Restoration of the famous Transatlantic Blue Ribbon-holder, United States, begins the first week in April 1, at an American shipyard, where it will be completely dismantled and a deck will be added. The ship is scheduled to begin service in mid-1987, under the US flag.

According to John Cox, previously with Western Cruise Lines, and now senior vice president and future captain of the United States, the actual rebuilding and outfitting work will be done at the HDW Shipyard in Hamburg, W. Germany. Estimating total cost at $180 million, he says the restored ship will have 12 decks, and a capacity of 1,520 passengers in cabins averaging 250 sq. feet.

As a US-Flag vessel, the United States will target the conference and seminar market, offering short cruises along the Panama Canal, and East and West Coasts.

John Cox is joined in this project by George Sotir, president of United States Cruises, and Roger Hall, senior vice president of marketing, both formerly of Sun Lines and Royal Viking Line.