Older Cruise Ships Face an Uncertain Future

The era of classic ships creating unique and memorable experiences may dwindle or come to an end by October 2010 if these classic liners are not upgraded to new SOLAS standards. These luxury ships began sailing early in the 1900’s with the interior modeling reflecting those historic times. Many ocean lovers looking for an unforgettable true ocean-going experience will sadly say goodbye to many of the famous cruise ships. The classic liners of old use steam engines which are no longer cost efficient modes of sailing the seas. Many of these ships have large amounts or traces of asbestos, and do not offer some of the resort qualities of modern day resort cruise ships.

Bankruptcies in companies like Regency, Premier, and American Hawaii have already taken a few of these older ships needing to comply with SOLAS 2010 out of service. What ships are still running and needing to be repaired are the ships currently under financial scrutiny and debate to determine if they will ever sail after October 2010. With SOLAS 2010 requiring removal of combustible materials and upgrades to accommodations and service areas, these classic ships are looking at retirement, new ownership, or quite possibly the scrap yard due to astronomical renovation costs. Ships like the Queen Elizabeth 2, which has long been an icon of luxury liners, has been sold off to an investment arm of Dubai World which has created the largest man-made island. The QE2 will serve as a stationary luxury hotel, restaurant, and entertainment complex as of November 2008.

Another classic luxury liner up for possible permanent moorage is the Rotterdam. The Rotterdam features originality and classic 1950’s interior that made this liner a historic favorite among thousands of travelers. In 1997, Premier Cruises took on the Rotterdam as the Rembrandt and brought it up to standards for around $8 million. However, Premier’s bankruptcy ended the ship’s long passenger carrying career, so 2010 is a moot point for it. Due to the cost of continuing to bring the Rotterdam up to SOLAS 2010 code, it will become a stationary attraction in Rotterdam, The Netherlands. Future generations will enjoy visiting the Rotterdam and it will continue to hold timeless historic value for years to come.

Delta Queen, is a Mississippi River stern wheel cruise boat with overnight accommodations and wooden superstructure. Because it does not leave American waters, it is governed not by SOLAS but by the U.S. Coast Guard’s own rules. In the 1970’s the Coast Guard banned combustible materials for this type of ship and many thought Delta Queen would sail no more. It took 250,000 signatures, an Act of Congress, and the president’s signature to amend the new safety bill to exempt it from the then-new rules. The exemption was based on the steamboat’s constant proximity to land giving it the ability to evacuate the boat in case of an emergency. Unfortunately, the Delta Queen is now under threat again. The boat is now considered unsafe, will be taken out of commission in November 2008 and may not sail again.

SOLAS 2010 has not only affected the resort cruise ship industry by requiring huge financial tolls on companies but it has also increased the number of retired ships sent into private use, as entertainment, or scrap metal.

It will be interesting to watch what happens with many of these majestic ships. The hope is that they can be rescued by various organizations for private use or serve as luxury, stationary restaurants, hotels, and floating entertainment centers.