A Long-Delayed Voyage: The SS United States Set to Make Final Journey
The SS United States, an American icon of the 1950s, is finally embarking on its final journey - down into the depths of the sea. A documentary series, "Superliner: The Enduring Legacy of the SS United States", will capture the ship's last voyage from Philadelphia to Alabama, where it will be transformed into an artificial reef off the coast of Florida.
The film, directed by Robert Radler and produced by Mark Perry, will also feature historic footage and archival interviews, offering a unique glimpse into the ship's storied past. The documentary series is part of a broader effort to preserve the SS United States' legacy, with a museum currently under construction in Okaloosa County, Florida.
The ship, which set the transatlantic speed record in 1952, has seen its fair share of celebrities and presidents over the years, including Harry Truman, Dwight Eisenhower, John Kennedy, and Bill Clinton. It's been nearly three decades since the SS United States was last at sea, having been docked in Philadelphia since 1996.
In a unique twist on previous documentaries about the ship, this series will capture the vessel's journey from South Philly to Mobile, Alabama, where it underwent maintenance before being transformed into an artificial reef. The ship is expected to be sunk by the end of the year, with Okaloosa County paying $68,000 for live streaming of the event using drones and underwater cameras.
The SS United States Conservancy has long advocated for the preservation of the ship's legacy, and this documentary series marks a significant step forward in that effort. As Robby Krieger, guitarist for the Doors, writes the film's score, director Radler notes that "Superliner" is not just maritime nostalgia - it's an American story about innovation, loss, and rebirth.
With its expected release date set for 2026, this documentary series promises to be a fascinating look at one of America's most beloved ships.
The SS United States, an American icon of the 1950s, is finally embarking on its final journey - down into the depths of the sea. A documentary series, "Superliner: The Enduring Legacy of the SS United States", will capture the ship's last voyage from Philadelphia to Alabama, where it will be transformed into an artificial reef off the coast of Florida.
The film, directed by Robert Radler and produced by Mark Perry, will also feature historic footage and archival interviews, offering a unique glimpse into the ship's storied past. The documentary series is part of a broader effort to preserve the SS United States' legacy, with a museum currently under construction in Okaloosa County, Florida.
The ship, which set the transatlantic speed record in 1952, has seen its fair share of celebrities and presidents over the years, including Harry Truman, Dwight Eisenhower, John Kennedy, and Bill Clinton. It's been nearly three decades since the SS United States was last at sea, having been docked in Philadelphia since 1996.
In a unique twist on previous documentaries about the ship, this series will capture the vessel's journey from South Philly to Mobile, Alabama, where it underwent maintenance before being transformed into an artificial reef. The ship is expected to be sunk by the end of the year, with Okaloosa County paying $68,000 for live streaming of the event using drones and underwater cameras.
The SS United States Conservancy has long advocated for the preservation of the ship's legacy, and this documentary series marks a significant step forward in that effort. As Robby Krieger, guitarist for the Doors, writes the film's score, director Radler notes that "Superliner" is not just maritime nostalgia - it's an American story about innovation, loss, and rebirth.
With its expected release date set for 2026, this documentary series promises to be a fascinating look at one of America's most beloved ships.
. It's crazy that it's been almost three decades since it was last at sea. The ship's got such an amazing history - all those famous people who've sailed on her, including some US presidents... it's like a piece of American history coming full circle. And the fact that it's being turned into an artificial reef? That's just genius 
. I mean, think about it - this iconic ship is going to be helping to create a new habitat for marine life off the coast of Florida. It's not just a farewell journey, but also a chance to give back to the ocean that gave us so much. And with the documentary series capturing all the action... it's going to be such a cool way to experience it all again 
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... but at the same time its dope that they're gonna make a documentary about it and show everyone how amazing it was during its prime 
. Like, who else can say they had presidents and celebs on board? 
. And its cool that Okaloosa County is willing to pay for the livestream of the sinking, I guess its like a big farewell party for the ship 
... but also kinda sad cuz we wont get to see it sail anymore 
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, it's a piece of American history. I mean, can you imagine all the iconic moments that went down on those decks? From presidents like Truman and Kennedy to musicians like Robby Krieger, it's been quite the ride. The fact that it's finally getting a sendoff in 2025 is kinda sad, but at least we get to see its legacy come full circle with this documentary series 
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. And it's awesome that Okaloosa County is stepping up to pay for the live streaming – I'd love to tune in and watch history being made.
. And with Robby Krieger scoring the soundtrack, you know it's going to be good 
. Bring on 2026!
68k to live stream it too? that's a nice chunk of change for whoever gets to document this last ride. i'm curious about how they're gonna transform her into an artificial reef, hope it's done right so she doesn't just become a hazard underwater 
It was such an iconic ship in my grandparents' time, and I can only imagine how exciting it must have been for them to see it set sail all those years ago 
. I love that they're making a documentary about its final journey, though - it'll be so cool to see the footage of it sailing again 
. And who knows, maybe it'll bring back some memories for people like me who grew up hearing stories about the ship 
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i mean, it's just a ship but it's been around for ages & seen some famous people lol what's the point of makin a docu series abt it now after all these yrs? maybe they cud use that cash 2 build a new museum or smthn 
. It's crazy that it's making one last journey down into the sea 
. I'm actually kinda sad about it, you know? It's a piece of history and a symbol of American innovation. I've seen pics of it when it was all new and fast 
... it's hard to believe it's been 3 decades since it was last at sea 
. It's a great way to preserve its legacy and create something new at the same time. Fingers crossed the documentary comes out soon and we can all learn more about this iconic ship 
cant believe its been 3 decades since the last voyage, that ship has seen some epic history!!
I'm beyond excited to hear that the SS United States is making its final voyage! It's like, a piece of history coming back to life 
. It's amazing how this ship has had so many famous faces pass through its doors - like, who else can say they've sailed with Harry Truman and Bill Clinton? 
. Can't wait to dive into (pun intended) 'Superliner' when it drops in 2026 