Bye Bye Majesty and Empress (It's official)

[Ourusualbeach]

As we continue to navigate through this very fluid time together, it’s important that we connect on the latest news and updates. That’s why you’re among the first to learn that, sadly, Empress of the Seas^® and Majesty of the Seas^® will soon be leaving the Royal Caribbean fleet. 

Fan favorites for 30 years, Empress and Majesty of the Seas certainly made their mark on the cruise industry. Empress, launched in 1990, was the first ship specifically designed for short 3- and 4-night itineraries, with her first cruises visiting The Bahamas from Miami. And years later, she wasn’t finished making history. In 2004, Empress became the first cruise ship to sail from Cape Liberty in Bayonne, New Jersey, when we opened our terminal. And in 2017, Empress took the limelight once again as she embarked on Royal Caribbean’s inaugural cruise to Cuba.

Likewise, Majesty captured the hearts of many during her time in our service. She was the third ship to round out the impressive Sovereign Class. More than twice the size of the average cruise ship, Majesty was the largest ship in our fleet when she debuted in 1992. Her adventures began with 7-night Western Caribbean cruises departing Miami.

Through the years, Empress and Majesty have created incredible memories for so many of our guests and crew members. Many of your clients think fondly of these ships, and we know this will be a bittersweet goodbye. Their departure from the Royal Caribbean fleet is a major moment in our brand’s history and was a decision that was not made lightly. However, as our fleet evolves, decisions like these pave the way for the introduction of new and reimagined innovative ships. And if you’re wondering about crew members being impacted by this, rest assured they’ll be transferred to other ships in our fleet where unforgettable vacations will soon continue. As we bid our farewells, we greatly encourage you to share your favorite memories onboard Empress and Majesty on Vicki’s Facebook page!

Should you have clients confirmed on future Empress or Majesty of the Seas sailings, please know that you will be contacted shortly regarding their options.

As always, we thank you for your continued loyalty and support. Your partnership means the world to us!

Stay Safe!

Edited December 16, 2020 by Ourusualbeach

[Mattnvick]

Just read that email. Sad

[cruisegirl1]

Thanks for the info.  We took many wonderful cruises on both of these ships.  In fact, our first time on   Empress of the Seas was when the ship was still called the  Nordic Empress ( 1998).  The last time was to Cuba in 2017.     We have Empress and Majesty crystal  blocks.  

M

Edited December 16, 2020 by cruisegirl1

[njkruzer]

Yes,  just saw the email.   Have sailed both. Sailed the Empress when she was still the Nordic Empress.  We were on her in 2002 when she was the 1st ship with passengers allowed back into NYC harbors after 9/11.  

[Milwaukee Eight]

I just saw this posted on Facebook. I bet @Biker19 is glad I didn’t start another thread. 😂

[lakelorain]

Saw this.  Have 2 cruises booked on Empress.  I wonder what ship will take over her schedule.

 

[Milwaukee Eight]

I guess this means no more new bookings on Empress OS. 😇

[Sea Dog]

I'm bummed as I really wanted to cruise on Empress after reading @twangster's great reviews of her. I love the big ships but the smaller ones have just as much charm. Sad times but expected.

[twangster]

4 minutes ago, lakelorain said:

Saw this.  Have 2 cruises booked on Empress.  I wonder what ship will take over her schedule.

 

 

My assumption is they will cancel.  

[Biker19]

8 minutes ago, Milwaukee Eight said:

I just saw this posted on Facebook. I bet @Biker19 is glad I didn’t start another thread. 😂

 

Others will.

 

Biker, who called this the day they started on their TA sailings.

Edited December 16, 2020 by Biker19

[dswallow]

From the Press Release:

 

ROYAL CARIBBEAN’S EMPRESS AND MAJESTY OF THE SEAS SET TO DEPART FLEET | Royal Caribbean Press Center

 

The ships have been sold to an undisclosed party, based in Asia-Pacific, that will release details for future sailings at a later time.

[sgmn]

Deleted 

Edited December 16, 2020 by sgmn
Deleted due answer to question in previous post

[Ourusualbeach]

10 minutes ago, lakelorain said:

Saw this.  Have 2 cruises booked on Empress.  I wonder what ship will take over her schedule.

 

Probably none.  All the other ships have deployments.

[Ourusualbeach]

deleted

Edited December 16, 2020 by Ourusualbeach

[poocher]

Feel fortunate to have sailed on both, in 2002 on the Nordic Empress and in 2018 on Majesty.  Great small ships, many fond memories.

Edited December 16, 2020 by poocher

[sandebeach]

Just read the email. I think many CC posters correctly predicted this. 

[gkbiiii]

What will happen to them, will they be used at another line or sent to scrap?

[Another_Critic]

14 minutes ago, Ourusualbeach said:

Probably none.  All the other ships have deployments.

 

Grandeur may be available.

Edited December 16, 2020 by Another_Critic

[NH_Skier]

Just received my email.  The only choices are 125% FCC or a refund. I wish Lift and Shift was an option.

[Ourusualbeach]

8 minutes ago, Another_Critic said:

 

Grandeur may be available.

Not sure if she can fit into Montreal.  

 

If she does substitute there would definitely need to be some itinerary changes.

 

Then there is also the rumour that she could be heading to Pulmantur.

[Ourusualbeach]

17 minutes ago, gkbiiii said:

What will happen to them, will they be used at another line or sent to scrap?

Already posted that they were sold to another company and based in  Asia Pacific.

Edited December 16, 2020 by Ourusualbeach

[Ourusualbeach]

9 minutes ago, NH_Skier said:

Just received my email.  The only choices are 125% FCC or a refund. I wish Lift and Shift was an option.

What ship and itinerary?

[packercruising]

This wouldn't be so bad if there was another ship to switch to. We were really looking forward to the Empress in September, if it sailed. We were going to sail from Montreal. Do they have any ships that could do that?

[hotwheels920]

Bummer.  Understandable, but bummer.

I love the intimacy of the smaller ships.

😢

[packercruising]

1 minute ago, hotwheels920 said:

Bummer.  Understandable, but bummer.

I love the intimacy of the smaller ships.

😢

Us too. No doubt our Visions cruise in March will be cancelled.