How many of you crossed the Atlantic on the France back in the 60's or 70's going to/from Europe? What a great ship! My friend and I sailed off to our three year adventure in Europe on the France. It later became the Norway and cruised the Caribbean. Due to a boiler explosion on board, which proved to be too expensive to repair, it is now being scrapped in India. It was one of the last great old luxury liners and it took just 4 1/2 days from New York to South Hampton and Le Havre. C'est domage.

This is sad news indeed, Mollie. I had the pleasure of cruising on the Norway in 2000 and it was my first cruise. We had a suite on the same deck as the theatre and would chat with the performers in the hallway. It was a country music theme cruise and Billy Dean was on board.
She deserved better than to be scrapped but was in such disrepair...she reminded me of Mame. Incredibly larger than life, but a part of a bygone era. I'll treasure the memories of walking her decks the rest of my life.

It is sad indeed. She was also (at one time) the longest cruise ship and, one of the fastest.

The repair from the boiler damage could have been addressed, but like so many of these old ships, the cost to bring her up to modern safety standards would have cost millions. I'm sure the combination of the two was what did her in.

I just read on MSNBC that the SS France is due for scrap demo in days. She's been finally allowed into the Alang ship-breaking yards.

I know that from the moment of the horrible boiler explosion she was basically doomed but had hoped she'd find a drydock home as a hotel or some other purpose.

She had the most lovely spa and the suite we stayed in was wonderful...big long windows all across the sitting area, bedroom and vanity area. So many wonderful memories...

She deserved a better ending than this. What a beautiful Grande Dame to end with such indignity. It breaks my heart.