24
“Bought a Cruise Ship on Craigslist. Then the Dream Sank”
- Unusual Purchase: In 2008, Arthur Simons, a boat enthusiast, purchased a 1960s-era cruise ship named the Aurora off Craigslist. He envisioned transforming it into a luxury floating hotel or event space, bringing his grand dream of maritime hospitality to life.
- Challenges and Setbacks: Despite initial optimism, Simons quickly realized the ship required substantial repairs and renovations that would cost far more than anticipated. As time passed, the condition of the ship worsened, and financial troubles mounted. Efforts to secure additional funding and investors fell through.
- Environmental and Safety Concerns: Eventually, the deteriorating state of the Aurora raised environmental and safety concerns. Authorities stepped in, requiring expensive fixes, which put further strain on the project. The dream of the floating hotel became unfeasible.
- Final Chapter: In the end, Simons had no choice but to sell the ship for scrap in 2014, concluding his ambitious yet ill-fated adventure. His experience highlights the risks and complexities of taking on such large-scale projects without fully understanding the logistical and financial challenges involved.
Source: CNN
