Recently a couple of dear friends had the opportunity to sail Imperial Majesty’s REGAL EMPRESS. While onboard in late February, they were told that the ship was to be retired. Today’s Sun-Sentinel.com reports that the ship is scheduled to leave Fort Lauderdale for the final time this evening. No information has come forth about where she might be sailing.

The Sun-Sentinel piece deals primarily with the ship which will be replacing REGAL EMPRESS in the 2 and 3 night cruise market to the Bahamas, the BAHAMAS CELEBRATION of Celebration Cruise Line. The ship is a former European cruise ferry built in 1981 as the MS PRINSESSE RAGNHILD.

For more information about REGAL EMPRESS I’d highly recommend a visit to Maritimematters.com. A video highlights one of her final sailings. For some photos of the two ships the Shipping News section of the website is encouraged.