Once The World’s Largest Cruise Ship Arrives In India For Scrapping

The former Royal Caribbean cruise ship Song of America, later renamed Bella Fortuna (or Fortu), has reached the Alang Shipbreaking Yard in India for dismantling.

The vessel, which was once among the largest cruise ships in the world, arrived at Alang on February 1, 2025, after departing from Port Ras Al Khaimah in the UAE on January 22.

Song of America was built in 1982 at the Wartsila shipyard in Finland. At the time, it was one of the world’s largest cruise ships, measuring 705 feet in length with a beam of 107 feet and a maximum passenger capacity of 1,575.

The vessel was part of Royal Caribbean’s expansion and the fourth ship in its fleet, following Sun Viking, Nordic Prince, and Song of Norway.

Song of America initially sailed Caribbean routes from Miami to Nassau, San Juan, and St. Thomas when it entered service. Later, its itineraries expanded to include sailings from New York to Bermuda.

The ship introduced several firsts for Royal Caribbean, including the Viking Crown Lounge with 360-degree views, the placement of staterooms at the front to keep them away from engine noise, and two swimming pools- a feature that was unprecedented for the cruise line at the time.

The ship remained with Royal Caribbean until 1999 when it was sold to Sun Cruises and renamed Sunbird. Over the years, the vessel changed ownership multiple times. In 2004, it was acquired by Louis Cruises and renamed Louis Olympia.

In 2012, it became part of Celestyal Cruises, continuing to operate under the name Celeystyal Olympia for a decade. The ship often sailed from Piraeus, Greece, to the Greek Isles.

Celestyal Cruises retired the ship in 2023 and replaced it with the former AIDAaura. The vessel was then sold to an unidentified buyer and renamed Bella Fortuna. It did not enter passenger service again and spent four months docked in Turkey, followed by another eight months in the UAE.

After being acquired by a company named Marine Line, the ship’s name was shortened to Fortu and it was designated for scrapping. On January 22, 2025, it departed from the UAE with its status listed as “to be broken up.”

Upon arrival at Alang on February 1, 2025, at around 3:30 p.m., the vessel was carefully beached. The ship’s pilot took advantage of the high tide, which peaked at 35.43 feet by 6:58 p.m., to push the vessel as far onto the beach as possible.

By 2 a.m. on February 2, the tide had receded to less than 5 feet, and the ship was stabilised using anchors and chains.

Dismantling work began immediately after the vessel’s arrival. The scrapping process is expected to take anywhere from a few weeks to several months.

Workers are currently stripping the ship of its materials, including electronics, wiring, piping, and furnishings such as chairs, tables, and beds, which will be resold or repurposed.

Any hazardous materials, including asbestos and hydrocarbons, are being carefully identified, packaged, and removed to prevent environmental contamination.

The vessel’s fuel and oil are being drained and its hull will be cut into sections for recycling. The steel and metal extracted from the ship may be used in future shipbuilding projects.

When Song of America was launched in 1982, it was a groundbreaking vessel for Royal Caribbean. A promotional brochure at the time described it as featuring “every innovative maritime feature” and “tomorrow’s cruise concepts.”

The ship’s design set a new standard for the cruise industry, influencing the construction of even larger ships. Following its success, Royal Caribbean decided to build Sovereign of the Seas, which had a passenger capacity of over 2,600-more than double what Song of America could accommodate.

During its long service, Song of America outlasted several newer ships, including many built in the late 1990s and early 2000s that were scrapped due to the cruise industry’s push for more fuel-efficient vessels.

The ship even had an unusual role during its later years, serving as housing for athletes during the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia.

Now, after more than four decades at sea, Song of America is being dismantled at Alang.

References: Royal Caribbean Blog, Cruise Hive

Source: Maritime Shipping News