We now know what will happen to the Pullmantur ships since the cruise line was dissolved, becoming the first victim of the cruise industry pause on operations.
The Fate of the Pullmantur Cruise Ships
It has been revealed that Royal Caribbean Ltd. will welcome back the Pullmantur cruise ships along with all the crew members. According to El Confidencial, the Sovereign, Monarch, and Horizon cruise ships will be incorporated into Royal Caribbean, which is good news for the thousands of crew members who work onboard. The ships were being rented to Pullmantur and they are currently in a cold layup during the global suspension of cruise travel due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Cruise Hive reported recently that the Spanish cruise line was being dissolved due to the impact on the cruise industry from the health crisis. Royal Caribbean owns 49% of Pullmantur and purchased the operation back in 1996, before selling over half of the business.
Royal Caribbean is dealing with guests who have been impacted by the shutdown of Pullmantur. Guests will be able to re-book using any perks with Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises. Pullmantur had already announced a pause on operations through November 15, 2020.
It’s not known what will eventually happen to the three cruise ships. They could be refurbished and become part of the fleets in the Royal Caribbean family elsewhere in the world, remain in Spain sailing as Royal Caribbean cruise ships, or even sold or scrapped depending on how badly the business is being impacted by the suspension of operations. We already know that rival Carnival Corporation is deposing of at least six cruise ships before the end of 2020.
Also Read: Here Are Five Carnival Cruise Ships That Might Be Sold Soon
MS Sovereign entered service for Pullmantur in 2008 and is over 73,100 gross tons. MS Monarch transferred from the Royal Caribbean fleet in 2013 and is also over 73,100 gross tons. MV Horizon is the smallest of the three ships at 47,400 gross tons.
Royal Caribbean has suspended cruises through September 15, 2020 in the United States. Hopefully we’ll see a limited return to sailings before the end of the year with no more extensions, but the situation is fluid and could change at any time. Stay tuned with Cruise Hive for further updates as they are available.
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