Regal Empress - another classic liner on the verge of being lost

**Ally** · 07-03-2008, 03:27 PM

The 1953 Clyde built ship will sadly bow out of service in 2010 as the new SOLAS regulations come into force. As to her future once she ends her service, nothing is as yet known, however chances are, she will be joining many other elderly ships at the breakers when the rules change.

Regal Empress has had quite a life...

Regal Empress - Wikipedia

Nothing has been said by Imperial Majesty as to a replacement ship. Regal Empress joined the company in 2003, taking over from another venerable old lady, Oceanbreeze which was scrapped.

Whatever replaces Regal Empress, possibly the last chapter in this classic liner's life will have ended, possibly on the beaches of India or Bangladesh.

**Ally** · 07-03-2008, 03:33 PM

A wonderful look at Regal Empress & her history can be found here....

REGAL EMPRESS, page one

Peter Knego did a blog of a cruise aboard Regal Empress in March 2008, it can be found here...

Peter Knego's Sea Treks: REGALLY Impressed Blog<br> by Peter Knego

**neil** · 09-07-2008, 03:21 PM

Hi

The parent company of Imperial Majesty Line have bought the ex Norwegian, 1981 built, Colour Line ferry ms Princess Ragnhild

She is 35,970 grt and at present is fitted with both bow and stern doors.

No date has so far been announced for her to enter service.

There is no news on the future of the Regal Empress although some time back it was suggested that she might be preserved in Greece having been the Greek Line passenger ship Olympia.

She was built in 1953 !

Photo of the new ship below.

Neil

**Norman** · 09-07-2008, 05:27 PM

Regal Empress is a lovely old ship. I have been privilege to see her on two occasions,

One berthed and leaving Port Everglade on her every other day to to Nassau.

The second occasion was when cruising on the Norwegian Dawn calling at Nassau and she was berthed.

Had hoped she would be there on our Transatlantic cruise in March 2009. A cruise Ally is also a passenger. Unfortunately the day we berth on Costa Fortuna is the odd day she is in Fort Lauderdale.

A sample of some of my photos are below,

Norman

**neil** · 09-07-2008, 06:17 PM

Hi Norman

Many thanks for the photos

There has been talk some while back that she may be preserved in Greece, when she is withdrawn from service.

Having been built in Scotland it would be nice if she could go to somewhere like Glasgow, if Greece do not have her, rather than finish up as razor blades.

She has had various funnels over the years but the present one is quite smart.

Neil .

**neil** · 09-24-2008, 02:28 PM

A report has appeared on the Imperial Majesty Cruises website that all cruises have been cancelled !

It states that their ship, ' Regal Empress ' is on loan to help with the relief efforts in the Texas Gulf !

No destination for the ship is given or any details about future sailings.

Those booked on future cruises are asked to contact the company.

**Ally** · 09-24-2008, 02:29 PM

Galveston officials wanted a cruise ship to house rescue and repair workers in Galveston. I wonder if I will get to see her next week.....depends if the plane goes over that area

**neil** · 09-25-2008, 02:46 PM

It is being reported on a ship enthusiasts website that the company are closing down until their new ship is ready for service.

For those booked to cruise they are offering a complete refund or a credit for a cruise on their new ship plus 50% off for another future cruise.

Their new ship is not expected to enter service until next year but no date is at present available.

Photos of the bridge and a foyer on Regal Empress below -

**Ally** · 09-25-2008, 02:47 PM

She's a lovely old ship, Neil...sadly destined for Alang's beaches

**neil** · 09-25-2008, 02:53 PM

There had been talk that Greece was interested in having her back, when she is withdrawn from service, and re-fitting her as the Olympia again for use as a museum ship.

They might not be so fussy about asbestos etc !