| Empress and Majesty depart RCG

ROYAL Caribbean Group (RCG) has sold Empress of the Seas (pictured) and Majesty of the Seas, with the pair to depart the fleet later this month.

The ships are the oldest in Royal Caribbean International’s (RCI) fleet, and have been sold to an undisclosed APAC-based party.

Royal Caribbean said the buyer would “release details for future sailings at a later time.”

“Saying goodbye to these two beloved ships is a major moment in Royal Caribbean’s history – one that is difficult but necessary,” said RCI President & Chief Executive Officer Michael Bayley.

“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.

“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.”

According to Royal Caribbean, 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.

Empress of the Seas also made history as the first cruise ship to sail out of Cape Liberty in New Jersey when Royal Caribbean opened the terminal in 2004, and in 2017, was the first RCI ship to sail to Cuba.

Majesty of the Seas was set to join Empress in Cuba this year, until the federal government of the United States applied restrictions on tourism by American citizens and residents.