I lived on that ship for 5 years called Aurora before it was called the Faithful. I did missionary work for Friendships for 7 years. It’s awesome to see her again!!
That is such a beautiful ship. I cannot understand why cruise ships today look like multi-story car parks. A friend of mine is in about his 20th year restoring a Supermarine Spitfire. I sometimes think he is crazy, but he is good at it. It looks like Chris is good at this, but he is possibly crazier than my friend. The world needs such people !
The INSIDES of the car-park cruise ships can be stunning. Google "Cruise Ship Interiors". And that's the thing, it's better to make a cruise ship for the paying people INSIDE the ship than the people OUTSIDE who don't pay.
@@darthkek1953 There is no comparison with today's technology for stability and safety but the old ships were very beautiful and comfortable also inside, many were palatial, there is no need to sacrifice the outside look.
Just a bit of history of this beautiful ship. It was built in 1955 in Hamburg and named "Wappen von Hamburg" (the Hamburg Coat Of Arms), It saw service as a mini cruise liner between Hamburg and the island of Helgoland until 1961, when it was sold to Greece, being employed as an "island hopper" and now named Delos. in 1967, it was sold to Canada and named "Polar Star", now employed in arctic cruises. Again sold in 1970, seeing service in the Pacific as "Pacific Star". Sold again after only 2 years and named "Xanadu". In 1998, she became "Faithful" and finally, "Aurora" in 2009. The ship is closely tied the history of the City of Hamburg and it is a joy to see that afterb so many years of neglect, someone takes good care of the old girl!
I worked for the Aurora when it was called the Xanadu and it sailied out of Vancouver to do Alaska cruises. She did eight day trips as the ship did not travel fast enough to do a seven day itinerary. As part of my job I got to take my very first cruise as a passenger and sailed aboard her later on a repositioning trip as well. The officers were Spanish/Basque and the rest of the staff was mostly from Thailand; three of whom settled in Vancouver. Trevor Stephenson the Cruise Director was from the UK and went on to work aboard Seabourn and other 6 star cruise ships. About 45+ years later I am still in close contact with one of the officers from Thailand. Many went on to work aboard her when she became the Aurora. By that time I was working on board ships for Carnival Cruise Line and remember meeting up with the Aurora/Xanadu and some of my friends when we were both in Nassau Bahamas at the same time.
Agreed, and I would go further and say, that unless he finds a very rich benefactor or raises huge amounts of money in some other way, I doubt that this ship will ever sail again. The complexity of just the motors and the electrics etc., will take hundreds of thousands of dollars to get up to speed, then there's everything else ! I recently saw a video where a guy refurbished an 40 year old 60 footer and it cost him 500K. But I guess it's a cool and interesting place to live and he's not paying for house...
I was a Volunteer on Faithful 1994 for 6months, anchored LA harbor not far from QEII & navel base. Then owned by Christian charity who wanted to renovate to be a hospital/support ship sailing to countries in need of aid with their WW2 cargo ship 'Spirit' which i sent 6months on sailing to Haiti and Honduras. Excellent to see Faithful in good hands, magnificent ship
I must say that Chris is an amazing guy! I get frustrated doing little projects in my house - and living in FL I know people who have restored sailboats and small pleasure boats or fishing vessels - but not to the extent that Chris has done to the Aurora - it truly had been a rust bucket - and the amount of work he has put in - he’s a master craftsman!! I’ve been on ships with small hallways - but the one he was working on was soooooo narrow - and having to do so much welding. It’s great that he has a lot of volunteers - I wish I could “adopt” one of the cabins - would love to see one restored to look like the first ship I cruised on - the SS Norway in 1989!
@@gibshredcamel A ship as big and as expensive to maintain as the SS United States has to earn its keep every day with real positive cash flow. They cost huge amounts in decay and upkeep just sitting at the dock as "museums" or "floating hotel / restaurants".
@@scdevon the haul under the water isn’t rusted at all and if I had the money or if I knew how to do it I would for it’s part of America’s history and I would do all of it for free as a volunteer
Ha! What a sojourn during May 1966 from Hamburg to Helgoland (the standard daily route of “Wappen von Hamburg” during her HADAG service) to spend a few days in splendid isolation with my bride Heidi, occasionally visiting the nudist colony on a sandbank-dune off this prior-1890 British Colony in the German Bight (better called a Britsh shipping “observation post”, which, needless to say, they unsuccessfully attempted to blow out of the water during and after WW2, subsequent to it serving as German FLAK/anti-aircraft battery smack in the centre of the more important approaches to German North Sea ports.) That was subject of a museum-sight-seeing-walk about the island during our stay. At the time the “Wappen von Hamburg” was but 11 years in service, spik-and-span in appearance and quality workmanship . Thanks for restoring the ‘Old Lady’ to her old glory; she was built at the site where now Airbusses take to the skies after assembly.
Fixing the interior is one thing.... but how about water in the bilges - do the engine room pumps still work ? - and the under ship; the part that is underwater... in what condition is that ? Those two factors did cause major problems in the Queen Mary....and yes, ships who are still in the water need dry dock maintenance to survive...
You are right, my buddy bought a pretty big fishing boat for a hella bargin. They dry docked it to find out the ship should of been salvaged not sold. Interior doesn’t matter if the shell is junk. Kind of like a house with a bad foundation.
I can't believe this is being done I think it is a excellent project keep the good work up and don't let people ask you questions about negative s*** like what did you do during the pandemic what were your problems don't worry about the problems concentrate on the positive side let all that other b******* go away everybody wants to hear the bad things don't even talk about it just keep very positive and keep moving forward screw the other s*** don't even talk about it good job
Ship Happens. I don't know how much money you have but by comparison you are investing the same percentage of resources and finances. ( Just guessing ) I've been following your project on YT. I wish you all the best.
Good idea. This ship Was build im Hamburg in Germany Atmosphäre the Blohm&Voss Shipbuilders as the first Ship after World war II its first name was Wappen von Hamburg. Later it was sold to Greece and it was named Delos. After that i don't know where it was gone. My Grandfather was one of the shipbuilders there. Good luck whit it. Greethings from Germany.
They are about to break up the “Marco Polo” (ex Alexander Pushkin) in Alang India. A beautiful timeless old ocean liner also built in Germany in 1965. I had the pleasure of living on board for a year in the 90s. Lots of beautiful teak decking and brass fittings etc. I know they sell off all the fixtures, fittings and furniture as they break the ships. It may be worth you looking at the scrap yards in India and Turkey for some fixtures for Your amazing project? With the Pandemic lots of older cruise ships have sadly gone to scrap over the past few months so there may well be some bargains to be had? (with the Marco Polo being the saddest for me ☹️) Good luck with this restoration. Lovely to see a classic ship being saved having worked at sea on liners and cruise ships for 25 years.
There aren't many ocean liner/cruise liners left in the world. But Aurora is one of the lucky ones. She is such a beautiful vessel and she will cheer many people up someday when she is finished. It would be cool to see her on the water again though and host small cruises, but I assume she'll need new engines.
Why is USS Mazaepta YTM -181 on the ship? I see it at 2:08 in the video.The USS Mazapeta (Yard Tug-181), a Woban class NAVY tug was laid down by the Gibbs Gas Engine Co. of Jacksonville, Fla., August 7th 1942; launched May 8th 1943; Why is it plastered on the ship?
They should send Industrial apprentices as a working project for their graduation. I mean you will learn and learn to apply a lot of specialist skills. If it is possible to live reasonably comfortably on board (hot water, decent cabin) I would work only for the food and lodging. I wouldn't need or want paying. Just feeding and some good company.
Very interesting and fascinating- I am curious about the inspection process for his restoration. For example- what type of things does he need to have inspected, how does it differ for inspecting a cruise ship versus inspecting something on land like a house, who inspects cruise ships? Well thanks again for this interesting series
I'm good for a partial answer, because I know that there are different kinds of inspections for different length/tonnage vessels and for privately owned versus commercial/passenger vessels. And much of it, if not all, is done by USCG.
👍👌👏 Oh WOW, simply fantastic again! What an extremely impressive guy owning that beautiful "boat". I wish Mr. Wilson all the luck he needs (and more). I will watch the next video parts instantly. Hope his TH-cam channel will be available soon. I will definitely subscribe. I would love to restore a cabin. I even have some old German furniture that could definitely be used. But unfortunately there is a very, very big pond between us, sigh. Thanks a lot for making explaining recording editing uploading and sharing. Best regards luck and health to all involved people.
If this ship at one time, was built by the Germans.. You know it's top of line for its age. That's why things still work. I think its awesome, that you took on this ship and thank you for keeping this cool ship alive.
@@CruisetheWorldAtoZ Ya or things are made to last from 12 to noon. I use to hear that one growing up. I guess made in China products. Thanks for responding.
I can't even begin to imagine how much work needs done on that hulk. Turn it into a reef and get something that you might get finished before time catches up with you.
My personal gotcha project is a 1968 gm pd 4107 it is a two part project it will be a class a motor home while the out side will still look like greyhound
@@CruisetheWorldAtoZ good they can be your best friends. They saved my life after i was shipwrecked 75 N. Miles out to sea at night in a storm after we we lost the F/V PETREL to fire and had to go into the freezing cold water without survival suits hanging on to a hatch cover , on the 21st of May 1977 , we were picked up by a USCG 52-A CHOPPER, this was my first job out of the Navy , I love the Coast Guard ! ,with their help you'll have a magnificent and safe ship , great job with that !, im working with the Stockton Maritime museum, they are restoring a Navy Mine Sweeper Ocean ( MSO ) THE U.S.S.LUCID I'm their Marine artist I would love to see your ship wonderful project ,thank you for saving it ! Its an incredible project and fascinating story !
That’s great, I have subscribed and also now following their Facebook also. I was a voluntary member of the steamship S.S.Shieldhall crew a few years ago here in Southampton and absolutely loved it but sadly life moves on and for various reasons have not been able to continue. I do miss it terribly though and have taken my wife and son on a sailing where he had the opportunity to pull the whistle as the QM2 went past 😀 and she replied!!!
It must be quite a creepy experience walking through the ship at night with the lightning at at minimum. There could be somebody else living aboard who you have no idea about, after all it's a big ship for one person unless he's planning to move his entire extended family in once she's finished.
Andrew, we have a short "youtube short" that shows a sneak peek. We will have more soon! Here is is if you would like to check it out: th-cam.com/video/D9cg8CyNIx8/w-d-xo.html
In the first episode, it was mentioned she was built with MAN/Mercedes diesel-electric. It isn't common to re-power a ship this size due to the logistics involved and costs, so I would assume it is still the same.
I have a pretty good idea about how much the mechanicals on something like this will cost to make it voyage worthy. I'd suggest about 4 million should get it away from the dock. And I'm probably being very, VERY conservative. Interesting project though.
Barry, we have a short "youtube short" that shows a sneak peek. We will have more soon! Here is is if you would like to check it out: th-cam.com/video/D9cg8CyNIx8/w-d-xo.html
@@CruisetheWorldAtoZ Hi Alanna, yes I did see that video. I have just subscribed so hopefully I will get a notification when the engine room video is uploaded. She is a beautiful ship. Keep up the good work and restore her to her original beauty.
While I love the idea of restoring a ship, what is the end purpose? Will this be taking passengers again? Are the engine and systems seaworthy, or will they be again? Will it be a floating hotel? The cost in time, $ and materials just seem prohibitive. Is anyone helping with the labor?
How can I get ahold of this guy, I would like to rebuild one of he suites. I am afraid to post my phone # or email, so how would I get a hold of him any help greatly appreciated. I really want a suite a nice big one. My name is Steve Q, not a lot of my last names here in Tarrant County or Keller Tx thanks like to know where he’s at thanks anyone
The Hull, engines, gen sets, wiring ect are far more important to start work on than interior fittings. This could cost £M's at a time when the cruise industry is finished and all these ships are on their way to the Bangladeshi beaches to be scrapped..
When I was in college in the 90’s there was this dude that salvaged a old sailing yacht stuck in the delta. Thing was like historic or some shit. He came to the college and ohhhhhhh ahhhhhhhed volunteers and gave them like a appreciation voucher they could use for being a part of it. He made few million off the sell when it was done. The end.
So.... Will it move under its own power ? Love to see the engine room b4 donating any $$. Plans for hull restoration would be interesting. Like lookin at the menu but not knowing if the kitchen is functioning. Not trying to be mean but these questions interest me.
I hear what you are saying Hanky! We have a short "youtube short" that shows a sneak peek of the engine room. We will have more soon! Here is is if you would like to check it out: th-cam.com/video/D9cg8CyNIx8/w-d-xo.html Chris is also starting his channel soon and will have more!
Just a suggestion there is a TH-cam channel I follow called abandon mansion. The owner of the site is Matt and he TH-cam the restoration of this abandoned mansion. I think your vessel would be a perfect subject for something called abandon ship or the abandon ship restoration project. With the added benefit of TH-cam subscribers it could be a good source of income for your project to help with further restoration efforts. Anyway this is just a suggestion as I’m sure many and I mean many people would be interested in following the progress of the ships restoration. Good luck and God bless
@@ginomorris4873 no never been on a cruise ship, 40 years mostly on sailboats and tugs. I don't have any ambition to. Glass mirrors are not a good idea in passageways where passengers can be thrown against them. This old cruise ship will probably never get underway with Passengers again as coast guard COI's (certificate of inspection) are next to impossible is get once expired. To sit at a dock it will need a COI also to have visitors. Also they do make metal mirrors for such area's.
He should have started with the hull first, one morning he might get up to ankle-deep water. Man the work involved would take a team of guys months to put right and cost megabucks.
@@CruisetheWorldAtoZ I'm very interested in how he provides power for, lights, welders, tools, and things of that nature. Solar? Generater? Land based power pole? I'm sure it pulls a lot of power to keep the lights on, so to speak. 😁
Pro tip: talk to the camera /microphone. When you turn your back to point at something the video viewer can't even see, the viewer also can't hear what you're saying about the thing you're pointing at (that the viewer can't see).
Hypothetically say someone did like this gentleman. How did you find a place to legally moor it? Can't imagine finding a marina that would except such a large vessel.
@@CruisetheWorldAtoZ Thanks for the series. Been a long time dream to win a lotto and do something like this. lol without the reno but love the energy of this all the same.
This project is a cautionary tale.... this ship needs major fundraising, a public or private foundation, and a lot more labourers to ever get completed. Restoration is probably going to cost many multiples of the price it was sold for.
I guess the TH-cam algorithm decided I would be interested in this, so it popped this up. I watched a few of the other videos as well. I work in the marine industry. I'm very surprised and disappointed that you are pouring money (your own and others') and time into this vessel, but not once did you mention that you had the vessel inspected by a class surveyor to find out if the vessel can ever be brought back to seaworthy condition, let alone what will be required and how much it will cost to do so. It's easy for a handy person to work on cosmetics, but if you seriously intend for the vessel to be seaworthy, the ship will practically have to be gutted in order for the hull, propulsion, engines, fuel system, electrical system, fire suppression, ballast water, drinking water, sewage tanks, valves and pumps to be restored, before you even get to the hotel systems. I know of someone who restored an early 1900s fishing boat into a yacht. It had to be taken down to the bare hull. It cost literally millions and it was much smaller than your ship. Similarly, look at the efforts to restore the Calypso, which is literally dead in the water, due to the practical and monetary challenges. Everyone who watches videos like this gets taken up in the romantic idea of restoring an old vessel and wants to throw money at it, but you should not accept money from anyone unless you first do your homework. This isn't just a matter that you don't even know what you don't know. You seem to not have even the slightest clue what you don't know and that's a very precarious place to be.
YOU CAN NOW HELP SUPPORT THE AURORA'S RESTORATION! Grab a t-shirt here: bit.ly/3dahIhu or a face mask here etsy.me/3qj1R47 😍
I love you're doing, lot of potencial ,money making to help you restoration. You bear me to it ha ha good luck man. HOW MUCH DID YOU PAY FOR IT
I ordered a shirt with the Aurora ship outline and the Restoration Project months ago and never received it.
@@davidtravis6968 David, I would reach out to Chris directly through his facebook group, "Aurora restoration Project" or send him an email.
Alanna, did chris mention how he got
insurance for the aurora?
I lived on that ship for 5 years called Aurora before it was called the Faithful. I did missionary work for Friendships for 7 years. It’s awesome to see her again!!
that is so wonderful! Please share some of the pictures in our group!
That is such a beautiful ship. I cannot understand why cruise ships today look like multi-story car parks. A friend of mine is in about his 20th year restoring a Supermarine Spitfire. I sometimes think he is crazy, but he is good at it. It looks like Chris is good at this, but he is possibly crazier than my friend. The world needs such people !
The INSIDES of the car-park cruise ships can be stunning. Google "Cruise Ship Interiors". And that's the thing, it's better to make a cruise ship for the paying people INSIDE the ship than the people OUTSIDE who don't pay.
Because they look awesome and barely rock at sea even if your at one of the top decks.
@@darthkek1953 There is no comparison with today's technology for stability and safety but the old ships were very beautiful and comfortable also inside, many were palatial, there is no need to sacrifice the outside look.
As a retired Lifeboatman i can’t wait for you to begin the heart of the ship back to life ( the motors and generators )
Just a bit of history of this beautiful ship. It was built in 1955 in Hamburg and named "Wappen von Hamburg" (the Hamburg Coat Of Arms), It saw service as a mini cruise liner between Hamburg and the island of Helgoland until 1961, when it was sold to Greece, being employed as an "island hopper" and now named Delos. in 1967, it was sold to Canada and named "Polar Star", now employed in arctic cruises. Again sold in 1970, seeing service in the Pacific as "Pacific Star". Sold again after only 2 years and named "Xanadu". In 1998, she became "Faithful" and finally, "Aurora" in 2009.
The ship is closely tied the history of the City of Hamburg and it is a joy to see that afterb so many years of neglect, someone takes good care of the old girl!
I worked for the Aurora when it was called the Xanadu and it sailied out of Vancouver to do Alaska cruises. She did eight day trips as the ship did not travel fast enough to do a seven day itinerary. As part of my job I got to take my very first cruise as a passenger and sailed aboard her later on a repositioning trip as well. The officers were Spanish/Basque and the rest of the staff was mostly from Thailand; three of whom settled in Vancouver. Trevor Stephenson the Cruise Director was from the UK and went on to work aboard Seabourn and other 6 star cruise ships. About 45+ years later I am still in close contact with one of the officers from Thailand. Many went on to work aboard her when she became the Aurora. By that time I was working on board ships for Carnival Cruise Line and remember meeting up with the Aurora/Xanadu and some of my friends when we were both in Nassau Bahamas at the same time.
As much as I admire this gentleman for undertaking this restoration,it is going to take a monumental amount of money to make it seaworthy again.
Agreed, and I would go further and say, that unless he finds a very rich benefactor or raises huge amounts of money in some other way, I doubt that this ship will ever sail again.
The complexity of just the motors and the electrics etc., will take hundreds of thousands of dollars to get up to speed, then there's everything else !
I recently saw a video where a guy refurbished an 40 year old 60 footer and it cost him 500K.
But I guess it's a cool and interesting place to live and he's not paying for house...
I was a Volunteer on Faithful 1994 for 6months, anchored LA harbor not far from QEII & navel base. Then owned by Christian charity who wanted to renovate to be a hospital/support ship sailing to countries in need of aid with their WW2 cargo ship 'Spirit' which i sent 6months on sailing to Haiti and Honduras. Excellent to see Faithful in good hands, magnificent ship
I must say that Chris is an amazing guy! I get frustrated doing little projects in my house - and living in FL I know people who have restored sailboats and small pleasure boats or fishing vessels - but not to the extent that Chris has done to the Aurora - it truly had been a rust bucket - and the amount of work he has put in - he’s a master craftsman!! I’ve been on ships with small hallways - but the one he was working on was soooooo narrow - and having to do so much welding.
It’s great that he has a lot of volunteers - I wish I could “adopt” one of the cabins - would love to see one restored to look like the first ship I cruised on - the SS Norway in 1989!
Wish someone would do this with the SS United States steam ship
This ship is in wayyyyyy better condition than SS US. Unfortunately SS US is likely too far gone in my opinion.
@@gibshredcamel A ship as big and as expensive to maintain as the SS United States has to earn its keep every day with real positive cash flow. They cost huge amounts in decay and upkeep just sitting at the dock as "museums" or "floating hotel / restaurants".
@@scdevon DAmn right and the fact that the Philly waterfront is rapidly changing and developing. That’s an expensive place to let a boat rust
@@scdevon the haul under the water isn’t rusted at all and if I had the money or if I knew how to do it I would for it’s part of America’s history and I would do all of it for free as a volunteer
I'm afraid the SS United States is too far gone as well. 😥
Ha! What a sojourn during May 1966 from Hamburg to Helgoland (the standard daily route of “Wappen von Hamburg” during her HADAG service) to spend a few days in splendid isolation with my bride Heidi, occasionally visiting the nudist colony on a sandbank-dune off this prior-1890 British Colony in the German Bight (better called a Britsh shipping “observation post”, which, needless to say, they unsuccessfully attempted to blow out of the water during and after WW2, subsequent to it serving as German FLAK/anti-aircraft battery smack in the centre of the more important approaches to German North Sea ports.) That was subject of a museum-sight-seeing-walk about the island during our stay. At the time the “Wappen von Hamburg” was but 11 years in service, spik-and-span in appearance and quality workmanship . Thanks for restoring the ‘Old Lady’ to her old glory; she was built at the site where now Airbusses take to the skies after assembly.
Fixing the interior is one thing.... but how about water in the bilges - do the engine room pumps still work ? - and the under ship; the part that is underwater... in what condition is that ? Those two factors did cause major problems in the Queen Mary....and yes, ships who are still in the water need dry dock maintenance to survive...
You are right, my buddy bought a pretty big fishing boat for a hella bargin. They dry docked it to find out the ship should of been salvaged not sold. Interior doesn’t matter if the shell is junk. Kind of like a house with a bad foundation.
He mentioned in part 1 at 13:40 those questions you have under the ship... I hope that helps with a one of those questions…
Dear @@seanw.spencer8632
👍👌👏 Yeah, double hull etc.p.p..
Best regards luck and health.
@saun w. spencer thanks for coming to the rescue!
@@Wastinglotsoftime Bargain. Boat.
Choose... ONE.
I can't believe this is being done I think it is a excellent project keep the good work up and don't let people ask you questions about negative s*** like what did you do during the pandemic what were your problems don't worry about the problems concentrate on the positive side let all that other b******* go away everybody wants to hear the bad things don't even talk about it just keep very positive and keep moving forward screw the other s*** don't even talk about it good job
My goodness there’s a lot of work there. Huge, in fact.
such a big project. I love the mirrors. I bet it will look awesome when he's done
We will have to make sure to show you the before and afters!
What he is doing is just crazy incredibly awesome.
Agreed Brittany, he has so much dedication for the project!
Great video, Alanna! 👍👍👍👍👍😄
Is there a complete walk through of the ship? Would love to see the engine room
We have a short video of the engine room that will go live soon. More to come 😀
@@CruisetheWorldAtoZ we really need a full walkthrough in the end!
It's neccessary for life.
@@vadimblin Yes Vadim. To be whole and complete I/we need a full walkthrough.
@@CruisetheWorldAtoZ is the virtual tour Chris did years ago available?
Just brilliant dude, I'm a bit jealous tbh. I think I'd want to live on the open sea permanently. And you could do it on that.
Great project Chris, makes mine look tiny!
Hey guys we would love to chat with you! Whats the best way to reach you?
@@CruisetheWorldAtoZ Hi Hun, you can reach us on facebook, or our email is shiphappens1392@gmail.com
Love Gemma x
Ship Happens. I don't know how much money you have but by comparison you are investing the same percentage of resources and finances. ( Just guessing ) I've been following your project on YT. I wish you all the best.
Greatly appreciate the detailed walkthrough of the restoration.
Glad you enjoyed it! Let us know what areas you want to see next :)
Good idea. This ship Was build im Hamburg in Germany Atmosphäre the Blohm&Voss Shipbuilders as the first Ship after World war II its first name was Wappen von Hamburg. Later it was sold to Greece and it was named Delos. After that i don't know where it was gone. My Grandfather was one of the shipbuilders there. Good luck whit it. Greethings from Germany.
That is a hundred year project !!!
They are about to break up the “Marco Polo” (ex Alexander Pushkin) in Alang India. A beautiful timeless old ocean liner also built in Germany in 1965. I had the pleasure of living on board for a year in the 90s.
Lots of beautiful teak decking and brass fittings etc. I know they sell off all the fixtures, fittings and furniture as they break the ships. It may be worth you looking at the scrap yards in India and Turkey for some fixtures for Your amazing project?
With the Pandemic lots of older cruise ships have sadly gone to scrap over the past few months so there may well be some bargains to be had? (with the Marco Polo being the saddest for me ☹️)
Good luck with this restoration. Lovely to see a classic ship being saved having worked at sea on liners and cruise ships for 25 years.
Meant to say, there are lots of Marco Polo videos here on TH-cam if you wanted to see what she looks like.
There aren't many ocean liner/cruise liners left in the world. But Aurora is one of the lucky ones. She is such a beautiful vessel and she will cheer many people up someday when she is finished. It would be cool to see her on the water again though and host small cruises, but I assume she'll need new engines.
I agree.. I plan to share some more videos from her soon!
@@CruisetheWorldAtoZ I will be looking forward to it!
Excellent excellent excellent !!! Such an intriguing project. So much depth of meaning to this beautiful ship. Total fan here ! Can’t wait to see more
Oh wow! I'm so happy to hear this! What would you like to learn next about Aurora or Chris?
@@CruisetheWorldAtoZ, tell him It’d sure be cool to hear that ships whistle blow! Give that ship a voice!
Why is USS Mazaepta YTM -181 on the ship? I see it at 2:08 in the video.The USS Mazapeta (Yard Tug-181), a Woban class NAVY tug was laid down by the Gibbs Gas Engine Co. of Jacksonville, Fla., August 7th 1942; launched May 8th 1943; Why is it plastered on the ship?
That ship it just docked next to the Aurora in the marina.
super impressive, that project is fantastic !!
Glad you enjoyed learning about it!
@@CruisetheWorldAtoZ if i was closer i would definately help out, its just plain cool !!
They should send Industrial apprentices as a working project for their graduation. I mean you will learn and learn to apply a lot of specialist skills. If it is possible to live reasonably comfortably on board (hot water, decent cabin) I would work only for the food and lodging. I wouldn't need or want paying. Just feeding and some good company.
A very brave man to undertake such a large Renovation. Good Luck Sir!!😎😎😎😎😉👍
I totally agree.. He is doing one step at a time.. Stay tuned for more videos..
Very interesting and fascinating- I am curious about the inspection process for his restoration. For example- what type of things does he need to have inspected, how does it differ for inspecting a cruise ship versus inspecting something on land like a house, who inspects cruise ships? Well thanks again for this interesting series
I'm good for a partial answer, because I know that there are different kinds of inspections for different length/tonnage vessels and for privately owned versus commercial/passenger vessels. And much of it, if not all,
is done by USCG.
@@jerrydiver1 Thanks for your reply and information-Sorry I did not respond earlier but I did not see your comment.
Great job Alana! Cannot wait to see the finish ship!
It never will be finished! It most likely will spring a leak and sink!
Man this looks like a really exciting project. Joined the FB group and looking forward to updates.
Yay, glad you enjoyed following along on the journey!
I hope you had that ship on the dry dock for inspection before purchasing it. I’d be starting from the bottom up if you haven’t already.
Foundation(Hull) roof(topside) and make it weather tight before interior. And upkeep on that would be a constant job. Wish him well.
The ship has a double hull. Chris does plan once the ship is in a better shape to inspect the bottom of it
If I am not mistaken....you and I met at Creekfire Motor Ranch rv resort opening day....correct me if I am wrong.
What kind of shape is the hull and the engines and structure like?
👍👌👏 Oh WOW, simply fantastic again! What an extremely impressive guy owning that beautiful "boat". I wish Mr. Wilson all the luck he needs (and more). I will watch the next video parts instantly. Hope his TH-cam channel will be available soon. I will definitely subscribe.
I would love to restore a cabin. I even have some old German furniture that could definitely be used. But unfortunately there is a very, very big pond between us, sigh.
Thanks a lot for making explaining recording editing uploading and sharing.
Best regards luck and health to all involved people.
Chru hopefully soon! If you enjoyed his boat, make sure to check us out tomorrow as we have another guest from your side of the pond.
If this ship at one time, was built by the Germans.. You know it's top of line for its age. That's why things still work. I think its awesome, that you took on this ship and thank you for keeping this cool ship alive.
Well said! Nothing is made like it is used to that is for sure. Isn't there a saying that everything is made just to break these days?
@@CruisetheWorldAtoZ Ya or things are made to last from 12 to noon. I use to hear that one growing up. I guess made in China products. Thanks for responding.
It sounds like it would be cheaper to build a ship out of money, bless this guy you don't see this level of passion often.
Restoring anything that old could cost more than starting from scratch...
Very cute merch!
It really is! Thank you!
It sounds like a work of love.
Gotta love your work to take on a project of the size!
Thanks for this video! Amazing ✨
You're so welcome! What was your favorite part?
@@CruisetheWorldAtoZ The fact that you give this special man a podium for us to watch. Inspring project!
@@CruisetheWorldAtoZ PS The ship reminds me of this Heineken commercial 😊 th-cam.com/video/JgMMIfZ04LE/w-d-xo.html
I can't even begin to imagine how much work needs done on that hulk. Turn it into a reef and get something that you might get finished before time catches up with you.
Have you seen other boats turned into reefs? I like that idea.
@@CruisetheWorldAtoZ Happens all the time. Huge job because they must be gutted of oil, fuel, asbestos and hazardous materials.
hay man you got a great passion keep up the great work..👌
We will let him know! We hope to cover more with Chris soon
My personal gotcha project is a 1968 gm pd 4107 it is a two part project it will be a class a motor home while the out side will still look like greyhound
Incredible, magnificent, are you also working with the COAST GUARD?
From what Chris has told us the coast guard does play a part with his crew ship!
@@CruisetheWorldAtoZ good they can be your best friends. They saved my life after i was shipwrecked 75 N. Miles out to sea at night in a storm after we we lost the F/V PETREL to fire and had to go into the freezing cold water without survival suits hanging on to a hatch cover , on the 21st of May 1977 , we were picked up by a USCG 52-A CHOPPER, this was my first job out of the Navy , I love the Coast Guard ! ,with their help you'll have a magnificent and safe ship , great job with that !, im working with the Stockton Maritime museum, they are restoring a Navy Mine Sweeper Ocean ( MSO ) THE U.S.S.LUCID I'm their Marine artist I would love to see your ship wonderful project ,thank you for saving it ! Its an incredible project and fascinating story !
I read in an article that your ship had salvaged diesels from a U boat. Are they still in there, do they still operational? So cool your saving it!!
this ship is gonna nicer than it ever was new
What a beautiful ship!
It really is! We hope to share more of the ship soon!
That’s great, I have subscribed and also now following their Facebook also. I was a voluntary member of the steamship S.S.Shieldhall crew a few years ago here in Southampton and absolutely loved it but sadly life moves on and for various reasons have not been able to continue. I do miss it terribly though and have taken my wife and son on a sailing where he had the opportunity to pull the whistle as the QM2 went past 😀 and she replied!!!
Make sure you google her if you are interested, an interesting story.
Restoration of a cruise ship 90%of us haven't even been on a cruise
Neither has he for a matter of fact!
It must be quite a creepy experience walking through the ship at night with the lightning at at minimum. There could be somebody else living aboard who you have no idea about, after all it's a big ship for one person unless he's planning to move his entire extended family in once she's finished.
Can we have a video tour of the engine room please?
Andrew, we have a short "youtube short" that shows a sneak peek. We will have more soon! Here is is if you would like to check it out: th-cam.com/video/D9cg8CyNIx8/w-d-xo.html
Awesome keep up the good work.
Is there a website to see this project?
What kind of engine or engines does the ship have
Ronald, Chris and I are going live tonight and he can clarify this answer for you! 9pm est
In the first episode, it was mentioned she was built with MAN/Mercedes diesel-electric. It isn't common to re-power a ship this size due to the logistics involved and costs, so I would assume it is still the same.
A LIVE STREAM SHOULD BE DONE MANY WOULD GIVE OR A CHANCE TO SEE THE SHIP ITS LIKE A 50,000 PIECE PUZZLE GOOD WORK
You wish is my command! We will be going LIVE with Chris tomorrow to answer more of your questions! th-cam.com/video/hNnTCaklPgI/w-d-xo.html
@@CruisetheWorldAtoZ thanks i think it a good idea
How will it meet current solas requirements...
It may not need to if she is permanently docked, only if she becomes sea worthy.
When are they going to do adopt a cabin? I’m interested in doing that.
Charles if you are on Facebook I encourage you to join their Facebook group! "Aurora Restoration Project" to stay on top of when they announce that!
Way to go, Chris!
Woot Woot, Go Chris Go! We are his cheerleaders right?
Good luck to you sir.
Thanks for the support
How does one get involved in this project? I live not far away in chico...
check out his facebook group! We do have other videos coming up soon!
The old DELOS as it was known back in my time!
Any issues with asbestos on pipe lagging or fire breaks?
Yes, so stay away.
I have a pretty good idea about how much the mechanicals on something like this will cost to make it voyage worthy. I'd suggest about 4 million should get it away from the dock. And I'm probably being very, VERY conservative. Interesting project though.
It's a beautiful ship, but obviously needs a lot of work.
A lot of TLC for sure... He has done some amazing work since the interview!
Great job Chris. When it’s time, search out hotel auctions for good deals on furniture, and kitchen (galley) equipment.
Thanks for the tip! I'll be sure to pass it along. That is such a great idea! Have you purchase through one of them before?
Yes, I once partially furnished a residence hall at a small college, sans mattresses of course, from a hotel in Atlantic City.
Great reject...where are you located?
Bing your tool box, some spare parts, a can of paint, and plan a giant festival. Free music and (low cost) beer!
Any chance of a tour of the engine room?
Barry, we have a short "youtube short" that shows a sneak peek. We will have more soon! Here is is if you would like to check it out: th-cam.com/video/D9cg8CyNIx8/w-d-xo.html
@@CruisetheWorldAtoZ Hi Alanna, yes I did see that video. I have just subscribed so hopefully I will get a notification when the engine room video is uploaded. She is a beautiful ship. Keep up the good work and restore her to her original beauty.
How does chris get insurance for the ship?
While I love the idea of restoring a ship, what is the end purpose? Will this be taking passengers again? Are the engine and systems seaworthy, or will they be again? Will it be a floating hotel? The cost in time, $ and materials just seem prohibitive. Is anyone helping with the labor?
Sure would like an answer to this question....
@@mrmiller815 You both need to watch Part 1, it covers all these questions.
How can I get ahold of this guy, I would like to rebuild one of he suites. I am afraid to post my phone # or email, so how would I get a hold of him any help greatly appreciated. I really want a suite a nice big one. My name is Steve Q, not a lot of my last names here in Tarrant County or Keller Tx thanks like to know where he’s at thanks anyone
Steve email me at Alanna@alannazingano.com
Where is the ship moored at for its restoration.
The Hull, engines, gen sets, wiring ect are far more important to start work on than interior fittings. This could cost
£M's at a time when the cruise industry is finished and all these ships are on their way to the Bangladeshi beaches to be scrapped..
Do the engines and generators run ??
Engines not yet, but if you want to ask Chris yourself we are going live with him tomorrow! Here is the link: th-cam.com/video/hNnTCaklPgI/w-d-xo.html
When I was in college in the 90’s there was this dude that salvaged a old sailing yacht stuck in the delta. Thing was like historic or some shit. He came to the college and ohhhhhhh ahhhhhhhed volunteers and gave them like a appreciation voucher they could use for being a part of it. He made few million off the sell when it was done. The end.
I hope the ship can be saved as a museum or hotel
Just wondering is he also working on the navy ship. What is the story on her
RUN!
So....
Will it move under its own power ?
Love to see the engine room b4 donating any $$.
Plans for hull restoration would be interesting.
Like lookin at the menu but not knowing if the kitchen is functioning.
Not trying to be mean but these questions interest me.
I hear what you are saying Hanky! We have a short "youtube short" that shows a sneak peek of the engine room. We will have more soon! Here is is if you would like to check it out: th-cam.com/video/D9cg8CyNIx8/w-d-xo.html Chris is also starting his channel soon and will have more!
Just a suggestion there is a TH-cam channel I follow called abandon mansion. The owner of the site is Matt and he TH-cam the restoration of this abandoned mansion. I think your vessel would be a perfect subject for something called abandon ship or the abandon ship restoration project. With the added benefit of TH-cam subscribers it could be a good source of income for your project to help with further restoration efforts. Anyway this is just a suggestion as I’m sure many and I mean many people would be interested in following the progress of the ships restoration. Good luck and God bless
Yooooooo! Demolitia love here!
An abandon ship series would be FIRE! Like .50 cal black tip
Can't criticize a man for finding a mission and a purpose in life
However crazy it seems.
That is very true! I’m sure some people think mine and your dreams are wild too.
@@CruisetheWorldAtoZ i am too old now to have wild dreams
I live vicariously through the
Ones of others people.
Glass mirrors not a good idea in passageways, doesn't just matter how it looks,
Guess you never been a cruise ship before . .
@@ginomorris4873 no never been on a cruise ship, 40 years mostly on sailboats and tugs. I don't have any ambition to. Glass mirrors are not a good idea in passageways where passengers can be thrown against them. This old cruise ship will probably never get underway with Passengers again as coast guard COI's (certificate of inspection) are next to impossible is get once expired. To sit at a dock it will need a COI also to have visitors. Also they do make metal mirrors for such area's.
He should have started with the hull first, one morning he might get up to ankle-deep water. Man the work involved would take a team of guys months to put right and cost megabucks.
Funny that you assume he didn't. Gotta love the geniuses in comment sections.
@@slabriprock5329 No indication he did. Not once did he mention dry dock. The only thing saving that ship is the second hull.
The ship hasn't been in drydock yet
You'll never make such a project on your own. By the timen you finish the last part, you can start all over again with the first part.
I wish you would have shown the engineering spaces.
I will keep that i mind for when we go back!
I'll second that!
@@CruisetheWorldAtoZ I'm very interested in how he provides power for, lights, welders, tools, and things of that nature.
Solar? Generater? Land based power pole?
I'm sure it pulls a lot of power to keep the lights on, so to speak. 😁
Keep the radar! It will improve safety should you ever be underway.
Late reply,
perhaps the original radar is available?
Cheers!
Pro tip: talk to the camera /microphone. When you turn your back to point at something the video viewer can't even see, the viewer also can't hear what you're saying about the thing you're pointing at (that the viewer can't see).
If you need some help in the restaurant or gally, I worked for RCCL, Silverseas, and AIDA, as Hotelmanager. I can create it, the way you will love it.
Thanks for the offer, make sure Chris sees this by Subscribing to his Yotube channel or follow his FACEBOOK group! 😀
Why did they call it Aurora and not Wappen von Hamburg? Just curious. (specially since the guy has a wappen of hamburg on all his shirts :))
Werner, I believe to honor the great history of the ship.
It must cost millions of dollars to complete something like this
Well, if your looking for another ship to work on, I know one if Philly you can take a crack at.
Hypothetically say someone did like this gentleman. How did you find a place to legally moor it? Can't imagine finding a marina that would except such a large vessel.
He was able to locate a place that can accommodate a ship like! It depends on where you want to be!
@@CruisetheWorldAtoZ Thanks for the series. Been a long time dream to win a lotto and do something like this. lol without the reno but love the energy of this all the same.
All the SE States have reasonable river warfs
This project is a cautionary tale.... this ship needs major fundraising, a public or private foundation, and a lot more labourers to ever get completed.
Restoration is probably going to cost many multiples of the price it was sold for.
He does enjoy what he does. Some people enjoy restoring a motorcycles and cars. Chris enjoy restoring his home!
There's a bunch of ships from Carnival and royal caribbean in Alang and Aliaga that need much less work.
Price tag along with the sheer size of the ships! Stay tuned for more updates..
@@CruisetheWorldAtoZ I'd love to Alanna. Thank you.
Must be really nice having a few hundred thousand just laying around!
Millions! Not a measley 100 grand!
@@donraptor6156 “few hundred thousand” denotes an amount >$100,000.
I guess the TH-cam algorithm decided I would be interested in this, so it popped this up. I watched a few of the other videos as well. I work in the marine industry. I'm very surprised and disappointed that you are pouring money (your own and others') and time into this vessel, but not once did you mention that you had the vessel inspected by a class surveyor to find out if the vessel can ever be brought back to seaworthy condition, let alone what will be required and how much it will cost to do so. It's easy for a handy person to work on cosmetics, but if you seriously intend for the vessel to be seaworthy, the ship will practically have to be gutted in order for the hull, propulsion, engines, fuel system, electrical system, fire suppression, ballast water, drinking water, sewage tanks, valves and pumps to be restored, before you even get to the hotel systems. I know of someone who restored an early 1900s fishing boat into a yacht. It had to be taken down to the bare hull. It cost literally millions and it was much smaller than your ship. Similarly, look at the efforts to restore the Calypso, which is literally dead in the water, due to the practical and monetary challenges. Everyone who watches videos like this gets taken up in the romantic idea of restoring an old vessel and wants to throw money at it, but you should not accept money from anyone unless you first do your homework. This isn't just a matter that you don't even know what you don't know. You seem to not have even the slightest clue what you don't know and that's a very precarious place to be.
God bless your soul
I will pass along your well wishes
Where is the ship located?
Stockton, CA
The radar is part of the story. And it works.. let it be part of the ship.