The SS American Victory will set sail with passengers after four years of restorations.
By BABITA PERSAUD
Published September 5, 2003
The victory ship is finally off to sea. At least, that is the hope.
After four years of restorations, the 58-year-old SS American Victory is scheduled to set sail Sept. 20.
The ship will leave at 9 a.m. from its berth near Cruise Terminal 3 in the Channel District and steam through lower Tampa Bay. It will head back to the Port of Tampa about 4 p.m.
The ship has been open for guided tours for about four years. But this is the ship's first cruise with passengers.
Organizers hope to attract 700 people. The "Shakedown Cruise" costs $125 per person, including a continental breakfast, lunch and an afternoon snack. There also will be weaponry demonstrations and educational activities for kids.
"Cruise passengers will experience what life was like aboard a ship of America's merchant fleet," said Tim Teahan, a publicist for the ship.
The American Victory is a merchant cargo vessel that was launched in May 1945. It served during World War II and the Korean and Vietnam wars, carrying military cargo, ammunition and supplies. The ship also carried humanitarian cargo to the war-ravaged countries of central Europe under the Marshall Plan immediately after World War II.
The ship is a survivor, say those who have worked on its restoration. Of the 534 ships built from mid 1944 until the end of 1945, only a handful remain.
To get tickets for the SS American Victory cruise, call 223-7999. The cost is $125 per person. For more information, call the "Shakedown Cruise" hotline at 514-4602 or visit www.americanvictory.org
