Royal Caribbean is the second largest cruise line in the world with 25 cruise ships in service. Royal Caribbean has another five cruise ships either under construction or on order. A total of 34 different ships have sailed under the Royal Caribbean brand since the company was founded in 1968.
Here are nine former Royal Caribbean cruise ships and where they are now.
Song of Norway (1970-1997)
Royal Caribbean’s very first cruise ship, Song of Norway went into service in 1970. After spending 27 years in Royal Caribbean’s fleet, the ship later sailed under the names Sundream, Dream Princess, Dream, Clipper Pearl, Clipper Pacific, Festival, Ocean Pearl, and Formosa Queen. The ship was scrapped in 2014 after serving several years as a gambling ship.
Nordic Prince (1971-1995)
Royal Caribbean’s second cruise ship went into service in 1971. This 18,346 gross ton ship was one of the first modern purpose built cruise ships. After sailing under the names Carousel, Aquamarine, and Arielle, the ship was scrapped in 2015.
Sun Viking (1972-1998)
The last of three original cruise ships ordered by Royal Caribbean, Sun Viking spent 26 years sailing with Royal Caribbean. After sailing under multiple cruise lines, the ship currently serves as a gambling ship in Hong Kong and operates under the name Oriental Dragon.
Song of America (1982-1999)
Due to strong demand for Royal Caribbean cruises, Royal’s fourth cruise ship was built double the size (37,584 gross tons) of their first three ships. Song of America spent 17 years with Royal Caribbean and is currently owned and operated by Celestyal Cruises under the name MS Celestyal Olympia.
Viking Serenade (1990-2002)
Royal Caribbean purchased the ship in 1990 and renamed the vessel Viking Serenade. The ship was a former ferry that was converted to a cruise ship in early 1991. After 12 years in service, the ship was transferred to a subsidiary of Royal Caribbean Island Cruises. The ship was scrapped in 2018 after sailing as Ocean Gala.
Sovereign of the Seas (1988-2008)
The first of three Sovereign class cruise ships (only Majesty of the Seas is still with Royal Caribbean), the ship spent 20 years sailing with Royal Caribbean. The vessel was the largest cruise ship in the world to be built since the Queen Elizabeth. The ship was transferred to Pullmantur Cruises in 2008 and currently sails with the cruise line.
Monarch of the Seas (1991-2013)
The second of three Sovereign class ships, Monarch was the first major cruise ship to be captained by a woman, Karin Stahre-Janson. In 2013, the ship was transferred to Pullmantur Crusies and currently sails under the name Monarch.
Splendor of the Seas (1996-2016)
Splendor of the Seas was the second Vision class ship from Royal Caribbean and spent 20 years sailing under Royal Caribbean. The ship currently sails under the name Marella Discovery and is operated by Marella Cruises.
Legend of the Seas (1995-2017)
The first Vision class ship from Royal Caribbean, the ship now sails with Marella Cruises under the name Marella Discovery II. Legend of the Seas is the most traveled cruise ship in Royal Caribbean’s history.
