Royal Caribbean has announced that Empress of the Seas and Majesty of the Seas will leave the fleet later this month.

The ships have been sold to an undisclosed party, based in Asia-Pacific, that will release details for future sailings at a later time.

The line’s president and CEO Michael Bayley said the decision was “a major moment in Royal Caribbean’s history” but one that was necessary as it prepares to welcome “new, innovative ships” over the coming years.

Launched in 1990, Empress of the Seas was specifically designed for three and four-night cruises, with its initial sailings visiting the Bahamas from Miami.

It was also the first ship to sail out of Cape Liberty in Bayonne, New Jersey, when Royal Caribbean opened the terminal in 2004. In 2017, the ship set sail on the line’s inaugural cruise to Cuba.

Majesty of the Seas was the third ship in the Sovereign class and “was more than twice the size of the average cruise ship”, Royal Caribbean said, when it launched in 1992. It started with seven-night Western Caribbean itineraries from Miami.

Royal Caribbean International president and CEO Michael Bayley added: “Empress and Majesty of the Seas made indelible marks on the cruise industry with their revolutionary design and size.

“Touted as the cruise industry’s most groundbreaking ships when they were introduced, they continued to make history throughout their more than three decades of service.

“Saying goodbye to these two beloved ships is a major moment in Royal Caribbean’s history – one that is difficult but necessary.

“With plans for new, innovative ships to join our fleet in the upcoming years, we look forward to our guests and crew continuing to make new memories with us.”

Guests and travel agents with clients booked on both ships will be contacted about their options.