The SS France is an ocean liner, constructed by the Chantiers de l'Atlantique of Saint-Nazaire, and put into service by the Compagnie Générale Translantique in January 1962.

The decommissioning of the ocean liner in 1975 was caused by various financial problems, high operating costs, and repeated labour strikes. This mothballing was met with dismay by much of the French population, resulting in a song by Michel Sardou, Le France. The ship languished at a quay in Le Havre for four years.

In 1978 she was sold and rebaptized the Norway. She was relaunched on April 14 1980. Her operation was revived two further times, in 1990, and 1997, after machinery, decks, and recreational facilities were renovated.

Most recently, the ocean liner was severely damaged by a fire in the U.S. port of Miami in May 2003. Towed back to Germany for daunting repairs, she awaited a turn for the better.

"France will never sail again," it was announced on March 23 2004. Once its absestos insulation is removed, one of the finest jewels of French naval construction will likely be converted into a deluxe floating hotel to be located at Honfleur or in Amsterdam, according to news reports.