As written on September 5, 2001:

It was indeed an emotional but not a tearful or sad occasion. The day dawned bright, sunny and warm; a perfect day to bid the grand old lady farewell. I trekked up to the pier and upon first sight, I got a slight chill.

She was berthed at Pier 88 North; the same berth she called home for many years and her glorious predecessor a few short ones.

At first glance, glistening in the sunlight, she looked marvelous. Up close, she belied her age. Streaked with salt & rust and quiltwork patches of mis-matched paint, she still looked ever so grand; but well worn. However, it was rather fitting that she "looked" like an ocean liner that has seen service as that is what she is. As sailing time approached, quite a few people (60 or so?) thronged up onto the roof of the pier.

Right on time, at 5 PM, Norway slipped her lines and *attempted* to leave her berth. Perhaps knowing her ultimate or at the very least her uncreatin fate at the end of this voyage, she seemed to resist. The three Moran tugs gave a valiant try at getting her into the river but with her stern almost snug against 90 South and her bow firmly wedged into Pier 88, she wasnt leaving her berth. It seemed a futile attempt to draw her away especially as she seemed intent to move back into her berth (which she did) but after 25 minutes, they managed to get her into the river and turn her bows down river, towards the sea and whatever her fate may be.

Set against a blazing sun, she gracefully started to move down the river and literally faded into the gentle glow of twilight. Perhaps it is somewhat serendipitous that the sun was setting on her as she sailed away.

That said, some say "you can never go home again" and how many of us will actually get the chance to "go home again" when our end is near? At least the Norway will indeed go home again; returning not only to the great Atlantic one more time but also the land and people that gave her life.

With that, we should bid her a fond farewell and we did. Perhaps she'll live on a bit longer. But even should she not, I know that she'll always live on in my memory of her glorious final departure from NYC.

Yes, Bon Voyage is always French and should come easily. Today, those words were hard to swallow.

God Speed and Farewell Great Lady Blue.

Great essay.

quote:

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Originally posted by Tim in 'Lauderdale:
My musings on SS Norway's "Final" farewell in NYC

As written on September 5, 2001:

It was indeed an emotional but not a tearful or sad occasion. The day dawned bright, sunny and warm; a perfect day to bid the grand old lady farewell. I trekked up to the pier and upon first sight, I got a slight chill.

She was berthed at Pier 88 North; the same berth she called home for many years and her glorious predecessor a few short ones.

At first glance, glistening in the sunlight, she looked marvelous. Up close, she belied her age. Streaked with salt & rust and quiltwork patches of mis-matched paint, she still looked ever so grand; but well worn. However, it was rather fitting that she "looked" like an ocean liner that has seen service as that is what she is. As sailing time approached, quite a few people (60 or so?) thronged up onto the roof of the pier.

Right on time, at 5 PM, Norway slipped her lines and *attempted* to leave her berth. Perhaps knowing her ultimate or at the very least her uncreatin fate at the end of this voyage, she seemed to resist. The three Moran tugs gave a valiant try at getting her into the river but with her stern almost snug against 90 South and her bow firmly wedged into Pier 88, she wasnt leaving her berth. It seemed a futile attempt to draw her away especially as she seemed intent to move back into her berth (which she did) but after 25 minutes, they managed to get her into the river and turn her bows down river, towards the sea and whatever her fate may be.

Set against a blazing sun, she gracefully started to move down the river and literally faded into the gentle glow of twilight. Perhaps it is somewhat serendipitous that the sun was setting on her as she sailed away.

That said, some say "you can never go home again" and how many of us will actually get the chance to "go home again" when our end is near? At least the Norway will indeed go home again; returning not only to the great Atlantic one more time but also the land and people that gave her life.

With that, we should bid her a fond farewell and we did. Perhaps she'll live on a bit longer. But even should she not, I know that she'll always live on in my memory of her glorious final departure from NYC.

Yes, Bon Voyage is always French and should come easily. Today, those words were hard to swallow.

God Speed and Farewell Great Lady Blue.

Tim

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I was literally moved to tears by your beautiful "musings on SS Norway's "Final" farewell in NYC".

I was fortunate enough to sail her (as the France) from NYC to SouthHampton in 1967, as a small child. I will never forget dining in her elegant dining room (not sure which one it was), and being enchanted with the beautifully dressed ladies and the 'sophisticated' French children at our table who were permitted to drink wine with their dinner. My parents had a hard time explaining to me why American children weren't allowed to drink wine. LOL. I also clearly recall the mural in the childrens room.

I have always kept loose tabs on her over the years, but have been wondering about her lately as there has been no news for the general public for quite awhile.

How wonderful it was to find this forum! I have been lurking here reading all of the latest news of 'my beloved France', and have been incredibly saddened to learn that she was sold for scrap. What a heartbreaking loss of a truly great ship!

Thanks again for the beautiful essay!

quote:

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My parents had a hard time explaining to me why American children weren't allowed to drink wine.

---

So, come on then, _why_ are American children not allowed to drink wine?

Nice essay Tim. I was lucky enough to be onboard that day. Glass was broken and metal bent when she hit the pier.

It looks like the sun is finally setting on the SS Norway:

Taken by myself as she crossed the Norh Atlantic on her 'Final Transatlantic'.

[ 01-09-2006: Message edited by: Malcolm @ cruisepage ]

quote:

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Originally posted by Peter_LT:

So, come on then, _why_ are American children not allowed to drink wine?

Regards,
Steve (Peter_LT)
Caronia II Timeline Webmaster

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quote:

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Originally posted by Adja:

I found this to be a rather unsatisfactory explanation at the time.

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Oh, I agree! Not only does it teach children about
the finer things of life - it also gives them the skills
to regulate their alcohol in later life. Who better to
be guided by than your parents, rather than the
State, who then end up spending zillions on trying to
control those determined to prove that they have
had a mispent youth.

quote:

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Originally posted by Peter_LT:
[QB]

Oh, I agree! Not only does it teach children about
the finer things of life - it also gives them the skills
to regulate their alcohol in later life. Who better to
be guided by than your parents, rather than the
State, who then end up spending zillions on trying to
control those determined to prove that they have
had a mispent youth.

---

A valid point Steve!

They said when the Hawaii fleet was up and running it would be time to focus on the Big U, well we are waiting!

[ 01-11-2006: Message edited by: Malcolm @ cruisepage ]

quote:

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Originally posted by Kelly D Payne:
The norway was making a profit.

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quote:

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Originally posted by Globaliser:
Even after her "farewell voyage", refit, and unexpected return to the Caribbean? I find that very hard to believe with the fares that NCL were charging after then.

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Yes, why lose a profitable ship? I assume that she was heavy on fuel and her maintenance must have become increasingly expensive. Ever stricter SOLAS regulations must have created additional concerns. Anyway would the cruising public have felt safe on a ship where crew had died, even if she could have been economically repaired?