Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. announced today that it has entered into an agreement to sell its cruise ship Splendour of the Seas to TUI Cruises in the second quarter of 2016. The ship will then be leased to Thomson Cruises.
The vessel will replace Island Escape, which sails under the Island Cruises banner operated by Thomson.
“Splendour of the Seas debuted in 1996 and has served Royal Caribbean International extremely well,” said Richard D. Fain, chairman and chief executive officer of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. “The ship’s sale is in line with our strategic objective of divesting ourselves of older hardware and keeps us firmly on the course to the Double-Double.”
Splendour of the Seas will complete all scheduled open deployment, and no sailings will be altered or disrupted due to the sale. “Splendour of the Seas has been a treasured member of the Royal Caribbean International family since she entered service,” said Michael Bayley, president and chief executive officer of Royal Caribbean International. “She has offered countless guests memorable vacation experiences and we look forward to continuing to provide the same Gold Anchor Service our brand is known for right up to the last sailing.”
Her final sailing will commence on April 4, 2016, and all officers and crew will remain with the company and will be transferred to other vessels worldwide after the ship leaves the Royal Caribbean International fleet.
Splendour of the Seas joined the Royal Caribbean International fleet in 1996, and was built by Chantier’s de L’Atlantique, now STX France, in St. Nazaire, France. The 69,130-ton ship carries 1,830 guests (double occupancy) and 760 crew.
