Royal Caribbean Sells Two Cruise Ships

Royal Caribbean has announced that two of its ships — Empress and Majesty of the Seas — will be departing its fleet later this month.

“Empress and Majesty of the Seas made indelible marks on the cruise industry with their revolutionary design and size. Touted as the cruise industry’s most groundbreaking ships when they were introduced, they continued to make history throughout their more than three decades of service,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International.

“Saying goodbye to these two beloved ships is a major moment in Royal Caribbean’s history – one that is difficult but necessary. With plans for new, innovative ships to join our fleet in the upcoming years, we look forward to our guests and crew continuing to make new memories with us.”

Empress of the Seas was the first ship designed for three and four-night cruises when she launched in 1990, with her initial sailings visiting the Bahamas from Miami. The ship also made history as the first cruise vessel to sail out of Cape Liberty in New Jersey when Royal Caribbean opened the terminal in 2004.

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In 2017, all eyes were on Empress again when she set sail on the cruise line’s first cruise to Cuba.

Majesty of the Seas also played an important role in Royal Caribbean’s history. She was the third ship to round out the Sovereign Class, which was more than twice the size of the average cruise ship at the time. The ship was also the largest in Royal Caribbean’s fleet when she debuted in 1992.

Majesty‘s adventures began with seven-night Western Caribbean cruises from Miami.

Both vessels have been sold to an undisclosed party, based in Asia-Pacific, that will release details for future sailings at a later date. Those booked on the ships will be contacted by Royal Caribbean about their options.