TUI (Marella cruises parent company) have announced that they will be buying Splendour of the Seas from Royal Caribbean International ready for summer 2016!
The ship will be re-named the Marella Discovery and be available to book from 23rd April 2015
The ship, which will be leased to Marella cruises, will be the largest of the Marella fleet at a passenger capacity of 1,830.
Splendour of The Seas first launched in 1996 and has since undergone several facelifts.
Under her new owners the interior of the ship will stay the same so you won’t have to ‘wave’ a teary goodbye to her fun features like the rock climbing wall, mini golf course, inside swimming pool or the flow rider.
The ship will replace Island Escape and will be all-inclusive for the 2016 cruise season. Almost half of the ships 915 cabins have balconies, something that Marella’s ships are currently lacking. The new ship will also have multiple dining options for its guests including the speciality restaurants currently on Splendour.
Richard D. Fain, chairman of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd said; “Splendour of the Seas debuted in 1996 and has served Royal Caribbean International extremely well. The ship’s sale is in line with our strategic objective of divesting ourselves of older hardware and keeps us firmly on the course to the Double-Double.”
RCI’s president Michael Bayley then added; “Splendour of the Seas has been a treasured member of the Royal Caribbean International family since she entered service. She has offered countless guests memorable experiences and we look forward to continuing to provide the same Gold Anchor Service our brand is known for right up to the last sailing.” Splendour will continue with its RCI itinerary until its final sail in April 2016.
Helen Caron, Managing Director of Marella Cruises said: “We’re very excited to be welcoming the ship to our fleet next summer. This is the first step in our fleet modernisation and transformation strategy and will bring an enhanced offering to our customers.”
Are you excited for the new ship?
