The Crew Quarters and Working Spaces in the bow- The crew spaces in the bow are well placed to be restored for a guided tour of crew accommodations. After being met by a tour guide at the proposed staging area in the restored Observation Lounge, the tour group moves to the Tourist Theatre for an introductory video and presentation. The group is then guided to the open areas of the bow on Promenade Deck, after which, the tour moves down deck by deck through the crew quarters and working spaces until finally reaching the Maritime Museum on B Deck. Another option for expanding this tour, would be to include the crew areas on forward C and D Decks, followed by the Cargo Holds. The only issue with including the Cargo Holds is their “as built” isolation and lack of accessibility. Some of the watertight bulkheads which would provide an easy access route to the holds as part of the Crew and Working Spaces Tour, don’t have a watertight door which to pass through. For the optimal route chosen, an opening could be installed in the bulkhead along with a new watertight door, therefore maintaining watertight integrity. This website would like to keep any structural alterations to the ship to an absolute minimum. This is one instance, however, where it might be well worth a small alteration to make this unique feature of the ship, accessible to the public.

Tourist Class Cabins- The areas in the bow of this deck that were once made up of Tourist Class cabins are very private and only accessible via the original staircases. With the proposed museum areas in the former crew and tourist cabin areas in the bow, these areas are perfectly sited to be the private home to the necessary curatorial offices and storage areas for the ship’s museum functions.

The Forward Boiler and Engine Rooms- The power train of the S.S. United States was (and in many ways still is) it’s “claim to fame“. These spaces would form a vital part of the ship’s value as an attraction on the waterfront. When put in the context of a fully integrated restoration plan, specifically the one illustrated on this site, the logistics of access become pretty straightforward. The forward boiler and engine rooms can easily be accessed via the B Deck level of the proposed ship museum. In these forward spaces, a tour guide well versed in the machinery of these spaces, would explain to guests the major components of the power train. Moving aft, the shaft tunnels could again provide quick access to the aft machinery spaces where a knowledgeable guide would explain the rationale between the twin systems, especially the concept of a back-up in the event of failure or attack in time of war.

Cold and other Stores- Located on D Deck amidships, was some of the cold food stores for the main kitchens on A Deck along with other stores such as laundry and linen. These areas were supplied from the working alleyway on B Deck and tied to the main kitchen via four service elevators. With the operation of restaurants, banqueting, and a hotel, the original service areas here on the lower decks would once again become very relevant. This logistic arrangement would once again be perfect for the restaurants and catering needs of the ship in-port, servicing the main kitchen on A Deck as well as the proposed Promenade Deck kitchen.

The Aft Boiler and Engine Rooms- (See the description for the Forward Boiler and Engine Rooms)

The Working Spaces in the stern- (pending)