"Titanic"

I've decided to post one trailer per day until the Academy Awards this coming Sunday. The subject of these films? Ships of course!

I could not think of a better way to launch this than with the arguably most famous of these movies - 1997's "Titanic" starring Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio. It ultimately won 11 Oscars and was the highest grossing picture of all time until 2010.

Happy Valentine's Day!

The Death of the Normandie

It was 69 years ago today that the French liner Normandie caught fire and capsized at her berth in New York. The grand ship was laid up in New York following the outbreak of World War II, and after France fell in 1940 was seized by the US government for use as a troop transport. She was renamed the USS Lafayette, after the Marquis de Lafayette (who had helped the Americans in the Revolutionary War) and nearly ready for her debut in this wartime role when disaster struck on February 9, 1942.

This period newsreel does a rather good job of describing what exactly happened to this grand ship 69 years ago. Notice, too, how in the later part of the clip the announcer described her as once being "the second finest ship afloat."

A New Chapter for the United States

The SS United States, the former pride of America's merchant navy, was purchased from Norwegian Cruise Lines on February 1, 2011. The old liner was purchased by the SS United States Conservancy, using a donation from philanthropist Gerry Lenfest. It is certainly an event for ship lovers everywhere! The group's executive director, however, says that the real challenges are yet to come. The group now needs to find a permanent berth for the United States and determine a use for the excess of 650,000 square feet inside her. Everything is still very up-in-the-air, but there have been ideas of turning her into a casino, hotel, offices, etc. Personally, I think it would be great to turn her into a hotel like the Queen Mary and the Rotterdam.

Time is of the essence, however, and the Conservancy needs to move quickly. The money from Mr. Lenfest will only give the ship a 20-month "stay of execution." Donations, donations and more donations will be required to keep the United States afloat. No one knows - or wants to think about - what might happen if the ship is lost through lack of funding. If anyone wants to donate and help save this grand ship, I've attached a direct link to the Conservancy's website.

Whatever happens, though, it is safe to say that this is an exciting new chapter in the life of the SS United States!


References: Jesse Pesta, "Legendary Liner Has New Owner," The Wall Street Journal, February 1, 2011, under U.S., http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704254304576116223089782038.html (accessed February 5, 2011).

Honorary Commodore of the Queen Mary

On February 1, 2011 Commodore Ronald W. Warwick of the Cunard Line was made the Honorary Commodore of the Queen Mary in Long Beach, California. Everette Hoard did the honors on behalf of the ship's management in a small ceremony in the Sir Winston's restaurant. He made the presentation with a touching speech that paid tribute to both the Commodore and Mrs. Warwick, whom he referred to as "the perfect First Mate." My friend then presented him with the Red Ensign that was flown in his honor aboard the ship as well as a Cunard house flag. I personally had the honor and privilege of presenting the Commodore the White Star Line's burgee. These were the flags that Commodore Warwick would have flown back in the Queen Mary's service days.

Upon accepting, Commodore Warwick told us all a story of how he found a White Star flag among his father's belongings (Commodore William E. Warwick...who also commanded the Queen Mary). He eventually took it down to the wreck of the Titanic in a submersible, and upon returning to the surface it was hoisted high on the mast. It was a poignant moment, for the Commodore went on to say how the disaster helped shipping and tightened safety standards that ultimately allowed him to transport thousands of passengers safely across the seas. For this, Commodore Warwick has become endeared to those who sailed with him.

A Toast to the SS United States!

(Image courtesy of Jason L. Cowden)

A proper entry will follow later. Meanwhile, let the celebrations commence!