SS United States Arrives in Florida During Last Voyage – Cruise Industry News

After departing from Philadelphia earlier this month, the SS United States recently arrived at the Florida coastline.

Being towed to the port of Mobile in Alabama, the former ocean liner is sailing on its last voyage ahead of becoming the world’s largest artificial reef.

In a picture shared by Port Everglades, the 1952-built vessel is seen passing Fort Lauderdale on Wednesday afternoon.

Fans are able to follow the ship’s journey live via a special GPS tracking tool installed onboard, which is available at this link.

After spending nearly 30 years docked in Pennsylvania, the SS United States sailed from its berth at Pier 82 on Feb. 19, 2025.

Acquired by Okaloosa County’s Tourist Development Department, the vessel is now being towed to Alabama by tugboat Vinik No. 6. The journey is expected to take two weeks.

Before being reefed, the SS United States will undergo preparations, which include removing hazardous materials, such as non-metal parts and fuel.

The process will take approximately a year and aims to ensure the operation is clean and not harmful to the environment it is expected to benefit.

According to Okaloosa County, the exact location along the Gulf Coast for the vessel’s deployment has not been set, but it is expected to be about 20 nautical miles south of the Destin-Fort Walton Beach area.

Modifications will also be made to ensure that when the former ocean liner is deployed, it will land upright underwater.

Along with the reefing project, Okaloosa County is working with the SS United States Conservancy to develop a land-based museum in Destin-Fort Walton Beach.

The museum will celebrate and commemorate the ship’s history, incorporating features that will be removed from the vessel, such as its funnels, radar mast and other signature components, in addition to the Conservancy’s curatorial and archival collection.