WORLD SHIP SOCIETY

In November 2020, Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, one of the most iconic names in the cruise industry, will mark the 50^th anniversary of the inaugural voyage of SONG OF NORWAY. At roughly 18,400 gross tons and 552 feet, this ship would now be considered diminutive compared to the Freedom-Class, Oasis-Class and Quantum-Class successors in the Royal Caribbean fleet.  With an eye-catching lounge cantilevered from its funnel, Royal Caribbean’s first ship was a harbinger of innovations to come in both design and passenger amenities.

Throughout its first fifty years, Royal Caribbean has built some of the largest passenger ships afloat. It has introduced rock walls, aqua theaters, boxing rings, bungee trampolines, surfing simulators, skating rinks, and zip lines into the cruise experience.  Not into rock-climbing or sky diving? How about an observatory platform rising more than 300 feet above the sea?  Conceived by an entrepreneur who envisioned a new style of passenger experience at sea, Royal Caribbean has continued to push the design envelope with large atriums, multi-deck interior promenades and neighborhoods.

Cruise historian and maritime journalist Allan Jordan described the evolution of Royal Caribbean’s cruise ships from SONG OF NORWAY to its first mega ship, SOVEREIGN OF THE SEAS, and finally to today’s largest cruise ship SYMPHONY OF THE SEAS.  He entertained us along the way with stories about the company and its history.

(Royal Caribbean photos)