A striking image circulating online today has caught the attention of cruise and maritime enthusiasts worldwide. The photo, captured by a live webcam off Pompano Beach, Florida, shows Royal Caribbean’s brand-new Utopia of the Seas sailing alongside the historic SS United States, a ship that once held the title of the fastest ocean liner in the world.
The rare sighting of these two vessels, each a symbol of its own era, is quite the sight. At first glance, the contrast between these two ships is staggering. The powerful image showcases the evolution of ocean travel, with Utopia of the Seas sailing alongside the once record-holding SS United States.
Utopia of the Seas is Royal Caribbean’s newest ship in the latest Oasis class vessel for the cruise line. Currently, she is the second biggest cruise ship in the world (until Star of the Seas launches this year). On the other hand, SS United States sailed for the first in 1952, making her 73 years old this year.
Here are some quick comparison facts between the two vessels:
| Feature | SS United States (1952) | Utopia of the Seas (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 990 feet | 1,188 feet |
| Gross Tonnage | 53,330 GT | 236,860 GT |
| Passenger Capacity | 1,928 | 5,668 |
| Top Speed | 38 knots | 22 knots |
| Power Source | Steam turbines | Liquefied Natural Gas |
Despite its smaller size, SS United States was once an engineering marvel, designed to be the fastest and safest ocean liner of its time. It famously set the transatlantic speed record on its maiden voyage in 1952, a record that still stands today for an ocean liner.
In contrast, Utopia of the Seas represents the pinnacle of modern cruise vacations, offering an onboard experience that includes water parks, a zipline, the tallest dry slide on a cruise ship, Broadway-style entertainment, and a multitude of restaurants.
The comparison between the two ships visually illustrates how ocean travel has shifted from the era of high-speed crossings to floating resorts focused on leisure and entertainment.
The history and fate of the SS United States
Newport News Shipbuilding built the SS United States in 1952 and commissioned it as a dual-purpose ocean liner for potential military use.
Designed by naval architect William Francis Gibbs, the ship was an icon of American engineering and luxury, catering to celebrities, dignitaries, and everyday travelers crossing the Atlantic.
However, with the rise of commercial air travel in the 1960s, ocean liners fell out of favor, and the ship was retired from service in 1969. Since then, it has faced a long and uncertain future, changing ownership multiple times while awaiting restoration.
Where is the SS United States headed?
Florida’s Okaloosa County bought the ship in the fall of 2024 after approving a $10 million plan for relocating the historic ocean liner.
They will sink the ship into the ocean to create an artificial reef. The Northwest Florida county will also be building a $1 million seaside museum to share the history of the vessel.
The ship is currently sailing to Mobile, Alabama where it will be prepared for the sinking off Florida’s panhandle. It will become the world’s largest artificial reef.
A moment in maritime history
The image of the Utopia of the Seas and SS United States sailing side by side serves as a powerful reminder of how ocean travel has evolved.
From the sleek speed-driven design of the SS United States to the massive floating entertainment hub of Utopia of the Seas, these two vessels symbolize the changing priorities of maritime travel over the past seven decades.
For now, cruise fans can only wait and see what the future holds for the SS United States—a ship that, despite its age and uncertain fate, still manages to capture the imagination of those who dream of the golden age of ocean liners.
So excited to see this in Okaloosa County where I am from!