Oh my, all of the amazing discussion about the old Mary. There is certainly a lot of misinformation, probably floating around from very old news bits and pieces - but allow me to provide a current status and historical perspective.

First, there are no plans to have her towed anywhere. There were discussions a couple of years ago about moving the ship to Japan for a temporary stint, but literally nothing came of this beyond discussion, a couple of city council votes and some very elaborate and premature press (including my favorite joke about the "Queen Maru"). She is sitting right where she is as the city has no intention of letting go of their city's "icon" or putting her in the slightest risk of harm. Management has noted that she isn't up to being towed.

As for hull soundness - she is very sound and solid - and yes, floating. She rides up and down with the tides, lists a bit when large crowds are on board and flock to the starboard side to see the summer fireworks and has every sign of being around for a very long time. She isn't up to the task of being towed due to being a bit top heavy. Some of the side plating (Prom Deck areas) is getting a bit thin, but plans for repairs are being drawn up as a
professional advisory committee has been added to the RMS Foundation with the charge of defining preservation needs and priorities.

Now as for some of the other comments that this question has spawned - the prop box display did not remove part of the stern, they build a display box on the shide of the ship enclosing the port-outboard screw. Doors were let into the hull and tourists enter through the aft door, enter the box to see the prop illuminated in a conmpletely enclosed, fresh water, filtered environment - they walk forward and exit through the other door (this was always my favorite part of the tour as guests were always awe struck). The "R" Deck area does have much in the way of kitchens, but the old first class dinning room is still there and serves as the perfect venue for major meetings, dinners as well as the largest Sunday brunch in the state.

The third class dinning room is now storage area and the second class dinning room is basically gone - removed to make space for staff wardrobe and lounge/break rooms.

The aquariums were there - it was the Jacques Custeau (sp?) Living Sea - by the mid 70's we had a shark tank and electric eel tank & tide pool exhibit among others. This display was removed in the 80's and is now used as convention exhibit areas. It works well in its current capacity.

There is much to see and much more to know. Some spaces have been restored including the Verandah Grill (looks great!) and the isolation ward in the stern.

Feel free to write me if you have any specific questions I can answer or research. And you all have to come out and see her - real soon, OK?

Bruce Vancil
QM Tour Guide 1977 - 1979