***
many of them aren't even seaworthy without a network of redundant water jets that
stabilize the ship...
***

I don't know if you meant it to sound like this, but it sounds like you think the past
generation(s) of cruise liners are less able in the open sea than nowadays.. :S

I have to agree with Sindher here. What a beauty.

the Indy is gone now. She wrecked on Alang, India, and was scrapped on sight. Too bad, she
would have made a nice hotel in Hawaii where she spent her final years of sailing. She was
also intact interior wise and themed for Hawaii anyway. Her hull needed work, and she was
not in the best of shape (which led to her demise)

All thats left now is the SS United States, America's only Superliner, and "The Emerald"
which may end up in California, if she ends up not sailing again. Emerald is lucky
however, she meets SOLAS 2010 regulations

Picture from 1956

The Queen Mary 2 does have more of a classic liner appearance.
Was quite a shame I missed out on a tour of her when she came on her maiden visit
in February last year.

I do so miss the ships with the classic lines. These new ones do indeed look like
floating apartment buildings, and many of them aren't even seaworthy without a network of
redundant water jets that stabilize the ship...

Awful fine decor on the inside, though, I must admit.

The Queen Elizabeth and Queen Mary both docked in Sydney harbour in February. It's
crazy looking at the size of those things.

Unlike flying, I think cruising has retained that element of luxury which is the drawing
attraction for it. I guess the mere fact you are on a cruise means you are not in a rush,
hence holidaying = luxury. I would really like to go on a cruise, although to be honest I
don't think I could go for long. I get restless quite easily if I can't have a decent change
of scenery in a week or so :(

I think I have watched too many shows about the titanic because when I see the pics I want
to put on a life jacket.

I would've done anything to take a cruise on a classic. Though the only known one I
knew of in existence that may have possibly been recommissioned was the SS
Independence (SS Platinum II).

Apparently she was en route to be scrapped in India but was declined due to toxins.
Then became a wreck somehow last year. It's a sad sight. :(

http://maritimematters.com/wp-content/uploads/cache/2133_BnHover.jpg

True enough, Emma - wish it would extend to her exterior as well.

@Shimakaze
She's not open to the public. It was a private tour for journalists and dignitaries in
conjunction with her maiden visit here.

@TimmyC
I guess all cruise ships are like that nowadays. But what sets her apart is the decor.
Even with the standard cookie-cutter feel you get from the exterior, inside you still
feel the sort of grandeur reminiscent of olden days.