For nearly a month now, the SS United States has been docked in Mobile, Alabama, as its final stop before eventually becoming the world’s largest artificial reef in Florida Gulf Coast.
However, during its time in Mobile, the historic ocean liner has led to an unexpected tourism boost to the city, writes John Sharp for AL.com.
The SS United States’ presence has helped draw renewed energy and interest to the Port of Mobile. Along with that is an increased interest for harbor cruises nearby at Perdido Queen, as well as through Blakeley State Park.
Jon Robitaille, the tour guide aboard the Perdido Queen, said the response to the ship’s arrival has been phenomenal.
“We’ve had a lot of people from Mobile actually get reinvigorated with the port itself. It amazes me the people who have been on the tour to see this ship who have never been on the Mobile River to see this side of Mobile,” he added.
The owners of Perdido Queen, Anna and Willie Jones, are both pleased with the amount of people the SS United States has drawn to the area.
It’s unknown how long the ship will remain in Mobile before relocating to Florida, but the hope is to continue leveraging the boost.
Read more about the SS United States’ stay in Alabama at AL.com.
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