By Valarie D’Elia
After a six-month feasibility study, Crystal Cruises is concluding that the SS United States is not fit to float as part its fleet.
Back in February, Crystal signed a purchase option to study the possibility of returning the iconic oceanliner to passenger service.
The study determined that the integrity of the 1950’s era ship, that still holds the record as the fastest luxury liner, would not only be compromised if it were to be brought up to modern day maritime standards, but would be cost-prohibitive and require too many regulatory approvals.
The SSUS Conservancy, the owner of the ship, which has been rusting away at a Philadelphia pier for the last 20 years, will refocus its efforts on bringing the ship back to New York as a stationary tourist attraction.
Crystal Cruises is making a $350,000 donation toward that effort.
