ssMaritime.com & ssMaritime.net

With Reuben Goossens

Classic Liners/Cruise ships

News Updates

Provided by www.timeanddate.com/clocks/free.html

Please Note: This page is packed with the latest news and information! You will find that certain ships will have news listed up near the top of the page, but there may be more on some ships listed further down the page, having some earlier news and other valuable items. I suggest that you carefully go down the page, as it is updated frequently!

There will be some great news stories on this page of ship that have been saved and that will now sail on into the future or will continue as a great Hotel/Tourist facility, but also there will be other rather sad news as well as other very important news that we need to keep a very close eye on, such as the situation that has arisen with the SS Platinum II, being the ex Oceanic, Independence, which is currently anchored off Alang India. This page will be constantly updated, thus please return often!

Reuben Goossens

Maritime Historian, Author, Lecturer & Cruise/Ship Reviewer

Commenced in the Passenger Shipping Industry in May 1960

Official Historian of the 95 year old MV Doulos

Founder (1999) "SCLC" - "Save a Classic Liner Campaign"

Ships in *Blue - Saved

Ships in Green - part of the “Save a Classic Liner Campaign”

Ships in Red - sadly lost to the breakers

Ships in Dark Blue are ships in doubt

Part One – Contains the following …

MV Doulos – Has ended service in December, 2009 – To be sold to the breakers – February 4

SS Platinum II ex SS Oceanic, Independence – Her future is in TROUBLE – Updated January 26

*QE2 in Dubai –NOW IN DOUBT & we have been told that she is not going to South Africa’s World Cup

*MV Royal Star, ex San Giorgio to return to service as the MV Ocean Mist

*RMS ST Helena Saved!

Save the SS United States Campaign– The Big U is still for sale

Save the MV Akdeniz Campaign – We are working n this ship

Chittagong Breakers - Closed down. – A Great Victory!

*SS Rotterdam – Opened as a Hotel/Tourist attraction in Rotterdam

*SS Oceanic – Pullmantur has sold her to PeaceBoat

*Saga Rose sold to an African interest – no details as yet, but she will continue

*Black Prince sold to a Venezuelan company to sail on as the Ola Esmeralda

OCEAN ODYSSEY – Sold to be broken up

MV REGAL EMPRESS – Currently being broken up at Alang

Continuation stories of some of the ships above!

Part Two - contains “THE BREAKERS LAMENT”

Stories we really do not want to read, but should!

Including the MAXIM GORKIY renamed Maxim M, now on the beach - including a photo

Also Please support Gopal Krishna’s webpage (Greenpeace & BAN India) at …

toxicswatch.blogspot.com – Thanks to all the hard work done - all breakers at Chittagong in Bangladesh

will now have to close down as ordered by the Supreme Court. Read the News Item below!

PLEASE NOTE:

Most will be well aware that I have retired from the “Save the Classic liner Campaign” - (SCLC), which I officially founded in 1999 but commenced many years earlier. However, I have handed over my major tasks to both Alex Naughton in Britain and Corey Abelove in the USA. Although I retain special and exclusive interests in two ships and in these ships alone, being the 95 year old MV Doulos and the very last surviving Turkish passenger ship the MV Akdeniz. However for ALL OTHER SHIPS please contact the following!

"SCLC" UK/EU coordinator: Alex Naughton

Email: ajnaughton@hotmail.com

Website: www.oceanlinermuseum.co.uk/savetheclassiclinerscampaign.html

"SCLC" USA coordinator: Corey Abelove

Email: our_flagship@yahoo.com

Website: http://www.usmaritimefoundation.com

Saving the great American Liner - SS United States & other American Liners

Please DO NOT EMAIL ME re any ship in the news as this page is only here to keep you up to date!

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Part One

NEWS FLASH

MV Doulos

Ex MS Franca C SS Roma & SS Media

World’s oldest passenger ship now to be sold to the breakers

MV Doulos seen in 2009 and still looking superb for a 94 year old ship!

Photo provided by Sven Benseler of OM Ships Germany ©

January 4: I have just received an email from Mark Dimond, Director of Marine Operations of OM/GBA Ships in Germany that the two 'preservation' interests (commercial & a Christian) buyers) who put in a bid in for the Doulos, that neither of them “were able to provide our Board with the required confidence to agree a sale to them.” Please do not ask me what the “required confidence” means, but I do know that they would rather sell the historic Doulos to the breakers and have her demolished than allow a small casino/slot machine room to be placed on her of a floating hotel as OM is a Christian organisation. However, I do know that the Singaporean (a Christian company) offer was a good one and most likely the best of the two on the table in the end! However, OM Ships have now decided to sell her, for their email also states that they are now several thousand Euros out of pocket as a result of their effort of attempting to sell her. Obviously the breakers have offered a few dollars more than the others. In regard to the broker, I have to say that they did little to nothing as I could not locate the Doulos on their website and I would not recommend this broker to anyone. It seemed that only ssmaritime was busy promoting the sale of the Doulos and I am sad to say that I failed miserably, even though there was a buyer who had the money, but for some reason OM Ships found that they “were able to provide our Board with the required confidence to agree a sale to them” in other words they were unhappy with the future use of the ship or they could get better money from the breakers. I still have an email sent to a possible buyer early in 2008 by Ken Miller and their offer was rejected by the management and the wording of the rejection was far from, well let’s say … “Christian.” This company was wiling to wait for the ship until the end of 2010 and even allow OM to have a book shop in the aft hold at no rental, but they were going to use her as a hotel and she may have had a very small slot machine venue on board for the use of the hotel patrons only. But that was rejected by OM and frankly the money for her at that stage would have been far greater than what they will receive for her today!

The life of a superb ship will soon come to an end and I am greatly disappointed that she is unable to remain in Singapore where some good men had fine plans for her.

Farewell SS Medina, SS Roma, MS Franca C, MV Doulos you have served a world of people well, but sadly your current owners have let you down in the end, although the Doulos has been responsible for GBA/OM great success worldwide for well over 20 million people have flocked to see the ship and provided this Christian organisation with countless millions of dollars and why did they come to the ship? Because she was the oldest operating motor passenger ship on earth and that is how they promoted her as much as possible for that was her pulling power and they knew it.

I am well aware that OM Ships wished to continue to use the Doulos up to 2014 and celebrate her centenary, but she did have some severe rusting in certain places and I have some detailed descriptions were all this can be found and it has been hidden by GBA/OM Ships for a long time, but, I believe that she could have been laid up and waited until the time is right for the right buyer to come along. However, they need the money, but being a “Christian” organisation, they seem to lack a lot of faith it seems, for if God wants them to have a new ship, would he then not provide?

January 26: The South African team and the Indian Hotelier have both pulled out for very different reasons.

However, there are several new interests including one from Singapore which sounds like an excellent bid as well as a viable one from Korea, and only today I received an urgent request for her from the USA. We will see what that brings up?

December: I have been in contact with the group in South Africa who intend buying the Doulos and perused the proposal of the plans of her use there, and I am happy to say that their plans look very good indeed. It covers tourism, a maritime museum and she will continue in part in the work she has been doing for so many years. It is planned that she will be located in Cape Town.

However, If there is anyone else with ideas, especially in Asia for a Bible College please contact me as soon as possible, for somehow There should be something there in Asia for her as the Doulos has done a great deal in the region and is greatly loved there! If you are able to assist us in any way, be it for South Africa or Asia please contact me at: info@ssmaritime.com as soon as possible!

December 4: News has reached me almost a week ago and again today that negotiations are in hand with a potential Christian organisation in South Africa who are interested in purchasing the Doulos and using her as a training center come school. This is something that I had envisioned for some time, but more so in Asia. I have no further details at hand, but will provide further details when it comes to hand.

November 20: As her official historian this news item is the hardest I have ever had to send, for sad news has just come to hand in relation to the historic MV Doulos, ex Franca C, SS Roma, SS Medina built in the USA in 1914. Due to new circumstances that have arisen that her sailing days have suddenly come to an end! Below is an official news release from OM Ships Germany, as well as a Q&A which provides further information. Just to make it clear, it is intended to keep her afloat and hopefully find her a new long term home and have her preserved, although no details are available as yet as it is all very sudden.

I am sure most know well that OM Ships is a Christian Organisation that does a superb job around the world providing aid in third world countries and provides free books, secular as well as others for schools in need. For interest I have not edited the item below and thus it is as received. More from me at the bottom of the item.

Reuben Goossens.

Mosbach, GERMANY – 20 November, 2009:

“The ministry of OM’s ship Doulos will come to an end on 31^st December 2009:

Doulos is the world’s oldest ocean-going passenger ship, now 95 years old, with the hull built in 1914, just two years after Titanic. In spite of the all year round maintenance that has taken place, the amount of steel replacement and other repairs needed for her to continue sailing are overwhelming. The ship is presently in Singapore and has been undergoing the annual period of dry dock and surveys.

Early indications are that the work would cost over €10 million and take five months to complete. The OM Ships executive leadership team and board believes that is not appropriate to invest resources of this scale into the ship, since Doulos would have a limited ministry future.

Chief Executive Officer of OM Ships International, Peter Nicoll, said, “The outcome of this is that Doulos will not be able to continue in ministry. This is not what any of us wanted, and has serious consequences for everyone on board, those about to join and for ports we planned to visit.”

“We are committed to operating safe ships and complying with the requirements of our classification society, RINA, as well as the International Safety Management requirements for ships,” affirms Peter Nicoll. “We have been praying that God would use this five-year ‘special survey’ to give us a clear picture of the way forward for Doulos and that He has done.”

The well-being of the 280 crew and staff onboard is of paramount importance. Each person will receive the guidance and support they need to decide what their next steps should be. Some are close to the end of their period of service, while others joined as recently as September.

Keeping the ship compliant with the highest marine standards has been a real challenge over the years. It is a remarkable testimony to the professionalism and dedication of the non-profit organisation’s technical personnel that the ship has continued to meet marine requirements until now.

CEO Peter Nicoll stated, “We recognise God’s faithfulness through these 32 years of wonderful service of the ‘servant’—Doulos—as an outstanding OM ministry, through more than 600 port visits in over 100 countries. Many lives have been transformed, both visitors and those who have served on board.

We are also deeply grateful to our partners around the world who have supported the ship in ministry through the years. Please continue to pray with us as we work on present challenges and seek the Lord for the future.

With Logos Hope now active and exciting ministry taking place, we are investigating possible options to charter another ship in the interim and have already begun working on the Doulos replacement project. Contributions should be given through your local OM office and designated ‘Doulos Project’.

Ken Miller - Director of Communications - OM Ships International”

ABOUT OM SHIPS INTERNATIONAL:
OM Ships International (OMSI) exists to bring knowledge, help and hope to the people of the world. OMSI pioneered the concept of using ships to transport literature, humanitarian aid and people resources. The ships are well known for their work providing educational and Christian literature in ports around the world.

OMSI began in 1970 as part of the global Christian training and outreach movement, OM International. The crew and staff of 500, including professional seafarers, are all non-salaried volunteers. With over 70 different nationalities represented, the onboard communities are a fascinating expression of cross-cultural living and understanding that reflect the church around the world. Crewmembers are unified by their faith and goal to share God’s love as they serve in port communities. The ships remain in port for several weeks and open to thousands of visitors every day.

Over one million visitors come on board each year to browse the hallmark of the ships—a large floating book fair with 6,000 titles in stock, including books for university studies, professional and career interests, history, science, economics, language learning, hobbies, novels, children's stories, biographies, dictionaries, atlases and a wide variety of Christian resources, including Bibles, study materials and books on Christian living.

The ships also bring aid and relief to needy people and places around the world. Crewmembers go ashore to provide medical aid, help construct schools, orphanages and homes, and give gifts of food, clothing and books. Teams also visit hospitals, orphanages and prisons to share God’s compassion and love.

Q&A

MV Doulos departing Geelong Victoria Australia in 2008 & bound for Albany Western Australia

Photograph from the Pilot boat, by & © Andrew Mackinnon

I have edited the item slightly and taken out sections related more to those onboard and the Church, etc.

What has happened?

While Doulos has been undergoing her annual period of dry dock and maintenance in Singapore, the ship’s classification society (RINA) has been conducting a ‘special survey’ of the ship’s structure, machinery and systems, which takes place every five years. This survey has identified a significant number of additional works to be completed. No extension of time has been given to do this work while the ship continues to operate.

What does this mean?

The additional work would have to start right away, since the surveyors have confirmed that they will not issue new certificates for the ship until this work has been completed. The present certificates run out on Dec 31, 2009.

How much work would have to be done, how long would it take, and how much would it cost?

Quite a number of work projects have been identified, but the primary one is replacing sections of steel on the main deck. An initial quote has been received from the shipyard in Singapore where Doulos has been in dry dock. This, together with other additional costs, would be well over €10 million. The work would take at least five months and, because of other commitments, this yard could not even start the work until September 2010. 

Why can you not do the works needed?  

The OM Ships executive leadership team and board believes that it is not appropriate to invest resources of this scale into the ship, since Doulos would have a limited ministry future.

Is this a surprise or did you see this coming?

Yes, this is a surprise. We expected that the ship would be able to sail until at least September 2010, with the hope for longer. Out technical team has been working towards this five-year ‘special survey’ for some time. The ship has passed many such inspections, but work to keep the ship compliant with marine regulations is continual. Additionally, a new set of ‘Safety of Life at Sea’ (SOLAS) regulations applying to all passenger ships with more than 36 passengers is due to come into effect in October 2010. Meeting these new requirements would have meant huge investment in the ship to remove all remaining non-fireproof construction materials.

What events led up to this point?

Earlier this year, we reached agreement with the Malta Maritime Authority that we could add our ‘staff’ to the official ‘crew list’, and change the ship’s ‘class’ to that of a passenger ship with fewer than 36 passengers. This would have allowed the ship to continue to sail beyond October 2010. Our technical personnel then commissioned a comprehensive assessment of the ship’s construction to see what work would be needed to sail the ship beyond that date. This revealed significant work needing to be done in a number of areas, including replacement of steel in sections of the ship’s main deck.

What are the next steps?

The people on board are our top priority and our personnel team is already responding to manage the issues and help people work out their next steps.

We want to communicate as clearly as possible and provide regular communication updates as new information becomes available.

Our technical team is working with the marine authorities and making plans to decommission the vessel.

We are looking at the possibility of chartering a ship in the interim.

What will happen to Doulos now?

The ship will remain in Singapore, alongside and/or at anchor until the end of December. Meanwhile, a group will investigate possible options for the vessel, including discussion with ship preservation groups, since Doulos is unique and registered in the Guinness Book of Records as ‘the world’s oldest ocean-going passenger ship’.

What will happen to the ship after Dec 31?

Options include changing the vessel class and obtaining a single voyage certificate for a smaller group of essential crew to sail the ship to a port for handover to a new owner.

Will OM replace Doulos?

The board has expressed their commitment to continuing to operate two ships. Initial work was already under way to consider options for replacing Doulos, believing that the ship would not be able to sail for many more years. The executive leadership team and the board are considering all interim and longer-term options to continue as a two-ship ministry into the future, in close co-operation with our OM partners around the world.

To say that this is a sad, sad day is an understatement, for I am totally devastated with this rather sudden news. However, we'll just hope that she will be taken up by one of the ongoing projects and that she will remain in one piece! However, right now, we just have to believe that something good will happen – God willing!!!!

I have restarted the “Save the MV Doulos Campaign” and we will see what will happen. The link to this page is located below.

Reuben Goossens.

Doulos in Brisbane July 31, 2008 & the Author seen in happier days - ready to board and spend a month on her!

Enter my extensive Doulos Feature here

Please Note: This feature is located on my ssmaritime.net site

Each page has a link back to the Main Index on ssmaritime.com

As the Doulos will now be decommissioned in December 2009 - I have now recommenced …

“Save the MV Doulos Campaign”

Enter the “Save the MV Doulos Campaign” page here

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The “Save the Classic Liners Campaign”

Did win one victory over the illegal export of the …

SS Platinum II, ex Oceanic, SS Independence

But NOW this ship is in trouble and THE FIGHT IS ON!

Platinum-II is seen here anchored at the Bhavnagar Anchorage Point off Alang India in October 2009

Credit: PTI for “The Hindu” - All rights reserved

NEW - January 26: SS Platinum II, ex SS Independence, has been anchored near Bhavnagar in Saurashtra in the region of Gujarat for some time and she has, it is said “almost run aground with the bottom of the ship is almost touching the sand.” It is also been heard that “dismantling may now well be a foregone conclusion.” According to sources within the Gujarat Maritime Board, there may now be no option but to permit the breaking up of the ship. It is claimed, and I would say mostly by those who have much to profit by breaking her up … that she has been reduced to this sad state because of a tug of war between the government and activists. Since the second week of October Platinum II has been awaiting central sanction for dismantling even as voluntary organisations campaigned for it to be turned back alleging that it was carrying over 200 tonnes of toxic asbestos and polychloride biphenyl. The state government said it had the facilities for dealing with such a problem if it existed. However, everyone knows well that NOT one of the breakers have genuine safety facilities, for the mere fact that ships can not be berthed at a wharf and that their workers are not clothed in fully registered protective gear!

December 4: Many are confused by some of the reporting in regard to the SS Platinum II, ex Oceanic, Independence, etc. Some news sources indicated that she had been beached, however, be assured this is NOT the case. The following is what was written in one article:

“New Delhi: Condemned US Navy ship ‘Platinum-II’ continues to beach at Alang in Gujarat waiting to be dismantled, despite the Centre ordering it on November 9 to return to its place of origin. ‘Platinum-II’ was called 'SS Oceanic' and ‘SS Independence’ before it was declared “dead” by the US naval administration.”

The above item was published on November 30. Therefore I sent an email to good friend and co worker Gopal Krishna of BAN in India as I found the wording in the item somewhat perplexing – “‘Platinum-II’ continues to beach at Alang in Gujarat waiting to be dismantled” and he came back as follows.

Dear Reuben

Thanks for your message and for pointing out the reference to "beaching" in the news story ("Dead' US ship in Gujarat despite Centre's marching orders", Rakesh Bhatnagar, DNA.) I think the word "beaching" instead of anchoring has been used inadvertently. It’s a proofing error. I am requesting Mr Rakesh Bhatnagar to rectify it in the web version of the news story.

Let me inform you categorically that the ship Platinum II (ex SS Independence) remains "anchored" at the Bhavnagar Anchorage Point. Its beaching is not allowed because of the Indian Environment Ministry's order of 9th November, 2009 which is available at: http://moef.nic.in/downloads/public-information/Office%20Memorandum_ship.pdf.

Gopal Krishna
New Delhi
E-mail: krishnagreen@gmail.com
Blog: toxicswatch.blogspot.com

The above does give us an assurance that Gopal is on the case as is my USA associate Corey Abelove who are working hard to ensure that the fine SS Independence will remain afloat and not beached on that toxic laden Indian beach!

Please Note: Gopal continually requires our support and I mean financially. Please email him and ask him how you can transfer funds to one of the most worthwhile campaigns around. Already, he has been the mainstay in closing down the Chittagong Bangladeshi breakers and continues to work on closing down all unsafe ship breakers, and those who beach ships cannot safely break up a ship, as workers have no safe working conditions and thousands die hideously painful deaths of asbestosis and other diseases! I beg you - Please support Gopal Krishna!

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November 2009: As many will know by now her owners have been playing games with the ship and has attempted to have her beached at Alang, however, thankfully India has rejected her as the following report makes quite clear!

India has blocked entry to a “former American ship” heading for breaking up at a scrap yard on its west coast, citing environmental and pollution concerns. The ministry of environment and forests said it inspected SS Platinum-II, ex Oceanic, Independence, etc, and found the ship contained toxic material. There were also concerns that the ship has been brought into India with “false documentation” the ministry said. The ship reached Indian waters last month, but was not allowed to dock until an investigation was completed. A team inspected the ship on October 19 and 20 and submitted its report to the ministry on October 26. The report stated that … “The ship violated the US Toxic Substances Control Act ... There have also been allegations that the ship has been brought into India with a falsified flag and registry,” a note from the ministry of environment to the Gujarat Maritime Board said. “The ministry of environment and forests is of the view that granting permission for beaching and breaking purposes of the ship will not be advisable,” it adds. “There has been no comment as yet from the private owners of Platinum-II.”

SS Oceanic, ex Independence seen anchored off Dubai in 2008

Photograph by unknown - sent in by a friend in the UK - see bottom photo credits at of the page

January 29: The owners of the SS Oceanic have been fined for illegally exporting the SS Oceanic, ex Independence as she contains substantial amounts of toxic waste. The two related companies were fines US$518,500. As you will read below from an article written by the EPA - Environmental Protection Agency, “Save the Classic Liners Campaign was heavily involved with warning the authorities and our American coordinator Corey Abelove and Erik James did a splendid job! Parts of the article may be read below. However, it can be read in full and a link is provided on the News Updates pages.

“In February of last year, Basel Action Network (BAN) and the “Save the Classic Liners Campaign” tipped-off the United States Environmental Protection Agency when they discovered that Global Marketing Systems, Inc. (GMS), headed up by a world famous cash-buyer of obsolete ships, Mr. Anil Sharma, had taken ownership of the SS Oceanic (former SS Independence) and had the old passenger liner towed out of San Francisco Bay with the intent of scrapping the vessel on the beaches of South Asia. BAN demanded that the U.S. government take action to have the ship returned to a U.S. port, but the EPA claimed they lacked the authority to have the ship recalled. Nevertheless, the EPA took legal action against GMS for violations of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), the law which prohibits the exportation of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), a persistent toxic pollutant used in the paints, insulation and gasketry in older ships.”

“The toxic trade watchdog group BAN declared victory today after a U.S business involved in sending hundreds of ships to the infamous ship breaking beaches of Bangladesh and India was forced to pay $518,500 and certify that they would not undertake such actions again. BAN warned, however, that there was still ample opportunity for unscrupulous operators to exploit loopholes to export very toxic U.S. ships to the South Asian beaches where some of the world’s poorest laborers are forced to toil without adequate protections against toxic substances, asbestos, explosions and accidents. BAN is a member organization of the NGO Platform on Ship breaking, an international coalition seeking to ban beaching and unsustainable ship scrapping.”

“Soon after EPA initiated its enforcement action against Global and its sister organization Global Shipping LLC, GMS requested a new application to the Maritime Administration seeking approval to sell the vessel but changing the purpose of export from disposal to continued use of the vessel to accommodate labor workers in the Arabian Gulf area. Today, the whereabouts of the Oceanic remains uncertain at this time but so far it has not been seen in the breaking yards.”

*The above is from the EPA Environmental Protection Agency News release. For full details

visit: www.ban.org/ban_news/2009/090129_victory_declared.html

It is thought that she is currently somewhere in the Dubai area, or at least in the Arabian Gulf region, and it is said that she is being used as a workers accommodation facility. However, her future does remain uncertain, for her owners in the past have only obtained ships mostly for Bangladeshi breakers and we are absolutely sure that NCL knew that!

Visit my SS Independence feature

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The Latest on the QE2 in Dubai

November 6: Having visited the port of Dubai on September 21, I was surprised to see the QE2 docked directly ahead of us for two very different reasons. 1: She had been superbly repainted and I have to say she looked simply splendid. 2: To my utter surprise I noted that she had been reregistered in the capital of the Pacific Island of Vanuatu – “Port Vila.” Although “Southampton” was painted out, it was still clearly visible. But to see this grand dame of the sea registered in this small Pacific nation seemed to be rather demeaning to this grand dame of the sea!

From what I have been told by a businessman who is directly in touch with Nakheel, it seems that they are planning to have her upgraded at some time to SOLOAS 2010 classifications. Thus, if this means that they intend to use her as a cruise ship or for some other means in the future is not quite sure at this time. However, she may still go to South Africa for the use as an accommodation ship for the World Cup. But, my contact here said that her owners really do not know what they are doing with her but of the most senior members was heard to say that “They made the biggest mistake ever buying this (something or other) ship!” Obviously I changed the words as the Arabic does not translate well, but although it is not rude, it was not complimentary!

Below are four photographs I took of her whilst in Dubai.

I took this photo of the QE2 from deck 14 of the Dawn Princess on September 21, 2009

Photograph by & © 2009 Reuben Goossens

Here we see that the QE2 was re-registered in Port Vila, but Southampton can be seen painted out above Port Vila

Photograph by & © 2009 Reuben Goossens

An Excellent view of the grand dame

Photograph by & © 2009 Reuben Goossens

A full length photo of the superb Queen Elizabeth 2 in Dubai – UAE

Photograph by & © 2009 Reuben Goossens

Please Note: there have been all sorts of rumours and doubts about what is happening with the great QE2, but then again, Dubai World and Nakheel are not exactly being very open and frank either. I do know that they contacted a broker about leasing her out for a period of time for it was the broker who told me this, but the bad publicity may have upset and even shamed Dubai and now they will work on the ship and even upgrade her!

The MV Queen Elizabeth 2 is seen here arriving to her what was thought to her new permanent home – BUT?

The flotilla into Dubai was accompanied by the Royal Naval Frigate HMS Lancaster

Photograph: © 2008 www.khaleejtimes.com

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Another Classic Ship Saved

MV Royal Star ex San Giorgio to cruise again!

Renamed MV Ocean Mist

November 6: Today I received an email from the ships new owners representative Mr. Prakash Rodrigues that the MV Royal star was purchased early June 09 by the “Alba petroleum Group” (owned by Mr.Alnoor Jiwan) and they are currently in the process of a complete refurbishment of the vessel.

MV Ocean Mist is seen here without her lifeboats and tenders and her new funnel markings

Photograph © provided by Prakash Rodrigues of “PV Ocean Mist Cruises”

November 7: I received further details today: MV Ocean Mist is currently in Mombasa being refurbished at the African Marine General Engineering Company Ltd, www.africanmarine.com, which is owned by Mr. Alnoor Jiwan’s group of companies. There will be no major changes made to the ship, however there will be a great deal of interior décor work done as well as new carpets laid throughout the ship. In addition to having been renamed Ocean Mist she has also been reregistered in Phnom Phen. It is anticipated that after a special “New Years Bash” the Ocean Mist will commence her regular cruise duties from Mombasa to Zanzibar Tanzania late in January or early February.

MV Ocean Mist seen during her refurbishment and refit in Mombasa

Photograph © provided by Prakash Rodrigues of “PV Ocean Mist Cruises”

For interest: Mr. Jiwan’s group of companies also includes the following: The 110 room Sapphire Hotel and African Marine General Engineering Ltd in Mombasa, as well as petroleum companies in Uganda, Kenya (Petrol stations) and Tanzania.

This fine classic, yet modern cruise ship will soon be ready to cruise again!

Photograph © provided by Prakash Rodrigues of “PV Ocean Mist Cruises”

November 14: Received a number of photographs from the ship owners showing the MV Ocean Mist during her sea trails earlier this week. I was told that she sailed extremely well with all necessary repairs having been undertaken. Also, she now has a crew on board who is continuing to make her internals ready for her up and coming cruise duties which are due to commence in the beginning of 2010.

MV Ocean Mist seen heading out to sea, early on a misty morning, for her sea trails - last week

Photograph © provided by Prakash Rodrigues of “PV Ocean Mist Cruises”

Ocean Mist seen during her sea trails

Photograph © provided by Prakash Rodrigues of “PV Ocean Mist Cruises”

Ocean Mist during her sea trails last week, although she was accompanied by two tugs they were never attached

Photograph © provided by Prakash Rodrigues of “PV Ocean Mist Cruises”

The new MV Ocean Mist website will come online within a month (late Nov/Dec? - visit: http://www.pvoceanmist.com.

Previous Updates:

MV Royal Star built as the superb Adriatica Line 4,755 GRT liner MS San Giorgio in 1956 has been laid up in Mombasa, Kenya following an ongoing dispute with her owner and TUI Air Leasing over non payment of her crew by African Safari Club. Earlier this year the ship was seized by the Kenyan Authorities on behalf of her owners. We understand that Royal Star is in an excellent condition and her original FIAT diesel engines remain in full working order. However, we have been advised that she only has one operational propeller, for the other one has been lost and the shaft has broken anyway. Thus it is unlikely that she will return to any kind of service without expensive repairs to replace her lost propeller and broken shaft. She can however be made operational again for a delivery voyage working on just one propeller. Considering her superb interiors and condition, her best chance could be for the acquisition for use in a static role as a boutique hotel ship in a suitable location. The Royal Star will be auctioned by the Kenyan Authorities in Mombasa on behalf of her owners, TUI Air Leasing. We understand that the auction will take place on the February 27, 2009.

February 28: We understand that the ship Royal Star was sold to TUI Air Leasing at the auction yesterday, which we believe was a measure to end the dispute with African Safari Club and stabilise legal issues, but TUI, part of the African Safari Club group, now wish to sell her and we have been advised that the asking price could be around $2 million. That obviously fell through!

A postcard of the Adriatica Lines MS San Giorgio

Author’s collection

Enter the MS San Giorgio – Royal Star feature

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Also read about the “Save the MV Baragoola Campaign” & Feature

For full details of an all Australian Campaign!

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RMS St Helena Saved

May 27: RMS St Helena is saved. Originally it was expected that the RMS St Helena, the last traditional mail ship in the world, was to be retired from service by the British Government and the St Helena Government in 2010 following completion of the new airport on St Helena. The ship is operated on behalf of the two Governments by Andrew Weir Shipping and sails from Cape Town to St Helena and Ascension Island. On occasion it also sails on the classic mail ship voyage from Portland to Cape Town via St Helena and Ascension Island. However it was recently confirmed to me by sources close to Andrew Weir Shipping that the RMS St Helena in fact will not be retired in 2010. This is because, due to the economic crisis, work on constructing the new airport has been significantly delayed and now will not be completed until 2019/2020. As a result the RMS St Helena will continue in service until at least 2019/2020 and possibly longer. So this last traditional mail ship sails on!

We are delighted by this good news and wish the RMS St Helena every success and it seems she has at least another decade of service. We would encourage people to patronise her voyages as much as they can in order to support this fine ship and her classic voyage experience. For further information on the RMS St Helena visit: www.rms-st-helena.com. (Sent in by Alex Naughton).

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SS United States to be listed for Sale by NCL

Please support the SS United States Conservancy and visit their website at:

http://ssunitedstatesconservancy.org

May: The by the shipbroker for the SS United States has released the official "terms of sale" for the ship. These are as follows:

"Historical Ocean Liner "SS UNITED STATES", LOA: 990' (301.75m), Beam: 101.5' (30.94m), Built: USA 1952, Propulsion: Geared Steam Turbine, GRT/NRT (as built): 53,330 / 29,465. Vessel is inspectable (sic) at Philadelphia where it has been moored since 1996. All areas above the engine rooms have been stripped-out while engine and machinery rooms remain mainly intact. Propellers have been removed from the shafts and are stowed on deck. Lifeboats and all outfitting have been removed. Sale is for non-demolition only and "as is/where is". Sale is restricted to U.S. citizens or U.S. entity buyers. The vessel is currently registered on the United States National Registry of Historic Places. Asking price is USD 5,000,000 All details and information are about, given in good faith, but without any guarantee whatsoever of accuracy or completeness."

In addition to the above it is now apparent that the NCL Corporation/Maritime Investments Inc have reduced their original asking price from a hefty US$20 million to a much more reasonable US$5 million. This will at least assist any future investor towards her restoration as this will be considerable and will be at least US$200 million, thus 15 million dollar reduction is a start!

The SS United States Consortium is working hard towards "a vision" for this grand liners future and they will assist with the ongoing promotion of the ship on behalf of the potential investors of the liner. It needs to be noted that I myself made the first contact with the SS United States Consortium and suggested that we, that is the “Save the Classic Liners Campaign” work together with them in support toward saving this great ship. The officials of the Consortium have taken up this offer and we are now in pursuit of seeing America’s greatest ever Trans Atlantic Liner saved for the future in order that American Maritime History will be preserved forever!

March 16: The Malaysian based Star (Genting Casino) Cruises which is the parent company of NCL, or “Norwegian Cruise Line” has now advised “that important conditions have been imposed on the terms of the ship's sale.” And that “the ship will only be sold to a US buyer and will not be sold for scrap.”

You can donate to the SS United States cause by visiting this page: http://ssunitedstatesconservancy.org/SSUS/Donate.html. Do it before it is TOO LATE!

Please support the SS United States Conservancy and visit their website at: http://ssunitedstatesconservancy.org.

The vessel has now officially been listed with the Florida-based ship brokerage, Southport Atlantic. Contact information is as follows: ships@Southportatlantic.com. However, only prospective buyers who have a view of restoring this great liner in some way should apply!

One of the author’s worries is that NCL sold the SS Independence to and US buyer, which turned out to be the “California Manufacturing Company.” However, this company was an in-house front, for they had their offices in the NCL Head office in Miami. It is this firm that sold the then renamed Oceanic to an Indian who only buys ships for the breakers. Thankfully, due to the work of the American branch of the “Save the Classic Liner Campaign” and BAN, the owners was fined and the ship could not be resold to the breakers and is currently used as an workers accommodation ship in the Arabian Gulf. But, line the NCL SS Norway, she could also suddenly end up illegally beached at Alang and one she is on the beach, it is all too late.

What am I saying is; this statement by Star Cruises/NCL means little to nothing, for we need to be very wary, should it happen, who the buyer really is. As long it is not just another NCL ploy like the last one!

February 10: It has been announced that the great SS United States will be offered for sale by Hong Kong-based, but Malaysian owned Genting Casino Corp, Star Cruises, will alarm countless of thousands supporters of this great liner. We can only hope that even in this situation of the financial crisis that the ship will be obtained for preservation, but it is feared that she could still be sold for scrap and destroyed. Obviously this ship is America’s National flagship and we hope that it will motivate a massive public awareness in the USA and around the world amongst ship lovers, on behalf of a national treasure that should be preserved for its historic and cultural value. The ship could become the centerpiece of a large public works project that creates jobs and generates tax revenues. Although she is listed on the USA’s National Register of Historic Places we hope that she might have a small degree of protection. But will this stop her from being scrapped if her owners decide to sell her for that purpose. We have seen what has happened to the Great SS Norway, and SS Oceanic, ex Independence another ship they promised to return to service in the NCL America fleet. We cannot trust NCL, thus, America stand up and be counted NOW! Why not write to President Barack Obama at the Whitehouse by using this form: www.whitehouse.gov/contact (500 characters), or write a letter:

President Barack Obama: The White House, 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW. Washington, DC 20500. United States of America.

I have contacted the President via another means that and I hope that my words will find a soft spot in his heart!

Please donate to the SS United States cause by visiting this page: http://ssunitedstatesconservancy.org/SSUS/Donate.html. Do it before it is TOO LATE!

Please support the SS United States Conservancy and visit their website at: http://ssunitedstatesconservancy.org.

Visit my SS United States feature

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NEW - The ssMaritime

“Save the MV Akdeniz Campaign”

The 1955 German built Turkish Passenger Liner

A superb view of the MS Akdeniz in 2009 – It is amazing, but her superstructure remains 100% as built

Photograph by & © Dr. Ata Bilgili - Tuzla, Istanbul

November 6: I visited the Akdeniz whilst in Turkey and was picked up from the Dawn Princess in Istanbul by Prof Ata Bilgili and taken to the ship. I had a superb day visiting this wonderful ship and can see a great future for her after work has been done on her!

This superbly German built ship sailed for 42 years for the Turkish Maritime Lines in 1955 and sailed on until 1997 when she was acquired by the ITU Maritime Faculty connected to the Istanbul Teknik University to contain working labourites and also as an accommodation ship for their students.

I am working closely with Dr. Ata Bilgili of the Maritime Faculty at the Istanbul Technical University in Tuzla, Istanbul on this project and we will work towards a plan to ensure that this ship will somehow remain safe in the future, but we need you help as always!

A good friend and maritime historian Peter Knego visited the Akdeniz in 1998 and he wrote: “In June of 1998, the Akdeniz had just been taken over by the Istanbul Teknik University in nearby Tuzla. Her new owners were kind enough to fetch me from my hotel and take me to this graceful beauty. I spent hours on board marvelling at her pristine wood-panelled lounges and staterooms before I was allowed several passes around the ship.” (Slightly edited).

There is no doubt, but this ship has been superbly maintained internally and she is a jewel worth keeping, for there are simply no passenger ships left in the world that have not been rebuilt externally in one way or another. The only changes that can be found on her are the removal of her derricks and several electric cranes, which were no longer needed when she became a full time cruise ship in the 1980’s. However, her superstructure is as I say above, 100% original, the only external changes that can be seen today is the change of her livery with her lifeboats painted red, and that was done whilst she was still in service as a cruise ship, and now she has a new blue funnel. The rest of her is all original!

This ship has all the makings of a fine Maritime Museum and/or a Boutique Hotel, and I believe that this superb German built ship could either be located in Germany, but better still remain in her homeland - Turkey! Have any ideas or are you a company looking for a really good ship, then contact me per email! Please note: I am aware that she needs dry-docking and some work done.

I have a new two page feature online with many photographs and details of the MS Akdeniz, her sister MS Karadeniz, and details about their three smaller but very similar sisters known as the Izmir class, which were built at the same time in 1955/56.

Enter the NEW MS Akdeniz feature

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Also read about the “Save the MV Baragoola Campaign” & Feature

For full details of an all Australian Campaign!

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We have finally destroyed the Chittagong breakers, Alang is next!

March 18: ssMaritime’s “Save the Classic Liners campaign” and Gopal Krishna of BAN and Greenpeace have been consistently working towards closing down the environmental disaster in India and Bangladesh. Today we have some good news and hope that this kind of decision will soon spread to India!

Yesterday the Bangladeshi High Court has ordered the closure within two weeks of all breakers’ yards operating without an environmental clearance. This means that all ship breakers in Chittagong will have to close, for as I am told that not one on the 36 yards in Chittagong has an “environmental clearance.” Thus one of the world’s largest breaking industries will come to a close within the next few weeks and they are concerned about the ships that are waiting to be broken up at Chittagong. The industry will obviously appeal as they employ some 250,000 people, all who must have a death wish considering the conditions they have to work in.

The court was ruling on a petition filed by the Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association. Judges ordered that no ship on the Greenpeace “dangerous ships list” be allowed into the country, according to reports by the platform and local media.

They also banned end-of-life vessels from being imported without having been pre-cleaned of hazardous materials such as asbestos, PCBs, heavy metals and oily sludge. Other government departments were chided for letting the trade take place unhindered despite the absence of permits.

However it is time for the world to stand up and be counted for peoples lives are at stake both in Bangladesh and in India as they are being abused by ship breakers having to work in conditions that are beyond unbelievable - “It is indeed time for the rest of the world and in particular the IMO to similarly draw a line in the sand and once and for all demand an end to the dumping of toxic ships on the beaches of the poorest countries of the world.” Much of the criticism aimed at Bangladeshi (and Indian) yards is connected to the practice of beaching, whereby ships are run aground at low tide. They are then pulled apart by hand by teams of itinerant workers in poor conditions, often without gloves or footwear, for little pay. In addition in some cases, and I have personal reports of this from those who have visited the yards, even children work at these yards in the most horrific of conditions!

Gopal wrote on March 22ndj“The Bangladesh order has created in ripples in India as well. It appears that the ship breakers in Alang knew that such an order was expected in Bangladesh. One of them has been asking me about it, and another one has sent me defamation threat for writing articles against ongoing contamination and occupational hazards.”

I am currently working with Gopal at stopping the MV Regal Empress departing Freeport and sailing for Alang as she has a load of toxic waste on board!

Please support Gopal for the superb job he is doing saving so many lives of men women and children. Go and visit his webpage. Also, he is in need of funding, thus if you are able to assist him, please contact me for donation details.

Visit Gopal’s webpage (Greenpeace & BAN India) at … toxicswatch.blogspot.com

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Saved

SS Rotterdam open as a Hotel and Tourist Centre

SS Rotterdam seen at her permanent mooring whilst work is still underway

Photograph provided by & © 2009 Rederij de Rotterdam BV

SS Rotterdam was officially opened as a Hotel and Tourist complex on July 27, 2009. She features 257 staterooms in three categories, as well as a list of superb lounges and bars that have been restored to their original state. Her 2 fine restaurants will also open as will the theatre and some 6 shops. In addition there are 31 boardrooms, 20 conference rooms. Ashore there is space for some 583 cars. It is estimated as reported in a Dutch Newspaper that well over 733,000 people will visit the ship each year, both as hotel guests and in the various other departments, be it in the business facilities, dinners, or the museum, etc. We wish SS Rotterdam a long and happy future, for t has taken a long time to get her to this point and a great deal of time and effort by some very hard working people. I am glad that I had a small part to play, being one of the first to commence the “Save the SS Rotterdam Campaign” on September 21, 2000 the very day the SS Rembrandt, ex Rotterdam was laid up at Freeport as Premier Cruises had gone into bankruptcy. This campaign received massive support from all over the world which I gladly led to the Dutch Campaign when it gained momentum at a later date as it was being so well handled by President Klaas Krijnen and I continued to support their work from my site. Therefore, I feel very close links to the Rotterdam and I still have a close relationship with the ships current owners!

A view of SS Rotterdam - in the background is the famed “Euro Mast” which was built

with a replica of SS Rotterdam’s Bridge, which can be seen just above the tree line

Photograph provided by & © 2009 Rederij de Rotterdam BV

More about the SS Rotterdam down the page!

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Pullmantur’s SS Oceanic – to PeaceBoat

SS Oceanic seen in her new role with PeaceBoat

Photograph © 2009 Copyright – Ken Murayama - Japan

PeaceBoat has taken delivery of the SS Oceanic and thankfully has retained her original name. Thus the name Oceanic has been on her hull since the day of her launching, which is very rare as most ships are renamed when they join a new company. One other ship that managed to retain her original name for most of her life was the Italian Liners Ausonia until Louis Cruise Lines transferred her to one of their Greek subsidiaries and she was sadly renamed. Today she is the Aegean II.

SS Oceanic seen in Le Havre France on 1 June 2009

Photograph © Philippe Brebant France

March: Pullmantur Cruises has sold the superb SS Oceanic to the PeaceBoat organization. She was destored in Barcelona before heading to her new owners in April. After that she will join the Peaceboat fleet.

Pullmantur Cruises SS Oceanic

Photograph is by & © Copyright - Raoul Fiebig Das Ruderhaus

Visit my SS Oceanic Feature on ssMaritime

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Saga to Retire the Saga Rose in December 2009

Saga Rose seen in Singapore March 14, 2008

Photograph © 2008 Reuben Goossens

November: Although it is unofficial, it is rumoured that the ship has been sold to sail an African interest, but little detail has come to hand at this stage. As soon as we head more we will let you know!

Saga Cruises have announced that they will discontinue the services of the Saga Rose, built as the Sagafjord, when she returns to Southampton on December 6 2009. Sadly, due to SOLAS 2010 we will see many fine ships vanish from our waters, ships that we have come to love and appreciate. What of her future? With the current economic situation there is little hope of her being taken up by another company and having vasts amount of money spent on her to bring her inline with SOALS 2010, thus, we may assume that she will most likely be also be bound for the breakers. Sad but true! There has been no news as yet in regard to her sister the 25,000 GRT Saga Ruby.

Saga Rose seen in Singapore March 14, 2008

Photograph © 2008 Reuben Goossens

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Fred Olsen has sold the Black Prince

Fred Olsen postcard of the Black Prince

From the author’s private collection

November: Fred Olsen Cruise Lines announced earlier that they sold the Black Prince to a Venezuelan company “Servicios Acuaticos de Venezuela Saveca C.A.” and that she will sail on named MV Ola Esmeralda. She was due to depart Southampton on November 6 under the reduced name of Prince but not under the Fred Olsen flag, she was bound for St Kitts. She is due to operate 3 and 4 night cruises from La Guairá commencing November 20. For information visit: www.olacruises.com / or contact: info@olacruises.com.

April: Fred Olsen Cruise Lines has announced that they will retire the Black Prince in October 2009 will operate a series of four Farewell Cruises starting on 9th September from Liverpool, and ending on 16th October in Southampton.

The 441 passenger ship was built for the company by Flender Werft in Lubeck in 1966 and entered service for Fred. Olsen Ltd on 19th October, 1966. Her original role was as a joint passenger/freight ferry operating between the UK and the Canary Islands during the winter and on the UK and Norway run during the summer months. Then in 1987 the ship was fully converted to become a full-time cruise ship and she commenced full time cruising in February that year. She soon edged her way into the British market and eventually she became a major part of the cruise market in the UK.

Fred Olsen Cruise Lines managing director Mike Rodwell said: “This is a very sad announcement for the company to make as Black Prince is one of the best loved ships that caters to the UK market, and many passengers have cruised on her so often that even they have lost track of the number of holidays they have taken. We know that there will be thousands of passengers who have sailed on her who will be very sad on that final day.”

Black Prince’s Farewell Season will begin on 9th September 2009 with a ten night “Round the UK cruise” departing Liverpool. She will then operate a three night mini cruise from Liverpool to Southampton. The season continues with a 10 night Historic Home Ports cruise from Southampton back to Southampton; followed by her final cruise of 14 nights to the Canary Islands. The ship returns to Southampton on Friday 16th October, 2009. What will her fate be? The most likely outcome is the breakers as there will be few who would take her on, as she has no great historic value and she is not the world’s prettiest of ships! But, a ship that has served many holiday makers very well indeed and that is what matters! She will be missed by many!

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MS Ocean Odyssey was sadly sold to be broken up

MS Ocean Odyssey seen in Mauritius

November 6: Sadly, this fine ship has now been sold to be broken up, regardless what occurred earlier this year as reported below. Although her interiors has already been stripped, her exteriors as far as I know are still intact as of this moment.

February 13: I have been speaking with Mr. Anshuman Chakraborty who is the General manager of “Indian Ocean Cruises Mauritius Ltd,” operators of the 5,500 GRT MS Ocean Odyssey, ex MTS Jason, MTS Eros (1965), and as of yesterday they have decided to go ahead and dry dock her and make her ready for reclassification to fully upgrade her to the SOLAS 2010 requirements.

Thus, the great news I have to tell all my readers is that here we have one classic ship we will be able to cruise on for many more years into the future! And having been and cruised the Indian Ocean. All I can say, if you have not been, you have no idea what you are missing on. When the ship is ready to sail again, get ready to fly to Mauritius and do a cruise’n’stay package, it is simply fantastic! My last visit to beautiful Mauritius was sadly too brief, it last year whilst on Oriana’s world voyage from Australia to the UK.

Read my MS Ocean Odyssey feature

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SS Rotterdam to be opened in the Summer

January 29: Thankfully we have received some good news from The Netherlands that SS Rotterdam will be opened as a hotel and tourist centre by the summer. “Rederij de Rotterdam” Mr. Lucas Petit who is also the spokesman for the ships’ catering industries activities said “that each day some three to four hundred people are working on the ship to complete her.” However, he also said that “An exact completion date is not known as yet, but it will be around the summer.”

The ship will have a variety of hotel rooms in three various styles, traditional hotel, traditional cabin and longer stay accommodations with kitchenettes. There will be a variety of Restaurants, Cafes and other food outlets onboard.

Mr. Petit said the constant news late last year regarding the political situation and the cost blowout, will have no influence on the quality and safety of work on board as they have invested about another 200 million Euros. The wharf and all its special infrastructure is currently being completed including all the specially constructed gangways, etc.

Thus, after the many scares that we have had over the past months, we can sigh a breath of fresh air and the SS Rotterdam is safe in her homeport! “Live Long and Prosper” old girl!

SS Rotterdam home I Rotterdam and safe

Photograph by & © copyright 2008 Charles Batenburg NL

December 15: I have been advised that Rederij de Rotterdam (Woonbron has not been able to find a buyer for the 80% share of the SS Rotterdam although they had set Monday the 15^th as the deadline. Although the Director of Woonbron, Martien Kromwijk does not wish to make any official statements, he did say “We will say nothing before the ink of the signatures has dried” whatever that means?

The question we obviously ask is her future in danger as described below, for if she does go up for auction, this could well mean she could leave the Netherlands for another destination. However, no one will pay the kind of money that is owing on her, thus with that in mind she should be safe and should sit there and the government would be wiser to allow the business plan to take of and allow her to commence to make money with the opening of the museum and hotel, etc. Let’s hope for the best!

Early December: The latest news from Rederij de Rotterdam owners of SS Rotterdam, and the Dutch Government’s involvements in the recent developments with the ship. This story has been ongoing for a while, but I decided not to place it online hoping for a favourable outcome. But, now here it is in full.

Minister Ebarhard van der Laan has attacked Woonbron (owners of Rederij de Rotterdam) again and has stated that the company must sell off 80% off the SS Rotterdam interests by the end of December. Woonbron had stated that they had intended to sell 6000 of their homes, but the Government has said big no to this plan. We need to understand that Woonbron's owns what we call council homes which are council/Government subsidised, therefore Woonbron comes under certain Government restrictions. This was why I was personally originally surprised why they purchased the ship as I am of Dutch birth and knew who they were!

However, the Director of Woonbron, Martien Kromwijk has made the statement “That funds will be in order as soon as possible, and that the banks will arrange that those who are owned monies will be fully paid.” He also feels that by the “end of the year Woonbron should be able to sell 80% ownership of the SS Rotterdam and retain her in Rotterdam, as she is about to be opened to the public and commence earning.”

Let’s hope that Martien Kromwijk is right and that an investor is found in time, for the Dutch Government could take the ship from them and put her up for auction, which was one of their threats, however, I feel that the public would be against this cause of action and it would certainly not be a popular move!

SS Rotterdam arrives Home!

SS Rotterdam arrives home in the evening on Monday August 4, 2008

Photo by & © copyright 2008 Gerard Vaas - NL

The superbly refitted SS Rotterdam finally arrived in her home port of Rotterdam at 8.45pm on August 4. Obviously this is a great day for the ssMaritime “Save the Classic Liners Campaign” as it commenced the “Save the SS Rotterdam Campaign” on the very day the then SS Rembrandt, ex SS Rotterdam, was laid up in Freeport on September 21, 2000 by receivers of the bankrupt Premier Cruises. Although sometime later I handed the campaign over to the “Steamship Rotterdam Foundation” in the Netherlands, which was, and again is headed by safe hands of Mr. Klaas Krijnen.

Soon the first stage of the ship will be opened to the public as further refurbishing work continues, and accommodations will be opened as we get closer to the 2009 spring/summer tourist season.

A fine view of the stern of the SS Rotterdam, proudly flying the Dutch flag

Photo by & © copyright 2008 Jaap Lagendijk NL

SS Rotterdam has been faithfully restored in Germany and accommodations available are either in new accommodations, where two cabins have been combined, or in a typical cabin. There are even special accommodations for student long term stays. SS Rotterdam has become one of the great success stories of the Save the Classic Liner Campaign and the Steamship Rotterdam Foundation!

Visit my SS Rotterdam V feature

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More on the QE2

Queen Elizabeth 2 is seen here lying idle in Dubai - January 2009

Harm Brink of www.nedcruise.info said he saw no life on board whatsoever

Photograph: © 2009 Harm Brink - www.nedcruise.info

The Arab destruction planned for the QE2

January: There has been much debate about what is to happen to the Grand Dame of the sea, some say it will not be that bad, many have over reacted, etc. Well it all depends if you are a a genuine ship lover or not, it is as simple as that. I say if you remove the funnel and place it beside the ship as a kiosk and build a new structure of glass, that is doing the great dame an injustice for she will no longer be the original QE2, well the one with the final funnel configuration anyway! If you start pulling her engines, her heart out, she is dead, and even the Japanese and Chinese were more gracious to the SS Oriana. They were wise and cut a massive hole in the floor and placed a glass floor above it so all could see the engine room. That was innovative! I have seen recent plans that have been sent to me from Dubai, which are highly secretive and come from a source I cannot disclose for he will loose his position, but, take my word for it, I do not like what I see! Yes, there will be some features that will be restored, the Queens Room and other venues, and they are making a big fuss about what they will keep and even improve, but they keep quiet about what they are about to destroy and that is a whole lot more than they let on!

December 9: Due to the financial crisis and with tourism slowing in many parts of the world, including to Dubai, I have been advised that Nakheel, owners of the QE2 are considering seriously changing their plans in relation to the ship. It had been expected to lengthen her, by placing a mid section in her and whilst doing so removing her engines which would be replaced by a Broadway style Theatre. 95% of her cabins in the hull were to be stripped in order to have hotel suites built. All lifeboats were to be removed and her upper decks were to be extended and glazed in, as well as her funnel taken down to the wharf and a new glass penthouse funnel like construction to replace it. Also her after deck (stern) was to be squared-off to facilitate a helicopter landing pad. Thus now it appears that Nakheel may have shelved the reconstruction and the Financial Times has reported that Nakheel are laying off at least 500 employees.

We need to understand that she could now be in danger!

We need to be careful before we rejoice, for the first thing that may come to mind is, “Great she will stay as is, and we will get to see the real QE2.” Don’t be too sure of that, for it is all together possible that they will sell her for scrap. Just hope and pray that Nakheel and the UAE will continue their project, even if they hold off for a while, and hopefully they will decide to keep her as original as possible, without changing her beautiful self and that will automatically bring in many more people. By changing her the way they planned, they will only keep true ship lovers far away from visiting the ship and they will build up a dislike for the nation!

November 27: Received an email from Dubai today to say that Nakheel has committed to completely preserve the following three venues, but, no others are on the list. The venues to be preserved are. 1. The one we already knew, the “Queens Room” – 2. The Bridge – 3. the Captains Quarters. And that is it, meaning all other lounges and venues may well disappear, just as we predicted. In addition, the removal of the lifeboats now no longer seems to be on the unconfirmed list and they will be removed! A sad day for all who really love the great ocean liners, and I am talking those who have a true knowledge of days long gone, not just the cruise ships days, for tmost of them can hardly be counted as great ships!

Seventy two year old Commodore John Burton-Hall, who was the Captain of the QE2 in the 1990s, said that she could have carried on sailing for many more years. “I suppose it is better that she goes to Dubai than ending up being scrapped from a beach in Pakistan. But it won’t be the QE2 as we know her now.” Glasgow’s Robert Lightbody’s father maintained QE2’s engines, he said: “I’m now thinking it would have been better had she been scrapped. Lots of long-term crew agree with that. What annoys me most is the way Cunard implied that she was going to be preserved intact.” You are right Robert, that was the impression we were all given, but Dubai had other ideas and she will be a shell and I honestly think she will end up being a joke! You are right Robert, but it was really Carnival remember they run the show, but under the name of Cunard), I agree with you it may have been better if she had an honourable end of some sort, for now she is being mutilated and will be like a super luxury Dubai freak show. Like you, I am not impressed!

QE2 arrives in Dubai - November 26

November 26, 2008: How ironic, exactly forty years to the day the QE2 went on her first sea trials on November 26, 1968, she arrived in Dubai, United Arab Emirates to begin a new life as a luxury hotel accompanies by a flotilla of yachts and small craft and a flyover of an Emirates Airbus A380.

Now the QE2 has arrived in Dubai the details of her transformation has been confirmed and they are much the same as I described early last year. 1. Her funnel would be removed and replaced by a smoked glass penthouse with a swimming pool. This funnel like building will be shaped somewhat like her original funnel. Won’t that be an interesting sight, a glass structure? The current “badly corroded funnel” will be removed and relocated dockside as described earlier. 2. All her cabins will be “ripped out” and will be replaced with “200 spacious luxury hotel rooms and 130 residential apartments.” 3. QE2’s engines are to be removed and sold. 4. The engine room spaces will be redesigned to be used for various entertainment centres including a cinema. There are many other changes to be made, far too many to be included her, although some have not as yet been fully confirmed. One of these is the removal of all her lifeboats and that Boat Deck will be partially glazed in. Mr. Manfred Ursprunger, chief executive of the Nakheel Co. Hotels, stated: "We have to pull her apart and rebuild her to make her viable as an entertainment venue for at least the next 50 years."

However there is some good news, at least the “Queens Room” will survive and it will be restored to its original splendour. When the ship arrived in Dubai Captain Ian McNaught was advised that Nakheel would present one of her anchor’s to her past home port of Southampton. I say “past” for in Southampton – Southampton had already been removed as she is no longer a British ship, but an Arab ship!

No matter what they will do to the QE2, there is one thing they can never change, and that is her hull. Yes they may place a few more openings for entry purposes, but her long and slender hull will survive and externally, we will always know that this was once the great Trans Atlantic Steam Ship and Cruise Chip, the SS/MS Queen Elizabeth 2.

A postcard of the SS Queen Elizabeth 2

I sailed on her “shakedown voyage”, which sadly soon broke down (How time passes!)

Author’s private collection

Goodbye to the last true Cunard Queen of the Atlantic. QE2, we will miss the sheer elegance and beauty you have brought to our ports over the years! I have sailed on you on various occasions, but, I for one vow to never visit you in Dubai, for sadly you will be a mere shadow of what you once were, a great Queen that sailed the Seas! Thus I hereby say a personal Farewell!

November 25: QE2 is due to arrive at Dubai Port Rashid tomorrow. Upon arrival she will be greeted by a flotilla of yachts and leisure craft, However, the world's largest yacht in the flotilla will be the “Dubai”, which is owned by the ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum. In addition there will be a flyover of an Emirates Airbus A380. The QE2 will be led to her refit dock by a Royal Navy frigate.

November 12: Departure UPDATE - Thousands of well-wishers gathered to farewell the world’s most famous ocean liner, Cunard Line’s QE2, on her final departure from her homeport of Southampton yesterday - Tuesday November 11.

After 39 years of service, which have seen QE2 sail 5.9 million nautical miles, complete 806 transatlantic crossings, carry more than 2.5 million guests, undertake 25 world cruises and answer her country’s call during the Falklands Campaign, QE2 sailed from Southampton on her final voyage to Dubai where she will become a first class hotel and entertainment centre.

In a farewell address, her Master, Captain Ian McNaught, said the QE2 had strived to serve Southampton and her country with flair and fortitude for 40 years. "But now her sea days are done and she passes on to a new life in a new home. We wish her well,” Capt McNaught said. "On behalf of QE2 I bid Southampton farewell and thank you for all the affection you have shown to her in all these years. Southampton I salute you."

As part of the farewell celebrations, a million poppies were dropped over the ship from a Tiger Moth to commemorate Remembrance Day, to mark QE2’s role in the Falklands, and note the fact that her final departure was on November 11.

November 11: Yesterday, the Solent Coastguard were alerted that the MS Queen Elizabeth 2 had run aground at the entrance of Southampton Water early in the morning. Five tugs were rushed to the scene to assist her off the sandbank and she was soon pulled off just after 6.15am. A spokesman said: “She has been refloated and is now under way under her own power and heading to her berth in Southampton.” - "She had only partially gone aground, and the tugs pulled her off."

The QE2 was heading back to Southampton from a 15-night Mediterranean cruise with a full complement of 1,700 passengers. A Cunard spokesman said: that … “No-one on board has been injured. A lot of people will have been in bed when it happened and not have noticed.”

Solent coastguard said that the winds were blowing from the south west at force seven, or 30mph at the time of the grounding, and there was a moderate swell.

The Duke of Edinburgh visited the ship during her final day in port with special arrangement of aerial flypasts as a Remembrance Day ceremony involving the dropping of one million poppies.

After the QE2 sets sail this evening, she will stop for a brief moment and a pre-recorded message from her master, Captain Ian McNaught will be broadcast on a specially-erected screen in Southampton's Mayfair Park. There will then be a firework display and the QE2, with whistle blasting, will move away from Southampton for the very last time. It will be a sad event to say the least, especially when we still do not know what her new owners intend doing structurally to the great Cunarder!

The final voyage to Dubai was sold out almost instantly, with the highest-priced berths going for more than a ridiculous £28,000. The QE2 will arrive on November 26 and she will then be handed over to the Nakheel company, which is part of “Dubai World,” the creators of the “Palm Jumeirah.”

QE 2 seen at her last ever Australian port of call - Fremantle - March 5, 2008

October 18: There has been a number of conflicts about the future of the QE2, some saying this, other’s that, but the details shown below was as given a long time ago, and again recently. Knowing the Arabs they have little regard for history and are more concerned with Dubai style luxury and obviously the QE2 does not measure up when it comes to “Dubai style luxury” and will need a massive revamp to fit their vision of what they consider as luxury. I was told by an assistant from a very high source in the UAE that, “We only want the shell of the ship, she is just a name to draw the tourists. Our inspectors have said that her interiors are cramped and rubbish and need to be removed and completely rebuilt.” For me that said it all and meant that they were going to gut her, and that statement came in 2007. Obviously what was said then fits in with the details below and what I was told then! If they change their mind, and how I hope they do, that will be fantastic, for it would be tragic to see the grand English girl destroyed! She was never my favourite ship, as I feel there were better ships, but to the British and the snob factor she was the one! I for one would not bother to visit her in Dubai for I would much rather go and see the real Queen of the sea, the ex RMS Queen Mary in Long Beach! Now that is a ship the Brits should be proud of, even if she is in American hands, but no, you’ll most likely run to the Arab’s to see the inferior of the two! Well, I have had my controversial say!

Hotel Queen Mary

Visit the RMS Queen Mary feature

October 10: Although details of the drastic alterations that are to be made to the QE2 was leaked late last year, it came up again recently in a BBC programme in the UK, and Alex Naughton sent these details to me, although I have placed my own spin on it. But, thanks Alex!

Drastic alterations are to be made the Queen Elizabeth 2 (QE2) are likely to be made by her new Dubai owners as they convert her into a luxury hotel, museum and entertainment complex. According to a recent BBC report the iconic red and black funnel will be removed and placed on the quayside where it will become a visitor centre. Apparently the funnel will be replaced by a similar, but modernised looking glass structure housing a 4-deck smoked glass penthouse including swimming pool. It is also rumoured that all the lifeboats will disappear and extra rooms will be built into the deck at the stern. Internally her decks containing cabins will be completely stripped and spacious hotel rooms which meet today’s contemporary requirements will be built.

However, most tragically, QE2’s engines and machinery spaces are to be removed to make space for new entertainment facilities.

The new owners have been travelling on board the QE2 on all her final voyages carefully working on their plans and it seems they are ripping more and more out of England’s Queen! The QE2 was sold to Istithmar in Dubai for 50 million Pound, and her conversion and operation in her new role will be undertaken by Nakheel, however, both companies are owned by Dubai World. Once completed, the once great QE2 will be located at the Palm Jumeirah, which is part of the Nakheel development.

The planned alterations to this iconic ship are likely to displease many traditional admirers of the ship. However, I was nothing short of stunned when the last Master of the RMS Queen Elizabeth 2, Captain Ian McNaught made the following statement:

"What is happening to the ship is very good. Because the alternatives are so awful. It could go to scrap and disappear. Or it could get run into the ground as an ignominious ferry in some backwater somewhere."

McNaught, I always thought you were a bit of an … (be nice Reuben), propped by all those who clammer after a Captains attention, but by your statement you have just proved to be what I thought for so long, a good sailor, but … !

Can you imagine the QE2 without its funnel, having a glass tower in its place is no way to remember this great lady. Let alone having her heart pulled out! The truth is, she will no longer be the QE2. The Queen Mary in Long Beach USA is still the Queen Mary, but the QE2 will not have that same fate, she will be so altered that she will just be a name and will no longer resemble her old self and whilst on the Queen may you can live in original staterooms, on the QE2 there will be none left, for the ship will have died a natural death, as she will have become a building!

Frankly, I prefer to see her gently slip beneath the ocean before she reaches Dubai, rather than sell and dethrone then remove the Crown, rip the heart out the HM Queen Elizabeth 2! Anyone who thinks that this Arab alternative is even remotely better than her being broken up or sunk is a nutcase! For all who genuinely love vintage liners there is NO dignity in a mutilated body of a ship with its guts torn out. Please go to California and savour the ex RMS Queen Mary and meet a REAL ship as she is beautifully restored! Forget the QE2 for she will be brain dead, as she will be only kept breathing with artificial parts and additions, and if you love that, you must hate ships! Enough said!

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MV Regal Empress Updates – Being broken up at Alang

MV Regal Empress seen off Mumbai 19 June 2009

Photographer unknown – See photo notes at bottom of page

Sent in by a Mr. Thurston UK

June 30: An update from Alex Naughton - Regal Empress has been slowly making her way from the Caribbean towards India since April 2009.

This is her timeline.

April 2 Sails from Freeport, Bahamas. Re-registered in St. Kitts

April 6 Arrives at Port of Spain, Trinidad

April 16 Departs Trinidad for final transatlantic voyage

April 26 Arrive at Las Palmas 8 AM. Depart Las Palmas 11 PM for Gibraltar

April 29 Arrives Gibraltar

April 30 Leaves Gibraltar at 12 PM - destined for Port Said. 13.9 knots

May 9 During her transit she reduces speed
- Flies the "Restricted Manoeuvrability" flag (possible mechanical problems?)
- Enters Greek anchorage near Kalamata

May 11 Departed Greek Anchorage near Kalamata, Greece at 6:15 PM travelling at 12.6 knots.

May 14 Arrived at Port Said around 5 AM

May 15 Transited Suez Canal in the 1st southbound convoy at 2:06 AM and exited canal at 3:10 PM.

May 19 Passed Port Sudan in the Red Sea

June 18 Anchors off Mumbai (Bombay)

She has now been beached and breaking up has commenced!

Looking back - Sold for Scrap and is due to depart Freeport

A sad moment as the Regal Empress slips out of Ft Lauderdale for the very last time

Photo sent in by David Romeinssen taken from Port cam

May 1: MV Regal Empress arrived off Gibraltar for supplies and bunkering at Noon on April 29 2009. Having allowed MV Queen Victoria to anchor, Regal Empress dropped anchored around 3 p.m. I have been advised that her port of registration has been changed to St Kitts/Nevis. Currently she has a crew of 24 on board. She departed at Noon on the 30thjfor Port Said and is expected to arrive there on May 6. Currently she is sailing around 14 knots. This news update was sent in by Neil Whitmore.

April 18: The latest news on Regal Empress is that she has departed Freeport on April 16 and is bound for India.

Regal Empress’ Final Goodbye’s

The crowded Decks of the Regal Empress as she departs Ft Lauderdale on March 6 for a 3 night Bahamas cruise 

Photograph sent in by Ben Bondar Fl – USA

 March 6 - was this her last voyage?

Photograph sent in by Ben Bondar Fl – USA

April 10: Regal Empress remains laid up in Freeport and there are no signs of her departure. On March 26, I requested Gopal Krishna of BAN/Greenpeace India to investigate her in regard the toxic waste that she carries and ensure that she will not be able to reach Indian waters. This investigation is currently underway! To date the Chittagong breakers have already been closed down as they do not have the facilities to break up ships with the kind of toxic wastes that most classic ships carry, and India also exposes Indian men, woman and even children who work for the breakers on their beaches to asbestosis and other diseases and thousands have died over the many years of their operation. We intend to see all breakers at Alang closed down! If a ship has to be broken up, let it be done at a breaker that has the proper facilities to handle toxic waste and protect their staff according the International standards!

We continue to hope and pray that by holding up Regal Empress, ex TSS Olympia that this fine Glasgow built liner may still be purchased and turned into a fine floating hotel and tourist attraction, for her interiors reflect an age that has now long gone, and is the ultimate of elegance!

March 26: I have been advised that the Regal Empress will depart Freeport on Saturday 30 March for Alang. The question is, “does she contain a great deal of toxic waste?”

March 17: (Australian time) MV Regal Empress quietly slipped out of Fort Lauderdale late at night on the 15thhand apparently was bound for Freeport in the Bahamas. However, I have been advised that she has been sold for scrap to an Indian ship breaker for a reported US$33 million.

March 11: Imperial Majesty Cruise Line's MV Regal Empress was berthed at Ft Lauderdale and I have been told that she id “technically still in operation.” However IMC has not officially announced what their intensions are, either with the company or the ships future. As I said, the company is still in business but IMC will no longer be sailing to the Bahamas. According to information received the Regal Empress was to depart Ft Lauderdale at midnight on March 13, but we were not supplied a destination, pray it is not Bangladesh or India, for that is just what IMC did with their last ship the SS OceanBreeze, the famed ex SS Southern Cross, which we also tried to save, but IMC did everything in their power to go against the grain! This time, they had the audacity to ask a ridiculous price of US$9 million for her and no self respecting company would pay that kind of money in 1. In this financial environment. 2. For a ship that is not worth half of that in scrap value.

February 7: MV Regal Empress departed Ft Lauderdale once again on March 6 for her 3 night cruise to the Bahamas and as the photographs above shows, she was fully laden. The question begs, was this her last or as we heard there have been problems with the replacement ship the Bahamas Celebration, thus will the Regal Empress sail on for a few more weeks yet? Time will tell! But, her end is near and sadly there are not many good signs at hand. One of the inspections done on the ship came back with some disturbing reports about her real condition. Things may look OK on the passenger side of things, but apparently, it is not as good behind the scenes! The word used by them was “She stinks” and I for one was extremely saddened to hear this for I was under the impression that she was very well cared for, but that was at least until IMC got rid of the man (and his team) who really cared for classic ships - IMC’s previous President Mr. Arthur Pollack! Now, they are going for an ex car ferry and a new company name, divorcing themselves from a company that has made a proud name in the industry, a great shame! I will certainly not be supporting their future cruise operations on my cruise site as I have done with the OceanBreeze in the past and Regal Empress!

Commentary:

As I have already reported there have been several inspections of the ship by interested parties, but I am still unable to disclose details. However, some of the negotiations had not gone well and it is altogether possible that she will go to the breakers. IMC has never been good negotiators, we all remember the SS OceanBreeze and how she was treated, she was worth only a quick dollar and there was no little for her historical value! But, sadly, the modern business word only thinks money and not the future of things to come. But eventually they will have to live with their decisions and the world will judge them! IMC, do the right thing and give her a chance, at least lay her up if you have to, and do not be so ridiculous and ask US$9 million for her, both you and the shipping world knows she is beautiful ship, but she not worth that! We in the maritime world all know her real value and there are those willing to pay above her scrap value, give them a chance!

It is STILL my sincere hope that some enterprising company will consider this superbly built ship, for she is in top condition as a possible floating Hotel, Tourist, Convention Centre and Maritime Museum. My choice would be Glasgow in Scotland where she was built, but, we need someone with a vision! Email me: info@ssmaritime.com.

The END of “Imperial Majesty Cruises”

MS Bahamas Celebration

Celebration Cruise Line

When MV Regal Empress finally departs the IMC Fleet this month, the company will no longer exist as it is today as they have been reformed under the banner of “Celebration Cruise Line” and they have commenced their new site showing the 1981 built MS Bahamas Celebration on www.bahamaships.com. Although this site is still being worked on and is obviously not complete, it is showing the direction of the company. They are currently using the same Regal Empress page for the departures, etc. But, it does spell the end of days for our beloved classic MV Regal Empress, ex MS Caribe 1, MS Caribe, TSS Olympia!

Imperial Majesty Cruises buys a ship

to replace the MV Regal Empress

The TSS Olympia see as built, currently the MV Regal Empress

From the author’s collection

November 26: The Imperial Majesty Cruise Line's classic Regal Empress (ex Olympia, Caribe I) has returned to Ft. Lauderdale and will return to operate her mini cruises to the Bahamas commencing December 1. However, as reported earlier she will be retired in February 2009, thus if you live in America take your last opportunity to sail on a great classic liner, for the Regal Empress’ interiors are a must see and she is a ship to be experienced. Sadly, we had a great plan to save her with the promise of the Rhode Island Senator Sen. Leonidas Raptakis that he would save her and return her to her Greek homeland, considering that this ship is the equivalent of the SS United States to the US to Greece, but he abandoned her (most likely suited his own politics) even though he dad a partial written agreement with her owners, and he decided that the Liberty ship the Arthur M Huddell should go to Greece instead. It is like saying to America, we’ll scrap the SS United States, but we will send you the ex Italian liner MS Augustus to preserve, it makes no sense whatsoever!

After Regal Empress completes her service IMC Cruises will commence services with their new ship, the MV Prinsesse Ragnhild, which will be renamed the Bahamas Celebration.

October 23: Imperial Majesty Cruises refuses to refund monies paid for cancelled cruises! I have received a number of emails and all had similar messages. The one today stated the following: “I purchased a ticket to sail on this ship (Regal Empress) with 5 family members. I paid "port charges" when I booked. The company called me to say that the cruise was cancelled. I then requested a refund and was flat out told "no refund" after being tortured on hold, being hung up on etc.” (SP - New Port Richey Florida). I have received a number of similar emails and it appears that IMC is simply holding onto these fees, which as far as I know against the law. I have advised everyone to take them to the “small claims court” and to contact the Congressman. Obviously IMC has little to no scruples; first they let their public down and then simply keep their hard earned money! Shame on you Imperial Majesty Cruises! May all future passengers learn the lesson when IMC commences with their new ship, that when you part with your money, don’t expect any back if a cruise is cancelled!

October 2: I have received an email from James, a cruise agent in Atlanta, who advised me that IMC has assured him, after considerable pressure from his company as they had considerable numbers booked in January and they were not interested in sailing on a new ship, that the Regal Empress would return to service in January but that she is expected to be decommissioned by the end of March. IMC also confirmed the purchase of a new ship and that she would take over from the Regal Empress in April. Although IMC did not confirm if this ship is the MV Prinsesse Ragnhild, but we assume it is.

September 26: I have been asked, “Has Raptakis responded at all.” Besides my swipe online and an email sent some time ago, Leonidas Raptakis has not responded like the typical political coward he is. These men are all words and no action!

People like Raptakis who make promises to do something and have done so very publicly and then drop it like a hot coal in order to do something that ensures their popularity in certain sectors. Yet letting down the masses as well as the greatest Greek ship ever built to boot! But, so what, if he promised if faithfully, to save her and to return her to Greece as a floating maritime museum, and now, well she is about to be sold and scrapped! Thank you Leonidas Raptakis you will always be remembered as the JUDAS of the TSS Olympia.

September 24: Received an email today from a passenger from Atlanta who has been advised that: “Imperial Majesty Cruises has pulled the Regal Empress from service until further notice.” On the IMC website http://www.imperialmajesty.com it states that the Regal Empress is on loan to help with the relief efforts in the Texas Gulf and that no further sailings will take place until further notice. However, there somehow fail to mention that they have already obtained a new ship well over a month ago. A slight oversight, I doubt it. Obviously, Regal Empress will never return to service and currently IMC will be negotiating with their breakers friends in Bangladesh or India!

August: Imperial Majesty Cruises Ft Lauderdale last month have purchased the Color Lines (ex car ferry) MV Prinsesse Ragnhild to replace the classic MV Regal Empress, the ex Greek Lines TSS Olympia, which was Greece's first and last ever newly built Trans-Atlantic liner. However, as IMC did with SS OceanBreeze, ex SS Southern Cross they will most likely sell her with great haste and it looks like that we will loose this historic ship unless something can be done in great haste.

Senator Leonidas Raptakis is the ultimate betrayer of the TSS Olympia!

In years past State Senator Leonidas Raptakis made a FIRM commitment, as he made it public in the USA and promised me and thousands of others via my website to save the Regal Empress, the ex TSS Olympia and return her to Greece. In order to do so he did commence some negotiations on it and spoke with her owners even to a point of having an agreement drawn up. I have all the paperwork and all the promises that he made on file. However, for some unknown reason, he decided to drop this great ship without telling me, a ship that would have meant everything to Greece, and instead he commenced a brand new campaign to save an American Liberty ship the Arthur M Huddell, a ship that is currently has been stripped of toxic waste and has headed for Greece. However, this ship has no real value or genuine connection with Greece whatsoever, except for a weak link that some Liberty ships were given to Greece after the war to rebuild their then depleted cargo fleets, but they were never a significant part of their second hand fleet. However all of these ships have been broken up for they meant nothing to Greece, but mere transport. All of Greece’s passenger liners were also old tonnage, except for the historic TSS Olympia which was the only Greek Trans Atlantic passenger liner to be ever newly built especially for the country!

Please Note: Before I go on, I am a strong supporter of the preservation of Liberty, Victory and C3 ships, as they indeed have a significant place in history, but, they need to be in the right place. Many naval and merchant marines in America were greatly angered when Leonidas wanted to take the Arthur M Huddell to Greece for she belongs in the USA, and I wholly agree with them, for he stole an American ship from them!

The Hellas Liberty arrived Piraeus Greece on January 11, 2009

Photograph © 2009 Apostolos Kaknis

http://apostolossphotos.fotopic.net/c1636594.html

Photograph © 2009 Apostolos Kaknis

http://apostolossphotos.fotopic.net/c1636594.html

As an insult to all those in America who wished to restore her, the name Arthur M Huddell was crudely painted out and she was renamed Hellas Liberty for a country she has no relationship with whatsoever! That is simply criminal Senator Raptakis you are un-American and have let your Grecian heritage down badly.

Obviously ex TSS Olympia, the Regal Empress should be heading home for Greece, for that is where she belongs, and you Leonidas Raptakis - you betrayed and desperately failed her! For like a typical politician you considered your political popularity and you worked it like a pro, both in the States and in Greece, You should have been an actor, they are also good at make believe!

What is the difference between the TSS Olympia and the SS United States, RMS Queen Mary?

Thus, by commencing this Huddell project, Raptakis was more concerned in his personal and political career than the Greek people and the maritime history of Greece, for Greece’s most important and historic Trans Atlantic passenger liner, which to Greece, if you really think about it is the equivalent to the SS United States to American, and the RMS Queen Mary to the England, and the great SS Normandy or the France (Norway) to the Frenc. Thus, as it could be most likely that ex TSS Olympia will now end up on an Indian beach to be scrapped, and remember, this is the very ship Raptakis publically vowed and promised to me that he would help to save, yet he dropooed her like a hot coal, for what his own political gain and nothing else, for let’s face it, the Huddell was a easy catch! Rhodes Island, remember the name – State senator Leonidas Raptakis - his promises are as good as “I will save the Olympia” and what did he do, little to NOTHING, but ended up serving his own goals and purposes, like a real politician! Remember also, Raptakis belongs to the very same seal of approval that allowed NCL cruises to sail with an American flag. It is this company who purchased the SS United States and the SS Independence promising that they would place both ships back into service. What did NCL do? They ended up with a fleet of German built ships with American flags on their sterns, what did people like Raptakis do, sweet nothing, for let’s face it, they are politicians and they get well looked after, like al politician’s no matter, and that is no matter which country you are in! Hide in a dark corner Raptakis we know your kind; you serve yourself and certainly not the people!

If you think, I do not like Raptakis you would be right. I once thought very highly of him, but then he was a man who made a world of promises. One day I will publish all of his email to me and you can see what politician tell you and what they really end up doing, and that is their own thing!

Raptakis I started the “Save the SS Rotterdam Campaign” on the very day the then SS Rembrandt was laid up in Freeport and gained a massive support base, which I moved to the new Dutch Campaign which was done a superb job and it was their ship. At the helm was a fine man Klaas Krijnen, and today the ship is back home because real people care and do what they said they would do, not like some defeated politician who turns and take the easy way out as you did and took an American ship from the American’s and sent her to a nation who did not even really nee her, but somehow, with your expertise you talked them into it, even though the ship has not one single connection with Greece and yet Greece did have many Liberty ships in their fleet in the past, however they sent them all to the breakers! Thus, they saw no value in them whatsoever! Very clever talker you must be to get them to spend millions on a rust bucket that will not bring them an income, whilst the Olympia could have become a great source of tourism and if managed correctly, like the SS Rotterdam, a Hotel, Restaurant, Café, Tourist complex and Maritime Museum in Piraeus. The good thing is the ship is in a superb condition and would not take a massive amount to convert, but although it would be substantial her income would outweigh this in the end!

Visit my TSS Olympia feature online

Enter the …

Save the TSS Olympia, MS Regal Empress Campaign

Let’s do our best to save this fine ship!

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Calling ALL Past Furness Bermuda Line Crew

Ships’ crew, who sailed on the Furness Bermuda Line in the 1950s and early 60s reunited on Saturday May 16 to renew old acquaintances and to share memories and mementos from the golden days of Furness’ sister ships, Queen of Bermuda and Ocean Monarch.