What Do They Do With Abandoned Cruise Ships?

By Anna Duncan

Have you ever wondered what happens to a cruise ship once it’s been abandoned? As the world’s cruise industry continues to grow, more and more ships are being retired or sold off for scrap.

But what exactly do they do with these massive vessels that once sailed the high seas? Let’s take a closer look.

Abandoned Cruise Ships

Abandoned cruise ships can be a bit of an enigma. Some are left to rust away in port, while others are sold off for scrap and dismantled piece by piece. In some cases, these vessels are simply left to drift at sea until they sink or wash up on shore.

One of the most famous examples of an abandoned cruise ship is the SS United States. This iconic vessel was once the fastest passenger liner in the world, but it has been sitting empty in Philadelphia since 1996. Despite several attempts to save it over the years, the ship remains at risk of being scrapped.

Selling Abandoned Cruise Ships

When a cruise ship is retired or abandoned, one option is to sell it to another company or individual who can repurpose it for another use. This could include turning it into a floating hotel, restaurant, or even a casino.

In some cases, these ships are bought and used as training facilities for naval cadets or as research vessels for scientific expeditions. There are even companies that specialize in buying and refurbishing older cruise ships for use as luxury charter boats.

Scraping Abandoned Cruise Ships

Another option for abandoned cruise ships is to be sold off for scrap. While this may seem like a sad fate for these once-glorious vessels, it can actually be quite lucrative. The steel from these massive ships can be recycled and used in a variety of applications.

However, dismantling an entire cruise ship is no easy feat. It can take months or even years to take apart a large vessel, and the process can be hazardous to workers and the environment. As a result, many countries have strict regulations in place to ensure that these ships are dismantled safely and responsibly.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are a variety of options for what happens to abandoned cruise ships. Whether they are repurposed for another use, sold off for scrap, or left to rust away in port, these massive vessels continue to fascinate us with their history and grandeur.