THE “R” CLASS SHIPS – A CLASS OF THEIR OWN
Presented by Pat Dacey & Bob Allen
October 25, 2019 @ 6:30 pm
Renaissance Cruises was founded in 1989, and shortly thereafter had eight small 100-passenger ships in their fleet. Quickly outgrowing these ships and operating profitably, Renaissance ordered eight new identical cruise ships, the “R” class, which were all delivered between 1998 and 2001. In 2001, Renaissance Cruises collapsed under increasing financial debt and ceased operations. Soon thereafter all of their ships were either sold or chartered out. All eight ships are still in active service with seven currently sailing as the foundation for both Oceania and Azamara Cruises. In addition to their history with Renaissance, Pat Dacey and Bob Allen explored how each ship shaped the cruise industry by quickly becoming passenger favorites for their boutique atmosphere and classical styling. They then focused on the first of the class, R ONE, now Oceania Cruises’ INSIGNIA, taking a deck by deck photo tour of her current configuration followed by a photo essay as seen through the eyes of the World Ship Society – Port of New York Branch members on our recent cruise to Bermuda.
Pat Dacey is the current Chairman and Bob Allen is the current Vice Chairman of the World Ship Society – Port of New York Branch.
(Photo credit: Mario De Stefano)