Category: Ships
The Fate of the SS United States
We got back from Southern California the other day, and I’ll be writing some posts in the coming weeks related to the trip (in the meantime, check out the Instagram page for photos and videos). Today, though, I wanted to write about something that’s been on my mind for the last few months but have…
SS Leviathan: The Life and Death of an American Monster
Wednesday, July 4, 1923 was a dull, rainy day in New York. An American monster was about to set sail and there was excitement in the air. An excited public had gathered to see the gigantic ship at Pier 86. Eager visitors snapped up the 10,000 passes in order to see the liner firsthand. A…
Ship of Secrets: The Titanic’s LGBTQ+ History
The Titanic is arguably the most famous ship in history. It seems that just about everyone knows the tragic story of the ship and her ill-fated maiden voyage. Books like Walter Lord’s A Night to Remember and the blockbuster film Titanic (1997) have certainly helped with this. But as Bill Paxton’s Brock Lovett said in…
Cruising Returns to Baltimore
In March, I wrote about the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse and its potential impact on Baltimore’s cruise operations. Cleanup operations began almost immediately, and the MV Dali’s removal was the final step. Cruising officially returned to Charm City on Saturday, May 25 with Royal Caribbean’s Vision of the Seas embarking passengers at the Cruise…
The Four Chaplains and the Sinking of USAT Dorchester
During World War II, scores of ocean liners were converted into troop transports for the Allied war effort. Mighty ships like Queen Mary, Queen Elizabeth, and Aquitania were pressed into service along with more humble liners like Evangeline, Yarmouth, and Borinquen. These ships collectively transported millions of Allied servicemen and women to all theaters of…
From Cunard’s Storied History to the Future: The Queen Anne’s Maiden Voyage
There’s something really special and magical about a Cunard Queen. Having worked aboard the legendary Queen Mary for three and a half years, I’ve experienced it firsthand! Today, Cunard’s newest ship, the Queen Anne sets sail from Southampton on her maiden voyage. She is the company’s 149th ship in it’s almost 185-year history. This new…
Going Beyond with Celebrity Cruises
My wife and I just got back from a five-day cruise aboard Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Beyond. Wow! What an incredible experience! This was our first time sailing on Celebrity and they really set the bar high. We’re looking at doing another one in 2026 and can’t wait! The entire time we were aboard the Beyond,…
Strange Things Happen at Sea: Five Coincidences You Might Not Believe
Hello everyone! Apologies for the lack of posts lately. There’s been a lot going on lately, including me transitioning into a new job at work. Then there’s that dreaded writer’s block too. So unfortunately, I’ve not been able to keep up with this blog as much as I would like. But recent events have inspired…
Book Review: The Last Voyage of the Andrea Doria by Greg King and Penny Wilson
Book Summary A glamorously splendid ship sails to New York with thousands of people aboard. One of the most modern ocean liners ever built, her safety features are state-of-the-art and fill her passengers and crew with confidence. The ship is the pride of its home country. On the bridge is a master mariner with decades…