Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas alters cruise route to pay homage to SS United States

Utopia of the Seas, one of Royal Caribbean‘s Oasis-class mega-ships, paid tribute to SS United States this week during the former ocean liner’s final voyage, under tow from Philadelphia to Mobile, Alabama.

Utopia of the Seas, sailing a three-night voyage to the Caribbean out of Port Canaveral, altered her course to sail in tandem with SS United States off the coast of Florida, giving passengers a front row seat to the ship’s final voyage.

SS United States, after nearly 30 years in lay up in Philadelphia, has been moved to Mobile, Alabama to be prepared for conversion into an artificial reef. She will be sunk in shallow waters off the coast in the Gulf of Mexico in the coming weeks.

“These guests got a front-row seat to a once-in-a-lifetime historic moment,” Royal Caribbean said in its post.

“Shout out to the captain and crew of the Utopia of the Seas for the maneuver that allowed guests and crew to give a final salute to the SS United States on her way to rest on yet another world record,” the company continued.

Set to become the world’s largest artificial reef, the ship also holds the Blue Riband for the fastest trans-Atlantic crossing between Southampton and New York City.

“Since her maiden voyage in the 1950s, she’s set still unbroken records for her speed and attracted decades of celebrities and travelers over the years,” Royal Caribbean added.

SS United States, built in 1950, operated the trans-Atlantic passenger service until 1969 and was one of the most advanced vessels of her kind at the time. She remains a symbol of American maritime heritage and attracted much attention during her final voyage.

Crowds lined the banks of the Delawar River to see her off, and the port of Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale marked the ship’s passage by Florida by sharing a picture in its social media profiles.

According to Okaloosa County, the exact location along the Gulf Coast for the vessel’s deployment has not been set, but it is expected to be about 20 nautical miles south of the Destin-Fort Walton Beach area.

Modifications will also be made to ensure that when the former ocean liner is deployed, it will land upright underwater.

Along with the reefing project, Okaloosa County is working with SS United States Conservancy to develop a land-based museum in Destin-Fort Walton Beach.