Viking Serenade — Historic Royal Caribbean Ship

Viking Serenade is a retired Royal Caribbean ship that served from 1990 to 2002. This page preserves its history, deck plans, and legacy for those who sailed aboard or are researching Royal Caribbean's fleet evolution.

Viking Serenade (1990-2002) was originally built in 1982 as Scandinavian Star and converted for Royal Caribbean cruise service in 1991. She offered mid-sized cruising experiences on Alaska and Caribbean itineraries with about 1,870 guests at double occupancy. After leaving the Royal Caribbean fleet in 2002, the vessel continued sailing under different operators as Island Escape.

Historical Overview

Viking Serenade in Mexico
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Viking Serenade at port
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Viking Serenade cruise ship
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Viking Serenade in San Diego
Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Viking Serenade was a Royal Caribbean ship that operated from 1990 to 2002. The ship was originally built in 1982 as Scandinavian Star and underwent conversion for Royal Caribbean cruise service in 1991.

The ship represented Royal Caribbean's expansion during the 1990s, offering passengers a comfortable mid-sized cruise experience. After leaving the Royal Caribbean fleet in 2002, the vessel was renamed Island Escape and continued sailing under different operators.

View historical photos on Wikimedia Commons ’

Viking Serenade at a Glance

Historical Context

Viking Serenade had a unique history as a converted ship that was adapted for Royal Caribbean's cruise operations. The vessel served the line well during a period of fleet expansion and modernization.

Key Historical Facts

  • Built: 1982 (as Scandinavian Star)
  • Builder: Dubigeon-Normandie S.A., Nantes, France
  • Converted for RCL: 1991
  • In Service with RCL: 12 years (1990-2002)
  • Post-RCL Name: Island Escape
  • Notable Feature: Successfully converted from car ferry to cruise ship

Viking Serenade represented Royal Caribbean's willingness to acquire and convert suitable vessels to meet growing cruise demand in the 1990s.

Ken's Logbook: Viking Serenade

Stories and insights from cruisers who have sailed on Viking Serenade will appear here.

Deck Plans

Interactive deck plans for Viking Serenade are available on the cruise line's official website.

Live Ship Tracker

Track Viking Serenade's current position and voyage details.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened to Viking Serenade?

Viking Serenade Built 1982; joined RCL 1990; sold in 2002. This page preserves the ship's history and legacy for those who sailed aboard or are researching Royal Caribbean's fleet evolution.

When did Viking Serenade sail for Royal Caribbean?

Viking Serenade was part of Royal Caribbean's fleet Built 1982. The ship represented a chapter in the cruise line's development.

Can I still cruise on Viking Serenade?

No, Viking Serenade is no longer in RCL fleet. This page preserves its Royal Caribbean history for research and nostalgia.

Image Attributions