ms Song of Norway

18,416 tons; length 552 ft., width 79 ft., draft 21 ft., 21 knots; 377 cabins; 876 passengers; diesel, twin screw; built 1970; scrapped 2013

Go to ms Song of Norway brochure

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Edwin Stephan of Yarmouth and Commodore Cruise Lines, was intrigued by the new car ferry/cruise ships of Norwegian Caribbean and Commodore. But he was not satisfied. He envisioned a fleet of purpose-built, contemporary passenger ships designed for tropical waters combining European maritime technology and seamanship with American-style hotel operation and management. They would be air-conditioned, stabilized, and all cabins would be similar and have private facilities.

Stephan brought together three Norwegian shipping interests - Anders Wilhelmsen & Company, I.M. Skaugen & Company, and Gotaas Larsen - and Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines was formed. The newly created line put its first ship, Song of Norway, into service in 1970. A year later, the line added Nordic Prince to the fleet and in 1972 it added Sun Viking.

In 1970, Song of Norway was clearly the largest and most successful cruise ship that had ever sailed from Florida. It had seven passenger decks, with public areas including the signature Viking Crown Lounge built into the ship's funnel, a midship swimming pool and saunas, My Fair Lady Lounge, Lounge of the Midnight Sun, South Pacific Lounge, the King and I Dining Room and the Verandah Cafe. There were 9 deluxe midship staterooms, 222 outside and 100 inside staterooms with two lower beds (including many with folding upper berths) plus 28 outside and 4 inside with an upper and lower berth.

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