Royal Caribbean has announced the sale of the Splendour of the Seas to Thomson Cruises, with the ship transferring in April 2016. The 19-year-old ship will be transferred as part of Royal Caribbean’s strategic update of the whole fleet.
Upon its transfer, the Splendour will become the largest ship in Thomson’s fleet with a capacity of 1,830 guests. Holidays aboard the Splendour, sailing under the Thomson flag, will go on sail from the end of April 2015.
Richard D. Fain, chairman of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., paid tribute to the long-serving vessel: “Splendour of the Seas debuted in 1996 and has served Royal Caribbean International extremely well. 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.”
Royal Caribbean International’s president, Michael Bayley, continued the tribute: “Splendour of the Seas has been a treasured member of the Royal Caribbean International family since she entered service.
“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.”
The ship is set to add a few new features to the Thomson fleet including a wide range of dining options and a high percentage of cabins with balconies – a feature noticeably missing from its new kin. The Splendour will replace the all-inclusive Island Escape – offering summer fly/cruises throughout the Mediterranean.
Thomson Cruises Managing Director, Helen Caron, expressed the company’s excitement at the prospect of the ship joining the fleet: “This is the first step in our fleet modernisation and transformation strategy and will bring an enhanced offering to our customers.”
This news follows the sale of the Majesty of the Seas to Pullmantur Cruises, also coming into effect in April 2016.
Images sourced via Flickr Creative Commons. Credits: Daniel Dudek-Corrigan
