“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. Saying goodbye to these two beloved ships is a major moment in Royal Caribbean’s history – one that is difficult but necessary,” stated Michael Bayley, CEO of Royal Caribbean International.

The ships are the oldest in the company's fleet and were sold to what Royal Caribbean said was a "undisclosed party based in Asia-Pacific, that will release details for future sailings at a later time."

When the Empress was launched in 1990, with her initial sailings visiting the Bahamas from Miami, it was the first ship built for three- and four-night cruises.

The Empress also made history when Royal Caribbean opened the terminal in 2004 as the first cruise ship to sail out of Cape Liberty in Bayonne, New Jersey. In 2017, when she set sail on the line's inaugural cruise to Cuba, the ship took center stage again.

According to the company, when it debuted in 1992 as the third ship in the Sovereign Class, The Majesty also played a crucial role in Royal Caribbean's dedication to continually trying to redefine the industry. Her adventures started with a 7-night cruise from Miami to the Western Caribbean.

Maritime Business World