Princess Announced They Have Sold Another Cruise Ship

Princess Cruises announced today that it has sold Pacific Princess to an undisclosed buyer.

Earlier this month, Carnival Corporation’s CEO Arnold Donald said the company has already accelerated the retirement of 19 less-efficient cruise ships, with 15 of them having already left the fleet. This was largely due to the worldwide health crisis and its impact on the cruise industry.

Late last year, Princess announced the retirement of Star Princess, Sun Princess, and Sea Princess.

Pacific Princess joined the Princess fleet in 2002, but originally entered service in 1999 for Renaissance Cruises as R3. The boutique-style ship offered an intimate cruising experience, holding just 670 passengers. Though it was small, the vessel incorporated many of the dining and entertainment options that were found on the cruise line’s larger ships.

Pacific Princess sailed more than 1.6 million nautical miles, 11 world cruises, and offered itineraries to destinations around the world.

The Love Boat’s “Captain Stubing” and Princess Cruises Ambassador Gavin MacLeod was on the ship’s bridge when it sailed under the Golden Gate Bridge for the first time, to kick off the inaugural Alaska season from San Francisco in May 2003.

“Pacific Princess holds so many memories and cherished experiences to all who sailed upon her,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises president. “Pacific Princess offered a traditional style of cruising to unique destinations. While it’s difficult to say goodbye to our ‘Love Boat,’ our World Cruise and exotic itineraries continue onboard our Medallion Class-enabled Island Princess and Coral Princess, featuring the best Wi-Fi at sea, allowing guests to keep in touch with loved ones and share vacation memories along the way.”

Another historic moment for Pacific Princess was sailing a throwback cruise, recreating the line’s very first itinerary to the Mexican Riviera in celebration of Princess Cruises’ 50th anniversary in December 2015.

Attendees of the special voyage included the cast of “The Love Boat,” — Gavin MacLeod (Captain Stubing), Fred Grandy (Gopher, the chief purser), Ted Lange (Isaac, the bartender), Bernie Kopell (Doc, the ship’s doctor), Lauren Tewes (cruise director, Julie), and Jill Whelan (Vicki, the captain’s daughter). Together with the guests, they celebrated the role the show played in Princess’ five-decade-long history introducing the cruise line — and cruising in general — to millions around the world.

Those who have Pacific Princess bookings will be notified of their options, which will include how to book a new cruise or receive a refund.

READ MORE: Carnival Posts $2.2 Billion Loss, Says Better Days Ahead