Azamara has purchased Pacific Princess from Princess Cruises, taking it to four ships in the fleet.

The news follows the announcement that private equity firm Sycamore Partners has agreed to acquire Azamara from Royal Caribbean Group.

Princess Cruises revealed it had sold Pacific Princess to an undisclosed buyer last week (22 January), in line with parent company Carnival Corporation’s plan to accelerate the removal of less efficient ships.

Pacific Princess originally entered service in 1999 as R3 for Renaissance Cruises, before joining the Princess fleet in 2002.

The ship will undergo an extensive refurbishment before joining Azamara Journey, Azamara Quest and Azamara Pursuit. It is scheduled to sail its inaugural season Europe in 2022.

Azamara president Carol Cabezas said: “We are thrilled to be expanding our fleet with a fourth ship, allowing us to visit even more regions of the world and better serve our guests.

“We look forward to launching even more unique and immersive itineraries and feel this is just the beginning of an exciting growth phase.”

Sycamore Partners managing director Stefan Kaluzny added: “The addition of this ship is an important milestone and reflects Sycamore Partners’ commitment to supporting Azamara in its next phase of growth.

“Expanding the fleet will allow Azamara to continue to serve loyal customers, as well as those new to the brand, with more unique Destination Immersion programming and itineraries.”

Princess Cruises president Jan Swartz said: “Pacific Princess holds so many memories and cherished experiences to all who sailed upon her.

“Pacific Princess offered a traditional style of cruising to unique destinations. While it’s difficult to say goodbye to our ‘Love Boat,’ our world cruise and exotic itineraries continue on board our Medallion class-enabled Island Princess and Coral Princess, featuring the best wifi at sea, allowing guests to keep in touch with loved ones and share memories along the way.”