Viking Serenade — Historic Royal Caribbean Ship
Viking Serenade is a Viking Serenade Class cruise ship operated by Royal Caribbean. She entered service in 1990 (RCL), measures 40,132 gross tons, and carries approximately 1,870 guests at double occupancy.
Looking for Viking Serenade info? 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 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.
Dining Venues on Viking Serenade
Viking Serenade offered standard dining options for Royal Caribbean ships of the 1990s, including a main dining room with traditional assigned seating, a casual buffet area, and poolside snack options. Detailed venue records for this historic vessel are limited.
Ken's Logbook: Viking Serenade
Stories and insights from cruisers who have sailed on Viking Serenade will appear here.
Watch: Viking Serenade Highlights
Historic footage and retrospectives of Viking Serenade, when available, will appear here.
Viking Serenade 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 About Viking Serenade
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.
What was Viking Serenade originally called?
Viking Serenade was originally built in 1982 as Scandinavian Star. She was converted for Royal Caribbean cruise service and joined the fleet in 1990. After leaving RCL in 2002, she sailed as Island Escape.
How big was Viking Serenade?
Viking Serenade was 40,132 gross tons and 624 feet long, carrying approximately 1,870 passengers with a crew of 615. She was a mid-sized ship by 1990s standards.
Image Attributions
- Viking Serenade in Mexico: Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
- Viking Serenade at port: Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
- Viking Serenade cruise ship: Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
- Viking Serenade in San Diego: Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Plan Your Cruise
Helpful resources to prepare for your voyage: