With the news that Royal Caribbean Group has sold Azamara, the world’s second largest cruise operator has accelerated its shedding of berths and capacity.
With the onset of COVID-19, Pullmantur was the first to go, as the Spanish brand was quick to file for insolvency in Spain. Royal Caribbean was a 49 percent partner in the joint venture and owned the ships, which were quickly scrapped.
Later in 2020 and not coming as a surprise, Royal Caribbean Group then sold the Majesty and Empress of the Seas to new owners, as the two oldest ships in the Royal Caribbean International fleet were divested.
A few weeks later, the Azamara news became official, with Sycamore Partners buying the Azamara brand and its trio of vessels.
By the Numbers:
Pullmantur
- 3 Ships Divested (Monarch, Sovereign, Horizon)
- 5,984 berths.
- 387,822 estimated annual passenger capacity, per the Cruise Industry News Annual Report.
Royal Caribbean International
- 2 Ships Leave the Fleet (Empress, Majesty)
- 4,194 berths.
- 218,602 estimated annual passenger capacity, per the Cruise Industry News Annual Report.
Azamara
- Brand and 3 Ships Sold to New Owners (Journey, Pursuit, Quest)
- 2,138 berths.
- 62,002 estimated annual passenger capacity, per the Cruise Industry News Annual Report.
