In the 1950s and '60s, the ocean liner SS United States was the choice of movie stars, famous musicians and kings. Supporters are trying to save this storied ocean liner from the scrap heap. It's seen here in the U.S. Virgin Islands during its heyday.
What's so special about the SS United States? —
In the 1950s and '60s, the ocean liner SS United States was the choice of movie stars, famous musicians and kings. Supporters are trying to save this storied ocean liner from the scrap heap. It's seen here in the U.S. Virgin Islands during its heyday.
Courtesy SS United States Conservancy
The SS United States powered through rough weather on a regular basis. On its first voyage, it set a trans-Atlantic speed record -- three days, 10 hours and 42 minutes -- a feat that has never been surpassed.
Rough seas —
The SS United States powered through rough weather on a regular basis. On its first voyage, it set a trans-Atlantic speed record -- three days, 10 hours and 42 minutes -- a feat that has never been surpassed.
Courtesy SS United States Conservancy
The vessel stretched as long as the height of the famous Chrysler Building -- more than 100 feet longer than the Titanic. It's shown here returning to New York after a voyage.
New York's Pier 86 —
The vessel stretched as long as the height of the famous Chrysler Building -- more than 100 feet longer than the Titanic. It's shown here returning to New York after a voyage.
Courtesy Charles Anderson/SS United States Conservancy
Legendary band leader and composer Duke Ellington often commanded the stage aboard the ship, which was so safe it was said to include a fireproof piano.
Duke Ellington at the fireproof piano —
Legendary band leader and composer Duke Ellington often commanded the stage aboard the ship, which was so safe it was said to include a fireproof piano.
Courtesy SS United States Conservancy
Actor Marlon Brando signed this photo of himself aboard the ship with artist Salvador Dali.
Marlon Brando and Salvador Dali —
Actor Marlon Brando signed this photo of himself aboard the ship with artist Salvador Dali.
courtesy ss united states conservancy
Monaco's Prince Rainier and his princess, the former Hollywood star Grace Kelly, were guests aboard the ship.
The royal treatment —
Monaco's Prince Rainier and his princess, the former Hollywood star Grace Kelly, were guests aboard the ship.
Courtesy SS United States Conservancy
Entertainer Jackie Gleason, center, hangs out aboard the SS United States in this undated photo.
Jackie Gleason —
Entertainer Jackie Gleason, center, hangs out aboard the SS United States in this undated photo.
Courtesy SS United States Conservancy
Passengers were drawn to the unique comforts of the SS United States, including custom-designed furniture and top-notch dining.
Passenger comforts —
Passengers were drawn to the unique comforts of the SS United States, including custom-designed furniture and top-notch dining.
Courtesy SS United States Conservancy
In 1955, long before ship-board movie theaters were commonplace, the SS United States showed films in the popular CinemaScope widescreen format.
Ahead of its time —
In 1955, long before ship-board movie theaters were commonplace, the SS United States showed films in the popular CinemaScope widescreen format.
Courtesy SS United States Conservancy
By 1969, trans-Atlantic airlines were hurting the ocean liner business. The SS United States was mothballed.
Mothballed —
By 1969, trans-Atlantic airlines were hurting the ocean liner business. The SS United States was mothballed.
Courtesy SS United States Conservancy
The ship has been anchored in Philadelphia for 17 years. It's been stripped of most of its beautiful interior furnishings.
Philadelphia —
The ship has been anchored in Philadelphia for 17 years. It's been stripped of most of its beautiful interior furnishings.
Courtesy SS United States Conservancy
Susan Gibbs, granddaughter of late ship designer William Francis Gibbs, is determined to save the SS United States.
Guarding a legacy —
Susan Gibbs, granddaughter of late ship designer William Francis Gibbs, is determined to save the SS United States.
Sarah Hoye/CNN
Keeping the ship afloat costs nearly $80,000 a month for basic maintenance, insurance and security. Supporters hope to save the SS United States by transforming it into a stationary entertainment complex and museum. Otherwise, its owners will be forced to sell it for scrap metal.
Travel destination ... or scrap? —
Keeping the ship afloat costs nearly $80,000 a month for basic maintenance, insurance and security. Supporters hope to save the SS United States by transforming it into a stationary entertainment complex and museum. Otherwise, its owners will be forced to sell it for scrap metal.
Courtesy SS United States Conservancy