Chris Willson’s Passion Project, The Rise and Fall of a Historic Cruise Ship Found on Craigslist
In 2008, Chris Willson, a technology entrepreneur from Utah, stumbled upon an unusual listing on Craigslist: a 293-foot retired cruise ship, full of history and promise. That fateful discovery led him down a life-altering path, as he purchased and spent the next 15 years restoring the ship, which was originally built in Germany in 1955 and named Wappen von Hamburg. Willson’s dream was to transform the vessel into a floating museum, but the journey took a dramatic turn when the ship began sinking in 2023.
When Willson first found the ship, it was in dire condition, slowly decaying in the waters off the California Delta. He negotiated a deal with the owner and renamed the vessel Aurora after experiencing a breathtaking sunrise on board. The name seemed fitting for the new life he intended to breathe into the neglected vessel.
The ship, originally the first major passenger liner built by Germany after World War II, had a rich history, serving briefly as a cruise liner and later even being featured in pop culture, including a James Bond movie. Despite no prior experience with ships, Willson, along with volunteers, poured his life savings into meticulously restoring various areas of the vessel, including its swimming pool and theater.
Willson’s passion project came with numerous challenges. After moving the Aurora to various locations, it was eventually moored in the California Delta. Over the years, the project gained international attention, with Willson amassing a large following through social media, including over 80,000 subscribers on YouTube.
However, the strain of maintaining the massive ship grew. Willson faced resistance from locals unhappy about the ship’s presence, and the sinking of nearby vessels raised concerns about the potential hazards posed by the Aurora. In 2023, after years of struggle, the Aurora began to take on water due to a leak in its hull. By October, Willson made the heartbreaking decision to sell the ship.
In May 2023, the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the Aurora was sinking, leaking diesel fuel into the Delta. Efforts were made to refloat the vessel, with contractors removing hazardous waste and debris. Yet, the ship’s future remains uncertain as the City of Stockton now handles its disposal, determining whether the vessel can be salvaged or scrapped.
Willson, devastated by the turn of events, reflects on his time with the ship, admitting the emotional toll of letting it go. Despite the challenges and criticisms he faced, he remains proud of his efforts to preserve a piece of maritime history.
The Aurora touched the hearts of many who followed Willson’s journey. From volunteers assisting with restoration work to thousands of online supporters, the ship became a symbol of dedication to preserving history. Willson continues to hold out hope that the ship will find a future, even if it means watching from afar.
Today, Willson and his partner, Jin Li, are searching for their next restoration project, this time focusing on something on land. Despite the setback with the Aurora, Willson looks back on the experience with no regrets, stating that the 15 years spent preserving the ship were some of the best of his life.
For Willson, the story of the Aurora isn’t just one of a ship—it’s a testament to passion, perseverance, and the belief that history is worth saving.
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