Crystal Cruises recently announced its plans to adopt the SS United States into its fleet, along with some help from the SS United States Conservancy. Crystal Cruises will cover all costs of the preservation while also testing the technical feasibility of the ship. In order to meet modern regulations, the ship will need extensive changes. In addition, Crystal Cruises will outfit the vessel with 400 suites, dining and entertainment outlets, a spa and more.

The SS United States was originally launched in 1952 and its maiden voyage across the Atlantic was the fastest trans-Atlantic crossing of any ship to date. It is also the largest ever designed and built in the United States, originally created by the Pentagon to transport Cold War troops a distance as long as 10,000 miles without refueling.

“The prospect of revitalizing the SS United States and reestablishing her as ‘America’s Flagship’ once again is a thrilling one. It will be a very challenging undertaking, but we are determined to apply the dedication and innovation that has always been the ship’s hallmark. We are honored to work with the SS United States Conservancy and government agencies in exploring the technical feasibility study so we can ultimately embark on the journey of transforming her into a sophisticated luxury cruise liner for the modern era,” said Edie Rodriguez, president and CEO, Crystal Cruises.

Once the refurbishments are made to the ship, Crystal Cruises will announce its new itineraries, which will include trans-Atlantic voyages launching from New York City, as well as international voyages.