The rumor is now official. Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. has formally announced the transfer of Monarch of the Seas from its Royal Caribbean International cruise brand to its Pullmantur brand, a cruise and tour operator based in Madrid, Spain.You still have time to enjoy Monarch of the Seas, though. The ship won’t join Pullmantur until April 1, 2013, following its last sailing for Royal Caribbean International, which departs on March 29, 2013.
“We are very proud of Monarch of the Seas for delivering great service and outstanding destinations to vacationers since her maiden voyage,” said Adam Goldstein, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International. “She will go on creating wonderful travel memories through her final sailings for our brand through next March and then continue doing the same for Pullmantur’s guests.”
Monarch of the Seas was built at Chantiers de L’Atlantique (now STX France) in St. Nazaire, France and sailed its maiden voyage on Nov 17, 1991. The Monarch was the second of three vessels built for the Sovereign class of cruise ships, which were the world’s largest and most innovative of their time. The first, Sovereign of the Seas (launched in 1988), has already been transferred to Pullmantur and the third, Majesty of the Seas (introduced 1992), will continue to sail for Royal Caribbean. At least for the time being.
With the incorporation of Monarch of the Seas, Pullmantur will increase its total guest capacity by nearly 25 percent and meet a rising demand for the brand’s distinctive All Inclusive-style cruise holidays.
Pullmantur is the leading Spanish Tour Operator and Cruise Company, founded in 1971, and noted for introducing the ‘All Inclusive’ concept to mainstream European cruising. Pullmantur is leader of the cruise market in Spain and Portugal, currently operating a fleet of four vessels, with a daily passenger capacity of 9,000, cruising worldwide, and calling on approximately 100 destinations. The company offers a unique door-to-door flight service, operated by its in-house air travel division with a fleet of four Boeing 747-400. Pullmantur Air provides charter flights to the European Cruise Port Embarkations and long-haul flights between Spain and the Caribbean Sea for the company’s tour-operation division. Spain based Pullmantur, operates through satellite offices in Brazil, Mexico, Portugal, and France.
Image Courtesy of RoyalCaribbean Intl
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