Princess Cruises last night disclosed the disposal of a small ship identical to those in the Azamara fleet.
Pacific Princess was sold to an undisclosed buyer with no purchase price given.
The deal emerged a day after the boss of Azamara revealed plans for fleet expansion in an exclusive interview with Travel Weekly following its takeover from Royal Caribbean Group by private equity firm Sycamore Partners.
The 670-passenger Pacific Princess joined the Princess fleet in 2002, having originally entered service in 1999 as R3 for Renaissance Cruises.
Azamara’s fleet comprises three similar boutique-style vessels. The trio includes former P&O Cruises ship Adonia, which was renamed Azamara Pursuit when it joined the US line in 2018, alongside Azamara Quest and Azamara Journey.
The sale of Pacific Princess is in line with parent company Carnival Corporation’s plan to accelerate the removal of less efficient ships from its fleet.
Princess Cruises president Jan Swartz said: “Pacific Princess holds so many memories and cherished experiences to all who sailed upon her.
“Pacific Princess offered a traditional style of cruising to unique destinations. While it’s difficult to say goodbye to our ‘Love Boat,’ our world cruise and exotic itineraries continue on board our Medallion Class-enabled Island Princess and Coral Princess, featuring the best Wi-Fi at sea, allowing guests to keep in touch with loved ones and share memories along the way.”
Passengers and agents with Pacific Princess bookings will be notified and receive information on how to book another cruise when operations resume.
“Guests who prefer a refund will be accommodated,” the line said.
Azamara last week extended the suspension of global cruises due to the Covid-19 pandemic until May.