[ 03-18-2012: Message edited by: dmwnc1 ]

We used to lunch aboard them when ever they were in port on a work day. And yes, Those ships were huge when they first came out.

I also remember someone mentioning that a Chinese outfit was shopping the ship. I can't remember where I saw the images.

I guess RCI is ready for old tonnage to leave the nest. But that's only 20 years if my math is correct. The Sovereign class vessels were introduced in the early 90's.

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Originally posted by jeremya:
It was funny to see Sovereign of the Seas become Monarch.

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Originally posted by lasuvidaboy:
I clearly remember her maiden voyage in January of 1988 and always thought that this class of ship were some of the best-looking cruise ships then or now.

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I had Sovereign on the brain. I totally missed the cue on Monarch of the Seas going to become Monarch. I should have noticed that one... my bad.

Tuesday, 20 March 2012

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. today 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. Monarch of the Seas will transfer to Pullmantur on 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.”

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.

‘‘The transfer of Monarch of the Seas will reinforce Pullmantur in our Latin American growth strategy, and help us become one of the most widely recognized brands,’’ said Pullmantur’s President and CEO, Gonzalo Chico Barbier.

Monarch of the Seas was built at Chantiers de L’Atlantique (now STX France) in St. Nazaire, France and sailed its maiden voyage on November 17, 1991. The ship is part of the Sovereign class of cruise ships, which were the world’s largest and most innovative of their time.

Pullmantur is the leading Spanish Tour Operator and Cruise Company, founded in 1971, and famous for introducing the ‘All Inclusive’ concept to cruising. Pullmantur is leader of the cruise market in Spain and Portugal, currently operating a modern 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 Brasil, Mexico, Portugal and France.

Royal Caribbean International is a global cruise brand currently with 22 innovative ships, calling on more than 270 destinations in 72 countries across six continents. The line also offers unique cruise tour land packages in Alaska, Canada, Dubai, Europe, and Australia and New Zealand.

[ 03-20-2012: Message edited by: Ernst ]

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Originally posted by Cunard Fan:
This is a little sad to me. I have always had a special place in my heart for Monarch as she was one of the first cruise ships I got to see. At least she will continue on .

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That is the same thing for me. Well she isn't the first for me but definitely the first I got to see up close and touch. Back then security rules weren't as high as they are now. I 'met' her in Puerto Rico that time, was a special moment for me.