As a night porter on the SS United States, Alan Stark has a unique perspective on the famed Blue Riband record holder.
In our latest episode of "The Observation Lounge," Alan Stark recalls that before he even stepped aboard the Big U, he had already been through a whirlwind adventure complete with a car accident and a hair cut. Once on board, Stark enjoyed his duties - especially his role cleaning the ship's theatre - because working at night came with fewer demands from passengers and more freedom to explore the vessel, which he describes as a "floating city."
Having grown up in Queens, Stark recalls that he felt like he could touch the stars while walking the decks at 3am. He also says one of his favorite sights was that of the Statue of Liberty upon the SS United States' return to New York. Though it meant his time aboard the Big U was over, it became a far greater symbol to him than it had been before his time abroad.