Built as the French Line's flagship in 1961, Norway remained the longest passenger ship ever built until Queen Mary 2 debuted in 2003.

She was arguably built both for crossing and cruising; though the French Line maintained she was a purpose-built liner, her layout was constructed to facilitate single-class travel.

Norway suffered a boiler explosion while docked at Miami in 2003, killing several crew members. After a few years of legal wrangling over the asbestos and other hazards she contains, she was finally docked in India this year to be dismantled.