Imperial Majesty Cruises, which operates the venerable Regal Empress on 2-night cruises to Nassau, has announced that they have suspended operations until further notice. They have moved the Regal Empress to the south Texas area to support hurricane relief efforts. Read the official announcement here
Dave Editor, CruiseReviews.com
Posts: 13604 | Location: Alabama | Registered: December 12, 2005
My hat off to Imperial Majesty Cruiselines! Humanitarian aid to others in time of need is the noblest of all gestures. Let us all wish them great success in all their future endeavors and eagerly await the return of the Regal Empress to the cruisefleet when she is able!
BillyBuzzy
Posts: 1306 | Location: Connecticut | Registered: January 19, 2006
That's great to hear! Makes me feel even better having booked a small getaway with them in 2009. Usually we go with the bigger cruise lines, but this was a great deal and fits in with our other vacation plans!
I haven't heard of a definite "last cruise" date for the Regal Empress. However the Bahamas Celebration is supposed to be ready to start cruising this coming February, and I don't think Imperial plans to operate two ships. The new SOLAS rules take effect October 1, 2010, so the Regal Empress has to be taken out of service by then.
I was surprised to learn they are doing 3 night cruises now, in addition to the 2 nighters.
Dave Editor, CruiseReviews.com
Posts: 13604 | Location: Alabama | Registered: December 12, 2005