The SS United States, a record-holding, almost 1,000-foot retired American ocean liner, will become Mobile, Alabama’s newest port resident on its way to becoming an artificial reef off the coast of Florida.

At just over 990 feet long, the SS United States is approximately 100 feet longer than the Titanic. While dry docked at the Port of Mobile, the ship’s massive signature smokestacks will be visible along the riverfront. This offers visitors and locals the opportunity to view the once-iconic luxury liner by booking custom boat tours.

The ocean liner is the largest to ever be fully constructed entirely in the U.S. and still holds the Blue Riband accolade, as the fastest liner to cross the Atlantic Ocean in either direction. The record was set on the ship’s maiden voyage in 1952 and remains uncontested.

Before taking its final assignment as an artificial reef, the SS United States will dock at Modern American Recycling Services of Alabama, LLC on the Mobile River. It is set to be thoroughly cleaned and have strategically placed holes and spaces installed that will accommodate its new marine life residents.

While docked, the ship will best be accessible to sightseers and maritime enthusiasts from the water. Perdido Queen Cruises and Historic Blakeley State Park are offering unique Mobile River Harbor Cruises specifically to view and learn about the SS United States.

Perdido Queen’s SS United States Port Tour begins March 5, 2025, and continues every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday while the ship is in port. This includes a guided, one-hour tour aboard the climate-controlled boat, with open air balconies. Guests can enjoy sodas, beer, wine, cocktails or mocktails from a cash bar.

From March 26 – 30, 2025, Historic Blakeley State Park will offer a Mobile Harbor Tour. This two-hour journey will introduce visitors to the incredible modern facilities and rich history of the city’s harbor, including a once-in-a-lifetime chance to get a close view of the SS United States.

The addition of the historic liner, once known as “America’s Flagship,” supplements Mobile’s unique and diverse attractions. The SS United States’ passenger manifests have included four U.S. presidents, royal monarchs, celebrities of various nationalities and even Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, when the masterpiece traveled to the U.S. for exhibition.