While the industry focus is usually on newer ships, older vessels continue to play key roles for a number of cruise lines.
According to the latest edition of the Global Cruise Ship Index by Cruise Industry News, over 80 ships are currently sailing that are over 30 years old.
Cruise Industry News looks at some of the oldest oceangoing ships with a capacity for at least 500 guests that continue to sail in 2024.
Blue Sapphire
Cruise Line: Selectum Blu Cruises
Year Built: 1981
Shipyard: Bremer Vulkan (Germany)
Capacity: 750 guests
Tonnage: 37,000
Cruising Region: Eastern Mediterranean
According to the latest edition of the Global Cruise Ship Index by Cruise Industry News, the Blue Sapphire is currently the oldest vessel in active service among the cruise ships with a capacity for at least 500 guests.
Originally built for Hapag-Lloyd Cruises in 1981, the 37,000-ton vessel sailed for several brands before being acquired by its current operator, Selectum Blu Cruises, in 2022.
now offering short cruises in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Artania
Cruise Line: Phoenix Reisen
Year Built: 1984
Shipyard: Wärtsilä Helsinki Shipyard (Finland)
Capacity: 1,200 guests
Tonnage: 45,000
Cruising Regions: Summers in Europe followed by world cruises during winters
Originally built for Princess Cruises in 1984, the Artania completed 40 years of service this year. Now sailing for Phoenix Reisen, the ship offers summer cruises in Europe, as well as longer itineraries to other parts of the globe during the rest of the year.
In 2024, following a summer program in Northern Europe, the 1,200-guest ship is set to offer a 162-day world cruise starting in December.
In addition to Princess and Phoenix Reisen, the Artania also sailed for P&O Cruises during its four-decade-long career.
Balmoral
Cruise Line: Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
Year Built: 1988
Shipyard: Meyer Werft (Germany)
Capacity: 1,340 guests
Tonnage: 43,537
Cruising Regions: Northern Europe and the Mediterranean, as well as longer cruises to different parts of the world
Operated by Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, the Balmoral was built by the Meyer Werft shipyard and originally entered service in 1988.
With a colorful past, the 1,340-guest ship sailed for several cruise lines over the years, including Royal Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line and Orient Lines.
The Balmoral is set to offer a series of cruises departing from different ports in the United Kingdom in 2025. While most of the itineraries visit ports in Northern Europe or the Mediterranean, some cruises also sail to different parts of the globe, including the Caribbean and the Canaries.
Amera
Cruise Line: Phoenix Reisen
Year Built: 1988
Shipyard: Wärtsilä Marine Perno Shipyard (Finland)
Capacity: 834 guests
Tonnage: 38,000
Cruising Regions: Summers in Europe followed by world cruises during winters
Originally built for Royal Viking Cruises as the Royal Viking Sun, the Amera completed 35 years of service in 2023.
Now in service for Phoenix Reisen, the ship offers summer cruises in Northern Europe, as well as longer cruises to different parts of the world during winter and shoulder seasons.
In 2024, the 834-guest vessel, which also sailed for Seabourn and Holland America Line in the past, underwent a major modernization project that included updates to its engines, electrical systems and public areas.
Empress
Cruise Line: Cordelia Cruises
Year Built: 1990
Shipyard: Chanties de l’Atlantique (France)
Capacity: 1,607 guests
Tonnage: 48,563
Cruising Regions: India and the Middle East
Now sailing for Cordelia Cruises in India and the Middle East, the Empress Was
built for Royal Caribbean International in 1990., It also sailed for Pullmantur before being transferred back to Royal Caribbean.
During the pandemic, however, Royal Caribbean decided to sell the ship to its current operator. Serving the Indianl market, the Empress now offers short cruises from various ports in India throughout most of the year.
Other active cruise ships sailing past the 30-year mark: