Renaissance Cruises which ceased operations in late 2001 had 8 R class ships. These 30,277 ton ships (small by modern standards) can carry approximately 684 passengers (824 at full capacity). In the aftermath of 911 (often blamed for putting the final nail in the coffin), the company filed for bankruptcy after 13 years of operation. The ships are all cruising with other cruise companies. Three of them will be joining new fleets during this year and undergo a further name change. So where are they now?
R One: Currently operating as Insignia for Oceania Cruises
R Two: Currently operating as Regatta for Oceania Cruises
R Three: Currently operating as Pacific Princess for Princess Cruises
R Four: Currently operating as Tahitian Princess for Princess Cruises
R Five: Currently operating as Nautica for Oceania Cruises
R Six: Currently operating as Blue Star for Pullmantur Cruises, soon to become Celebrity Quest
R Seven: Currently operating as Blue Moon for Pullmantur Cruises soon to become Celebrity Journey
R Eight: Currently operating as Minerva II for Swan Hellenic soon to become Royal Princess
The name changes for R6 and R7 come as part of the acquisition of Pullmantur by Royal Caribbean International, with Pullmantur receiving Celebrity Zenith, the last of its oldest and smallest Horizon-class ships built in 1992. R8 will be moving to Princess due to the closure of the Swan Hellenic brand.
Renaissance also had a number smaller ships, now cruising with other companies. Perhaps the most well known being Renaissance VI, which operates as the Hebridean Spirit with Hebridean International Cruises a small though luxury class cruise line.
By: David E-Stainer