Updated March 20, 2012
Sources in Europe are reporting that Monarch of the Seas will leave the Royal Caribbean International fleet at the end of the year. The twenty-one-year-old ship will reportedly be transferred to RCCL's Pullmantur brand in Spain.
The ship will reportedly receive an extensive refurbishment and begin sailing under its new livery in April 2013. It will most likely be renamed MS Monarch.
Monarch of the Seas is currently sailing 3- and 4-day cruises from Port Canaveral. There is no word if RCI will replace the ship in that trade.
We are awaiting confirmation from Royal Caribbean, but it any action concerning Pullmantur would not likely be announced today (Monday) as it is a bank holiday in Spain.
Update March 20, 2012
Royal Caribbean confirms that Monarch of the Seas will leave the RCI fleet, but a bit later. It's last cruise for the Royal Caribbean International brand will be on March 29, 2013, and it will become part of the Pullmantur brand then on April 1, 2013.
Royal Caribbean told CND it will be several months before they announce if they will remain in the short cruise market from Port Canaveral.
