Cruise Talk: What Happens to the Furniture?

Cruise Talk

Cruise News

Welcome to Cruise Talk the Internet's most popular discussion forum dedicated to cruising. Stop by Cruise Talk anytime to post a message or find out what your fellow passengers and industry insiders are saying about a particular ship, cruise line or destination.

>>> Reader Reviews
>>> CruisePage.com Photo Gallery
>>> Join Our Cruise Club.

Latest News...Disney Cruise Line announced today that the honorary role of "godparent" for its new ship, the Disney Treasure, will be held by The Walt Disney Company cast, crew, Imagineers and employees around the world. The profound declaration is a heartfelt tribute to the more than 200,000 dreamers and doers who make every Disney entertainment, vacation and at-home experience possible. Disney Cruise Line is proud to celebrate...

Latest News...Carnival Cruise Line is adding to its line-up of 2026/27 deployment with sailings from New York City on Carnival Venezia, and more Long Beach sailings on Carnival Firenze and Carnival Radiance. “Our two Carnival Fun Italian Style ships offer great options from the east and west coasts, conveniently connecting New York and Long Beach to popular destinations, while delivering unique experiences on board...

Latest News...Vacationers are in for more ways to make memories across Royal Caribbean’s latest combination of tropical and Northeast 2026-27 getaways. The lineup of 12 Royal Caribbean ships rounds out a variety of adventures across Florida, Texas, Puerto Rico and the Northeast for every type of family and vacationer to get away any time of year. Crown & Anchor Society loyalty members...

More Cruise News...

my profile | register | search | faq | forum home

»	Cruise Talk » Ocean Liners and Classic Cruise Ships » What Happens to the Furniture?

UBBFriend: Email this page to someone!

Author

Topic: What Happens to the Furniture?

empressport
First Class Passenger
Member # 2511

posted 11-04-2002 01:43 AM

Does anyone know what happens to most of the furniture when a liner is scrapped? You sometimes see SS United States items on E-Bay, I guess because of the big auction they had in the 1980's. But what about items from Canberra, Britanis, Leonardo DaVinci and so on?

Posts: 464 | From: Vancouver, BC | Registered: Oct 2001 | IP: Logged

Deck 9 001
First Class Passenger
Member # 1716

posted 11-04-2002 03:33 AM

Empressport hi,

I also have wondered this........
For many years I have gone to Koashiung, Taiwan in efforts to try to find some "remains" of cruise ships which were broken up there. But, alas, to no avail.
I did so want to recreate an "liner" or "cruise ship" annex into one of my restaurants here in Taipei.
But, I did luck out many years ago when the Caronia was auctioning "things" off at New York Harbor.

I am sure though, that there must be many things available here in Taiwan. The problem is, that the Taiwanese have no interest, and also do not share our enthusiasm for ships as we do. Therefore, there must be cartons, boxes, crates, and even possibly containers with "stuff" that we all would "die for" here in Taiwan...

Now that you brought up this subject, I will again go on a search and see if I can find some fabulous treasures, that may be considered "junk" to others.......

Thanks for the reminder Empressport.
I'll post if I succeed.

Best regards,
Mike

Posts: 939 | From: Taipei, Taiwan (originally New York) | Registered: Dec 2000 | IP: Logged

WhiteStar
First Class Passenger
Member # 2740

posted 11-04-2002 10:57 AM

I spent a couple of hours searching the web but could find no Cruise Ship Furniture or furnishings for sale. I did find many auction houses that specialize in selling the contents of hotels, restaurants, AND cruise ships.

My guess, and this is just a guess, is that the company that owns a ship that is going to the breakers contracts with one of these companies. They in turn hold the auction covering all costs of the procedure and keeping a percentage of the proceeds.

This was how it worked when a friend of mine closed his restaurant. The place was gutted and EVERYTHING was sold...right down to the menus.

Anybody else have any ideas?

Posts: 668 | From: Minnesota | Registered: Jan 2002 | IP: Logged

gohaze
First Class Passenger
Member # 586

posted 11-04-2002 07:12 PM

Probably about the best place to go these days is Alang in India where they are scrapped. There was a good article in I think it was Shipping magazine recently abut Alang and the writer got a whole counter he wanted for a bar at home.
....peter

Posts: 1909 | From: Vancouver.BC | Registered: Sep 99 | IP: Logged

Green
First Class Passenger
Member # 171

posted 11-04-2002 09:59 PM

quote:
Originally posted by empressport Does anyone know what happens to most of the furniture when a liner is scrapped? You sometimes see SS United States items on E-Bay, I guess because of the big auction they had in the 1980's. But what about items from Canberra, Britanis, Leonardo DaVinci and so on? [/QB]

After the fact information -

Acquaintances who sailed on Rotterdam V's 'Farewell' - wanted several items from the ship, chairs, light fixtures, china etc. - I understand they submitted a list to the Front Desk and were successful in obtaining quite a few pieces. I have no idea how values, bids, etc. were established.

Shops On Board had several 'sales' - our friends apparently did well there too.

Posts: 2913 | From: Markham, Ontario, Canada | Registered: Jul 99 | IP: Logged

nzmike
First Class Passenger
Member # 1308

posted 11-04-2002 11:15 PM

It generally depends what the contract of sale is. Pre war, most ships were completely de-stored with all furniture, artwork, crockery, cutlery etc removed and auctioned. These days companies tend to remove everything of value to them andsimply leave the rest, and the scrappers dispose of it as they see fit. When Canberra was scrapped P&O spent ten days destoring her and a lot was removed, however there was still a substantial amount of furniture left on board, simply being what P&O didn't want. All the artwork and anything of company or sentimental value was removed. The Big U's furnishings were all sold at auction in 1984 when Richard Hadley owned the ship so are likely to be scattered around.

Posts: 186 | From: Auckland, New Zealand | Registered: May 2000 | IP: Logged

desirod7
First Class Passenger
Member # 1626

posted 11-05-2002 06:26 AM

The Pacific Princess had many artifacts from the Canberra, which included paintings of old P&O ships, some furnishings, even carpeting.

Posts: 5727 | From: Philadelphia, Pa [home of the SS United States] | Registered: Oct 2000 | IP: Logged

Malcolm @ cruisepage
Cruise Director
Member # 301

posted 11-05-2002 12:50 PM

quote:
Originally posted by empressport:
Does anyone know what happens to most of the furniture when a liner is scrapped?

It ends up with anyone who is prepared to buy it and pay for the transport!

Peter Knego (maritime writer/Lecturer) has a house full of it! He had a container full of it shipped to Amerrican from Alang.

Some ends up as the decore in fish restaurants in Madras etc!

Posts: 19210 | From: Essex (Just Outside London) | Registered: A Long Time Ago! | IP: Logged

WhiteStar
First Class Passenger
Member # 2740

posted 11-06-2002 08:52 AM

quote:
Originally posted by Malcolm @ cruisepage:
It ends up with anyone who is prepared to buy it and pay for the transport!
Peter Knego (maritime writer/Lecturer) has a house full of it! He had a container full of it shipped to Amerrican from Alang.

Malcolm - How did Peter find the items? Do the breakers put the stuff up for sale?

Posts: 668 | From: Minnesota | Registered: Jan 2002 | IP: Logged

nathan
First Class Passenger
Member # 720

posted 11-06-2002 09:23 AM

I think some of it ends up in the homes of the breakers.

Posts: 534 | From: Knoxville, Tennessee | Registered: Aug 99 | IP: Logged

Malcolm @ cruisepage
Cruise Director
Member # 301

posted 11-06-2002 09:40 AM

quote:
Originally posted by WhiteStar:
Malcolm - How did Peter find the items? Do the breakers put the stuff up for sale?

Yes, I saw a Lecture where Peter said that he simply phoned the agent in India and nogotiated what he wanted and the price/shipping.

He purchased a entire lorry container of stuff. I hate to imagine how much that cost to transport? I understand that the contents were not expensive. I thik he sold some items to fund the cost?

Posts: 19210 | From: Essex (Just Outside London) | Registered: A Long Time Ago! | IP: Logged

titanicsteve
First Class Passenger
Member # 2142

posted 11-09-2002 01:36 PM

Well one time when I in an antiques store near me (not so long ago) I came across a beautiful old piece of furiture from a liner! It was a tall wash stand with mirror, basin and two glasses. I investagated and after findings the Shiping Lines name (Cunard) I then found out it was from the SS Mauratina!!! I really wanted it but at €1500 I declined the chanc to buy it

Posts: 510 | From: Ireland (near Titanic birthplace!!) | Registered: Jun 2001 | IP: Logged

All times are ET (US)

Ultimate Bulletin Board^TM 6.1.0.3

VACATION & CRUISE SPECIALS

Check out these great deals from CruisePage.com

Royal Caribbean - Bahamas Getaway from $129 per person

Description: Experience the beautiful ports of Nassau and Royal Caribbean's private island - CocoCay on a 3-night Weekend Getaway to the Bahamas. Absorb everything island life has to offer as you snorkel with the stingrays, parasail above the serene blue waters and walk the endless white sand beaches. From Miami.

Carnival - 4-Day Bahamas from $229 per person

Description: Enjoy a wonderful 3 Day cruise to the fun-loving playground of Nassau, Bahamas. Discover Nassau, the capital city as well as the cultural, commercial and financial heart of the Bahamas. Meet the Atlantic Southern Stingrays, the guardians of Blackbeard's treasure.

NCL - Bermuda - 7 Day from $499 per person

Description: What a charming little chain of islands. Walk on pink sand beaches. Swim and snorkel in turquoise seas. Take in the historical sights. They're stoically British and very quaint. Or explore the coral reefs. You can get to them by boat or propelled by fins. You pick. Freestyle Cruising doesn't tell you where to go or what to do. Sure, you can plan ahead, or decide once onboard. After all, it's your vacation. There are no deadlines or must do's.

Holland America - Eastern Caribbean from From $599 per person

Description: White sand, black sand, talcum soft or shell strewn, the beaches of the Eastern Caribbean invite you to swim, snorkel or simply relax. For shoppers, there's duty-free St. Thomas, the Straw Market in Nassau, French perfume and Dutch chocolates on St. Maarten. For history buffs, the fascinating fusion of Caribbean, Latin and European cultures. For everyone, a day spent on HAL's award winning private island Half Moon Cay.

Celebrity - 7-Night Western Mediterranean from $549 per person

Description: For centuries people have traveled to Europe to see magnificent ruins, art treasures and natural wonders. And the best way to do so is by cruise ship. Think of it - you pack and unpack only once. No wasted time searching for hotels and negotiating train stations. Instead, you arrive at romantic ports of call relaxed, refreshed and ready to take on the world.

Holland America - Alaska from From $499 per person

Description: Sail between Vancouver and Seward, departing Sundays on the ms Statendam or ms Volendam and enjoy towering mountains, actively calving glaciers and pristine wildlife habitat. Glacier Bay and College Fjord offer two completely different glacier-viewing experiences.

More Vacation & Cruise Specials...