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 …

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