SS Constitution

The SS "Constitution" was an ocean liner owned by American Export Lines. She was commissioned in 1951. She sailed on the New York-Genoa-Naples and Gibraltar route to Europe. "Constitution" was a sister ship to the SS "Independence" (which is still in existence although currently in Dubai, United Arab Emirates awaiting sale). The "Constitution" was featured in several episodes of the television situation comedy "I Love Lucy" starring Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, starting with episode 140, "Bon Voyage," which first aired December 1, 1955. Lucy Ricardo missed the sailing of the ship and had to be ferried by air to the ship by the then-novel means of a helicopter. SS Constitution then featured in the 1957 film, "An Affair to Remember" with Cary Grant & Deborah Kerr. The ship was also featured heavily in the "Magnum, P.I." episode "All Thieves on Deck," which aired January 30, 1986. Following service on American Export's "Sunlane" cruise to Europe in the 50's and 60's, the two ships sailed for American Hawaii Cruises for many years in the 80's and 90's; because they were US ships with US crews, were able to cruise the Islands without sailing to a foreign port.

The "Constitution" was decommissioned in 1995 and, while under tow to be scrapped, sank 700 miles north of the Hawaiian Islands in 1997.

ee also

*SS United States
*SS Independence
*SS France (1961)

External links

* [http://www.ssmaritime.com/ss-independence-constitution.htm History and photos of "Constitution" and "Independence"]
* [http://www.maritimematters.com/constitution-memory-az.html A story of a voyage on the "Constitution"]
* [http://magnum-mania.com/Pics/Screen_Caps_Season_Six_4.html#6.15 Photo page for Magnum, P.I. episode All Thieves on Deck"]