The Azamara Pursuit is completing 25 years of service after originally debuting in February 2001 as the R Eight.
Built for Renaissance Cruises at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in France, the 30,200-ton ship was introduced as the last in a series of eight R-class sister ships.
With its original owners facing financial challenges, the vessel only sailed for a few months before being withdrawn from service in late 2001.
After spending two years in layup in France, the R Eight was chartered to Swan Hellenic in 2003, becoming the Minerva II.
The 710-passenger ship sailed for the British brand, which was part of Carnival Corporation at the time, for four years before being transferred to Princess Cruises.
Renamed Royal Princess, the vessel made its debut for the premium brand in April 2007, kicking off a maiden season in Europe.
The ship also spent time sailing as the Adonia for P&O Cruises and Fathom Cruises before being acquired by Azamara Cruises in 2017.
Joining two of the original R-class ships, the vessel entered service for its current operator in August 2018, initially offering itineraries in Northern Europe.
Before joining the company’s fleet, the ship also underwent a major refurbishment at the Harland & Wolff shipyard in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
In 2026, the Pursuit is scheduled to operate a summer season in Alaska, offering ten- and 11-night cruises departing from Whittier and Vancouver.
The vessel will then reposition to Asia in September for a series of fall and winter cruises in the Far East, Southeast Asia and the South Pacific.
The Azamara Pursuit will also undergo a major refurbishment in the near future as part of the Azamara Forward initiative.
Announced earlier this year, the fleet modernization project will see all of the company’s four ships undergoing extensive renovation.
While a specific date for Pursuit’s refit hasn’t been set yet, the ship is expected to introduce a new Chef’s Table experience, a reimagined cocktail lounge, refreshed staterooms and suites, as well as upgraded public spaces.
