Majesty of the Seas Up for Sale
A piece of Royal Caribbean history is back in the spotlight, and the asking price is a cool $40 million. The former Majesty of the Seas, a cruise ship that carried generations of vacationers across the Caribbean, is listed for sale on YachtWorld, offering a fascinating glimpse into the market for retired passenger ships and the potential for a second life at sea.
At 880 feet long, with room for as many as 2,767 passengers, this is no ordinary yacht listing. The vessel has a decades-long history, a substantial collection of onboard amenities and a price tag that puts it in an entirely different league from the private yachts most people browse online.
And here’s the intriguing part: the former Royal Caribbean ship is not the only large passenger vessel looking for a buyer.
From Caribbean Favorite to $40 Million Sale
The Majesty of the Seas joined Royal Caribbean’s fleet in April 1992 and remained with the cruise line until 2020, giving it approximately 28 years of service under the company’s flag. It was eventually retired during the upheaval of the COVID-19 cruise shutdown, when the industry faced unprecedented disruption and operators reassessed their fleets. After leaving Royal Caribbean, the ship was sold to Greek ferry operator Seajets and renamed Majesty. Now, the vessel is being marketed through YachtWorld at an asking price of $40 million, with the listing placing it in Piraeus, Greece.
For cruise fans, the ship represents a bygone era of cruising, when vessels of its class helped make Caribbean vacations accessible to a growing audience. For prospective buyers, however, the story is less about nostalgia and more about what can be done with a ship of this scale.
The asking price is substantial, but buying a cruise ship is a very different proposition from purchasing a luxury yacht. A potential owner would need to consider operating costs, maintenance, crew requirements, regulatory compliance and the intended use of the vessel before deciding whether the investment makes sense.
What Does $40 Million Actually Buy?
According to the YachtWorld listing, the former Majesty of the Seas was last refurbished in 2016 and features a range of amenities designed for a traditional large cruise ship. These include two swimming pools, four hot tubs, a casino, a show theater, a spa and salon, a disco, a children’s center, a basketball court and a rock-climbing wall. The ship is powered by Wärtsilä 9L20 engines, with a total power of 59,130 horsepower. Its passenger capacity of 2,767, alongside accommodation for 912 crew members, underscores the scale of the operation a buyer would be taking on.
But don’t mistake the asking price for the total cost of ownership. A buyer would need to investigate the ship’s current condition, survey results, insurance, fuel consumption, staffing, port fees, dry-docking requirements and applicable safety standards before making a serious offer.
The listing does not establish the ship’s present condition or indicate which systems may need updating, so a fresh technical inspection would be essential.
Why the Secondhand Cruise Ship Market Matters in 2026
The sale comes amid a busy period for cruise ship ownership changes. In its September 14, 2026, industry roundup, Cruise Industry News reported six vessels changing ownership or operational arrangements that month, including ships moving from established cruise brands to new operators. One notable example is the Norwegian Sky, built in 1999, which left Norwegian Cruise Line’s fleet in September ahead of a planned handover to India’s Cordelia Cruises. The Costa Fortuna also completed its final season with Costa Cruises, ahead of its planned transfer to Margaritaville at Sea.
These transactions illustrate a key point: retirement from one cruise line does not necessarily mean the end of a ship’s commercial life. Vessels can be transferred, chartered or adapted for a different market, depending on their condition, operating economics and regulatory requirements. A secondhand ship can offer a buyer an existing hull, passenger accommodation and established onboard infrastructure rather than the lengthy process of commissioning a new vessel. However, the savings are not automatic, particularly when older ships need substantial upgrades to meet modern environmental and safety expectations.
Other Cruise Ships Currently Listed for Sale
The Majesty may be the headline attraction, but buyers searching for cruise ships for sale have several other options to explore. YachtWorld listings include vessels ranging from a nearly completed polar expedition ship to classic passenger vessels and larger ships designed for established cruise operations.
Here are seven additional listings worth a look, based on the published asking prices and specifications available at the time of research.
1. 2025 Custom Expedition Cruise Ship
356 feet · Listed at approximately $89.6 million
This modern polar expedition vessel is advertised as approximately 90% complete, with capacity for 194 passengers and 72 crew. Its Polar Category B designation and expedition equipment make it a very different proposition from the former Royal Caribbean ship.
2. 2002 Custom Cruise Ship
665 feet · Listed at approximately $89.3 million
Built in Germany, this vessel accommodates up to 1,580 passengers and has 609 guest cabins. The listing notes refits in 2014, 2017 and 2024, along with dining venues, a theater, swimming pool, spa and fitness facilities.
3. 1996 Fincantieri 720′ Cruise Ship
720 feet · Listed at $39 million
Built in Italy, this 13-deck vessel features 675 cabins, multiple dining venues, a casino, a show lounge, a spa and a pool. Its published listing describes major refits between 2016 and 2020.
4. 2000 Blohm & Voss Cruise Ship
593 feet · Listed at approximately $35 million
Built in Germany, this ship is advertised with 397 cabins and capacity for 1,007 passengers. Amenities include restaurants, lounges, theaters, a pool, whirlpools, a fitness center and a spa.
5. 1955 Classic — Harmony II
189 feet · Listed at approximately $4.38 million
This historic vessel began life as a ferry and is now marketed as a classic yacht. Its listing describes a 2022 refit, eight guest cabins, six crew cabins and accommodation for up to 36 people, making it a more intimate alternative to a conventional cruise ship.
6. 1996 Custom Cruise Ship — Minerva
443 feet · Listed at approximately $16.9 million
The Minerva is marketed as a boutique cruise vessel with space for approximately 300 guests. Features described in the listing include balcony suites, a library, a conservatory-style bar, a wellness center, a gym and a swimming pool.
7. 1989 Custom 435′ Luxury Cruise Ship
435 feet · Listed at $13.9 million
This smaller luxury cruise ship was rebuilt in 2012 and reportedly refitted with 44 balcony cabins and suites in 2017. Its advertised facilities include restaurants, bars, a cinema, a library, a pool, a gym and a spa.
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