A lovely view of the SS United States .

A vintage postcard view.

Passengers enjoy life aboard in the 1960s.

The SS United States docks in New York.

Dear Friend of the SS United States:

The SS United States Conservancy wishes everyone a Happy New Year! We hope that 2007 will bring peace and joy to you, your family and friends, as well as substantial progress toward our mission of saving America's greatest
ship, the SS United States!

In this update:

- Conservancy Meeting with NCL CEO Colin Veitch

- Progress on our Documentary Film

- 2007 SS United States Calendars Receive Rave Reviews

- Exciting Events being planned for 2007

- Happy Birthday SS United States Yahoo group

SS UNITED STATES CONSERVANCY MEETING WITH NCL

Last month SS United States Conservancy board members Susan Gibbs, Greg Norris, and Mark Perry met with the CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), Colin Veitch. The goal of the meeting was to brief NCL on the Conservancy's many current projects and to acquire a better understanding of the current status of the SS United States and potential timeline for the ship's refurbishment. The meeting was very positive and the Conservancy looks
forward to continued collaboration with NCL, the ship's current owner.

Despite rumors to the contrary, Mr. Veitch reported that the Big U's status remains unchanged. NCL continues to conduct detailed feasibility studies for the ship's potential refurbishment. Mr. Veitch assured us that the company is following the best practices in the industry for laid-up vessels to be sure that the ship is well taken care of.

He further clarified that the ship's potential refurbishment will follow the planned expansion of the international fleet and stabilization of NCL's U.S.-flagged fleet, and he counseled patience. He explained that the Big U's refit poses many complex engineering and architectural challenges, particularly in light of new Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) probabilistic damage stability regulations recently adopted by the International Maritime Organization. But he noted that the various feasibility studies concluded to date have been encouraging and that NCL remains deeply committed to the project.

The Conservancy realizes that ultimately NCL may not succeed in returning the Big U to seagoing service. Should active service not be feasible, NCL has assured the Conservancy that it will keep us informed and that NCL will
work together with the Conservancy and others in evaluating all alternatives. However, based on Mr. Veitch's obvious personal enthusiasm for the SS United States, the Conservancy remains cautiously optimistic that NCL's plans will come to fruition. The Conservancy has already begun developing plans for preserving and showcasing the ship's history and legacy aboard a revitalized sea-going vessel, and we look forward to partnering with NCL to make the dream of the SS United States' rebirth a reality.

DOCUMENTARY FILM UPDATE

We are pleased to announce that we have secured significant funding for Robert Radler's/Food Chain Films' documentary on the SS United States and we are moving forward in producing the film. Those who attended our spring 2006 meeting in Philadelphia had the opportunity to enjoy Bob's great trailer for the film, and a condensed version will soon be posted online for all to enjoy. We're confident that this project will make major headway in
2007.

RAVES FOR THE CONSERVANCY'S 2007 SS UNITED STATES CALENDAR

Turner Publishing has released the Conservancy's 2007 SS United States calendar and it looks fantastic! The calendar features photographs and recollections from a number of former crewmembers, passengers and fans,
including engineers Joseph Belanger, Nick Landiak, and Bob Sturm, Gibbs & Cox engineer Larry Paden, passengers Peter and Mary Jane Bridges and Maurice
Polak, cadet Alex Keisch, SS United States enthusiast Bruce Hannover, crewmembers Bill Krudener, Dan McSweeney, Sr. and Joe Rota, Newport News Shipbuilding photographers Buddy Nixon and Marcus Ritger, the family of SS United States Captain Richard Ridington, Janette Gautier, daughter of Kenneth Gautier, Vice President of Passenger Traffic for United States
Lines, former Newport News ship builder Bill Lee and noted maritime artist Donald Stoltenberg. These calendars make great gifts and terrific keepsakes and also provide an excellent way to spread the word about our continued
efforts on behalf of the Big U. To order your copy, please contact Turner Publishing directly at 1-800-788-3350 or visit www.turnerpublishing.com.

SS UNITED STATES GATHERINGS IN 2007

We are planning some wonderful events for 2007: Our annual meeting this summer in Philadelphia, a spring presentation and gathering in Nags Head, North Carolina in partnership with the Steamship Historical Society's
Hampton Roads Chapter, and a festive event and reception in New York City. Stay tuned for exact dates and further details!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SS UNITED STATES GROUP ON YAHOO

A big Happy Birthday goes out to the SS United States Group on Yahoo as it enters its 8th year as the premiere online discussion forum for Big U fans and supporters. Conservancy Board member Richard Rabbett established the group with an eye toward creating a lively environment to foster a free exchange of information, ideas and opinions about America's greatest ship. With over 900 members, the group continues to excel as a source of the
latest information on the ship and spirited discussion among her many enthusiastic fans. The group features a wealth of searchable information from past postings and extensive photo albums. For information on joining
the group, please click here.

Again, please accept our warmest wishes for 2007! We invite those of you who have not renewed your support for 2007 to visit our website and click on the PayPal link. Also, please don't forget to keep us informed of any changes to your email or mailing addresses so we can keep you posted on SS United States news! We are invigorated by the thousands of supporters around the country and world who are committed to preserving the legacy of the Big U. Long may
she live!

With best regards,

Board of Directors

SS United States Conservancy