Former Royal Caribbean ship dismantled in India
- Paul Aage Hegvik
- Feb 6
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 19
The once-celebrated cruise ship Song of America, known for pioneering innovations in the cruise industry, has reached the final chapter of its journey.
The vessel, later renamed Bella Fortuna, has according to Marine Insights and other sources arrived at the Alang Ship Breaking Yard in India, where it will be dismantled. This marks not only the end of an iconic liner but also highlights the ongoing environmental and safety challenges associated with the global shipbreaking industry.
A new chapter for an old ship
Constructed in 1982 at Finland's Wärtsilä shipyard, Song of America was once among the most advanced cruise ships in Royal Caribbean's fleet. Over the years, the ship changed hands several times, sailing under different names and serving different operators. Now, at the age of 43, it faces deconstruction at one of the world's largest shipbreaking facilities.
At Alang, the dismantling process follows a structured approach. Components such as electronics, wiring, piping, and furniture are stripped and resold. Valuable materials, including steel and metals, are extracted and recycled, potentially contributing to future shipbuilding projects. Given the environmental risks associated with scrapping large vessels, hazardous substances such as asbestos and hydrocarbons are carefully removed and disposed of under strict safety protocols. Fuel and oil are drained before cutting the hull into manageable sections.
While this process ensures that parts of Song of America may continue their journey in new forms, it also draws attention to the broader issues facing the Alang yard—concerns that have persisted for decades.
Alang’s controversial legacy
Alang Ship Breaking Yard, located in Gujarat, India, has long been a key hub for dismantling decommissioned ships, including once-glamorous cruise liners. However, despite its economic significance, the yard has frequently been associated with serious environmental and safety issues.
Pollution: The shipbreaking activities at Alang have led to contamination of the beach and surrounding areas with heavy metals and other pollutants. The dismantling process releases hazardous substances, including residual oils, metals, and toxic gases, which can harm marine ecosystems and enter the food chain.
Toxic Hotspots: Alang, along with other major shipbreaking locations like Chattogram in Bangladesh and Gadani in Pakistan, has been identified as a toxic hotspot due to the accumulation of hazardous materials from dismantled ships.
Worker safety risks
Fatal Accidents: The yard has witnessed numerous accidents resulting in worker deaths. In 2019, two separate incidents led to fatalities at well-known scrapping yards in Alang. (MarineLink)
Explosions: In 2012, a blast during ship dismantling resulted in five worker deaths and several injuries.
These ongoing issues highlight the challenges in ensuring environmental safety and worker protection at Alang. Although regulations have been introduced to improve conditions, enforcement remains inconsistent, and many workers continue to operate in hazardous environments with minimal protective measures.
The changing face of the cruise industry
The scrapping of Song of America is emblematic of the evolving cruise industry. As older vessels are retired, cruise lines are investing in larger, more technologically advanced, and environmentally sustainable ships. Modern cruise ships now feature cutting-edge energy efficiency measures, alternative fuel technologies, and improved waste management systems to reduce their ecological footprint.
Facts
Construction and launch
Built: 1982
Shipyard: Wärtsilä Marine, Helsinki, Finland
Length: 705 feet (215 meters)
Beam: 107 feet (32.6 meters)
Passenger Capacity: 1,575
Gross Tonnage: 37,584 GT
Song of America (1982–1999) – Royal Caribbean International
Fourth ship in Royal Caribbean’s fleet
Featured the Viking Crown Lounge, a signature design element
Primarily sailed Caribbean and Bermuda itineraries
Sunbird (1999–2004) – Sun Cruises (Thomson Cruises operated)
Sold to Airtours, later operated by Thomson Cruises
Primarily used for European and Mediterranean cruises
Thomson Destiny (2005–2012) – Thomson Cruises
Continued sailing Mediterranean and Canary Islands routes
Louis Olympia (2012–2017) – Louis Cruises
Renamed after being transferred to Louis Cruises, which later became Celestyal Cruises
Celestyal Olympia (2017–2023) – Celestyal Cruises
Used for Greek Island itineraries departing from Piraeus, Greece
Bella Fortuna (2023–2025) – Private owner
Laid up in Turkey and later the UAE, never re-entered service
Fortu (2025) – Marine Line (Scrap Dealer)
Sold for scrapping and sent to Alang, India, in early 2025
Final fate
Departed UAE on January 22, 2025
Arrived at Alang Shipbreaking Yard, India, on February 1, 2025
Undergoing dismantling
The Song of America was once an iconic cruise ship, introducing innovative features that influenced future vessel designs. However, as the cruise industry evolved, the ship changed hands multiple times before ending its service life at the world’s largest shipbreaking yard.
