S.S. INDEPENDENCE by Peter Knego
former names: S.S. INDEPENDENCE, SEA LUCK 1, OCEANIC INDEPENDENCE. Updated February 2008
The SS INDEPENDENCE is shown at her Honolulu berth
December 30, 1994.
Photo and copyright Peter Knego for P.K. Productions.
Built as S.S. INDEPENDENCE for American Export Lines in 1950
by Bethlehem Steel Corporation at Quincy, Mass, USA
Yard No: 1618
23,719 GRT
682 x 88.9 feet
Twin screw, two sets of geared turbines from builders
23 knots
295 First Class passengers, 375 Cabin Class, 330 Tourist Class
In what was the first of three (later scaled back to just two) proposed intermediate liners for American Export Line's (AEL) New York to Mediterranean passenger service, the keel of the SS INDEPENDENCE was laid on 29 March, 1949 at Bethlehem Steel's Quincy, Massachusetts yard. Subcontractors from thirty five states contributed to the building of these ships, which cost a total of $50 million. The majority of the steel came from Pennsylvania, the wood from forests in the Northwest and Northeast, the boilers from Ohio, and the air conditioning and elevators from New Mexico.
The INDEPENDENCE is shown in her original black hull livery in this post card rendering from the early 1950's. Peter Knego collection.
The SS INDEPENDENCE was launched on June 3, 1950 by Mrs. John Slater, wife of the president of American Export Lines. The ship's architect, Henry Dreyfuss, produced a strikingly contemporary vessel with beautifully rounded and terraced decks, offset by tall twin funnels and a classic counter stern. These signature traits were first employed with AEL's handsome single funnel cargo passenger ships EXCALIBUR, EXCAMBION, EXETER, and EXOCHORDA (the "Four Aces") in the late 1940's. Both INDEPENDENCE and the nearly identical CONSTITUTION (which was launched on 15 September 1950) were designed with provisional trooping in mind, and were constructed to the highest safety standards. They were also among the first ships to be built in prefabricated sections, which is the standard procedure today. Their interiors were quite modern and typically spartan in the post war "American fireproof" style, unlike their European contemporaries, which still utilized traditional materials and wood paneling.
The INDEPENDENCE was completed in January 1951 and she departed New York on her maiden voyage cruise to the Mediterranean on February 11, 1951. On April 12, she began sailing on American Export Line's New York - Genoa service, later diverting to a New York - Naples itinerary.
"INDY", as she was affectionately known, was somewhat overshadowed by her newer sister, CONSTITUTION, which was glamorized in film and television roles, most noteably AN AFFAIR TO REMEMBER with Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr, and the famous "porthole" episode of I LOVE LUCY. "CONNIE" was also famous for transporting Grace Kelly's wedding party to Monaco and was featured on the cover of Life magazine. Nonetheless, INDEPENDENCE carried her share of dignitaries, including President and Mrs. Truman in the summer of 1958. Both ships were immensely popular on the route that was affectionately dubbed the "Sun Lane".
The INDEPENDENCE is shown with her expanded superstructure and white livery in this post card view. Peter Knego collection
From February to April 1959 the INDEPENDENCE's passenger accomodation was reconstructed at Newport News, adding 110 First Class berths, increasing her gross tonnage to 23,754. The 6.5 million dollar refit extended the superstructure forward, replaced the Observatory Lounge with cabins, and saw the addition of the Solarium on Sun Deck.
In 1962 the cargo fleet operators, Isbrandtsen Company of New York, gained control of American Export Line, merging the two fleets to become American Export Isbrandtsen Lines.
Sun Deck scene, S.S. INDEPENDENCE / S.S CONSTITUTION, American Export Isbrandtsen Lines card, mid 1960s. Martin Cox collection
In 1968, with the decline in transatlantic travel, the American travel agency Fugazi chartered the ship for a new style of cruising, and both the exterior and interior were given pop-art designs overseen by Peter Harrison, with a pink and orange sunburst (with Jean Harlow eyes) painted on the hull. Passenger accomodation was all one class, however revenues continued to fall, and in 1968, INDEPENDENCE was laid up at Baltimore.
C.Y. Tung bought the idle liner in January 1974 for his Atlantic Far East Lines and renamed her OCEANIC INDEPENDENCE. The ship was refitted for 950 passengers in one class for cruising, which included a Portuguese charter out of Africa. However, she was laid up again in January 1976 at Hong Kong.
There were reports that she was sold to Shannon SA, of Panama, with an intent to operate between Britain and South Africa as SEA LUCK 1, but the transaction did not proceed.
During her maiden Hawaiian season, the OCEANIC INDEPENDENCE is captured in a poetic 3/4 stern view at Kona on 2 September 1980. Photo by and copyright Peter Knego for P.K. Productions
In 1979 American Hawaii Cruises (C.Y. Tung Group) was formed and the laid up OCEANIC INDEPENDENCE was refitted at Kobe, Japan for inter-island Hawaiian service. On June 21, 1980 she began successful seven day cruises, sailing from Honolulu to Kahului, Hilo, Kona, and Nawiliwili. The ship now carried 750 passengers in one class and was remeasured at 20,220 GRT. Her former sister ship CONSTITUTION was brought on line in June of 1982 to join her, sailing Hawaiian waters on a similar itinerary.
OCEANIC INDEPENDENCE ran aground off Nawiliwili, Kauai on September 24, 1981, sustaining heavy bottom damage. Her passengers were taken off and flown home and she sailed to San Francisco for repairs arriving October 7.
Sporting AHC's initial livery, the OCEANIC INDEPENDENCE is captured from Aloha Tower on 30 August, 1980 in this photo by Peter Knego. Copyright P.K. Productions
The "OCEANIC" prefix was dropped from her name in 1982, and the ship was extensively refitted in 1994. In this comprehensive upgrading, her tank tops were replaced, most of the lifeboats were removed in favor of rafts, elevator shafts were extended to Bridge Deck level, and new stairwells were added to the after decks to improve passenger flow. The ship took on a new look with decaled funnels in American Hawaii's new "lei" theme, and a Hawaiian-styled decor in the public areas and passenger accommodation
With her sister CONSTITUTION at her stern, the INDEPENDENCE is shown at Honolulu in her latest livery on 30 December 1994. Photo by and copyright Peter Knego for P.K. Productions
In August 1999, INDEPENDENCE began her 1000th Hawaiian cruise with American Hawaii Cruises, under American Classic Voyages.
Click here to:
Go on a tour of the INDEPENDENCE
Go to the history of American Hawaii Cruises
NEWS UPDATES added by Martin Cox
July 2001:
S.S. INDEPENDENCE, American Hawaii Cruises, received "Ship Of The Year Award" for the year 2000 from the Steamship Historical Society of America in a gala week of celebration aboard the 50 year old liner.
"The award is intended to honour a vessel that has made or is making a major contribution to the purpose of the Steamship Historical Society of America. INDEPENDENCE fulfills this requirement uniquely."
"In her 50th year she has built an entirely new career, successfully cruising Hawaii for the past 21 years. In the roll originally intended for her, she followed the "Sunlane" between New York and Mediterranean Europe for 17 years. In between, she overcame a period of lay-up and foreign service as an evacuation ship."
"With some visible original Henry Dreyfuss design as evidence of her pedigree, she is now fresh and bright in the spirit of the islands. She has annually introduced fifty thousand passengers to the pleasures of Hawaii in a comfortable, easy going style. INDEPENDENCE surely has a spirit of her own too and is truly deserving of the SSHSA "Ship Of The Year Award". (quoted from SSHSA literature by President, Timothy J. Dacey)
September 21, 2001: American Classic Voyages Co. announced that an agreement has been reached, endorsed by the U.S. Maritime Administration with the support of U.S. Secretary of Transportation Norman Y. Mineta, that will enable the uninterrupted construction of two 1,900-passenger cruise ships in the US. Rumoured to be named UNITED STATES and AMERICA the two vessels under gropued under the title "Project America" which is a pilot project aimed at reinvigorating U.S.-flag cruise ship construction and operation. The two ships are in the early stages of construction at Northrop Grumman's Ingalls Operations. Ship delivery dates will be extended by approximately 12 months, to February 1, 2004, and February 1, 2005.
October 19, 2001: American Classic Voyages, Inc. announced filed for bankruptcy court protection and will cease most sailings. In Hawaii, SS INDEPENDENCE and MS PATRIOT will stop sailing on Saturday, October 20 after completing current cruises. The Delta Queen vessels AMERICAN QUEEN, MISSISSIPPI QUEEN, COLUMBIA QUEEN and CAPE MAY LIGHT will stop sailing over the next three days. A fifth Delta Queen steamboat, the historic DELTA QUEEN, will continue to operate its Mississippi River voyages. American Classic claimed that bookings had fallen off since the terrorist attacks on September 11 and cancellations had risen to 30 percent. Rumors the company was in financial trouble had circulated for weeks and on Thursday, Nasdaq officials halted trading in American Classic's shares after they reached a new low of 46 cents each. Two weeks ago, insurers stopped offering polices for American Classic passengers wanting insurance against cruise cancellations. The move further discouraged travel agents from booking passengers on the company's ships. American Classic has on order two new, 1,900-passenger ships under a planning stage at the Ingalls shipyard in Mississippi. The company said it hoped to work out a deal with Los Angeles based Northrop Grumman Corp., owner of the shipyard, and the U.S. Maritime Administration to keep the ship-building projects underway.
SS INDEPENDENCE taken from MS PATRIOT 10/19/01
Photo by MS PATRIOT Second Officer Steven Booth
Aloha Captain Wirkala (Dana):
"She is truly a grand lady, this is a digital picture taken from the ms PATRIOTS's navigational bridge of your fine vessel the SS INDEPENDENCE in the Lahaina Basin this afternoon (10/19) on the last full day of this glorious cruise. She truly represents the spirit of Hawaii and it's people and some of the finest American workmanship."
"We can all be proud of our concerted efforts and contribution which has provided countless memories to our island guests and has provided a truly rewarding and meaning purpose for many of us who affectionately refer to her as the Indy. The Indy has for over 21 years supported our local economy and is responsible for the resurgence and renewed interest in cruising, as in the yesteryears of the traditional white ships that graced our Hawaiian waters such as the Lurline, Matsonia, Mariposa and Monterey. The Indy joins the ranks of these gracious liners which previously served Hawaii with pride and distinction. Mahalo nui loa. - Aloha, Bill Anonsen, Vice President, Maritime Affairs, AMCV"
October 2001: AMCV web site announced:
"Although the legendary DELTA QUEEN steamboat will continue to cruise America's Heartland, without interruption, we regretfully announce that following this weekend, we will cease all Hawaii cruises and Delta Queen riverboat cruises
and coastal voyages. In the Spring of 2002, we intend to resume scheduled operations on the MISSISSIPPI QUEEN. We would like to assure you that taking care of the passengers and employees who are aboard the ships is one of our
very highest priorities. That is why we have made arrangements for each of our vessels to complete their original itineraries and return to their final scheduled destinations."
October 25, 2001:
Northrop Grumman Corp. announced today that it has suspended work on the two 1,900-passenger cruise ships that were under construction for American Classic Voyages Inc., which filed for bankruptcy protection last week.
According to Ingalls an press release, over 1,250 workers at its Ingalls shipyard in Pascagoula would be affected, along with a further 500 employees of subcontractors.
October 30, 2001:
William Anonsen, Vice President, Maritime Affairs, AMCV reports that the grand lady, the SS INDEPENDENCE departed Honolulu at 1300 hrs. (HST) bound for San Francisco for lay up. Councilwomen Rene Mansho put together a farewell program for former crewmembers and friends who witnessed the end of a glorious of era in the rich maritime historical tradition in Hawaii. Running at a leisurely 16 knots she is expected to arrive in San Francisco on November 5th. Tentatively her lay up berth planned for Pier 35 at the Embarcadero.
November 1, 2001:
Following last week's suspension of work on two new cruise ships at Ingalls Shipyard, Northrop Grumman cancelled the project today, stating, "financial woes from the terrorist attacks had made it impossible to complete the billion-dollar effort." The first vessel at the company's shipyard in Pascagoula is 37 percent complete and will have to be moved out of the production area to relieve space.
The Los Angeles-based defense contractor suspended work last week on the two 1,900-passenger vessels it was building for American Classic Voyages, which filed for bankruptcy protection October 19. It is unclear what will become of the first partial constructed ship.
November 8, 2001:
SS INDEPENDENCE sailed past Pier 39 at 10:30 AM. The fireboat PHOENIX greeted and accompanied INDEPENDENCE from the Golden Gate Bridge to the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge. The former American Hawaii Cruise ship,
now the property of the US Maritime Administration, docked at the former Alameda Naval Station adjacent to the museum ship HORNET and will be prepared for layup within the reserve fleet at Suisuin Bay possibly in February 2001.
January 25, 2002:
SS INDEPENDENCE was moved to pier 50 in San Francisco from her mooring across the Bay in Alameda since arriving from Honolulu November 8.
Photo by Walt Bilofsky showing INDEPENDENCE being towed under Richmond Bridge March 5, 2002
March 5, 2002:
SS INDEPENDENCE departed pier 50 assisted by two tugs at 7:20 AM
sailing north under the Richmond Bridge toward the reserve fleet in
Suisun Bay, but then returned to her San Francisco berth at pier 50 after her mast apparently came in contact with the Carquinez Bridge and snapped just above the radar.
April 12, 2002:
SS INDEPENDENCE is laid up in the "raft" of mothballed vessels in the reserve fleet in Suisuin Bay.
April 11, 2003:
After the announcement that NCL has bought SS INDEPENDENCE, she was moved to the former Mare Island Naval Base in Vallejo, California on April 11th.
Photo by Larry Vanerwegen showing INDEPENDENCE laid up at pier 70, San Francisco adjacent Matson's CHIEF GADAO, August 2, 2004
July 26, 2004:
Final farewell, OCEANIC (ex INDEPENDENCE) is towed away from pier 70, on Feburary 4, 2008, after almost four years of layup. Photo (c) Terry Blanchard.
February 4, 2008: OCEANIC (ex INDEPENDENCE, SEA LUCK I, OCEANIC INDEPENDENCE, INDEPENDENCE) is towed from her berth at BAE Shipyard in San Francisco's China Basin at approximately 11:00 AM in a thick fog. After she was hooked up to an ocean-going tug, she was led out past the San Francisco waterfront and toward the Pacific before the fog finally lifted. An accompanying tug, DELTA LINDA, gave her a small waterspray salute as she maneuvered under the Golden Gate Bridge, along the Marin Headlands and out to sea. Her next destination is reputed to be Singapore, although a possible tug refueling stop may be made in either Honolulu or Guam. The ship has been laid up in various parts of the San Francisco Bay since the collapse of American Hawaii Cruises in late 2001 and was for a time owned by NCL, who had considered rebuilding her for U.S. cruise service -- that option fizzled after a difficult start up of the company's NCL America division.
Click here to:
Go on a tour of the INDEPENDENCE
Go to the history of American Hawaii Cruises
References: American Passenger Ships; Frederick Emmons, Great Passenger Ships of the World Today, Arnold Kludas; Passenger Liners American Style, William Miller; Martin Cox; Saluting the Aloha Spirit, Allan E. Jordan; The World's Passenger Fleet CD-ROM, by Peter Knego