The 1950s ocean liner goes down the second week of November off Destin, and it’ll be livestreamed. Plus, Carnival’s Christmas decorating dates and MSC’s new two-story family villa.
One of the most famous ships in American history is about to become a home for fish.
The SS United States will be sunk in the Gulf during the second week of November, Cruise Hive reported, citing an Oct. 9 statement from the Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners in Florida. It will become the world’s largest artificial reef.
Here’s what to know about the ocean liner’s final trip, plus two more cruise updates for the holidays and beyond.
Where will the SS United States be sunk?
About 22 nautical miles southwest of Destin-Fort Walton Beach, in the Gulf, the county said. The exact date depends on the weather, according to Cruise Hive.
“This is an exciting move forward to create a one-of-a-kind resource for the environment and for our tourism industry,” the county’s statement said.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers gave its final approval, and the Environmental Protection Agency didn’t oppose it, the SS United States Conservancy noted, per Cruise Hive.
How will the SS United States be sunk?
No explosives. The ship will be anchored for about two days while crews make final preparations, then sunk with controlled flooding, according to the Conservancy.
It should settle upright on the Gulf floor about 180 feet down. Its top deck will sit about 55 feet below the surface, which puts it in reach of divers.
The whole thing will be livestreamed, the Conservancy said. There will be a wide security perimeter, so there won’t be any close-up spots to watch from a boat.
What happened to the SS United States before this?
It sat in Philadelphia from 1996 until a rent dispute ended its stay at Pier 82, Cruise Hive reported. Okaloosa County approved buying the ship in October 2024.
It was towed about 2,000 miles to Mobile, Alabama, in early 2025 to be cleaned up. Crews emptied and inspected 128 fuel and lubricant tanks and removed more than 400 portholes. They also stripped out the wiring and ventilation system, and sealed off spots that would be unsafe for divers.
The ship launched in 1951. The Conservancy is planning a museum on land with its funnels, its radar mast and other pieces saved from the ship.
Here’s a look at the ship in Mobile this summer, from Okaloosa County:
When does Carnival put up Christmas decorations?
It depends on the ship. Carnival’s brand ambassador, John Heald, posted the fleet’s 2026 schedule on Facebook, Cruise Hive reported.
Carnival Encounter is first, on Nov. 22 from Brisbane, Australia. Carnival Luminosa is last, on Dec. 14, also from Brisbane.
Most ships sailing from Florida, Texas and other U.S. ports get decorated between Nov. 27 and Dec. 5. That includes Mardi Gras, Jubilee and Celebration on Nov. 28 and 29.
Decorations stay up for New Year’s Eve sailings, Heald said. And as soon as they go up, the ships start playing Christmas music, he added.
What is MSC’s Grand Hamptons Villa?
A two-story family suite at sea, with more than 2,475 square feet of space inside and out, MSC Cruises announced Oct. 21.
It sleeps up to eight. There’s a kids’ suite with custom bunk beds and a TV for each bunk, plus a private movie theater, a LEGO wall and a climbing tower.
The villa even has a secret door that reveals new surprises every day. Outside, there’s a private terrace with a hot tub and deck games.
When can you book the MSC villa?
Now. It debuts on MSC World Atlantic starting in November 2027, sailing seven- and 14-night Caribbean trips from Port Canaveral, Florida, MSC said.
Guests get MSC Yacht Club perks, including 24-hour butler service. MSC hasn’t listed a price in its announcement.
“As demand for family and multigenerational travel continues to grow, we are constantly looking for new ways to elevate our guest experience,” said MSC Cruises CEO Gianni Onorato.
So whether you’re watching a legend go down or planning a holiday sailing, there’s plenty happening at sea this season.
Article compiled and written by Kambrea Pratt (editor-in-chief), Derek Gibbs (beat editor) and the Pirates & Princesses newsroom. Pirates & Princesses is part of WebReef Media.
Pirates and Princesses is your destination for Disney news, theme park updates, and the pop culture you love. From Disney cruises and travel tips to Disney fashion, food, collectibles, and movie news, PNP covers it all. Visit us at piratesandprincesses.net for daily coverage. Follow PNP on Facebook and Instagram, and listen to the Pirates & Princesses podcast on Apple Podcasts and YouTube.
Hat Tips:
Cruise Hive, Melissa Mayntz (Oct. 21, 2026), the SS United States reefing plans, history and cleanup
Cruise Hive, Melissa Mayntz (Oct. 19, 2026), Carnival’s holiday decorating schedule
MSC Cruises via PR Newswire (Oct. 21, 2026), the Grand Hamptons Villa and Onorato’s quote
Okaloosa County on YouTube (Aug. 3, 2026), the ship video
AI Disclosure: All articles are assigned, edited and reviewed by an experienced human editor before posting. Like most modern newsrooms, WebReef Media uses a variety of AI tools to help with accuracy and efficiency. Ways AI may be used in article creation include research, grammar, fact-checking and ideation, as well as occasional AI generated or enhanced thumbnails or graphics. No articles are generated or posted without human oversight or involvement.