A floating legend
For those who followed the golden age of modern cruising, Song of America was a name that carried nostalgia, grandeur, and the promise of adventure. Built in 1982, the 37,584-gross-ton vessel was a defining part of Royal Caribbean’s expansion in the 1980s, setting new standards in luxury and passenger experience.
With a capacity of just over 1,600 passengers, the ship was one of the largest in the fleet at the time and introduced many features that would become hallmarks of modern cruise liners. Its spacious open-deck areas, multiple dining venues, and lively entertainment offerings made it a favourite among cruisers for years.
From flagship to farewell
For over a decade, Song of America served as one of Royal Caribbean’s premier cruise ships, operating voyages across the Caribbean and beyond. However, as cruise ship technology evolved and larger, more advanced vessels joined the fleet, the ship was eventually retired from Royal Caribbean service in 1999.
Like many retired cruise ships, Song of America found new life with other operators. It changed hands several times, sailing under different names, including Sunbird and Thomson Destiny, before eventually ending up as Ocean Pearl.
But time and changing industry demands caught up with the ageing vessel. After years of service and multiple refits, the ship was finally deemed no longer viable for modern cruising. In early 2025, reports confirmed that Song of America had been sent to the scrapyard, marking the end of a remarkable 42-year journey.
A sign of changing times
The dismantling of Song of America reflects the shifting tides of the cruise industry. Today’s ships are bigger, more technologically advanced, and designed to offer a level of luxury and sustainability unimaginable in the 1980s.
For Royal Caribbean, the focus has now shifted to massive next-generation vessels like Icon of the Seas, which push the boundaries of what’s possible at sea. While these new ships promise unmatched comfort and entertainment, many cruising enthusiasts feel a sense of loss as classic vessels like Song of America disappear.
For those who sailed aboard her, the memories will live on—a reminder of a bygone era when cruising was a more intimate and elegant affair.
