Cordelia Empress
Former names: Empress Of The Seas, MS Empress, Pullmantur Empress, Nordic Empress, Future Seas
Cordelia Empress current position
Cordelia Empress current location is at Indian Coast (coordinates 18.84000 N / 72.56333 E) cruising at speed of 14 kn (26 km/h | 16 mph) en route to AGATTI. The AIS position was reported 50 minutes ago.
Current PositionSpecifications of Cordelia Empress
Year of build | 1990 / Age: 34 |
Flag state | Bahamas |
Builder | Chantiers de l’Atlantique (Saint-Nazaire, STX France) |
Class | RCI EMPRESS |
Building cost | USD 170 million |
Engines (power) | Atlas Copco Crepelle (16.4 MW / 21993 hp) |
Speed | 20 kn / 37 km/h / 23 mph |
Length (LOA) | 211 m / 692 ft |
Beam (width) | 31 m / 102 ft |
Gross Tonnage | 48563 gt |
Passengers | 1607 - 1910 |
Crew | 671 |
Passengers-to-space ratio | 25 |
Decks | 11 |
Cabins | 796 |
Decks with cabins | 5 |
Last Refurbishment | 2024 |
Former names | Empress Of The Seas, MS Empress, Pullmantur Empress, Nordic Empress, Future Seas |
Christened by | Gloria Estefan (for Royal Caribbean) |
Owner | Essel Group (via Dream Hotel Group) |
Operator | Waterways Leisure Tourism Pvt Ltd (via Cordelia Cruises India) |
Cordelia Empress Review
Review of Cordelia Empress
The 1990-built (as "Nordic Empress") cruise ship Empress Of The Seas was a Royal Caribbean Group-owned vessel previously operated by Pullmantur Cruises under the name "Pullmantur Empress" (2008-2016). The liner is currently named "MS Empress" (dubbed "Cordelia Empress") and is operated by the new brand (2021-startup) Cordelia Cruises India.
The company has plans to acquire second-hand ships and by the year 2025 to have 4-5 vessels in its fleet, representing ~USD 1 billion (~EUR 940M / ~GBP 800M) in investments. These plans are based on India's source market (~200,000 annual cruisers) and having one of the world's largest coastlines (~7600 km / 4720 mi). Some projections for the next decade claim that India can increase cruise shipping traffic from 0,4M (2022) to 4M (2030), also growing the industry's economic potential from USD 110M (2022) to USD 5,5 billion (2030).
In 2023, Cordelia's plans were for 2-3 more ships (larger than Empress) to be purchased at estimated cost ~INR 500 crore (~USD 60,5 million per unit) and financed through internal accruals. In FY2024/fiscal year, Cordelia surpassed 100 voyages, serving 0,5+ million passengers through bi-weekly short cruises. The company also reported a robust demand with a consistent 97% cruise berth occupancy rate. Cordelia's customer base comprises 65% families and solo travelers, with growing interest from corporate and private clients in the MICE segment ((business meetings, incentives, conferences, exhibitions) as well requests for shipboard weddings and private celebrations.
In mid-December 2020, RCI sold the ships Empress OTS (30-years-old) and Majesty OTS (28-years-old). The new shipowners were not disclosed. A total of 40x Empress OTS itineraries (scheduled between March 6, 2021, and April 16, 2022) were canceled.
RCI's Empress OTS 2021-2022 itinerary program included voyages in the Eastern-Western Caribbean (7-day roundtrips from PortMiami / March 6 through April 25, 2021), roundtrips from NYC New York to Bermuda (April 5 - August 9, 2021), four 7-day Canada and New England cruises (NYC roundtrips, May 24, June 21, July 19, Aug 16, 2021), 10-11-day Canadian cruises out of Montreal (September 2 - October 4, 2021) and the rest were 7-day Southern Caribbean cruises from homeport San Juan Puerto Rico (November 6, 2021, through April 16, 2022).
The vessel (IMO number 8716899) is currently Bahamas-flagged (MMSI 311000515) and registered in Nassau. Empress OTS was last drydock-refurbished (by RCI) in 2016.
History - construction and ownership
In late-December 2020, the India-based company Waterways Leisure Tourism Pvt Ltd (Private Limited) announced the purchase of Empress OTS as well as the start of its fully-owned new brand "Cordelia Cruises".
The shipowner (Waterways Leisure Tourism) was incorporated on November 2, 2020, with registration number 372580 and CIN number U63030DL2020PTC372580. The company is registered in Delhi India and specializes in supporting and auxiliary transport services and travel agency activities.
The company's current directors are Vijay Kher and Saurabh Jain. Both companies are fully-owned subsidiaries of Essel Group India (aka Zee Group/parent company) - headquartered in Mumbai and led by Jurgen Bailom (President and CEO). Waterways Leisure Tourism and Cordelia Cruises are both part of Dream Hotel Group (luxury hotel brand and management company founded and controlled by Sant Singh Chatwal/Indian-American businessman) that also owns the brands Dream Hotels, Time Hotels, Unscripted Hotels, and The Chatwal.
Following the announcement, in a press release, Jurgen Bailom commented that Waterways Leisure Tourism recently acquired the Jalesh Cruises brand and entered the Indian cruising market with "MS Empress". He added that Cordelia will have a second ship in its fleet, but didn't mention if there were negotiations for buying Majesty of the Seas.
In late-August 2018, Zen Cruises/Jalesh Cruises (a new company owned by Essel Group) was announced as the buyer of Pacific Jewel. Essel Group (1926-founded, headquartered in Mumbai India) is an Indian conglomerate of several corporations with business divisions in media, news, technology, entertainment, packaging, infrastructure developments, financial services, precious metals (gold and silver refinery), education, charity.
Jalesh Cruises operated only 1 ship (MS Karnika / Pacific Jewel) but in January 2020 announced the planned acquisition of a second (second-hand) vessel (the name was not announced) which was scheduled to start operations in October 2020. However, in mid-October 2020, Jalesh announced in a statement that the company suspends operations permanently due to the ongoing COVID-related port closures and international travel restrictions.
Jalesh India suspended (initially temporarily) passenger shipping since March 12, 2020, mounting debts from creditors. MS Karnika remained permanently docked at Port Mumbai, with a skeleton crew of 60. In October, the company's creditors (via India's Admiralty Court) had the vessel arrested in Port Mumbai. Jalesh planned to restart operations on November 6, 2020, as India's government permitted cruise vessels to start passenger shipping from October 1. Sadly, karnika ship's AIS transmitted for the last time on November 24, 2020, showing the vessel anchored near Alang Ship Breaking Yard.
On December 13, 2020, the vessel left the Sauda Bay anchorage (off Port Sauda-Chania, Crete Island) en route to Malta. On December 30, it left the Sauda Bay anchorage en route to Muscat Oman (AIS data), on January 1st anchored off Port Said (Cairo, Egypt), on January 2nd transitted the Suez Canal and on January 11 anchored off Port Muscat.
During its service history, the ship Empress OTS (construction order name "Future Seas") was operating under the names Nordic Empress (1990-2004, constructed for the Admiral Cruise Lines /defunct), MS Empress (aka "Pullmantur Empress", 2004-2008, operated by the RCCL's subsidiary company Pullmantur Cruises, Spain) and under its current name "Empress of the Seas" (between 2004-2008, and from 2016 onwards).
In 1987, Royal Caribbean merged with the shipowner Admiral Cruises, and the Admiral brand was dissolved. The still-under-construction vessel was incorporated into the fleet as "Nordic Empress" - the last RCI ship named without the suffix "of the Seas". The name was changed to "Empress of the Seas" on May 8, 2004, following an extensive drydock refit and refurbishment.
In March 2007 was announced that starting March 2008, the liner will be transferred to Pullmantur. The vessel's last Royal Caribbean cruise departed on March 7, 2008. The inaugural cruise of Pullmantur Empress was on March 15, 2008. In November 2012, Empress became Pullmantur fleet's first to receive the company's new logo and hull colors/pattern. In October 2015, the shipowner RCCL announced that after a drydock refurb in March-April 2016, Pullmantur Empress will be transferred back to the RCI fleet.
The 1600-passenger ship Empress OTS is attractive to travelers who prefer onboard relaxation instead of action-themed activities.
According to the company's annual statistics, in 2022 Cordelia served ~130,000 tourists on the West Coast India circuit and ~70,000 from the East Coast India circuit.
In August 2024, Cordelia announced plans for a fleet expansion with two more ships - the first in 2025 (planned itineraries between Dubai and Mumbai) and the second in 2026 (planned longer itineraries between India and Australia leaving from Mumbai). The Australian cruises will visit Goa and Kochi, then ports in Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and Australia/Sydney NSW.
Also in August 2024, Cordelia signed a partnership with WMS sro () to provide onboard cellular services for the Cordelia Empress. WMS's advanced cellular technology provides seamless connectivity at sea by using an extensive network of 400+ global roaming providers.
Decks and Cabins
Empress Of The Seas staterooms (a total of 796) are in 15 categories and include 329x Inside, 69x Balconies, 425 Oceanviews and only 6x Balcony Suites. The largest accommodation is the Royal Suite (590 ft2 / 55 m2, with a terrace sized 290 ft2 / 27 m2).
The boat has 11 decks, of which 9 are passenger-accessible and 5 with cabins.
Shipboard dining options - Food and Drinks
Cordelia Empress has a 392-seat Lido Buffet Restaurant, the 56-seat Wu Fusion Restaurant (also offering a wide range of cocktails and exotic Far East dishes) and the 476-seat Miramar Restaurant (a la carte priced).
The ship's 1004-seat Main Dining Room (MDR) is an aft-located (on Deck 4) complimentary restaurant open for Breakfast (7-9.30 am), Brasserie 30 Lunch (12-noon - 2 pm /on sea days only) and Dinner (with 2 fixed seatings - at 6:30 or 9 pm). Chops Grille (RCI's signature steakhouse-seafood restaurant) is open between 5:30-9:30 pm and at surcharge (per person). Chops Grille's open kitchen allows guests to watch their food being prepared.
Follows the complete list of Empress Of The Seas restaurants and food bars.
- Main Dining Room (1004-seat, aft-located complimentary restaurant)
- Windjammer Cafe buffet restaurant (580-seat, offers Early Breakfast at 6:30 am, Breakfast between 7-11:30 am, Lunch 11:30-3:30 pm and Dinner 6.30-9 pm)
- Chops Grille (steakhouse/seafood)
Next official video is the Empress ship review in English.
Next official video is the same ship review in Tamil.
Shipboard entertainment options - Fun and Sport
Leisure facilities on Cordelia Empress included a fitness center, sauna, Jacuzzis, rock climbing wall and two pools. Production and comedy shows were presented in the Broadway Show Lounge with music, dancing, and cabaret. Other amusements were the two-level aft nightclub and Casino.
The boat has new swimming pools and whirlpools, a rock-climbing wall, an adults-only Solarium, and the signature steakhouse Chops Grille.
Follows the complete list of Empress Of The Seas lounges, clubs and other entertainment venues for kids, teens, and adults.
- Royal Theater (740-seat, features 3D Movies, aerial acrobatic performances, and Broadway-style productions)
- Centrum (7-floors-high Atrium area)
- Schooner Bar (138-seat piano bar for live music, trivia games and classy cocktails)
- Viking Crown Lounge (268-seat, with panoramic windows; becomes a disco club nightly)
- Boleros Lounge (317-seat Latin-themed bar and nightclub)
- Royal Shops and Boutiques (duty-free shops)
- Focus Photo Gallery and Shop; Picture This portrait studio; Card Room; Library
- RC Online (24-hour Internet computer center)
- Casino Royale
- Vitality at Sea Spa and ShipShape Fitness Center
- Challenger's Video Games Arcade; Adventure Ocean kids lounge area
- Pool area (2 pools, 3 whirlpools, poolside bar, sunbathing area)
- Rock-Climbing Wall
Cordelia Cruises Empress ship is marketed as "India's first premium cruise liner". Voyages are themed on India's food, culture and traditions. Cordelia's cruise ship targets mainly the domestic source market.
Cordelia Cruises offers several new shipboard dining options - including an in-house oriental restaurant (dishes from Japan to Thailand), Mughlai cuisine (dishes from the medieval Indo-Persian Mughal Empire), Indian street foods, several food stations (tandoor/tannour, grills, pizzas, pasta, Jain cuisine/Lacto vegetarian), in addition to various desserts (confectionery and sweets).
Cordelia's shipboard adult entertainment options include two Nightclubs, Casino Nights, 5 themed bar lounges.
Cordelia itineraries
For Cordelia Cruises, Empress ship's inaugural season (2021) had scheduled 2- to 7-night long itineraries visiting Sri Lanka (Colombo), Maldives Islands (Male), also ports in India (Chennai-Madras, Mormugao-Goa, Mumbai).
All bookings for voyages in June-July 2021 received kids-sail-free promos (for children up to 12 years of age) traveling with two full-paying adults.
- The Maiden Voyage was initially scheduled to depart on June 5, 2021 (7-night Mumbai roundtrip around India and Sri Lanka).
- In mid-March 2021, Cordelia listed on its website an inaugural cruise leaving on May 7th from Mumbai (3-night roundtrip visiting Mormugao-Goa). However, due to India's increasing COVID cases, the brand's inauguration was rescheduled for September 2 (repositioning from Dubai to Mumbai) with call ports Muscat Oman, Mormugao-Goa, Lakshadweep (Bangaram Island), Diu Island, Cochin/Kochi, Colombo Sri Lanka.
- And finally, the Maiden Voyage for Cordelia departed on September 16, 2021, out of Mumbai.
Since January 2023, Cordelia offers two new itineraries - 4-night (between Mumbai and Lakshadweep) and 3-night (between Mumbai and Mormugao-Goa). East Coast India voyages are 2-3-4-5-nights in length and some also visit Lakshadweep-Bangaram and Cochin.
In 2023, Cordelia started East Coast India voyages. The program was based on homeporting in Chennai (started on June 5th) and ran during summer (June through September). The 5-night package included visits to Sri Lanka's Hambantota and Trincomalee. After that, the Empress ship relocated back to Mumbai for the West Coast India voyages.
Starting in June 2024, Cordelia offers itineraries to Western Asian ports. The 3-4-5-7-night packages (roundtrips from Mumbai) cost between INR 11-13000 (US$133-157) per person per day.
In the future, Cordelia plans to explore other ports such as Kolkata, Port Blair (South Andaman Island), Diu Island, New Mangalore, and Porbandar, depending on the availability of infrastructure.
Empress of the Seas itineraries (Royal Caribbean)
Since March 2016, Empress OTS itinerary program was based on homeporting in PortMiami, from where were offered 4-5-6-7-8-day roundtrips to Eastern and Western Caribbean ports.
- For winter 2017-2018, the ship visited Bahamas (CocoCay and Nassau). For summer 2018, from homeport Tampa Florida were offered 4- and 5-day roundtrips to Key West FL and Mexico (Costa Maya, Cozumel), also including Havana Cuba (on most itineraries).
- On December 1, 2017, RCI-Royal Caribbean added 2 new Cuban ports (Santiago and Cienfuegos) in the Empress OTS' 4- to 8-night Caribbean itineraries. Depending on length (6-7-8-day), the new "Best of Cuba" itinerary from Miami visited Cienfuegos, Havana (overnight), Santiago de Cuba, Key West Florida, Grand Cayman Island, Labadee Haiti (private island destination).
Following the US Government's June 2019-issued ban on group travel to Cuba from the USA, Empress OTS' itinerary program was revised. In all PortMiami roundtrips, the Cuban ports were replaced with San Juan Puerto Rico, Road Town (Tortola BVI) and Charlotte Amalie (St Thomas USVI).
For season 2020 were added new itineraries from PortMiami visiting Spanish Town (Virgin Gorda BVI) - a new for RCI Caribbean destination. The new 6- to 8-day Eastern-Western Caribbean program also visited ports in The Bahamas (including CocoCay on select voyages), Mexico, Belize.
From homeport NYC/Cape Liberty New Jersey (starting May 2020) and Montreal Canada, Empress OTS was scheduled to operate "Canada and New England Cruise" (10-11-12-day roundtrips to ports in Quebec, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland) and NYC to Bermuda voyages (with overnights in St George's and Hamilton). The Caribbean deployment from Miami was originally planned for the period October 2020 through April 2021.
Cordelia Empress ship related cruise news
- Cruise Industry
Cordelia Cruises India partners with WMS for enhanced onboard connectivity
WMS, a leader in maritime wireless connectivity, has announced a new partnership with Cordelia Cruises, India's premier cruise line and travel brand...
August 28, 2024 - Cruise Industry
Cordelia Cruises India launches summer sailings from Chennai for 2024 season
Cordelia Cruises has announced the start of its summer sailings from Chennai (India), set to run from July 12 through September 9, 2024. The company...
May 29, 2024 - Cruise Industry
Cordelia Cruises India plans fleet expansion with 2 new ships amid surging demand
Cordelia Cruises India is capitalizing on burgeoning prospects within the industry, supported by government initiatives. With a remarkable 97...
April 15, 2024 - Cruise Industry
Hambantota Port (Sri Lanka) celebrates surge in cruise tourism with 5 ships/6000+ tourists
Sri Lanka's Hambantota International Port (HIP) experienced a surge in maritime activity, hosting 6000+ tourists to in November and December 2023...
December 31, 2023 - Cruise Industry
Cordelia Cruises ship MV Empress is the season's first to visit Port Mormugao/Goa India
The commencement of the tourist season saw the arrival of the inaugural luxury liner at Port Mormugao/Goa (India). Cordelia Cruises' ship MV Empress...
September 24, 2023 - Cruise Industry
Cordelia Cruises India to add major ports in West Asia from June 2024
According to Jurgen Bailom (President & CEO of Cordelia's parent company Waterways Leisure Tourism Pvt Ltd), the India-based travel brand...
July 9, 2023 - Cruise Industry
Cordelia Cruises launches international India-Sri Lanka service (Chennai-Hambantota-Trincomalee)
Cordelia Cruises with its MS Empress ship started international voyages to Sri Lanka, with the inaugural sailing being flagged off by Sarbananda...
June 7, 2023 - Cruise Industry
Cordelia Cruises set for first international voyage from India to Sri Lanka (Chennai-Hambantota...
Cordelia Cruises is preparing for its inaugural international journey to Sri Lanka (Hambantota and Trincomalee) in early June, which is...
May 27, 2023 - Accidents
Cordelia Empress cruise ship denied entry into Pondicherry Port (India)
Saturday morning, June 11, the Cordelia cruise ship Empress, which departed Vizag on June 9th, reached Chennai (Madras, India) following a series of...
June 12, 2022 - Cruise Industry
Cordelia Cruises India to purchase at least 3 ships by 2025 (US$ 1 billion investment)
The India-based company Cordelia Cruises announced it was planning to pump in excess of US$ 1 billion by 2025 for acquiring at least 3 cruise ships...
June 2, 2022 - show more news
Cordelia Empress Wiki
The ship Empress of the Seas was launched (as "Nordic Empress") in 1990 for Admiral Cruises. It was previously operated as "Empress of the Seas" by Royal Caribbean International (RCI) in the period 2004-2008. MS Nordic Empress was the last RCI liner named without the "of the Seas" suffix.
The vessel has Chantiers de l’Atlantique yard/hull number A360677, volume 48563 GT-tons, DWT-deadweight tonnage 4978 tons, max draught 7,3 m. The powerplant is based on Atlas Copco Crepelle marine diesel engines (model 12V32E) with combined output 16,4 MW (22000 hp). The registered shipowner is STELLA SEAWAY LTD, while the registered manager is Campbell Shipping (CAMPBELL CRUISE & YACHT MANAGEMENT Ltd).
The vessel was ordered by Admiral Cruises under the name "Future Seas". In 1988, Admiral Cruises was acquired by Royal Caribbean. Following the merger, in 1989, the vessel (still under construction) was transferred to Royal Caribbean under the name "Nordic Empress". The ship was inaugurated and christened in 1990 (by godmother Gloria Estefan) and started mini-cruises from PortMiami (3- and 4-night itineraries).
During drydock 1993 the Casino was expanded and were added "Photo Gallery & Shop" and "Video Arcade".
In 1997, the homeport was changed to San Juan Puerto Rico. New engines were installed during the technical drydocking in 1998.
In 2002 were started 7-day roundtrips from homeport Tampa Florida.
In 2004, Nordic Empress was renamed to "Empress of the Seas" and homeported in NYC (Port Cape Liberty NJ) for roundtrips to Bermuda.
In 2006-2007 were operated roundtrips from Norfolk VA. In 2008 the ship was transferred to Pullmantur Cruises, receiving the Spanish brand's signature hull colors in 2012.
Pullmantur Empress ship joined RCI in March 2016 following an extensive drydock refit in Freeport Bahamas. Built as the first mass mass-market ship (specifically designed for short break cruises from Florida) Empress started roundtrips out of Miami to Bahamas, Mexico and Grand Cayman. Some of the 5-day Western Caribbean itineraries included only Cozumel Mexico (overnight stay).
In 2015 was decided that MS Empress (commonly known as "Pullmantur Empress") will be transferred to RCI's fleet starting operations in Spring 2016. Vessel's inaugural season was planned with roundtrip departures from Miami to Caribbean ports. However, due to an extended drydock refurbishment period, ship's maiden voyage (March 30) and the following 4 cruises were cancelled. The vessel officially entered service for RCI on April 25, with a 5-day Western Caribbean ("inaugural cruise") to Mexico (visiting Costa Maya and Cozumel).
Cordelia Empress' last drydock was in June 2024, conducted at Drydocks World-Dubai
Empress OTS itineraries 2016 changes
In 2016, Empress OTS was homeported in Miami Florida. PortMiami departures are at 4 pm (on Eastern/Western Caribbean cruises) and at 5 pm (on Bahamas cruises). PortMiami arrivals are at 8 am (on Eastern/Western Caribbean itineraries) and at 7 am (on Bahamas itineraries). Ports of call times are as follow - Nassau Bahamas (8 am - 5 pm), CocoCay Bahamas (8 am - 5 pm), Cozumel Mexico (8 am - 8 pm), Cozumel (overnight stays are from 8 am to 6 pm on the next day), Costa Maya Mexico (7 am - 3 pm), Key West Florida (8 am - 8 pm), George Town Grand Cayman (7 am - 3 pm)
- Due to prolonged drydock stay (before entering the RCI fleet), the following RCI roundtrips from Miami were officially canceled: March 30, 2016 (5-day Eastern Caribbean "maiden voyage" to Key West, Grand Cayman), April 4, 2016 (3-day Bahamas - Nassau, CocoCay), April 7, 2016 (4-day Bahamas - Key West, CocoCay), April 11, 2016 (5-day Mexico - Cozumel, Costa Maya), April 16, 2016 (5-day Eastern Caribbean - Key West, Grand Cayman), April 21, 2016 (4-day Bahamas - CocoCay, Nassau), April 25, 2016 (5-day Western Caribbean - Costa Maya, Cozumel), April 30, 2016 (5-day Eastern Caribbean - Key West, Grand Cayman).
- Booked passengers were given the options to either rebook on Majesty of the Seas (same cabin type) through April 30, rebook on the Empress ship (plus USD 100 onboard credit) or cancel with a full refund being provided. All Royal Caribbean Empress booked "flight and cruise" passengers (both through RCI or independent) were rebooked (no extra charge, flight change fees covered). The ship officially entered into service on May 9, 2016, with a 5-day Miami to Cozumel Mexico ("Inaugural Cruise") itinerary.
In July 2016, RCI released new itineraries for Empress OTS, thus extending the bookings through (first) September and (later) through October 2016. The new cruises are from Miami to Bahamas and Caribbean: 5-night Key West Florida and Cozumel Mexico (departure dates are Sept 12, 26, Oct 1, 10, 15, 24, 29), and 4-night Key West Florida and Nassau Bahamas (departure dates are Sept 3, 17, October 6, 20).
In August 2016, RCI added more itineraries extending the ship's Caribbean cruise program through the 2016's end (December). Added were also new for the ship ports of call - Falmouth Jamaica, Belize City, Costa Maya Mexico, and Roatan Island Honduras. The latest added itineraries as departure dates (round-trip Miami) and length are as follows - Nov 3 (4-night to Cozumel), Nov 7 (4-night to Nassau and Key West), Nov 11 (6-night to Costa Maya, Cozumel, Nassau), Nov 17 (4-night to Key West and Nassau), Nov 21 (7-night to Nassau, Falmouth Jamaica, Grand Cayman), Nov 28 and Dec 5 (3-night to Nassau and CocoCay), Dec 1 and 15 (4-night to Key West and Nassau), Dec 8 (7-night to Costa Maya, Roatan, Belize City, Cozumel), Xmas Dec 19 (8-night to Key West, Roatan, Belize City, Costa Maya, Cozumel) and NYE Dec 27 (7-night to Key West, Belize City, Costa Maya, Cozumel).
Cruises to Cuba 2017-2020
Empress OTS became the first-ever Royal Caribbean ship with cruises visiting Cuba. The itinerary program started in 2017 (on April 19, a 5-night cruise out of Miami to Costa Maya and Havana). The liner is the largest that Port Havana currently can handle.
Two more 2017 itineraries to Cuba were posted for booking in December 2016 - April 30 (7-night Tampa to Cozumel, Belize City, Havana) and May 20 (7-night Tampa to Key West FL, Havana, Cozumel). In early-February 2017, RCI expanded ship's new Tampa FL homeporting program with roundtrips to Cuba by adding 4- and 5-night itineraries with Havana overnights. The new itineraries also included Key West Florida and Cozumel Mexico and were available through November 4, 2017. Ship's inaugural Cruise to Cuba from Tampa started on April 30 (departure 4 pm). Port Tampa commemorated its ever first Cuban cruise with a special ceremony held on the ship at 11 am, while Empress OTS was docked at Terminal 3.
Next table shows the inaugural cruise to Cuba (5-day roundtrip).
Date / Time | Port |
---|---|
19 Apr | Departing from Miami, Florida |
21 Apr 10:00 - 18:00 | Costa Maya, Mexico |
23 Apr 07:00 - 17:00 | Havana, Cuba |
24 Apr | Arriving in Miami, Florida |
Bookings for Royal Caribbean/s 2020 Cuban season were opened on May 17, 2019. The program is based on two liners - Empress (from Miami) and Majesty of the Seas (from Fort Lauderdale Florida). Empress OTS offers 3- to 8-night itineraries featuring Havana overnight (or late-night departure) plus CocoCay Island, Bahamas (on select cruises). Majesty OTS offers 4- to 6-night itineraries with stops in Havana (overnight), Mexico (Costa Maya, Cozumel), Key West Florida, CocoCay.
Royal Caribbean Empress Of The Seas itineraries 2021-2022 (CANCELLED)
Empress OTS ship's planned by RCI 2021-2022 itinerary program included voyages in the Eastern-Western Caribbean (7-day roundtrips from PortMiami / March 6 through April 25, 2021), roundtrips from NYC New York to Bermuda (April 5 - August 9, 2021), four 7-day Canada and New England cruises (NYC roundtrips, May 24, June 21, July 19, Aug 16, 2021), 10-11-day Canadian cruises out of Montreal (September 2 - October 4, 2021) and the rest were 7-day Southern Caribbean cruises from homeport San Juan Puerto Rico (November 6, 2021, through April 16, 2022).
A total of 40x Empress OTS cruises (itineraries scheduled between March 6, 2021, and April 16, 2022) were cancelled. Next bales show the call ports of these itineraries (by theme) with the lowest prices in USD (Inside cabin rates with double occupancy).
8-day "Western Caribbean" itinerary (from $905 pp)
Date / Time | Port |
---|---|
06 Mar 16:00 | Departing from Miami, Florida |
07 Mar 17:00 | Key West, Florida |
09 Mar 18:00 | Roatan Island, Mahogany Bay-Coxen Hole, Honduras |
10 Mar 17:00 | Costa Maya, Mexico |
11 Mar 07:00 - 16:30 | Belize City |
12 Mar 19:00 | Cozumel, Mexico |
14 Mar 07:00 | Arriving in Miami, Florida |
7-day "Eastern Caribbean with Perfect Day" itinerary ($1015 pp)
Date / Time | Port |
---|---|
14 Mar 18:00 | Departing from Miami, Florida |
15 Mar 07:00 - 15:00 | Coco Cay, Bahamas |
17 Mar 16:00 - 23:00 | San Juan, Puerto Rico |
18 Mar 07:00 - 16:00 | Saint Croix Island, USVI |
21 Mar 07:00 | Arriving in Miami, Florida |
6-day "Western Caribbean" itinerary ($800 pp)
Date / Time | Port |
---|---|
28 Mar 16:00 | Departing from Miami, Florida |
29 Mar 08:00 - 18:00 | Key West, Florida |
31 Mar 07:00 - 18:00 | Cozumel, Mexico |
01 Apr 07:00 - 16:00 | Costa Maya, Mexico |
03 Apr 07:00 | Arriving in Miami, Florida |
7-day "Best Of Bermuda" itinerary ($1400 pp)
Date / Time | Port |
---|---|
10 May 16:00 | Departing from NYC-New York, Cape Liberty Bayonne NJ |
12 May - 14 May 14:00 | Hamilton, Bermuda |
14 May - 15 May 07:30 | St George, Bermuda |
17 May 08:00 | Arriving in NYC-New York, Cape Liberty Bayonne NJ |
7-day "Canada and New England" itinerary ($1330 pp)
Date / Time | Port |
---|---|
24 May 16:00 | Departing from NYC-New York, Cape Liberty Bayonne NJ |
25 May 07:00 - 15:00 | Newport, Rhode Island |
26 May 11:30 - 18:00 | Boston, Massachusetts |
27 May 08:00 - 16:30 | Bar Harbor, Maine |
28 May 04:00 - 14:30 | Saint John, New Brunswick Canada |
29 May 11:00 - 19:00 | Halifax, Nova Scotia Canada |
31 May 08:00 | Arriving in NYC-New York, Cape Liberty Bayonne NJ |
11-day "Canadian Adventure" itinerary ($1470 pp)
Date / Time | Port |
---|---|
13 Sep 16:00 | Departing from Montreal, Quebec Canada |
16 Sep 11:00 - 19:00 | St Johns, Newfoundland-Labrador Canada |
17 Sep 11:00 - 17:00 | Saint Pierre Island, France |
18 Sep 10:30 - 18:00 | Corner Brook, Newfoundland-Labrador Canada |
19 Sep 09:00 - 18:00 | Sydney, Nova Scotia Canada |
21 Sep 07:00 - 17:00 | Saguenay, Quebec Canada |
22 Sep - 23 Sep 08:00 | Quebec City, Canada |
24 Sep 07:00 | Arriving in Montreal, Quebec Canada |
7-day "Southern Caribbean" itinerary ($1480 pp)
Date / Time | Port |
---|---|
06 Nov 20:30 | Departing from San Juan, Puerto Rico |
07 Nov 09:30 - 18:00 | Philipsburg, St Maarten Island |
08 Nov 08:00 - 18:00 | St Johns, Antigua |
09 Nov 08:00 - 18:00 | Roseau, Dominica |
10 Nov 08:00 - 18:00 | Bridgetown, Barbados |
11 Nov 07:00 - 16:00 | Castries, St Lucia Island |
12 Nov 07:00 - 16:00 | Port Zante-Basseterre, St Kitts Island |
13 Nov 06:00 | Arriving in San Juan, Puerto Rico |
Pullmantur Empress ship review
Follows information regarding the previously named "MS Empress" Pullmantur vessel.
- Total number of cabins: 795 (of which 6 Suites, 69 Balcony, 329 Inside)
- Dining Rooms: Miramar Restaurant (2-tiered, a la carte, 476-seat).
- Restaurants and food bars: Panorama Buffet Restaurant (inside and exterior, 392-seat), Wu Fusion Restaurant (56-seat).
- Lounges & Bars: Broadway Show Lounge (2-tiered), Marina Bar (outdoor), Rendez-Vous Salon (Cafe, 341-seat), The Pier Salon and Piano Bar (Pub/Cafe, 130-seat), Reading Room, Recreation Room, Cards Room, Tibu Club, Starlight Disco, Teen's Club, Guppy Club, Tours Office, Reception.
- Sea Spa, Beauty Salon, Solarium, Fitness Center, Climbing Wall, 2 Swimming Pools (saltwater, adapted for children), 3 Jacuzzis, Library, Internet Center, Shops, Camera and Video Store, Casino del Mar (2-deck), Medical Center.
Pullmantur Empress was formerly operated as "Nordic Empress" and "Empress of the Seas" by Royal Caribbean (RCCL). Nordic Empress was RCI's last vessel which name didn't have the suffix "of the Seas". Following an extensive refit in 2004, vessel's name was changed to match the rest of the RCI fleet. Nordic Empress was the first mainstream (mass market) cruise liner specifically designed for short breaks (3- and 4-day).
In November 2012, MS Empress became Pullmantur's first ship to receive the company's new logo and hull color scheme. Ship's interior was highlighted by the 9-deck atrium with waterfall.