It looks like Sycamore Partners, the private equity firm from New York, is wasting no time in expanding the cruise line they bought only last week. Azamara Cruise Line will be receiving Pacific Princess, which will bring the current fleet to four vessels.
As we reported last week on Cruise Hive that Pacific Princess was sold to an undisclosed buyer, it has now become clear this is Azamara.
Vessel Will Receive a Full Renovation
In the announcement, Sycamore Partners reveals the vessel will be receiving a full make-over before joining the fleet for its inaugural season in Europe in 2022. The make-over will ensure the vessels matches its sister ships and Azamara’s upmarket position.
The line also plans to offer unique onboard elements. The updates will be in line with renovations introduced most recently on Azamara Pursuit, bringing guests the experience of a boutique hotel at sea.
The vessel is the perfect fit for Azamara Cruise Line as she was previously part of Renaissance Cruises, like her sister ships Azamara Journey, Azamara Quest, and Azamara Pursuit. As Princess Cruises’ smallest vessel, she was let go by the company in line with Carnival Corporations rejuvenation project. Carol Cabezas, President of Azamara, had the following to say in a press statement released by the company:
“We are thrilled to be expanding our fleet with a fourth ship, allowing us to visit even more regions of the world and better serve our guests. We look forward to launching even more unique and immersive itineraries and feel this is just the beginning of an exciting growth phase for Azamara.”
Sycamore Eyes Growth
Sycamore Partners’ announcement on the purchase of the small, luxury cruise line only came last week. However, the company is already eyeing growth numbers. The purchase of Pacific Princess means the cruise line can increase its berths by 33% significantly. Something that was mentioned as well by Stefan Kaluzny, the managing director of Sycamore Partners:
“The addition of this ship is an important milestone and reflects Sycamore Partners’ commitment to supporting Azamara in its next phase of growth. Expanding the fleet will allow Azamara to continue to serve loyal customers, as well as those new to the brand, with more unique Destination Immersion programming and itineraries.”
As mentioned, the purchase of Pacific Princess by Azamara Cruise Line is no surprise as the company consists exclusively of former Renaissance Cruise vessels. Originally called R Three and built-in 1999 in the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in St. Nazaire, France. The 30.200gt ship was the third of eight vessels to be delivered to the cruise line.
All eight former Renaissance Cruises ships are still sailing. Four of these, Journey (R Six), Azamara Quest (R Seven), Pursuit (R Eight), and Pacific Princess (R Three), are now under Azamara Cruises. The four others are sailing for Oceania Cruises: Insignia (R One), Regatta (R Two), Sirena (R Four), and Nautica (R Five).
Outside of a launch in 2022 in Europe, Azamara Cruise Line has not yet revealed when precisely the vessel is expected to start operations and where her operations area will be. The good thing is that she will not be ending up on a beach in India, like many other vessels recently.
