Two older Princess Cruises ships face disposal as part of expanded cost-saving fleet rationalisation by owner Carnival Corporation.
Australian-based sister ships Sun Princess and Sea Princess have been sold to undisclosed buyers. The amount paid was not disclosed.
The sale of the vessels is in line with parent company Carnival Corporation’s plan to accelerate the removal of less efficient ships from its fleet.
Princess Cruises will cancel published itineraries by the two ships due to their imminent departure, including:
- Sun Princess sailings from December 28 until August 14, 2021
- Sea Princess sailings from December 23 until November 9, 2021
The line said: “Guests with bookings will be notified, and along with their travel advisors, will receive information on how to book another Princess cruise when operations resume. Guests who prefer a refund will be accommodated.”
Sun Princess made its debut in the Caribbean in 1995 and was one of the largest ships in the world at the time.
The 2,000-passenger vessel also sailed in Alaska and Panama Canal, among other destinations, before being based in Australia in October 2007.
Sun Princess also helped open the Japanese market in 2013 as the first foreign-flagged cruise ship to offer voyages designed specifically for Japanese holidaymakers.
The 2,000-passenger Sea Princess entered service in 1998 and became synonymous with world cruises, having completed six full circumnavigations since 2013.
Prior to joining Sun Princess in Australia, Sea Princess sailed in Europe and Alaska as well as the Caribbean.
Princess Cruises president Jan Swartz said: “Sun Princess and Sea Princess contributed to significant growth in Australian cruising.
“Both ships defined the premium cruise experience with Australians and New Zealanders spending close to 14 million nights aboard these ships.
“While it is never easy to say goodbye to any ship in our fleet, this will allow us to deploy newer ships enhancing our offerings for Australia cruisers and focus on bringing into service exciting new-builds like the upcoming delivery of Enchanted Princess.”
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