Royal Caribbean's Song of America Dismantled After 40 Years

The cruise industry bids farewell to a maritime icon as the once-revolutionary Song of America, former flagship of Royal Caribbean International, is set to be dismantled at the Alang Shipbreaking Yard in India. Introduced in 1982, this cruise liner not only transformed Royal Caribbean’s standing in the industry but also paved the way for the mega-ship era with pioneering features. After 40 years of service under multiple operators and across various regions, her scrapping marks the end of a voyage defined by innovation, nostalgia, and historical significance.

Song of America’s Groundbreaking Entry into Cruising

When Song of America debuted in 1982, she redefined luxury cruising standards. The ship introduced the Viking Crown Lounge offering panoramic 360-degree views and a vertical separation design that kept passenger staterooms away from noisy engine spaces. Constructed at Finland’s Wärtsilä shipyard, the vessel featured a gross tonnage of 37,800 and could accommodate 1,575 passengers—an impressive upgrade from predecessors in the 18,500- to 20,000-ton range.

Her maiden voyage from Miami included stops at Nassau, San Juan, and St. Thomas, immediately capturing attention in the competitive Caribbean market. Passengers were treated to a level of comfort and amenities rarely seen in that era. Among them were high-profile figures, including former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and opera singer Beverly Sills, who officially christened the ship.

A Catalyst for Royal Caribbean’s Expansion

Song of America played a pivotal role in shaping Royal Caribbean International’s trajectory. Her innovative design informed the creation of the line’s first Sovereign-class vessel, Sovereign of the Seas, which was introduced in 1988 at roughly double Song of America’s tonnage. This move ignited the dawn of the modern mega-ship. The success of Song of America underscored market demand for vessels offering more amenities, ultimately fueling Royal Caribbean’s rapid fleet expansion.

Years of Service Beyond Royal Caribbean

Though she left Royal Caribbean in 1999, Song of America continued to make her mark. Sold to Airtours for its Sun Cruises division and renamed Sun Bird, she served in Europe before operating under Louis Cruises as Louis Olympia, Celestyal Cruises as Celestyal Olympia, and Thomson Cruises as Thomson Destiny. Her final years largely involved sailing through the Eastern Mediterranean, Greek Isles, and occasional stints as a floating hotel.

Remarkably, she maintained many elements of her original design well into the 2010s, delivering a nostalgic experience to loyal cruisers. Yet as newer, more resort-like ships with water slides, varied dining venues, and immersive entertainment entered the market, Song of America struggled to keep pace.

Final Voyage to Alang

Retired by Celestyal Cruises in late 2023, the ship was acquired by Voyage Shipping, renamed Bella Fortuna, and moored at Ras Al-Khaimah in the United Arab Emirates. Attempts to sell her for continued service proved unsuccessful, culminating in an official designation for scrapping. In early 2025, sailing under her final name, Fortu, and the Comoros flag, she departed for Alang, India—the world’s largest shipbreaking yard—arriving on February 1, 2025.

Her dismantling will see her metal components recycled for new industrial applications. Although her physical presence will soon disappear, Song of America’s legacy looms large. She symbolized the transition from smaller cruise ships to purpose-built vessels emphasizing both comfort and cutting-edge concepts, laying the groundwork for Royal Caribbean’s prominent role in modern cruise tourism.

Why was Song of America significant to Royal Caribbean's history?

Song of America marked a turning point for Royal Caribbean, showcasing revolutionary designs like the Viking Crown Lounge and larger passenger capacities. Her success directly influenced the creation of the Sovereign-class ships, considered the first true mega-ships.

How did Song of America change hands after leaving Royal Caribbean?

After Royal Caribbean sold her in 1999, she served Airtours as Sun Bird, Louis Cruises as Louis Olympia, Celestyal Cruises as Celestyal Olympia, and Thomson Cruises as Thomson Destiny. Her extensive service included routes throughout Europe and the Mediterranean.

What happened during Song of America's final years?

Following her retirement by Celestyal Cruises in late 2023, the ship was acquired by Voyage Shipping and briefly renamed Bella Fortuna. Unable to secure a new operator, she was ultimately sailed to Alang, India, in early 2025 for dismantling.

What legacy does Song of America leave behind?

Her impact lies in pioneering larger ship designs and enhanced onboard experiences that transitioned cruising from modest liners to the era of mega-ships. Song of America’s innovations solidified Royal Caribbean’s global standing and influenced the industry’s evolution for decades to come.