Skip to main content

Author: Alfredo Casuso

Frida Kahlo and Leonard Matlovich

Today, on the anniversary of their births, we celebrate the lives and legacies of Rainbow Honor Walk honorees Frida Kahlo (6 July 1907 – 13 July 1954) and Leonard Matlovich (6 July 1943 – 22 June 1988)

Frida Kahlo, the iconic Mexican artist, redefined self-expression through her vivid, deeply personal paintings. Openly bisexual, she lived boldly at the intersections of gender, sexuality, disability, and political resistance. Her art and life continue to inspire generations with fierce authenticity.

Leonard Matlovich, a decorated Vietnam veteran, became the first service member to publicly challenge the U.S. military’s ban on gay and lesbian service. His act of courage transformed him into a national symbol of LGBTQ+ pride and resistance, blazing a path toward equality in the armed forces.

RainbowHonorWalk.org

Stockholm / Astoria — Adieu: Bonjour — L’histoire

Stockholm / Astoria — Adieu: Bonjour — L’histoire

Ahoy!

As someone who lectures on maritime history aboard ships—most recently this past March aboard Koningsdam, and with upcoming voyages this November on Holland America’s Oosterdam and in December aboard Seabourn Encore—I’m often asked: What’s the oldest passenger ship still sailing today?

Now, with the Astoria—better known to maritime buffs as the M/S Stockholm—finally on her final voyage to the breakers in Ghent, it’s time to revisit that question and see which venerable vessels still carry passengers either on ocean, river, lake or sometimes preserved on dry land. 

Farewell to the Last of Her Kind: M/S Stockholm / MV Astoria:
Launched in 1948 as the Swedish American Line’s M/S Stockholm, this plucky ship had one of the longest and most storied careers in maritime history. Most infamous for her 1956 collision with the Andrea Doria, she survived—and thrived—long after most of her peers were scrapped.

Renamed many times over the decades—Volkerfreundschaft, Völkerfreundschaft, Italia I, Italia Prima, Valtur Prima, Caribe, and finally Astoria—she sailed under the flags of multiple countries, bearing witness to changing fashions, technologies, and travel habits. Right up until her retirement in 2020 (another victim of COVID), she was still sailing revenue cruises. For years, she was the “World’s Oldest Cruise Ship.” With her passing into history, we turn the spotlight to the handful of remaining classic passenger vessels.

So, What’s the Oldest Ocean-Going Passenger Ship Still Sailing?:
If we define “sailing” as regularly carrying paying passengers on open-water cruises, the honor now belongs to a few unique and highly specialized seafaring ladies:

Sea Cloud – Launched 1931
This breathtaking four-masted barque—originally built as the private yacht of heiress Marjorie Merriweather Post—still sails today as a luxury cruise ship. Operated by Sea Cloud Cruises, she offers voyages in the Caribbean and Mediterranean. With her elegant woodwork, white sails, and old-world charm, Sea Cloud remains the queen of classic maritime travel. 

Hebridean Princess – Launched 1964
A small, diesel-powered cruise ship once chartered by Queen Elizabeth II herself, Hebridean Princess offers intimate luxury voyages around the rugged isles of Scotland. Though modest in size, her pedigree and authenticity make her a floating time capsule of mid-20th-century British shipbuilding.

Sailing In Memory: Afloat and Landlocked
Several grand dames of the sea are still with us—but they’re no longer under steam or carrying passengers. Listed here chronologically by launch year, they remain powerful symbols of their eras:

MV Doulos Phos (1914)Originally launched as SS Medina in 1914 from Virginia’s Newport News Shipbuilding  (just down the road from my Richmond home, MV Doulos Phos stands as a living testament to maritime history. Built as a fruit-and-vegetable cargo vessel, she later served wartime convoys in WWI, then transitioned to a passenger liner named Roma in 1948 and Franca C in 1953 before being acquired by the German mission group Gute Bücher für Alle in 1977. Rechristened MV Doulos, she sailed as a floating bookstore and library for 33 years, visiting over 100 countries, carrying nearly 20 million visitors, and earning the Guinness title as the world’s oldest active ocean-going passenger ship upon her decommissioning in December 2009.

In 2010, Singaporean entrepreneur Eric Saw purchased her and over the next decade orchestrated a colossal restoration: towed to Batam in 2013, reinforced with bracing for dry-land berthing on a reclaimed “anchor-shaped” islet off Bintan Resort, Indonesia and converted into a boutique hotel. Now up-on-dry land, she is nevertheless still referred to as “The Grand Old Lady of the Seas.” Opened in mid‑2019, the Doulos Phos Ship Hotel now offers 104–105 sea‑view cabins, a maritime museum featuring her original bridge and engine room pool, spa, gym, and multiple dining venues. Alfredo and I are planning an “Asian Adventure” in November / December of 2026 to celebrate my 65th birthday. A night here just might be on the itinerary!

Hikawa Maru (1930): 
Often called the “Queen of the Pacific,” Japan’s Hikawa Maru was built for the NYK Line and sailed the Yokohama–Seattle route before serving as a hospital ship during World War II. Returned to passenger service after the war, she now rests in Yokohama as a beautifully preserved floating museum—a rare and elegant survivor of prewar transpacific travel. 

T/S Queen Mary (1933):
One of my favorites—and one on whose decks I can’t wait to trod. The T/S Queen Mary—not to be confused with the famous ocean liner moored in Long Beach—is the last surviving steam turbine excursion vessel of its kind in the world, built in the same lineage as the pioneering T/S King Edward, the world’s first turbine passenger steamer. Affectionately known as “the Glasgow Boat,” she holds a cherished place in Scottish maritime culture, having defined generations of river cruises and post-war coastal leisure travel. During World War II, she remained in active service, transporting mail, workers, and even dignitaries such as King George VI, Queen Elizabeth (the Queen Mother), the young Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret, and Eleanor Roosevelt. In 1935, she was briefly renamed T/S Queen Mary II to allow Cunard to christen their transatlantic flagship Queen Mary, with the Clyde steamer receiving a royal portrait in exchange. Now under restoration, the T/S Queen Mary is expected to return to passenger service by summer or fall of 2025, marking a triumphant comeback for one of Scotland’s most beloved historic ships.

RMS Queen Mary (1936):
A floating cathedral of Art Deco grandeur, the Queen Mary rests permanently in Long Beach, California, serving as a hotel, museum, and tribute to the golden age of ocean liners. Launched in 1936, she carried royalty, refugees, soldiers, and stars during a service career that spanned prewar luxury and wartime heroism. Since her retirement in 1967, she has remained one of the world’s most iconic and instantly recognizable ships—her silhouette a permanent part of Southern California’s skyline.  While she is not my favorite liner of “The Golden Age”, she is – I believe — the quintessential ocean liner. And, if only ONE of those greats had to be preserved, “The Mary” and her life, legacy and legend makes her the definer of an era.

SS United States (1951):
Once the pride of postwar America and the holder of the Blue Riband for the fastest transatlantic crossing, the SS United States now awaits a dramatic final chapter. When I was 10 years old, my father pulled our small motorboat right up next to her, she was sharing berth space, post retirement,  in Newport, News Virginia (her place of nativity) next to the aircraft carrier USS John F. Kennedy. After decades laid up in Philadelphia and valiant preservation efforts, she was quietly towed to Mobile, Alabama in early 2025. There, pending final environmental approvals, she is slated to be purposefully sunk off the coast of Florida, becoming the world’s largest artificial reef—a poignant and fitting transformation for a ship that once sliced through the Atlantic like a missile. And, of course, while many of us (myself included) worked hard to preserve her as a floating museum, being religiously returned to the ocean — even below her — for millions of people on which to dive, and wonder at her beauty, is an honorable testimony. My scuba tanks will be ready!

SS Rotterdam V (1959):
The beloved former flagship of Holland America Line, Rotterdam V now enjoys a peaceful second life as a floating hotel and cultural center in her namesake city. Sleek, classic, and perfectly proportioned, she represents the bridge between the ocean liner and cruise eras. Fully open to the public, she remains one of the most intact examples of mid-century ship design, and a living tribute to Dutch maritime excellence. Of all the ships to bear that storied name, truly I believe, “V” was the lovelist. 

NS Savannah (1962):
One of the most fascinating vessels ever built, the Savannah was the world’s first nuclear-powered passenger ship—an atomic-age experiment that symbolized peace through innovation. Though never commercially viable, she was a marvel of engineering and remains today a in Baltimore, preserved as a tribute to midcentury technological optimism. Alfredo and I were lucky enough to get a guided tour of her earlier this month. Legions of volunteers continue to work on her complete restoration and hopefully — (knock on wooden decks) — a permanent home can be found for her.

RMS Queen Elizabeth 2 (1967):
Once the jet-age successor to Cunard’s legendary queens, the QE2 is now preserved as a floating hotel in Dubai. Sleek, powerful, and proudly British, she served from 1969 until 2008, carrying celebrities, immigrants, royalty, and cruise passengers alike. Her current life—quiet but dignified—is a reminder of her unmatched legacy as a liner-turned-world-cruiser that spanned four decades of service. I’ll never forget seeing her in 1998 at anchor off  Malé in the Maldives. Glorious.

Expedition Elders – Still Under Sail, Still Working:
There are also some magnificent older vessels still working under sail—vessels that may not offer grand staircases or chandeliers, but still deliver wind-in-your-hair romance and unfiltered adventure on the open sea.

Noorderlicht (1910):
Originally built in Flensburg, Germany, as a lightship for the Baltic, Noorderlicht was later repurposed into a two-masted topsail schooner. Today, she operates Arctic expedition voyages around Svalbard, offering guests the chance to explore glacial landscapes under canvas and stars. With accommodations for just 20 passengers, she brings travelers as close to the natural rhythms of the sea as possible—authentic, intimate, and unforgettable.

Rembrandt van Rijn (1922):
This handsome Dutch schooner started life as a herring lugger before being transformed into a three-masted passenger sailing ship in the early 1990s. Fully refitted for polar waters, she now cruises the Arctic and Antarctic with Oceanwide Expeditions. With room for about 30 adventurous souls, Rembrandt van Rijn combines the durability of a working vessel with the rugged charm of historic sail, inviting guests to navigate ice floes and remote fjords like early explorers.

These aren’t luxury liners, but they are fully certified, ocean-going passenger vessels, crewed by seasoned sailors and expedition guides, and offering a rare chance to experience the polar regions the way the earliest adventurers did—by wind, by will, and by wonder.

What’s in a Definition?:
The end of the Stockholm/Astoria closes a chapter. She was the last classic post-war ocean liner—diesel-powered, transatlantic-capable, and still actively carrying passengers. With her gone, the term “oldest cruise ship still sailing” becomes more nuanced.

If we’re strict about size and engine type, the Sea Cloud (1931) becomes the reigning monarch. If we include small expedition or coastal ships, the Noorderlicht (1910) takes the title. And if we look to ships still afloat but not in service, the venerable Funchal may be the last siren-of-the seas awaiting a second act.

Final Thoughts:
In my “LinerLore” maritime history presentations (both on land, and especially at sea), I often speak of the romance, resilience, and reinvention of these ships. They carry not just passengers, but memory. With the Stockholm’s long journey finally ending in Belgium, we lose more than steel—we lose a survivor of a lost age of seafaring elegance and drama.

But as long as vessels like Sea Cloud, Hebridean Princess, and Noorderlicht still answer the call of the sea, that spirit lives on. See you ’round the promenade deck!
— David Eugene Perry

David’s Upcoming “LinerLore” maritime history presentations aboard ship:
Holland America Oosterdam: November 2 – 17, 2025 /  Barcelona to Fort Lauderdale
Seabourn Encore: December 12 – 29, 2025 / Panama City, Panama to Honolulu, Hawai’i

David Eugene Perry – Bio

Ahoy! My name is David Eugene Perry and hopefully you’re enjoying, or about to enjoy, my novel “Upon This Rock” from Quilldriver Books / Pace Press.

Born and raised in Richmond, Virginia I graduated from the State University of New York at Fredonia (it’s not just a place in the Marx Brothers movie “Duck Soup”, but that’s another story) and then set about my career as a freelance writer and publicist in Washington, DC with stints along the way as a cocktail pianist and a catering waiter for swank Capitol Hill parties and presidential inaugurations (truly, but that’s another book, still underway).

Moving to San Francisco in 1986, I continued writing for such publications at “The Advocate”, “American Theatre”, “Opera Now”, “Omni”, “The Utne Reader” and “The San Francisco Examiner.” And, of course, being the first of who-knew-would-be TWO pandemics of a lifetime, the AIDS/HIV years were full of activism, advocacy, hearts, hugs, held hands and volunteering. Those friendships and bonds forged in “Baghdad by the Day” still enrich me. 

In 1997 I was offered the job of childhood fantasies: working my way around the world by ship as editor of the onboard newspaper for the glorious “Crystal Symphony” (long may she sail). Back on dry land, I stumbled into an AOL chat room and met the best thing that ever happened to me, my husband Alfredo. Whenever we can, we still travel aboard ship, usually in exchange for my nattering on about old ocean liners in one of my maritime history lectures.

Over the last 27 years, we’ve visited a LOT of places. As Mark Twain famously said: “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one’s lifetime.”

We agree totally.

When I’m not writing, along with my husband and several dedicated associates, I run a public relations and design firm with a bevy of interesting clients — from stars to those with starry eyes (www.davidperry.com).

Our home is in Palm Springs. Most of our work and our office is in San Francisco. Our heart: wherever we are currently exploring, with special nods given to Spain, Italy and of course, that magical hilltop town of “Upon This Rock” – Orvieto. Stay tuned: “Upon This Rock” is now in its second print with a screenplay being shopped (“Dear Netflix Big Wigs….call me maybe?”) and a sequel in the works, reuniting our sleuths Adriano and Lee plus the enigmatic political operative, Magda.

Until then, as my Virginia always said: “There are three magic words – ‘please’ and thank you.’ “ So, “please” keep supporting authors, and “thank you” for picking up “Upon This Rock.”

Make Your Special Event, Concert or Party a Masterpiece at SF’s Sistine Chapel Exhibition

“If people knew how hard I worked to get my mastery, it wouldn’t seem so wonderful at all.” — Michelangelo

Experience the Sistine Chapel Like Never Before. Make Your Special Event, Concert or Party a Masterpiece.

Imagine gathering beneath the breathtaking majesty of Michelangelo’s ceiling—immersed in celestial frescoes, lit by artfully arranged lighting, as live music swells and guests mingle in an unforgettable environment. This is not just a tour: it’s a special event of wonder, inspiration, and shared enchantment set in one of the world’s greatest artistic marvels. And, it’s in San Francisco now through September 14.

The Ultimate Venue for Bay Area Gatherings.
The Sistine Chapel exhibit in the special event space of San Francisco’s St. Mary’s Cathedral offers a one-of-a-kind backdrop for community events, corporate soirées, wedding receptions, and private celebrations. It’s ideal for:

• Concerts accompanying live classical, jazz, or acoustic sets—enhancing music with visual grandeur

• Elegant cocktail openings or galas that integrate masterpieces into the event’s ambiance

• Interactive art experiences, such as curator-led mini-tours, painting-inspired workshops, or live projections syncing with performances

Why This Venue Is Uniquely Captivating

A Historic Masterpiece Comes Alive:
For centuries, the Sistine Chapel has been a global symbol of beauty, art, and ceremony. In recent years, it has hosted remarkable special events:

• A private classical concert by the Berlin Philharmonic in 2014—marking the first time an outside orchestra ever performed under Michelangelo’s ceiling

• A Porsche-sponsored gala dinner and concert in 2014—marking the Vatican Museums’ opening to high-end corporate events to support restoration projects

• A 2016 choral performance by Loyola Marymount University, whose students described it as “the greatest spiritual moment” of their lives

• In 2020, the Sistine Chapel welcomed a UNESCO cultural diplomacy concert, inviting global dignitaries to reflect on peace and unity under “The Last Judgment”

Depth, Drama & Dialogue:
The Chapel’s epic narratives—The CreationThe FloodThe Last Judgment—spark profound conversation. Whether through narration, themed performances, or experiential dinners, the art becomes part of the storytelling.

Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition makes for A Pitch-Perfect Cultural Experience.
A spectacular setting enriches your brand or group’s image. Sponsors and guests will link your event with sophistication, introspection, and artistic excellence.

Event Ideas to Inspire:

• Baroque Chamber Music Night: Period instruments and performers in candlelit splendor beneath Creation’s hand

• Jazz & Frescoes Fusion: A Bay Area quartet improvising beneath dancing Cherubim—modern meets Renaissance

• Art & Champagne Reception: Guests explore the Chapel, guided by docents; a flute of bubbly in hand as illuminated panels glow

• Themed Storytelling Evenings: Dramatic readings of Genesis or Dante, with music and immersive A/V, layering narrative over imagery

• Opera in the Round: Short selections from Renaissance or sacred works staged with minimalist sets under the grandeur of the ceiling

• Meditation & Sound Bath Nights: Slow-breath experiences paired with guided meditations, Gregorian chants, or bowls

• Wine & Wisdom Talks: Evening speaker salons with light refreshments, exploring history, art, or philosophy under Michelangelo’s masterpieces

Join the Legacy—Book Your Event Now! Contact David Perry at news@davidperry.com / (415) 676-7007

Bring your gathering into the realm of Renaissance wonder at “Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition”.

Why Bay Area Groups Should Book Now

1. Unmatched ambiance: Elevate your event with Renaissance brilliance

2. Cultural distinction: Leave a lasting impression on guests and sponsors

3. Immersive immersion: Enjoy Michelangelo’s genius in three dimensions—seen, heard, felt

Let your guests experience that liberating blend of art and atmosphere as you host under Michelangelo’s frescoed skies. Bring your event into living history—and transform it into a special event people will never forget.

See the Masterpieces for Yourself — Up Close

Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition
Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption
1111 Gough Street, San Francisco
Free on-site parking (first come, first served)

Now Open – September 14
Tuesday – Sunday, 10:30am – 5:00pm
(Last entry at 3:30pm)
Duration: 60 to 90 minutes

Tickets start at:
$26 adults | $16 children
$18 students & military | Kids 4 and under: FREE
Wheelchair accessible | All ages welcome

Get tickets: chapelsistine.com/exhibits/san-francisco

Download the audio guide app!
Enhance your experience at the exhibition by downloading the free “Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel Exhibit” app / audio guide onto your smartphone. At each stop, scan the QR codes to listen to additional, fascinating details on each image.

Unlike in the Vatican — where the original frescoes soar 60 feet above — this exhibition places Michelangelo’s greatest works at eye level using high-definition licensed images and a proprietary technique that captures the texture and nuance of the original frescoes. Whether you’re a lifelong admirer or new to Renaissance art, this experience is designed to inspire awe.

Photography encouraged!
Tag your best shots and stories with
#SistineChapelExhibit and #SEEGlobalSF

May 29th BuildIT California Founders Day Conference & AwardsBrings Record Attendance to InterContinental Los Angeles

media contact: David Perry & Associates, Inc / (415) 676-7007 / news@davidperry.com 

May 29th BuildIT California Founders Day Conference & Awards
Brings Record Attendance to InterContinental Los Angeles

Phillip A. Washington Receives the “Built Community Impact Award”
for his lifetime of service as the Chief Executive Officer of
Denver International Airport, former CEO of LA Metro, former CEO of Denver’s Regional Transportation District, and 24-Year U.S. Army Active Duty Service Career

27 June 2025 – Los Angeles, CA  BuildIT (https://www.build-it.world) the world’s largest industry association dedicated to the sustainable development of LGBT/Allied businesses, professionals, tradespeople in construction, architecture, engineering and large-scale real estate development honored Phillip A. Washington, and others, at their Founders Day Conference and Gala Dinner & Awards event held on Thursday, May 29, 2025 at the InterContinental Hotel in downtown Los Angeles. The event was attended by nearly 1,100 individuals, construction industry leaders, public agency representatives and thought leaders from around the world.

Phil Washington received the Built Community Impact award for his lifetime of service as the Chief Executive Officer of multiple large transportation infrastructure organizations, including Denver International Airport, as well as his role in founding the Equity in Infrastructure Project which is a national organization dedicated to increasing the generational wealth of Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUBs) through public contracting in infrastructure. 

“Phil Washington is one of the most transformative leaders within the design and construction industry throughout the United States, and beyond,” stated BuildIT’s President Paul Pendergast. “For decades, his thought leadership has developed innovative programs that create meaningful opportunities that build businesses and change lives for the better. Consistently, Phil has taken on the challenges that other infrastructure development leaders have bypassed.” 

“I am deeply honored to receive the 2025 Built Community Lifetime Achievement Award,” said Phil Washington, CEO of Denver International Airport. “Throughout my career, I’ve been driven by two core passions: advancing transportation infrastructure and opening doors for Historically Underutilized Businesses in this industry. Empowering these businesses with the training, relationships, and expertise they need to compete—and succeed—on major projects is not just a professional goal, it’s a personal mission. This work matters, and I am proud to continue championing it every day.”

Phil Washington became CEO of Denver International Airport in July 2021. DEN is the world’s 6th busiest airport with an annual economic impact of $47.2B. He also oversees 40,000+ badged employees with 27 air carriers and over 200 concessions. In 2023, Washington broke ground on a first-of-its kind Center of Equity & Excellence in Aviation that is intended to create a pipeline of talent for Denver and the aviation industry more broadly, with a concentration on under-served communities, historically underutilized businesses, military veterans and women.   

Washington is also the Co-Founder of the Equity in Infrastructure Project (EIP) which is a national non-profit organization which exists to improve public contracting practices by creating more opportunities for HUBs to build generational wealth and reduce the racial wealth gap by creating more prime, joint venture and contracting opportunities for these firms.

“Since the opening days of BuildIT, Phil has been an advocate for the inclusion of our LGBT businesses in Design/Construction/Material Supply firms and a champion of our workforce development efforts,” said BuildIT founder and President Paul Pendergast. “He is both the definition of an ally, and a consummate professional.”

About BuildIT:
BuildIT is the world’s largest LGBTQ Industry Association dedicated to the sustainable growth of LGBTQ/Allied owned and certified businesses, professionals, tradespeople, thought leaders and stakeholders, in the fields of Architecture, Engineering, Construction Services, Program/Construction Management, Material Suppliers, Large Scale-Real Estate Development, and Related Industries.

​BuildIT welcomes participation from all individuals based on merit, achievement, and commitment to excellence. BuildIT recognizes the value that different perspectives bring to their mission of excellence in the Built Environment and they are committed to maintaining an ecosystem where all members associated with the Built Community have access to opportunity. Membership and opportunities within BuildIT are available to anyone who meets our established professional criteria and standards.