yacht rock!

[@TerryHickey-xt4mf]

come on mate! I lived in Brisbane when the boys did their early stuff on the back of a flat bed truck, I am 75 the same age as Barry, and in those days he was (and still is the same age as me! ) therefore in his very early twenties. I assume this was a a bit of sarcasm?

[@Arterexius]

Although it sounds morbid, I find that the most revered and remembered ships, are those with a tragic end. We cling on to that and it is, in its own way, a beautiful end to an adventurous life. Brilliant video on her life, an absolute 10/10 for this documentary. Brilliant choice of music, excellent script and gorgeous editing. Thanks Mike for yet another great video on these beautiful vehicles of the oceans.

[@mrbizzarro]

The S.S. United States is docked just a couple miles from my home. A beautiful ship that still has potential.

[@TerryHickey-xt4mf]

when I lived on Hailing Island in the UK in 1964 I just loved watching all the great liners of the age pass by, my favorite was the United States, as her funnels were so distinctive, not only the colours but the wings too! As a side note, Saunders Rowe were testing their larger hovercraft along our beaches at the same time. When we landed in Queensland a few months later, I must admit I was a bit depressed, no large ocean liners and no modern airplanes like the Vulcan and the lightning (now that was a plane! ) that I used to see when we lived in Farnborough. However, the step back into history was in itself quite interesting. Houses on stilts, no fridges or modern washing machines etc, but as a teenager I could afford a car!, and all the girls wore bikinis. However, my tec withdrawal system lasted for years, Never saw anything bigger than a tiger moth until I later moved to Brisbane to get ahead. I lived in Hervey Bay all my teenage years, and I did love the lifestyle at the time. ( now it is as modern as anywhere by the way, and do have proper aircraft to take passengers far and wide). Thanks to Paul Hogan and their first Americas cup win, and Steve Irwin of course, Ausi is now well and truly on the worlds map.

[@MirkoC407]

Do you know the documentation by Bright Sun Films including a walkaround on the ship?

[@Sofaninja326]

The Music, Narration, and editing (especially the audio) are always getting better and better! Thank you for the great content about the History of our seas and the technological marvels that dawned on them. You explain things in a great way and that captures the story, the tech, and at times, brutal facts in a way for all audiences to understand and experience. Thank you kindly Mr. Brady!!!

[@robertlutz5757]

My father went to New York on her in May 1960. Still have the menu. He returned on a Super constellation, this was pivot time in transatlantic travel.

[@bubblesdevere6923]

Recently found out my grandparents came over from the UK on the Australis so it's kind of depressing knowing a pretty significant part of our (and others) family history ended the way it did.

[@CosmicCleric]

Don't be sad, she is/was in your parents memories. Life is always constant change, so cherish the memories, they are true.

[@kundudev1449]

She ended exactly the way we will end too, by dissolving back into the universe after serving our purpose. Your view on death reflects on your emotions of the end of the ship.

[@MaritimeNexus]

SS America is personally one of my favorite ocean liners. Her modern comfortable interiors, her unique funnels and streamline interior (for the time) makes it one of my favorites. Her history is fascinating and also her service following her Chandris career with Venture cruises. Even her shipwreck is probably one of the most unique shipwrecks that lasted until the late 90s/2000s.

[@carlmontney7916]

Can you even imagine that anyone would think that towing that beautiful ship from Greece all the way to Thailand was going to actually work? They were lucky they were even able to turn around and make it back to Greece. Then they actually thought they might be able to do it started out again but like a beautiful woman who knows what she wants that beautiful and graceful ship refused to be let around on a string. I believe she disconnected herself and then refused to go under. Ending up resting on the beach for everyone to see. All the time screaming hey look I am still here. The story is sad. The story of a beautiful and proud ship that had a not so beautiful and proud ending. Very well done Mike thank you so much sir for a fiitting tribute to a a great ship.

[@langhamp8912]

Nearly 100% of ships "being towed to their final destination" sink while being towed to their final destination.

[@jimrogers9253]

sailed on the AMERICA in late august of 1964 from Southhampton to NYC. celebrated my 17th birthday on board. great memories! JDR

[@selinalunaria9346]

I love this channel, such interesting ships outside of the Olympic class. I hope to see a full video on Mauritania soon

[@scottlewisparsons9551]

Hi Mike, thank you for another wonderful video. In 1968 I sailed with my parents on the Australis for a cruise from Wellington to Tonga and Fiji. I loved it. Even though the ship was getting old she had class. I have since been on a couple of Royal Caribbean ships and although they are a lot bigger, safer and more comfortable and definitely have a wow factor they somehow miss something special in the design that the Australis had.

[@michaelfisher7170]

With so many tales of ocean liner disaster its refreshing to get a story of a ship that excelled at the purpose she was built for. Decades of safe reliable voyages. Well told! Thanks for the video.

[@TerryHickey-xt4mf]

when I was a kid living on the isle of wight my dad bought me a book titled 'shipwrecks of the isle of wight' and fair dinkum the book was as thick as the lord of the rings. Even while we lived there several small French ships bringing fresh veg foundered off the southern coast. Salted cabbage was popular in Shanklin and Ventnor.

[@wackypacky6917]

For all of y’all mourning the fact the ship wrecked in ‘94, it’s worth a reminder that Phuket, the island where she was supposed to be docked, was hit very hard by the 2004 tsunami. In all likelihood, she would not have survived.

[@lemagicbaguette1917]

I just got an image of the liner with a stethoscope and a coat giving the island an eye exam.

[@Kaidhicksii]

Good point. I knew I was a bit iffy on her being in Thailand for some reason. It might be a stretch to call this a kinder fate compared to what could've happened with the tsunami, but it probably was. The better of two evils. Still sucks either way.

[@wildsmiley]

Speaking as an American, SS America is definitely one of our best, but nothing beats SS United States. If we're talking military ships, USS Enterprise CV-6. It doesn't get any better than these two. America's terrible end never ceases to sadden me, she deserved so much better.

[@pedenharley6266]

Mike, absolutely fantastic job and beautiful tribute to this often neglected ship. I love the 3d models, but I have to say part of me misses your older 2d videos and all the rivet-counting glory of your drawings. However, the shots of the old ship wallowing to her death in tow were spectacular. You do good work and thank you for it!

[@OceanlinerDesigns]

Ah yes it was fun doing the semi-3D animations. I call them 2.5D haha!

[@DieUnstillbareGier]

SS America has always fascinated me since the beginning. A beautiful designed ocean liner and a so golden career. It's only her end that's so sad since she didn't deserve such fate. But she ran full circle. God bless SS America. Amazingly done video, Mike!!

[@gregvassilakos]

I worked at Newport News Shipbuilding for 22 years. When I started, there were still some engineers present who were familiar with both America and United States. One of them told me he considered America the nicer ship. She had an interior that was more pleasant. The interior of United States was sterile in comparison.

[@kwd3109]

Really enjoyed this story and your research is first class. Great old ship, always protected everyone who sailed on her.

[@jasonweiss2773]

I had to pause the video halfway through just to once again express my total appreciation for the attention you give the events that shaped the world. Mike, you are quietly becoming one of the greatest maritime historians of all time. I've said this to you before, but it bears repeating. I'm very proud of you for your efforts in this pursuit. You singlehandedly give your generation a boost in respect. Your passion for presenting lives lived and lost with reverence and respect is amongst the greatest I've seen, heard, or even read about. What you do is more valuable to the education of your generation than the majority of today's Western civilization teachers. I am very proud of you and your efforts. I hope this all translates to immense success and satisfaction for you. I don't believe I've ever rooted for a young scholarly individual like yourself this passionately before. I'd tell you to keep up the good work, but I don't believe you have any other choice, nor desire to do anything differently. Well done, lad.

[@kazookie1567]

Beautifully said!

[@GomZilla1985]

Ye!! The ss America such a beautiful ship I wish it was preserved

[@jeffcampbell1555]

She was such a beautiful one-off. Gibbs' passion is evident, without the severe compartmentalization required by the Navy for SS United States.

[@lucasread1743]

Well all those safety features are actually kind of what makes SS United States even cooler in my opinion

[@jeffcampbell1555]

Passenger disappointment in the degree of luxury and aesthetic appeal of her interiors was enough to make the newspapers. She had her champions, like the Duke & Duchess of Windsor. Nonetheless, her 1st class bookings never matched her aging competitors. It wasn't Gibbs' fault; the US Navy demanded compartmentalization akin to their warship specs. She was built to be a troopship as much as a liner, because her exorbitant building costs were covered by the government. She was and remains a technical marvel. I'd never think of her as uncool. @@lucasread1743

[@darkstalkerfrostfire5020]

God speed America! Guys this is Official! Ocean liner Designs is THE best maritime-based yt channel that has ever existed.

[@lucasread1743]

I Still think SS United States is one of the greatest liners of all time but I’m glad you did this video on her extremely underrated running mate SS America!😁 Absolutely Phenomenal job Mike👏🏻👏🏻

[@chrisjeffries2322]

What a long and diverse career this ship had.

[@user-sg8hb8zi4x]

SS America is my favorite ship

[@danielkarmy4893]

She's also my favourite! Glad it's not just me...

[@user-sg8hb8zi4x]

She's one of the most good looking vessels i've ever seen , but it has a sad end.@@danielkarmy4893

[@melissaolson2517]

I just love the way you're not ony preserving this unique period in history, but bringing it to life. This is probably your best episode. I was riveted from beginning to end.

[@Da_SpongeGun]

She was soooo close to being saved. The ocean can be oh so cruel. I wonder what state she’d be in had she not been battered to pieces by waves. Would she be rotting in a dock like her sister or would she be a popular attraction for anyone visiting her. We will never know unfortunately.

[@jedimasterpickle3]

I mean, if she didn't break free from her tug lines, the plan was to scrap her.

[@Da_SpongeGun]

@@jedimasterpickle3 no it wasn’t. Did you watch the video mate?

[@jedimasterpickle3]

@@Da_SpongeGun Ah yeah my mistake. Must not have been paying enough attention

[@robertsmith-dr5tm]

The SS United States is the ship that has stolen everyone’s imagination, thanks for giving the America her due as the amazing and magical ship that she was

[@Historybuff_769]

Ive always loved the ss America since i was a little boy, such a beautiful ship

[@Unownshipper]

Well done, Mike! Kudos to you for telling the tale of the SS America and depicting her in her many forms throughout her life. I understand why people feel pity for the America having once been a swift and luxurious vessel in her heyday, but I can't help but marvel at the surreal beauty she possessed beached on Fuerteventura. The photos of her captured my imagination when I was a kid. Seeing her classically-designed figure battered and bifurcated but standing upright as if frozen while sailing forward is an image we'll never see again in human history.

[@cathyhowat5224]

My age (68) may be showing, but I love your dress sense! It's just so refreshing to see a young man with such a sense of style.

[@WintonMc]

Hey Mike, It's your friend Winton McReady, wanting to congratulate you on what I think is your best video yet (which is really saying something given how fabulous your Titanic ones are). Keep 'em coming. Loving every minute of them.

[@paulatripodi7534]

My father and grandmother immigrated to the U.S. from Germany on the America, I believe in 1952. Nice video. Thank you for this interesting history!

[@prismaticmarcus]

i used to see her at Station Pier. the white and blue really suited her. she was gorgeous.

[@user-rn7py2ee9x]

As someone who has been watching ocean liner videos on KZbin for the last 15 years, I wanted to say that your content is outstanding! Thank you very much for your videos!

[@kaisalati9197]

Great Video! I totally got excited when I saw this, because as a Child and Teenager on our Vacations to Fuerteventura, I had the opportunity to see the Wreck of the the American Star for myself and remember being totally mesmerized by her, even in her wrecked state. I tried to imagine what she would have looked in her greater years and what could had happened to her. We even visited some Bar or Restaurant that got some of the furniture and Decor from her. Needless to say, the American Star or SS America was the Ship, that started my interest in old ships and their story, ultimately leading my way to your Channel decades later.

[@Chainchompgamer-ig3ux]

What an amazing ocean liner

[@matthewcox6615]

Well done Mike! 🎉 Thank you so much for documenting my beloved America. The models really look impressive.

[@HoosierDaddy_]

I've never even heard of this ship, lol. Your videos are so informative. I just can't believe the things that go into building something like this. Another 1st class video, Mike!

[@annabellecrosby3302]

Have been watching ur vids since 40k subs. It’s been amazing watching this channel grow ❤🎉

[@Sc0tt_e]

I can already tell this is going to be a treat

[@InabaPrism]

America and United States may be my two favorite looking ships after the Olympic class liners.

[@SeaTravelr123]

Beautifully done. A great tribute to this wonderful liner. She was by far prettier in and out than her famous superstar running mate. I lay the fault at Chandris. They let her deteriorate instead of investing in upkeep. The same happened to Ellinis. It was only when newer management came they invested in Britanis, Amerikanis and Galileo to keep them in good shape. Her interiors were breathtaking. Art Deco colorful and well appointed. Thank you for another great video. I have chatting you up in Old Cruise ships on FB. Someone posted a pic of JVO. And I plugged your video. I always start out saying: “My friend, Mike Brady…. “ then lay on the praise.

[@vibratingstring]

This is utterly remarkable coincidence. Last night I went to dinner at the Griswold and on the wall looked at the picture of the America. I haven't been there in almost 10 years (how time flies) and looked forward to seeing it.

[@gregmerritt4278]

Chandris did a great job on rebuilding older ships and having successfully second lives

[@Ovander5]

My friend Mike Brady really pulled at my heartstrings with this one. Beautiful video of a beautiful and accomplished ship. So sad how her twilight years panned out

[@anthonywatts2033]

Thank you for correcting the myths about the SS United States. It was a ego driven folly; a Normandie without the culture, a Queen Mary without the class and a France without the savoir faire . The SS America was a ground breaking, extraordinary ship that deserves a place in Maritime history - a history that contains very few US ships.

[@charleygreycat3352]

My first ocean voyage was upon the USN Patch. I was too young to remember the trip. Then, in 1961, my father was relocated to West Germany. We went from NYC to Bremerhaven on the SS America, then took the train to our final destination (Ulm). The transatlantic voyage for a boy of only six years old was quite an experience. I have not had that experience since, but jumping out of perfectly airplanes gave me an instant "Rush" that the sea voyages never did. Be well.

[@NickMan44]

I love this era 😁

[@johneastman1905]

My Grandfather was the principle navigator under Captain Kelly throat the war … Circumnavigated the world sum 18 times, the Atlantic by summer & the Pacific In winter, transiting the Panama Canal each time. No major damage not loss of life. Due to its significant speed, very seldom under any Naval defensive escort. Laurence E. Eastman. Oct 4 1895 to September 1976. Standing room only at funeral.

[@bartmuller9797]

Great as always, my father sailed on her as a troop ship he thought she was great, of course he sailed out on a Dutch cattle boat. Now my great grandfather sailed on her in 1951 to check on his family in Germany, he had been around both capes under sail,his nephews were the chief engineers of Bremen and Europa, his cousin was chief purser on the George Washington he knew his ships and he was enthusiastic about the America he loved to drive down to the narrows and watch her going in and out , thanks

[@TerryHickey-xt4mf]

Brings back memories of my parents deciding that Ausi was the place to go for their 4 boys, in May 1964 we set sail from Southampton in the refitted ww2 troop carrier renamed the ' Fairstar' the slowest boat in the universe in my opinion, and the stabilizers broke almost strait away. However for us young teenager kids it was a dream trip, as most of the passengers were sea sick off the coast of Portugal, we went from table to table eating all the amazing Italian bread rolls laden with butter. A memory myself and my 3 brothers will never forget! After 6 weeks of very slow progress and a cyclone off the Ausi coast of Perth we eventually landed, so to speak. I took hours of 8mm silent movies on the trip, which now is quite a unique experience, as I thought I wanted to record our journey to the new world. Even though I was only 16 at the time, I did not realize this was quite rare. My younger brothers and my parents have had a lot of pleasure watching these old home movies. By the way, I took them with a Bell and Howell triple turret wind up 8mm movie camera, cutting edge at the time! ha ha. Now all converted to thumb drives for the future.

[@CaptOrbit]

I have a nice little collection of SS America artifacts. All framed and mounted. I have a menu a few boarding passes matchbook cover, but the crown jewel of my collection is one of the original cork field life preservers.

[@Brock_Landers]

I will never forget when my parents and I first moved to Tampa, Florida and went to a restaurant called Seabreeze. I remember that while we were approaching Tampa Bay there were two tall blue funnels with white Xs on them. It was the Chandris ship Britanis...ex Lurline. She was beautiful with a white hull and superstructure with blue funnels. That first time I saw her was 1994. She stayed moored there until 2000 when I left Tampa and she was renamed Belofin-1. She and the old Canadian ferry Bluenose that was lashed to her side were towed away for scrapping in India. Britanis sank off of the south coast of Africa unfortunately, but it was better than watching her be dismantled.

[@mikemancini313]

What's sadder about the ship is the wreck was never found :( I really loved the Britanis. Yeah she may have been an ugly ship by the 1990s. But she was outlasted her other three sisters by a landslide. She had an epic ending along with the SS America, SS Cariba, and in some respects, the Seawise University.

[@kaiserjosiahtheC53claughton]

Ah I love these ocean liners!

[@johneastman1905]

So very glad my grandfather was at rest before the long declining years of the fine old ship.

[@wayneantoniazzi2706]

Great story and well-told Mike! There's nothing like a good sea story! Thanks so much!

[@TheIneffable42]

I knew absolutely nothing about ships prior to the algorithm suggesting your channel, but watching your videos is such a relaxing way to learn about a very interesting subject

[@ceebee23]

My sister won a cruise on the Australis and we all went down to see her off.... was amazing to visit her. And the niose when she blew her horns to signal departure was unbelievable! Even in her faded glory as Australis she was still beautiful.

[@henryplantagenet219]

Many thx for another great video about beloved old liners. Although the SS United States is more famous, the fame has faded. She is actually one of the last Big Ships of an earlier, easier or better time. Please, everybody who loves Oceanliners - support the old lady. She is constantly in danger at her pier in Philadelphia; and she is other than many gone stars still afloat and can be rescued.

[@rmssegwunfan2870]

Excellent video as always!

[@marklease9717]

G'Day, Mike.........yet another wonderful video. So as I've previously mentioned, as a child I had the honor of sailing not only on both "Queens", but also "Caronia" and the "Lurline" and "Matsonia". This started my lifetime love of the great liners. In early '68 we were on the maiden cruise of the Princess Italia to Mexico, and I remember when we arrived in the harbour of Acapulco.......here was a beautiful old ocean liner, white hulled with big "X"s on the blue funnels. Even at that ripe old age of 9, I knew it was the "America". And I made a promise to myself that some day I'd sail on her. Meanwhile I sailed on the "Ellinis" in 1974........that ship interestingly enough was immaculate. In 1976, I had the opportunity to sail on the "Australis". Really, it wasn't that bad.........yes, there were stained and threadbare carpets here and there.....the cabin I was assigned was one of the newer Chandris added cabins on the upper deck- I went to the purser and asked if I could be moved to one of the original cabins; after explaining it was because I was a fan of old liners, I received an original cabin. I remember the first time I turned on the water to take a bath, rusty water came out.......and there was the cockroach or two to deal with from time to time, but overall it was a wonderful experience....the main lounge was superb; as was the main dining room with those incredible murals by Pierre Bourdelle which in fact were carved linoleum lacquer painted....looked just like metal bas-reliefs.....yes, she was old, she was showing her age (just like the "Queen Frederica" was when we sailed on her in 1970..) and I went on to sail on "Britanis" as well...I might suggest that you do a video on the great Matson liners.....remember that Britanis and Ellinis both outlasted the "Australis" in years in service.....they were probably the best liners ever built in the USA or anywhere for that matter-very strongly constructed, economical....and ideal sized. Not too big, not too small. And beautifully proportioned exteriors. Long live the Chandris "X"!

[@K1ddkanuck]

I'm very jealous of your long list of vessels you have sailed upon. I was born in '88, and have (sadly) never been aboard a passenger vessel as such. I was in the Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corps as a child/youth (even attained the rank of Petty Officer 2nd Class!), so have spent time on sailing and military vessels (as well as a number of ferries), but never a passenger liner or cruise ship. That being said, I still have a deep love for all things nautical, and one day, I hope to make it aboard the Queen Mary 2. My mom is getting older, and that's the one big wish she has. I hope I can make manifest that wish before the inevitable occurs.

[@tjnucnuc]

This was the ship that is (at least partially) responsible for me! This was the ship my family immigrated on from Germany in the 50s. I still have the manifest! I can only picture what my great grandparents and their son were feeling hopping on.

[@BobNWFA]

I love this video of this somewhat overlooked ship. The ads for the United States Lines in HOLIDAY magazine during the 1950s usually mentioned that while the SS United States was the fastest ship the SS America was appreciated by passengers for more days at sea and a club-like atmosphere. One pronunciation tip: Lurline is pronounced "Lurleen." Matson operates a hybrid container ship with that name now.

[@mowowie]

America was a WAY more cozy ship. I'd love to back in time and sail on her...

[@ivanaradic6478]

America just looks really beautiful i hope they make a copy of it beacuse im sure everyone thinks she is beautiful❤️

[@davidsauls9542]

Thank You so very much ! My father's brother came home from the war on that ship. If dad or my uncle were alive, they would be so happy and be so grateful to you !.

[@robgraham9234]

SS America, monument to what can be achieved if you let engineers design a product to be durable, safe and good at its job. Rather than accountants designing the cheapest possible thing which might with luck be serviceable!

[@wingmanjim6]

As usual, a superb presentation - many, many thanks !

[@jamesmichaelwoods2930]

I enjoy the content you create

[@mcphoney]

Another quality upload…as per usual! Really do appreciate the time and effort you put into your content. Fascinating stuff! Also, I know it’s not exactly an ocean liner, but would you ever do a video about the Bismarck? (Had to ask!) Keep up the good work either way! 💪

[@OceanlinerDesigns]

Thanks so much! Yes I LOVE warship history and I'm always happy to cover it. I've done a spotlight on Hood and plan to do something on Bismarck soon :) ~Mike

[@mcphoney]

@@OceanlinerDesigns That is excellent news! I’ll keep an eye out! 👌 And yes I’m actually about a third of the way through your “Hood” episode! Really is all extremely captivating!

[@jimmysherman6442]

Thank you, Mr. Brady. You are a great narrator with excellent content. I like your choice of music and even your attire. Furthermore, your accent adds to the charm. Please keep up the great work. 😊 Jimmy Sherman

[@Balin_James]

The ability of you and your crew to anthropomorphize a ship to the point that I feel sad for its end is absolutely amazing. Tv can’t touch these kind of documentaries

[@roysoutdoorlife]

A most excellent telling of an epic story! Is there an obvious reason why they didn't shortcut her final journey from Greece through the Suez?

[@robertbruce1887]

Great documentary, must admit l previously didn't know much about it. She sure had a long life!

[@toddbonin6926]

Mike Brady, you always do a wonderful tribute, but this was exceptional. I’ve always preferred the America to her later, larger running mate. She’s better proportioned and just prettier. On another note, I watched the first two episodes of To The Ends of the Earth last night. It’s a British miniseries about a sailing ship full of unusual passengers traveling from England to Australia in the early 1800s. It was a miserable journey back then, and as I watched, I said to myself, “I’m sure glad Mike Brady’s family traveled on a P&O liner and not this old bucket.” Cheers mate!

[@FNAFPlushStudios.]

Best youtuber thank you ocean liner designs ❤

[@UncleJoeLITE]

Thank-you to our friend Mike, I'm soothed enough to sleep now, by your dulcet tones.🎶

[@kaiserwilhelmii5109]

My best friend/surrogate brother’s grandmother actually sailed on America in 1956

[@OceanlinerDesigns]

That's awesome! Must have been a fun ship to sail on I think, the interiors look very nice and comfortable!

[@kaiserwilhelmii5109]

@@OceanlinerDesigns She remembers it quite fondly! She left New York at midnight due to a strike the tugs we’re having and she spent ten days on it stopping in Cobh, Le Havre, Southampton and then finally Bremerhaven.

[@morandana77]

One of your very best videos! Excellent in every way.

[@leslieelizabeth219]

What a history. I am so privileged that I sailed on her in 1973 and 1976. I have nothing but fond memories of her. Very sad ending of a beautiful lady 🤗❤️Thank you for this wonderful Documentary 🇦🇺🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇬🇧🇦🇺

[@wallykloubek4079]

I was a passenger on the SS America from Hamburg, Germany stopping in England and France and ending in New York at the age of 17 years...On the voyage, I hooked up with a French lady twice my age and it certainly made the voyage memorable...cheers🍷🇨🇦

[@jaccusefashion]

What an absolute LEGEND of a ship,

[@Snafuski]

I sailed 4 times on the SS France... that was an extraordinary liner.

[@mbryson2899]

I thought you pronounced "Australis" beautifully! When I was a kid in Chicagoland one of my neighbors, Mr. Vossos (a former crewman) shared many memories with us. Funny ones about passengers he liked, respectful ones for the ship herself, and darkly humored ones about having to learn plumbing, wiring, and general mechanics.

[@OceanlinerDesigns]

Haha brilliant!

[@bogtrotter5110]

My family and I came to the United States in 1956 when I was ten on this beautiful ship.

[@mike.4277]

Fantastic video 😎👍👍

[@tonezoneuk]

Anybody remember the sound this amazing ship made, from it's exhaust. A deep, double throb sound, about once per second, like a slow heartbeat. I returned from Australia around 1972 with my parents at the age of six. Fond memories. So sad to see it disappear under the waves.

[@vikinglonghairdediconichai3935]

Always perfect 🙏💯

[@Phaaschh]

It would be so predictable for this ship's timeline to read "sold for scrap in 1964". But like the old Aquitania, this wonderful ship just kept on, by fluke mostly. Rightly, SS America is a maritime legend, the stuff of storybooks.

[@nthgth]

Thanks Mike and crew.

[@matthewcox6615]

Imagine all the people that once sailed on the ship. They all had different lives and they all travelled on the same ship at different points in time.

[@SaturnCanuck]

Mr Brady, that was wonderful. One of your best. I'm glad I'm back and I look forward to more videos like this.