Posted on Sunday, April 4, 2010 by Martin Cox
S.S. FRANCE, docking at New York in 1963, Martin Cox collection
Built at Penhoet, St. Nazaire as FRANCE
Yard #G19
66,348 GRT
1,035 x 110.5 feet
Quadruple Screw, geared CEM-Parsons geared turbines from builders
31, max 35.21 knots
160,000 shaft horsepower
407 First Class, 1,637 Tourist Class passengers
When the SS FRANCE was launched by Madame Charles De Gaulle on May 11 1960, the great era of transatlantic steamship travel was in its twilight years. Replacing two legendary prewar veterans, the stylish ILE DE FRANCE and the much loved LIBERTE, the FRANCE had the distinction of being the longest liner in the world. Her graceful hull was a modified version of the NORMANDIE’s, with a similarly arced “whale back” bow (but with an updated stern), however the FRANCE was perhaps most distinguished by her two unusual funnels, which dispensed exhaust through wings on either side (This feature was quite revolutionary for the day, inspiring a line of much-sought-after ashtrays that incorporated the same principal!). Indeed, in the early 1980′s Carnival Cruise Lines “discovered” this concept, incorporating it with their first newbuild, TROPCALE, and ultimately making it their architectural trademark with their fleet of “mega” and “super” liners that followed.
This last great French ship of state and final purpose-built vessel for French Line (Compagnie Generale Transatlantique or “CGT”) undertook her trials in November of 1961. The $80 million liner embarked on a shakedown cruise on January 18, 1962 from Le Havre to the Canary Islands, before commencing with a heralded maiden crossing on February 3, 1962 from Le Havre to New York.
S.S. FRANCE, departing Le Havre, Martin Cox collection
The FRANCE joined the Queens ELIZABETH and MARY and the UNITED STATES, all struggling in the wake of jet fuel that now dominated the Atlantic. Despite the odds, FRANCE consistently sailed with a high capacity of passengers (unlike the struggling Cunarders, which were likened to creaking ghost ships). FRANCE was a two class vessel, eschewing the middle category, Cabin Class, in favor of a larger and more spacious First and Tourist (later dubbed “Left Bank”) accommodation. Her interiors were almost spartan, certainly sterile in comparison to the gilded and plush LIBERTE and ILE, but the FRANCE was the product of a late 1950′s/early 1960′s vision. Spindly chandeliers and linoleum vied with formica and chrome, while daring modern art, bold murals, and stark furnishings filled her public spaces.
Toward the mid 1960s, the FRANCE was teamed on Atlantic crossings with the even more spartan UNITED STATES, as both French and US Lines consolidated efforts to keep their ships employed. After the UNITED STATES was withdrawn, the FRANCE would later alternate with arch-rival QE2 in the “struggling” seventies. Kept afloat not so much by her following, but by French government subsidies, the FRANCE was often sent cruising in the winter season, undertaking two much-publicized world circumnavigations in 1973 and 1974.
Responding to soaring fuel prices, the French Goverment announced an end to financial assistance to CGT in July of 1974. After a mere twelve years of service, the FRANCE was to be retired on October 25, 1974, but in September, as the ship was arriving at Le Havre, French trade Unionists seized the liner and anchored her in the channel to protest the loss of their jobs. Disgruntled passengers were finally off-loaded by tender. The strike ultimately failed, ironically bringing a close to the FRANCE’s career even earlier than planned, and inciting negative press before the ship was docked on October 9.
S.S. FRANCE, laid up in Le Havre, Martin Cox collection
FRANCE was laid up south of Le Havre, next to a power station. Sealed up and fading with the elements, she was the subject of many rumors, ranging from her use as a hospital ship, floating casino, or hotel, to the most feared option of a premature dispatch to the shipbreakers. In October 1977, she was bought by Akkram Ojjeh, an Arab billionaire, but remained laid up.
Perhaps in part due to the renewed interest in cruising inspired by television’s LOVE BOAT series, Norwegian shipping magnate Lauritz Kloster bought her for a cool $18 million. As the shipping world cynically looked on, Kloster spent some $80 million to convert the “cold weather” SS FRANCE into the “warm weather” SS NORWAY. His fleet of 1960′s/70′s-built cruise ships (the 17,000 gross ton SOUTHWARD, the 16,000 gross ton STARWARD, and SKYWARD) were sailing at or beyond capacity under the moniker of Norwegian Caribbean Lines (later Norwegian Cruise Lines), and Kloster intended to more than double his share of the market with the NORWAY. She was towed to Bremerhaven in August of 1979 and completely rebuilt with a huge new lido deck at her stern, and two outdoor pools. Two huge tenders, the “little NORWAY I and II”, were hoisted on her bow and special cranes were built to offload them at ports where NORWAY’s deep draft prevented her from docking. Her capacity was increased from 2044 to 2181 and her crew complement was decreased from 1100 to 800. Her once chic French interiors were largely restyled and/or replaced with more comfortable and “tropical” fittings. More economic diesels replaced her Turbo generators and in the summer of 1980 she sailed for the US to begin her new role – cruising.
The NORWAY was an absolute smash, sending the competition reeling. Aside from the QE2, she was half again as large as any vessel sailing, offering an onboard experience the smaller ships simply could not emulate. NCL’s Vegas and Broadway-style shows ushered in a new era of glitz at sea, and special celebrity “theme” cruises allowed eager passengers an opportunity to mingle with and see their favorite stars perform or lecture in the ship’s cavernous theater. With the NORWAY, the ship became a resort destination in itself, and her success inspired the competition into a building frenzy that resulted in a fleet of mega passenger ships many thought had ended with the QE2 in 1968.
In 1984, she was sent to Hamburg, where all steam powered auxiliary machinery was replaced with diesel installations. In September 1990 she arrived in Bremerhaven for the addition of two prefabricated passenger decks to increase capacity to 2,565 and her GRT to 76,049.
S.S. NORWAY, after additional decks were added, Martin Cox collection
While her good looks and maneuverability were somewhat compromised by these additions, there is no doubt they were instrumental in keeping the NORWAY in profitable service. The ship has been continually upgraded in recent years, often to the chagrin of ship purists who bemoan the conversion of her original First Class Library into a perfume shop and the removal or redistribution of many of her signature FRANCE brass panels. Recently, her funnel wings were “shut off”, although they remain structurally intact. In keeping with the NCL newbuilds, her Checkers Cabaret was replaced in 1998 with a fancy new Sports Bar.
The NORWAY’s itineraries have ranged from her regular seven day Miami-based Caribbean schedule to summertime cruises from Europe. A small fire in her aft turbo charger room while entering Barcelona, Spain, on May 28 1999 resulted in the termination of her cruise and the cancellation of the following cruise. She was scheduled to return to service, following repairs at Barcelona, on June 12, 1999.
Star Cruises the parent company for Norwegian Cruise Line announced in October 2000 that NORWAY will be retired from her present role. After a series of farewell cruises including a transatlantic from Miami to Southampton, she will be reclocated to the Asian market. Her departure is set for September 2, 2001.
Norwegian Cruise Line surprised the passengers on board the “farewell transatlantic crossing” that the ship would in fact be returning to resume its Eastern Caribbean itinerary. Following a refit in Germany the liner would begin sailing from her home port of Miami on December 23, 2001.
UPDATES:
2002
February 14, 2002: Speculation that NORWAY would sail its last Caribbean cruise under NCL December 29, 2002, then go to sister company Orient Lines was strongly denied by Susan Robison, Director of Public Relations for Norwegian Cruise Line and Orient Lines. NORWAY will be deployed in the Caribbean through April 2003.
December 25, 2002: In an article on Star Cruises, parent company of Norwegian Cruise Line, published in Cruise Business Review, it was revealed in an interview of Star Executive VP of Marine Operations & Newbuilding, Nils G. Nordh that Star has prepared a study on the viability of extending the life of the SS NORWAY beyond the post-2010 SOLAS limit. Nordh was reported as saying that he believed it is not only technically possible, but was commercial viable.
2003
May 25, 2003: A boiler room explosion aboard S/S NORWAY killed four crew and injured up to 17 crew members while the ship was docked in Miami. The NORWAY arrived at the Port of Miami around 5 AM, the blast which occurred around 6:48 AM and appears to be an accident. None of the ship’s 3,400 passengers was injured. Miami-Dade Fire Rescue workers responded and the fire was put out in less than an hour.
May 30, 2003: Norwegian Cruise Line reported the death of a seventh crew member from the accident involving a boiler on board the NORWAY. Nine more crew members remain hospitalized and two were discharged while one was removed from the critical list and is now listed in serious but stable condition. One crew member remains on the critical list. NCL has cancelled NORWAY’s June 15 and June 22 sailings.
June 27, 2003: S/S NORWAY departed Miami under tow though no destination was announced. After last-minute wrestling in court, Norwegian Cruise Line moved the crippled ship from the Port of Miami-Dade. NCL said that to meet the repair schedule, the ship had to leave, even though no yard has finalized a repair contract. According to reports, she is headed to Europe. The ship has been at the port since the boiler expolsion May 25 and has run up a nearly $284,000 bill in dock fees. The National Transportation Safety Board finished its investigative work last week and turned the ship back over to the cruise line. The NTSB has not reached any conclusions about what caused the blast. The seagoing tug SMITWIJS ROTTERDAM is towing NORWAY with 85 of her crew onboard. The transatlantic crossing will take approximately three weeks. NCL state that the ship is on schedule to begin cruising again on October 5th, 2003.
July 21, 2003: Norwegian Cruise Line announced laying up the S/S NORWAY at Lloyd Werft in Bremerhaven, Germany, until the process of evaluating bids from shipyards has been completed. The delivery timeframe for the new replacement boiler is now estimated to be between seven and twelve months (significantly longer than first indicated to NCL). Marine boilers are manufactured by specialized companies and then delivered to a shipyard for installation. The detailed specification and bidding process has revealed that no boiler maker is able to meet the ambitious repair deadline initially indicated to NCL by the shipyards. NCL now estimates that the earliest the ship could return to service is in the spring of 2004.
September 25, 2003: S/S NORWAY remains laid up at Bremerhaven. NCL have not indicted any further schedule for service. In mid-September rumours of an agreemant to use her as an hotel and attraction in Amsterdam were circulated in the Dutch press.
September 26, 2003: Final death toll reaches 8 crew killed on S/S NORWAY.
2004
March 17, 2004: Norwegian Cruise Line’s announced via its website: “(Colin) Veitch announced that regretfully the S/S NORWAY would not return to the North American cruise market. The company continues to evaluate appropriate options for the vessel”. It was decided not to re-engine the ship due to the expense. It is reported that plans for her use as a static hotel ship are being examined but that she will not be docked in the US.
January 9, 2004: Laid up S/S NORWAY remains laid up at Lloyd Werft in Bremerhaven and will be used as temporary housing for workers aboard NCL’s PRIDE OF AMERICA (currently under construction and due this spring) and NORWEGIAN SKY (due to be reflagged to American registry and renamed PRIDE OF ALOHA).
2005
June 28, 2005: SS NORWAY was observed in Cape Town today as her tug DE DA refueled for the continuing voyage from Bremerhaven to Port Klang, Malaysia. Maritime Matters thanks Jan-Olav Storli, Chief Officer Safety & SSO of CRYSTAL SYMPHONY, for the update.
August 10, 2005: SS NORWAY arrived under tow at Port Klang, Malaysia at noon today.
August 13, 2005: As the NORWAY (ex FRANCE) sits anchored in the haze off Pt. Klang, Malaysia, rumors have begun to rumble once again about the 44 year old ship. Apparently, her turbines are still dismantled, making her imminent use as an active, albeit slowed-down cruise or casino ship in the region unlikely. Further, contacts in the region have reported inspections by 14 Indian scrap merchants had been undertaken and that there was a possibility the ship could be towed to Goa, India in the next few weeks.
December 28, 2005: Various industry sources in the U.S. and India have indicated that a firm sale of SS NORWAY (ex FRANCE) to either Indian or Bangladeshi breakers has occurred this week. The vessel has reportedly been withdrawn from the sales lists following this development. In the interim, the ship is still at anchor off Port Klang, Malaysia.
2006
January 6, 2006: Word from India is that SS NORWAY (ex FRANCE) may be headed for Alang and not Chittagong, Bangladesh. It is common practice for scrap merchants to trade ships among themselves, so nothing is firm until the venerable ship has been beached.
May 5, 2006: BLUE LADY is towed away from Port Klang, Malaysia, destination appears to be Alang, India. Notes on tugs: 1976-built INTERSURF (ex BOA PRINCE) and SEAWAYS 5 (ex DEYMOS) are towing BLUE LADY. (SEAWAYS 5 towed the 1953-built laker OAKGLEN and the 1959-built laker SEAWAY QUEEN together to Alang in 2004).
May 14, 2006: Gujarat Maritime Pollution Control Board bars the entry of BLUE LADY to Indian waters.
May 17, 2006: Technical Experts Committee on Ship breaking invites the buyer of the ship, Haryana Ship Demolitions Pvt Ltd, to submit his report.
May 31, 2006: The Interim Report on BLUE LADY is formerly filed with India’s Supreme Court.
May 24, 2006: While on board NCLA’s new PRIDE OF HAWAI’I, Maritime Matters was able to ask chairman Colin Veitch about the fate of NCL’s former classic two stacked liner. Before the former SS FRANCE was sold for scrap, the art from her two dining rooms, children’s playroom, stairtower, and library were removed. These important works are currently in storage and may be utilized on board a revitalized SS UNITED STATES or another ship in the NCL fleet.
June 5, 2006: India’s Supreme Court lifts the ban on BLUE LADY, allowing her to enter Indian waters, and clearing the way for the iconic ship to be scrapped. The ship will be brought to Alang in Gujarat. The temporary ban on her delivery over issues raised by Greenpeace relating to the significant quantities of asbestos on board has been lifted. The Alang Shipbreakers Association celebrated the decision. The Gujarat Maritime Board will be working with a private company that will monitor potential pollution hazards and a plot of land adjacent to the yard will be used for containing asbestos and the disposal of hazardous materials from BLUE LADY. All arrangements are to be inspected by two regulatory bodies before the ship is beached. Currently, the ship remains outside India’s territorial waters, under tow by the tugs INTERSURF and SEAWAYS 5. Citing humanitarian grounds, Supreme Court of India allowed the to anchor in indian waters. The crew of 22 are on board a vessel with no engine in monsoon season. Court states that Legal arguments will be heard in July. Additional affidavits filed over possible illegal traffic of the ship regarding the obligation of the Malaysian Government to recall BLUE LADY.
June 13, 2006: BLUE LADY is towed toward Fujairah, UAE arriving June 14, anchored shore, one of her tugs, SEAWAYS 5, put in for repair and supplies.
June 16, 2006: Accoring to several international sources, BLUE LADY expected at Alang by end of June.
June 17, 2006: BLUE LADY leaves Fujairah, UAE, possibly headed towards Alang. Meanwhile, rumours over a variety of last minute plans to save the ship from being scraped are hurtling across the internet.
June 24, 2006: Press reports put BLUE LADY as arriving off Alang in a few days time.
June 26, 2006: BLUE LADY was due at Alang this week, but the latest indicators from India are that the tug is stalled again and that she will now arrive at the anchorage in two weeks time.
June 28, 2006: Gulf newspaper Khaleeji Times front page headline today, reads “Dubai bid to save historic cruise liner”. The story concerns a group of investors reportedly in a bid to save purchase BLUE LADY( ex FRANCE, NORWAY), from her Indian breakers and spend US$100-120 million refitting the ship as a luxury floating hotel and conference center moored in Dubai’s harbour. The newspaper reports “Project Dubai” to be offering the breakers approximately US$3 million profit for not scrapping the vessel. Meanwhile, the ship moves slowly towards the beach of doom.
June 29, 2006: BLUE LADY, ex FRANCE, NORWAY nears Gujarat Coastline. The owner of Haryana ship demolition company is reported to have said that, “she is expected to reach Pipavav Port tonight or by early morning tomorrow.” The ex FRANCE has yet to receive permission to be beached at Alang and will be anchored at Pipavav port of Amreli district. The BLUE LADY will be allowed into Alang only after the local authorities are given the green light by the Supreme Court. The Court had previously permitted “safe anchorage” to the vessel but had directed that the ship cannot be beached or dismantled until it is properly inspected by cout appointed experts.
June 30, 2006: BLUE LADY, ex FRANCE, NORWAY has arrived at Pipavav Port, some 65 km south west of Alang. She will remain at anchor while inspected by court appointed experts, who will report back to the court on their findings.
July 4, 2006: BLUE LADY, ex FRANCE, NORWAY remains at the brink of destruction. The liner sits at anchor off the coast near Pipavav Port, near Alang, while inspected for an inventory of asbestos and any other hazardous materials is carried out, as required by India’s Supreme Court. Ship breakers are rejoicing at her arrival and look forward to beaching her as soon as possible. The court has determined that it will not allow the ship to dismantled in India until the technical report has been filled and it has been determined that the materials can be safely handled. Filling is expected possibly by July 7. Meanwhile, the Khaleej Times continues to report that a consortium of UAE and US companies is making an effort to buy the liner from the ship breakers and take her to Dubai for use as a floating attraction renamed SS FRANCE. “Project Dubai” claims that the ship will undergo a US$80-$100 million refit and re-emerge with as luxury hotel, with restaurants, conference facilities, and French-style stores.
BLUE LADY Inspected
July 11, 2006: Reports from Ahmedabad, India, say that the court ordered inspection of potential hazardous materials on BLUE LADY has been completed. The four day inspection is said to have begun Friday July 8th, while the ship remains at anchor in the huge swells off the coast of Gujarat. No findings have yet been released. The Supreme court ruled that the ship could not be scrapped at Alang until it was declared safe by experts which included members of the Gujarat Pollution Control Board, Central Pollution,Control Board and National Institute of Occupational Hazards.
Report submitted on BLUE LADY
July 14, 2006: The anxiously waited inspection report, on hazardous materials, demanded by India’s Supreme Court before BLUE LADY, ex FRANCE, NORWAY could be cleared for demolition, has now been submitted by the court-appointed committee. The inspection team consisted of a 15-member team from Central Pollution Control Board, Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB) and National Institute of Occupational Health and GMB. It took five days to compile while the ship remained at anchor off Pipavav Port and was completed July 12. News of the reports contents remains sealed. It is reported that if the ship gets the go-ahead from the court, BLUE LADY will be beached at Yard No V-4, owned by Rajiv Renival of Haryana Ship Demolitions Pvt Ltd, at Alang to be dismantled.
BLUE LADY Gets Green Light
August 1, 2006: Press from India states that BLUE LADY (ex FRANCE, NORWAY) will be broken at Alang after the Supreme Court Technical Committee granted Gujarat Maritime Board (GMB) permission to beach the ship tomorrow.
BLUE LADY Set To Beach
August 7, 2006: Sourses in Alang sugest the BLUE LADY (ex FRANCE, NORWAY) will be beached on August 9.
Eyewitness Alang
August 14, 2006: From our contact: “I saw the lady and waited for her beaching today in Alang. At last minute it was postponed to tomorrow morning (August 15) and she will be at Alang beach at 7:30 AM.
“From a distance she is quite a sight: graceful and marvelous are the words that come to me. Sadly, also tied up with two monstrous tugs for her last voyage, though.”
Former FRANCE Beached
August 15, 2006: The Times of India confirms the BLUE LADY (ex FRANCE, NORWAY) has been beached today at Alang.
BLUE LADY, (ex FRANCE, NORWAY) firmly aground at Alang, August 15, 2006. Photo by Malviki Bogah, copyright PK Productions 2006.
This view shows BLUE LADY (ex FRANCE, NORWAY) on December 9, 2006, after she was recently winched closer to the beach at Alang. Prior to this, her bow was almost parallel to shore. Photo by Kaushal Trivedi, copyright P.K. Productions 2006.
2007
New Year, No Change
January 6, 2007: BLUE LADY (ex FRANCE, NORWAY) continues to sit at her plot bearing witness to all the dying ships around her. All environmental reports are due shortly from the shipbreaking company that purchased her for the Indian Supreme Court to review. The court’s decision on her fate is to be made on 7 March. By then, the famed ship will have been lying on the beach for six months.
February 7, 2007: It is exactly one month before the Indian Supreme Court makes its decision as to whether it will grant the BLUE LADY’s shipbreakers permission to demolish the beloved ship or send her away. Meanwhile, the Gujarat Maritime Board has released a report saying that the former FRANCE/NORWAY cannot be removed without costly dredging and repairs to her hull from the beaching and subsequent winching closer to shore. There have been contemptuous arguments on either side of the issue, so this period of inertia and uncertainty is basically the calm before the storm. In the interim, there are further reports of parties interested in saving the ship for stationary or fully operational purposes, but thus far, no one has come to the plate with the necessary funds to do so.
No Decision!
March 12, 2007: The Indian Supreme Court has given the Gujarat Maritime Board, the Technical Experts Committee, and the Gujarat Pollution Control Board three months to advise if certain environmental stipulations can be met for the dismantling of BLUE LADY (ex FRANCE, NORWAY). This is the latest in delays for a decision on the fate of the famed ship, which was beached on August 15, 2006. Although the court has determined that BLUE LADY cannot now be removed from the embankment, the newest concern seems to be over whether 80 percent of the ten metric tons of asbestos on board can be reused as claimed, how asbestos dust will be contained during its removal, and which agency will be entrusted to oversee the work.
BLUE LADY’s Black Gold
May 16, 2007: The Indian Supreme Court has granted Priya Blue, the Alang-based shipbreaking company that purchased the BLUE LADY (ex FRANCE, NORWAY) permission to remove the remaining oil from the ship’s tanks. No firm word on demolition has been granted, however. That decision may arrive within the next ten days
BLUE LADY (FRANCE, NORWAY) September 2007 beached at Alang, India. Photo copyright MaritimeMatters 2007.
Court Decides NORWAY’s Fate
September 14, 2007: After months of delays and speculation the Indian Supreme Court, in New Delhi ruled that the 1961-built BLUE LADY (ex SS FRANCE, NORWAY) can be scrapped. The high court rejected claims by environmental groups over asbestos and other hazardous substances within the ship.
Alang Update:
October 30, 2007: BLUE LADY (ex NORWAY) continues to be stripped of her removable furnishings only. The actual breaking process has not begun.
Alang Update:
December 4, 2007: BLUE LADY (ex FRANCE, NORWAY) confirming the first cut has been made, leaving the tip of her nose dangling. This is a ceremony performed on nearly every ship to go to Alang and is done just prior to the actual full-scale breaking. As she is not yet in her proper plot (she’s actually blocking another plot or two), it remains to be seen when the comprehensive structural dismantling will begin.
BLUE LADY (ex FRANCE, NORWAY) 2007. Photo copyright P.K. Productions December 3, 2007.
BLUE LADY (ex FRANCE, NORWAY) 2007. Photo copyright P.K. Productions December 3, 2007.
BLUE LADY (ex FRANCE, NORWAY) 2007. Photo copyright P.K. Productions December 3, 2007.
SS BLUE LADY (ex FRANCE, NORWAY) at Alang, January 21, 2008. Photo copyright P.K. Productions 2008.
SS BLUE LADY (ex FRANCE, NORWAY) at Alang, January 21, 2008. Photo copyright P.K. Productions 2008.
BLUE LADY, taken on March 4, 2008 at Alang. The cutting has now reached the original FRANCE superstructure. Photo copyright www.midshipcentury.com Peter Knego 2008
Photo taken April 4, 2008: Cutting of BLUE LADY (ex FRANCE, NORWAY) has reached the forward portion of the first funnel and taken more away from the bridge area. Photo (c) midshipcentury.com 2008.
June 11, 2008: BLUE LADY (ex NORWAY, FRANCE) copyright PK Productions/MidShipCentury.com 2007/2008 and not to be published elsewhere without explicit permission of Peter Knego.
June 19, 2008: BLUE LADY (ex FRANCE, NORWAY) continues to succumb to the cutters’ torch with large sections of her outer hull plating removed.
December 24, 2008: SS BLUE LADY (ex FRANCE, NORWAY) has been cut down to the keel and will likely be finished within weeks.
February 4, 2009: FRANCE/NORWAY "nose" up for auction. Photo copyright Thierry Dufournaud 2009.
Le Nez Du NORWAY
February 4, 2009: The “nose” or very tip of the bow of BLUE LADY (ex FRANCE, NORWAY) has returned to France as part of an auction that will be held on the Champs-Elysees Sunday and Monday, February 8 and 9, 2009 along with many other items from and dedicated to the ship. This will be the second public auction of materials rescued from the ship. A prior sale at Christie’s New York in 2008 failed to bring in high reserve prices on many items, such as chandeliers, chairs, tables and artwork set by a previous dealer. Some of these items are now part of this second auction. “Le Nez”, has an estimate of 80,000 to 100,000 Euros.
END
For more images of the demise of this once great vessel click on MidShipCentury.com.
Peter Kaye
May 17, 2010 at 11:58 pm
In 1965, from a private little perch I had found for myself, way up top of the Rotterdam (by the intake vents) I watched the SS France sail by in the opposite direction between Southampton and Le Harvre, and she was so lovely at full speed. Thanks for this history.
Deborah DAmbrosi
May 18, 2010 at 12:54 pm
She’ll always be my favorite, I sailed her 3 times as the NORWAY, nothing today can compare to her style and grace.
Carolyn
May 20, 2010 at 10:49 pm
I also sailed her 3 times. So many great memories of a beautiful ship. Nothing compares to sailing on a true oceanliner. She was always my favorite.
Corey
May 20, 2010 at 10:54 pm
I love that ship. Sailed on her three times in carribean and the 96 transatlantic which I met many ship friends. It was a great trip going on Atlantic on ex France . I was hoping for a storm.no ship today has a prow like the Norway. I would just stare at her. Nothing moves me today like Norway Rotterdam and Qe2. Wish Disney bought her and rebuilt her. I still enjoy being at sea on a ship. In mid seventies there was a tv special on ocean liners called twilight of a era featuring Qe2. They said there would never be a ship built as big as her again boy were they wrong
pw mooney
May 28, 2010 at 5:35 pm
I sailed on the SS France twice and I will never forget her. She was the epitome of French elegance and fine cuisine. How sad her fate!
Rob Holbert
June 10, 2010 at 7:55 am
My very first cruise experience was on the S.S.Norway. My sister would organize a group of cruisers every year in July and sail from Miami to the Eastern Caribbean onboard this beautiful ship. It was a classic work of art with lots of history. We still cruise at the same time each year out of Miami but we all agree there will never be another ship like the S.S. Norway. She will be missed.
Mike Ravet
June 10, 2010 at 9:28 am
S.S.Norway was my first cruise in 2000 because of her I have been on 7 cruises most with N.C.L. I do miss her she was grand,
Richard Saunders
June 16, 2010 at 5:56 pm
Some very sad pictures. My first (and only) cruise was on the Norway, it was my honeymoon. Such an elegant machine. I was priviledged.
Ben Cato Malkenes
June 19, 2010 at 8:18 pm
Never sailed with her, but i always loved her and i followed her during her last years. I kept hoping, but i guess her time was up. Great ship, sad story. Cried when i learned that she was to be scrapped. Thanks for this site and the info.
Ben.-
Peter Spawforth
June 30, 2010 at 4:53 pm
SS Norway was our first cruise in 1996 – splendid multi national crew and the ship also flew a UN Flag. The main circular dining room reflected the grandeur of the SS France; an unforgettable experience.
kathy
July 10, 2010 at 11:58 am
It was love at first sight. I was 10 and she was newly born. Every time I saw her she took my breath away. She always had that something special that even the majestic queens couldn’t compete with. A sad, obscene end for this beauty. Thank you for the update, I’m sure many won’t forget her
LINDA
July 28, 2010 at 11:30 am
I WORKED ON THE NORWAY FOR OVER 3 YEARS AND WENT TO GERMANY WITH HER WHEN WE PUT THE NEW DECKS ON. WHAT A GREAT TIME. IT WAS THE BEST YEARS OF MY LIFE!
I HAVE A GREAT MANY MEMORIES.
SHE WILL BE MISSED. SAD SHE HAD TO GO THE WAY SHE DID.
Adrian Tomkinson
August 8, 2010 at 3:59 am
Norway was THE classic passenger ship, the real thing. Nothing today equals her build quality, artistic lines and quality of appointments & fittings. In a cruising world dominated by boring white, ever bigger vessels one wonders how many will last as long and have so many faithful fans as the Norway. She had real charisma and it was a tragedy for her to meet such an undignified end.
Jean
August 9, 2010 at 11:47 am
Such a sad thing to see her cut up like that, makes my stomach a bit queasy….I’ve sailed on her many times both as a “regular” passenger and a guest of the Chief Engineer, including almost 2 months in her first European season.
She is sorely missed.
John
August 22, 2010 at 12:52 pm
Some of the stuff from this vessel is still up for auction on eBay. Like this Iver Weilbach Binnacle I saw today. Great ship I must say. RIP.
John Cant
August 23, 2010 at 7:51 am
I feel that while NCL saved the SS FRANCE, the addition of the extra decks spoiled her beautiful lines. Having worked for French Line, US Lines and American Export Line, I am so sad to see all their ships go for scrap, with the exception of the SS UNITED STATES, I traveled on the SS FRANCE and ate in the 1st class dining room, which was built so that the dinner guests could make a grand entrance, and the other guests could watch them as they descended the main stairway.. Happy memories
Laura
August 23, 2010 at 10:33 pm
You are right John, I have been through EBAY and seen the Binnacle. It really is tough on those who have travelled on this ship. I will try and bid for the Binnacle though. Thanks for the info.
Susan
September 8, 2010 at 4:05 pm
I sailed on her twice in the mid 80s in the Caribbean. What a wonderful ship. My family and I loved her and we are saddened by her fate. She was elegant and in my opinion puts all the new ships to shame. None have her elegance or class.
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Stew
September 27, 2010 at 8:54 am
Honeymooned on the Norway from Miami in 1991…planned to go back on our 20th in 2011, but guess not. So sad.
Kenneth Eden
September 28, 2010 at 5:59 am
We sailed the SS France 6 months before the big strike, and ultimate last sailing. Our cruise was odd, in that the ship sailed from Boston to the Caribbean for 17 days of ultra luxury cruising, and returned to New York. The ship was one class, all first, for the cruise. To this day I hold every ship that I sail in up the high standards of the SS France. I NEVER sailed on the Norway, nor would I ever sail on anything NCL owns. Am I a cruise snob? Oh yeah, big time.
I toured the Norway in Miami, and was struck by the waste cans in all of the halls, vending machines for sodas or cigarettes, even ice machines in the halls, and her cheap furnishings that were placed in the ship. I also was just so impressed with the one gorgeous pool that was ripped out by NCL. What a number they did to a wonderful, majestic ship.
I will never forget the crew on the SS France, warm and so very caring, and the food, and the murals and the tapestries that lined many of her public room walls.
NCL owns the SS United States, or has sold it to a conservancy, as rumored? Lets hope that marvel of oceanic architecture gets saved, a better fate than the one befallen on the Norway, nee SS France.
Ron Bartsch
October 30, 2010 at 1:55 pm
Does anyone know whatever happened to the Norway’s bow tenders (Little Norway I and Little Norway II) after they were off-loaded from the ship for the very last ship before she left Bremerhaven? I heard that NCL had both tenders shipped back across the Atlantic (via freighter) to their Private Island (Great Stirrup Cay) in the Bahamas, where they are now permanently stationed and serve to ferry passengers to/from NCL’s ships that call there. True or False? Thanks for any info.
Ron Bartsch
October 30, 2010 at 1:58 pm
sorry…I meant *…for the very last time before she left Bremerhaven*
andy
December 4, 2010 at 5:10 am
I worked for NCL for 3 years, and these photo’s will bring a tear to many of the old employees eyes, i am really surprised she wasnt set up somewhere as a floating hotel, casino or expo centre.
Many a great memory was had by a lot of people, guests and especially crew, on her.
John Cant
December 4, 2010 at 6:09 pm
I worked for French Line in Toronto and in 1967 they brought the SS FRANCE to Quebec City to celebrate Canada’s 100th birthday. I escorted 150 travel agents on a charter flight to Quebec City to visit the ship, We were treated to a fabulous lunch with all the trimmings, I had the pleasure of showing the agents the beautiful staterooms and fabulous suites. She was sleek beautiful ocean liner, the likes of which we will never see again. Years later, while working for Costa Line, I took a cruise aboard the CARLA C, which in a previous life was the SS FLANDRE of French Line. Quite a coincidence!!
Kenneth Eden
December 6, 2010 at 4:19 am
Two of my favorite ships, SS France and the Carla-C.
One thing that I will give credit to NCL for was preserving the SS France and sailing her for years. The ship could have had a worse fate than becomin the Norway. How many, countless, times did I see the Norway in St. Thomas, at anchor, her SS France double stacks, in full salute to all other cruise ships. I also saw her blue shades of paint get duller and duller with each passing season, ever fading. I sailed and loved the SS France.
As for the Carla C, this was one proud Costa ship. Beautifully maintained and serving up some of the finest Italian cuisine at sea. She had a solid feel and a strong look to her, a testament to her SS Flandre roots.
anthony nicholas
December 6, 2010 at 7:58 am
Norway was simply the most magical, mesmerising lady that ever cut salt water. I sailed her five times-including her emotional return to Le Havre in 1997- and it is no exaggeration to say that she changed my whole life.
Her end was as tragic as it was inevitable. But now her long agony is over, and what’s left is a memory; a legend that will grow more powerful and spellbinding with each passing year. She really was the ‘Ship of Dreams’….
Rather than poring over the grisly charade that took place in Alang, those of us lucky enough to have known and loved her should celebrate her life, and the real, deep joy she gave us on so many levels.
In my mind’s eye she remains a cherished, inviolate vision, ablaze with light and racing towards a sunset she can never reach. And no scrapyard in the world can ever rip that apart….
Jimmy G
December 20, 2010 at 4:14 pm
I sailed on the SS Norway in the July 1897 with my best fraternity brother from college. We booked the cheapest inside cabin, but the cruise was first class all the way. I remember having cocktails in Club International (first class bar on SS France) and dinner in the Windward dining room with it’s grand stair case and huge glass door. Food was good, but not gourmet. Entertainment was great. Comedian Red Buttons and Broadway stage production of PT Barnum. The ship was classic and older, but well maintained. All cabins had TV which back in the 80′s was still rare in standard cabins. Full onboard marching band played as we sailed off at the Port of Miami. Sailed to St. Maarten, St. John, St Thomas and NCL’s private island Little Stirup Cay. Great memories.
Kenneth Eden
December 21, 2010 at 5:55 am
FYI There is a sight http://www.cruisegeek.com with exceptional footage of the France and many, many other ships, all from old home movies and slide shows. It is truly a blessing for ship enthusiasts
Kenneth Eden
December 21, 2010 at 6:02 am
The site for the above is http://www.shipgeek.com
mea culpa
anthony nicholas
December 21, 2010 at 7:38 am
It’s worth noting that Norway’s tenders- Little Norway 1 and 2- are still used to ferry passengers ashore at the company’s private island, Great Stirrup Cay. I was there on the Norwegian Sky a few weeks ago, and recognised those squat, rocking and rolling little landing craft straight away. Both still bear their original names and, as such, remain a potent, tangible echo of the ship that was once billed as ‘The Playground of The Caribbean.’ Good memories, indeed!
Dave
December 21, 2010 at 11:43 am
Norway’s tenders still around reminds me a bit of Titanic’s Cherbourg tender Nomadic, recently saved from the Seine and moved to Ireland. Haven’t heard much of it lately.
Jim
December 21, 2010 at 2:35 pm
I was onboard for her last cruise as well as being onboard during the incident. That was a day I will not forget. After installing some new bridge electronics and the finish of a new autopilot and steering control system they were able to use it for one day after. Many years I worked with that ship seeing just about every bit of it. That is one to miss, what a beauty she was!
Kenneth Eden
December 22, 2010 at 5:01 am
It is such a wonderful thing that so many former passengers have in common, the love of the SS France/Norway.
Perhaps this is because she, the “they” of the two ships, stole our hearts, and gave back to each passenger a sense of love that only these ships could offer.
Sadly, the France had a short life at sea, which I certainly enjoyed when I sailed her. The Norway a longer life, and together, these ships personified and impacted the cruise industry as few other contemporary ships had at the time.
I
Jennifer
January 1, 2011 at 7:25 pm
My family has cruised several times on the Norway. I truly loved this beautiful ship. No other modern cruiser can compare. It was heart breaking to hear about the boiler explosion and her final disposition. It was a gift to have cruised on her, and we have many happy memories of our time on board.
Susanne
March 28, 2011 at 7:29 pm
I worked on this ship for a while right out of high school. Wonderful memory of a beauty. Sad to hear and see what has become of her.
Michael
May 29, 2011 at 10:52 pm
I sailed on the SS NORWAY in the summer of 1981. Quite a memorable cruise since we didn’t actually complete our itinerary. Early on, there was a problem with the boilers and they quickly shut down leaving the ship with only emergency power. The lights were dim, the interior was humid and most opted to sleep on deck. Despite all of this, the crew was very professional. They kept us fed and comfortable as possible and for the remainder of the cruise, it was open bar; one big party at sea! I remember news helicopters flying close and reporting that the ship was drifting toward Cuba. That said, she was one beautiful ship and I will always remember her. Thanks for this comprehensive history
Luis Fuentes
May 31, 2011 at 7:48 pm
Lamento que tan magnifica obra de la ingenieria humana no se pudiera haber conservado; pues quienes tuvimos la dicha de navegar en tan majestuoso navio, sabemos lo imponente e increible que fue. Solo me quedara el recuerdo inolvidable de haber navegado en el y de verlo navegar en alta mar desde otro navio, y realmente era imponente.
Erik Wiman
August 13, 2011 at 11:06 pm
I remember sailing the old NORWAY under the french flag. We were scheduled to depart August 8, 1974 form New York at 3 pm but due to a dock strike, we left at 9 pm instead. We arrived at Southhampton, toured around a bit then met the FRANCE at Le Harvre. From there, we headed back to New York. I have a set of deck plans and 2 funnel ashtrays from the FRANCE, and THE model of her from the Captain’s Cabin they raffled off. What a ship it was as the FRANCE. When they made her into the NORWAY, I sailed her in 1987 and again in 1989. I was so pleased to see her in her new colors and decor. However, it was even nicer to see alot of the original fixfures on board as well. 1- the egyptian panels in the Windward Dining Room. 2-the original light fixtures in Club International and other architectural items. NCL was very, very fortunate as well as proud to have had this great ship in there fleet for there will never ever be another one like her due to modern passenger ship demands. A very, very sad but fond farewell to the grand old lady of ocean liners. You will be missed dearly by me.
-Erik Wiman
Bob Graham
August 15, 2011 at 7:21 am
My wife and I sailed on FRANCE from New York on the previous (25 July 1974) crossing. I recall a great sense of sadness among the crewmembers with whom we spoke. Not surprising given they would soon be jobless, but more than that a sense that an entire era was ending.
Which it was. Our late-evening LeHavre arrival, with all the ship’s lights ablaze along with those in the harbor, provided an unforgettable tableau — bittersweet, even poignant by the reality of impending retirement.
John M-G’s book is an eloquent and informative tribute to a magnificent ship, in my reckoning, exterior-wise the most beautiful liner ever built.
Kenneth Eden
August 16, 2011 at 4:34 am
To have truly known the interior beauty of the NORWAY, one needed have sailed the ship when she was the SS FRANCE.
Most everything of any beauty and of course, value, was removed from the SS FRANCE and supplemented by cheap chairs, tables, and other items when NCL took over.
The one main thing that is admirable, NCL kept the ship in great shape, modernized it in the best way probably posible to suit the ship for warm weather cruising, and kept it sailing for years. The French could have cared less about the ship.
I toured the NORWAY, and was depressed at what I saw. I sailed the SS FRANCE, memories of her as vivid today as they were the last time I sailed her.
I often wonder what we all would think if somebody actually sailed the QE2 after a refit and rebuilding of decks.
NICOLAS
August 23, 2011 at 12:58 am
C EST UNE VRAIE HONTE D AVOIR DETRUIT CE PAQUEBOT VIVE LA FRANCE
Richard and Victoria Osborn
September 19, 2011 at 2:12 pm
My husband and I have sailed on the SS Norway more than 15 times since NCL made her the largest cruise ship. She was magnificent and we could not get enough of her. NCL would alternate between the Norway and the Seaward with the 50′s and 60′s rock n roll cruise. We took this cruise every year and met up with the same people year after year. We still tell those wonderful stories and still sail with NCL. We miss the people we would see year after year and wish we had kept track of them. We are leaving on our 33rd cruise with NCL in less than 3 weeks and still miss the Norway. We met people who had sailed on the Norway more 125 times. We understand what they felt about this ship. We were on this ship when there was a fire in the engine room. The staff and crew were wonderful. The ship was wonderful and we would have sailed on her again.
Richard and Victoria Osborn
Dan Carter
September 20, 2011 at 1:45 am
@Kenneth Eden: When I look at the pictures of the SS France, the ship would blow the SS Norway out the water. However, I wondered what might have been if the French Line had initially constructed the SS France as a ship that was versatile as an oceanliner and a cruiseship like the SS Rotterdam V?
Kenneth Eden
September 20, 2011 at 5:56 am
@Da Carter
The SS FRANCE had only one true rival at sea, the QUEEN ELIZABETH 11, or QE2. The FRANCE was chided for her lack of being able to sail the Panama Canal, and the French crew members joked that the ship was deliberately built too wide –
back then it was pure French arrogance, at its best.
What was a problem, was this, when the FRANCE was drawn up nobody really cruised the hot or warm waters during the winter months, and the jet had pretty much taken over the fun way to get to Europe, by air, and the FRANCE was litterally a “white elephant” before her fittings were installed.
So, along came the QE2, and she could adapt to the warmer climes, and offered, as well as Home Lines venerable SS OCEANIC, and a few others, but the SS FRANCE was never built for say, the Caribbean, although I sailed her there without ever blinking an eye, and loved every minute of it. As for the NORWAY, not for me.
We can not forget that the SS ROTTERDAM was built as a transatlantic liner,yet, however, used for nearly her entire life with Holand America as a cruise ship. She adapted well to her role, and I loved her.
As spoiled a the SS NORWAY may have looked in her NCL costume, she was spared the wreckers for years, and was loved by thousands that sailed her.
Kalle Id
September 20, 2011 at 6:38 am
@Dan Carter: Unless I’m terribly mistaking, the FRANCE *was* constructed as a dual liner/cruise ship, with a similar (but not identical) interior layout philosophy as the ROTTERDAM.
Bob Graham
September 20, 2011 at 12:57 pm
FRANCE was first and foremost a transatlantic liner, with few if any concessions to the cruise trade. Most conspicuously, there was no outside pool; the Tourist Class pool aft had a big, fixed skylight over it but the space seemed curiously airless. Additionally, there was relatively little open deck areas for passenger “sunning” — about what you would have found on QM or QE(i). Also, the restaurants: Chambord and Versailles were low in the ship, with no windows providing sea views.No surprise therefore when NCL made their new flagship more sun-friendly with two outside pools and broadening the deck around the aft one.
The ship was, as others have pointed out, a lovely anachronism from the start, appearing just as the jetliner was usurping the Atlantic liners’ traditional role. It is sad that the French Line (and indeed the French government) were so rigid and short-sighted in their thinking; modifications to the original design implemented during construction might have produced a ship adaptable to warm-seas cruising as well as liner service — a la QE2.
Kenneth Eden
September 21, 2011 at 5:39 am
And why were the two dining rooms sited LOW down in the ship? Motion, for stabilization, as they were on the SS ROTTERDAM and the SS OCEANIC, as well as all true ocean liners from the begining of passenger travel, and are still today, on the one newest ocean liner in service today, the QUEEN MARY 2, and yes, Oceania has a two new cruise ships, RIVIERA and MARINA, with MDR’s located on the low decks, for the very same reason.
The location of the Chambord and Versailles dining extravaganzas the FRANCE offered, were not changed by NCl. What was changed were small cabins made larger by connecting two small ones, new suites removal of the first class pool to become a disco, the addition of a massive rear sunning/pool platform, and opening up the liner, for access to the sunny Caribbean as well as many needed alterations to suit warm weather cruises. NCL heralded in a new era of cruising with their newly rennovated NORWAY>
Andy stockall
September 30, 2011 at 4:08 pm
I worked on board the Norway and she was my home between may 96 and jan 97, during this time I had the privilege of retracing the steps of the ss France on the historic transatlantic crossing when we sailed from Miami to new York then on to le havre and Southampton in sept 96. The ship then had 3 weeks in dry dock at Southampton before we sailed back to Miami with crew only on board (wot a party that was!!) so so sad she has gone but wonderful lifetime experiences and memories to cherish forever. I think once you were touched by her no other ship came close. Great crew bar, great friends, god bless you all xxx
Bob Beveridge
November 6, 2011 at 3:00 pm
Sailed the Norway in the late 90′s. Great ship. Fascinating to watch the crew unload the launches–interesting piece of seamanship! I spent time exploring and found the stateroom that was used to transport the Mona Lisa to the States in the 60′s (?). As I recall, she had her own stateroom with security guards on both sides. It was at the end of a short passageway just off the starboard main passageway and had a brass plate identifying it as Mona Lisa’s cabin. Saw the France and the United States tied up next to each other in New York in 1968; wondered whether or not I would ever get to sail on such ships… You must be getting old when you realize that every ship you ever sailed on has been scrapped!