Flash Back - One of My Favorite Ships - French Line's ss France.
French Line's SS France (shown) Later Became Norwegian Cruise Line's Norway Originally built in 1962 for the French Line, the futuristic liner ss France was the longest liner of the day, measuring 1,032 feet and weighing 66,000 tons. The elegant 3 class ship had her trademark majestic winged funnels; elegant furnishing and white glove service. A victim of many strikes by the seaman union; the increased popularity of air travel; and mounting losses due to increased fuel prices, fuel hungry engines and low passenger counts. The ss France was laid up in 1974 awaiting a buyer. The ship was eventually purchase by Norwegian Cruise Line, who renamed her Norway and brought her to Bremerhaven, Germany for an extensive conversion to a 1 class cruise liner. Totally refitted from stem to stem the ship reemerged as the Norway with all cabin remodeled, all public rooms renovated, an extensive platform lido area was place on the stern ideal for her new role as a Caribbean Cruise shi...