The oldest cruise ship on the seas is retiring. Here's a look at its crazy history (2024)

FAQs

What is the oldest still operating cruise ship? ›

MV Astoria is a ship that was constructed as the transatlantic ocean liner Stockholm for Swedish American Line, and rebuilt as a cruise ship in 1993. Ordered in 1944, and commenced service in 1948, at 76 years old, she is the oldest deep water passenger liner still around in a non retired status.

The oldest ship, the Grandeur of the Seas is over 25 years old and Royal Caribbean is planning to launch two ships in 2024, the Utopia of the Seas and the Icon of the Seas.

P&O first introduced passenger-cruising services in 1844, advertising sea tours to destinations such as Gibraltar, Malta and Athens, sailing from Southampton. The forerunner of modern cruise holidays, these voyages were the first of their kind. P&O Cruises is the world's oldest cruise line.

Generally, they are scrapped. Most are too large for small cruise lines to operate, and the key - major repairs - puts them out of reach when newer, more efficient liners are being built. What happens to a really old cruise ship?

The American Countess, a paddlewheeler that entered service in 2021, is one of American Queen Voyages' assets. The news that American Queen Voyages (AQV) had ceased operations on Feb. 20, canceling all future cruises, did not come as a shock to the trade.

The biggest thing to ever hit cruising is coming in January 2024, when Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas—which will be the largest cruise ship in the world—will debut to passengers for the first time.

To start, these cruise ships typically sail interesting itineraries because some ports have size restrictions, which limit the bigger vessels from docking. Also, older and smaller ships are more affordable, and I love a good cruise deal!

How much does a Cruise Ship Worker make? As of Apr 7, 2024, the average annual pay for a Cruise Ship Worker in the United States is $49,005 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $23.56 an hour. This is the equivalent of $942/week or $4,083/month.

Thankfully, very few cruise ships have actually sunk in modern history. Even so, the Titanic's sinking impacted maritime law so much that there are more than enough lifeboats for all passengers and crew onboard any given sailing. Within the last 111 years, over 20 cruise ships and ocean liners have sunk.

Can you live as a retired in a cruise ship? ›

Buying a Permanent Cabin for Retirement

The cost could be lower for seniors who establish themselves as permanent residents aboard a cruise ship. There are several cruise lines that allow travelers to purchase an apartment or condo onboard, with food and other amenities included.

Unfortunately, the best age to get a job on a cruise ship depends on the company – most cruise lines want to hire crew members that are in their twenties, with a few exceptions. The maximum age to get a job on a cruise ship varies from company to company, but it can be up to 50-55 years old.

Many cruise ships remain in service for 20 to 30 years or more before being retired or sold to other cruise lines. During their operational lifespan, cruise ships undergo regular maintenance and periodic renovations to ensure they meet safety standards and remain attractive to passengers.

On 30 March 1899, the ill-fated S.S. Stella left Southampton for a Channel crossing to Guernsey. Fifteen miles from St. Peter Port in deep fog, travelling at nearly top speed, she struck the Casquets reef, and sank within 10 minutes.

Many cruise ships remain in service for 20 to 30 years or more before being retired or sold to other cruise lines. During their operational lifespan, cruise ships undergo regular maintenance and periodic renovations to ensure they meet safety standards and remain attractive to passengers.

Still, ships are routinely retired from service for the North American market when they're as young as 15 to 20 years old. Considered over-the-hill, they're shifted to a cruise line's Europe- or Asia-based divisions or sold to foreign lines whose clientele isn't as picky about age.

Olsen Cruise Lines ship and plans to transform the ship in time to offer a 3.5-year cruise beginning May 2024. Prices for passage start at just under $33,000 per year. Organizers of the 1,301-day cruise say passengers will stop at 425 ports across 147 countries, spending between two and seven days in each port.