Empress and Majesty of the Seas to depart fleet

Royal Caribbean International has announced that Empress of the Seas and Majesty of the Seas are to depart the fleet 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 3- and 4-night cruises when it launched in 1990, initially being based in The Bahamas from Miami. Majesty of the Seas, the third ship in Sovereign-class, was more than twice the size of the average cruise ship.

The ships have been sold to an undisclosed party, based in Asia-Pacific.