Rare look inside historic SS United States as she prepares to take her final rest beneath the ocean
Published on Feb 25, 2026 at 7:16 PM (UTC+4)
by Henry Kelsall
Last updated on Feb 25, 2026 at 7:16 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Mason Jones
Footage has given us a rare glimpse inside the rusting interior of the SS United States ocean liner, as the huge ship prepares for its final voyage.
After spending over three decades residing in Philadelphia, with various plans to turn it into a museum or hotel falling through, the SS United States will soon meet an untimely end.
Having since moved to Mobile, Alabama, the incredible ship has been partially deconstructed as it is prepared to be sunk as an artificial reef off Florida’s Gulf Coast.
While it was being towed, some footage showed the decay and deterioration of the interior of what was once the fastest ocean liner in the world.
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How bad is the interior of the SS United States?
Once upon a time, this was one of the most luxurious ocean liners afloat.
While not as grand as its biggest rival, Britain’s RMS Queen Mary, the United States was still stunning.
There were plenty of luxury dining and seating areas.
Bars and hospitality features were, of course, one of the ship’s biggest features.
The first-class dining area and swimming pool were two of the biggest highlights.
Now, however, things are very different.
The ship has deteriorated massively, with the interior gutted decades ago.
It is now just a shell of its former self.
Rust, decay, and dereliction have truly set in, making any restoration program incredibly difficult.
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This was once the pride of America
Built between 1950 and 1951, the SS United States served with United States Lines.
She was the biggest ocean liner ever built, and the fastest to cross the Atlantic in either direction.
This earned the ship the Blue Riband, an accolade given to the fastest ocean liner to cross the Atlantic.
Sadly, the market for big ocean liners declined as the 1960s loomed.
The rise of jet-propelled trans-Atlantic flights killed the market for trans-Atlantic cruises.
The ocean liner was withdrawn from service in 1969, and in 1984, the interior was ripped out, with furnishings sold at auction.
None of the plans to restore the ship have worked out, and she is due to be sunk later in 2026.
It will be a sad end for one of the greatest ocean liners ever built.
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Henry joined the Supercar Blondie team in February 2025, and since then has covered a wide array of topics ranging from EVs, American barn finds, and the odd Cold War jet. He’s combined his passion for cars with his keen interest in motorsport and his side hustle as a volunteer steam locomotive fireman at a leading heritage steam railway in England.
