Travel Tips

Travel Tip: Repurposed Ships

Locations in this article:  Dubai, United Arab Emirates Los Angeles, CA

Ever wonder what happens to those huge vessels that spend years sailing the high seas? Some of them are repurposed into some very cool places to explore. And I’m not just talking about museums.

After four decades as a luxury liner and 3 years sitting in port, the Queen Elizabeth 2 is ready for its next home. It’s going to turn into a floating hotel in Dubai in the next year and a half.

Right here in the U.S., the retired Queen Mary has spent years at a Long Beach hotel. But here’s what don’t expect to see on a ship: a huge collection of memorabilia from Princess Diana and other members of the Windsor family.

There are no guarantees on this one, but there are conservancy groups fighting to save the historic SS United States from being scrapped. The idea? To repurpose it into a year-round waterfront attraction.

And if you’re a real nautical buff like me, check you this hidden gem: a ship graveyard of the shores of Staten Island! It’s not that easy to get to, but if you can, you’ll catch sight of all the old and decommissioned passenger ships, ferries, barges, and so much more. Believe me, this is a photo op just waiting to happen.

For more information, visit the Cruise & Museum archives.

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