Page six: REGAL EMPRESS

The Commodore Cruise Line logo (left) would disappear in 1993 when CARIBE I was sold to Regal Cruise Line. In 1996, Regal Cruise Line resurrected the Greek Line logo, as seen in the center image. In 2001, the crown was painted gold and the blue livery lightened into two solid stripes. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 1991, 1996, 2001.

In 1993, Commodore Cruise Line sold the CARIBE I to newly formed Regal Cruise Line, who renamed the ship REGAL EMPRESS. At a time when classic ships were being withdrawn in favor of more profitable modern vessels, many were skeptical about how Regal would survive against the competition. REGAL EMPRESS was quickly deployed on short party cruises out of New York and Port Manatee (near Tampa), Florida.

REGAL EMPRESS at New York, 25 June 1994. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 1994.

Initially, REGAL EMPRESS' livery was similar to that of CARIBE I's, minus the Commodore gold stripes and insignia. Her dark blue boot topping was painted gray; otherwise, there were few discernible changes in the ship's appearance.

The forward Caribbean Dining Room painting was lost to a fire. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 1991.

REGAL EMPRESS did quite well on her summer NY program, filling in a void left in the late 1980s by such popular and fun vessels as BRITANIS, AMERIKANIS, and GALILEO on her one, two, and three night party cruises. Regal's food and friendly service won over new friends, as did the REGAL EMPRESS' relatively intimate size and old world charm.

One incident could have turned things for the worse, but because it was handled well, Regal came through with flying colors. On 19 August 1994, as the ship was returning to New York from a cruise, a small fire erupted in the funnel insulation. With the blaze confined, she berthed and safely disembarked her entire complement of 1,000 passengers. The fire was contained shortly thereafter, although it had ruined her forward Caribbean Dining Room painting of an Aegean scene. The ship returned to service on 27 August with a new panel in place of the painting, having canceled only two short cruises in the interim.

REGAL EMPRESS departs New York on 26 July 1996. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 1996.

For her 1996 season, REGAL EMPRESS was given a newer, bolder livery with a thick midnight blue hull band (with thin turquoise trim) stretching along Restaurant Deck between her bow knuckle and the sheltered aft promenade. Her boot topping changed from gray to midnight blue, while the narrow white band at the top of the funnel was painted turquoise and a turquoise replica of the Greek Line crown took its place as Regal Cruise Line's newly adapted logo. Additionally, her bow crest was encircled in midnight blue with three narrow stripes added abaft on either side, and her anchor wells were painted dark blue. Her name was also enlarged and placed underneath the bow anchors in scripted form.

The REGAL EMPRESS arrives at New York on 27 August 2000. Note the verandas on forward Promenade Deck. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2000.

In 1997, REGAL EMPRESS sailed to Mobile, Alabama for a refit that would bring her up to the latest international S.O.L.A.S. (Safety Of Life At Sea) standards that entailed special fireproof stairwell and lobby enclosures and lighting. A new, improved buffet area was added and the forward portion of her Promenade Deck would be used to accommodate the increasing demand for balconied cabins. Cleverly, suites P1 -- P12 received balconies, with the largest, P1 -- P4 getting private outdoor Jacuzzis. It was sad to see the wraparound gone, but in the end, it was a wise decision for Regal and one that will help the ship meet the evolving needs of her passengers. For her 2001 season, the REGAL EMPRESS livery changed slightly: the funnel bands were painted solid medium blue while the crown insignia was painted gold; the bow badge, three narrow stripes, ship's name, anchor well, and boot topping were all redone in the new blue. Further onboard renovations will be covered in the REGAL EMPRESS tour that follows.

The view over the bow from REGAL EMPRESS' house top shows her forward form from the trimmed fo'c'sle bulwarks and crew pool to the teak covered viewing deck on Promenade level. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 1996.

From top to bottom, the REGAL EMPRESS has been lovingly maintained and to this day retains much of the same character and style she had as CARIBE I. The decks have kept their names and the public rooms and cabins have largely been unaltered.

Facing aft along REGAL EMPRESS' house top. Aside from the mast, funnel, and satellite domes, this deck has not changed since its OLYMPIA incarnation. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 1996.

The uppermost level, the house top, is not for passenger use. However, it is interesting to note its basic structure has remained, although the "skyline" around it (which consists of funnel, mast, and satellite domes) dates from the ship's later incarnations.

Facing starboard in the wheelhouse. It has actually taken on more old world character with the addition of wood paneling in recent years (see similar view on preceding page). Photo and copyright Peter Knego 1996.

Sports Deck begins forward with the wheelhouse, which enjoys a bit of forward protection from the "visor" just above its span of windows. Internally, it has evolved considerably from the OLYMPIA era, but has taken on a bit more of a classic look with the addition of wood paneling late in the CARIBE I incarnation. Interspersed between the modern console, radar, and new safety panels, are original polished brass fittings and devices. Just aft is the ship's chart room.

Facing aft from the starboard wing past boat one to the sparkling funnel. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2001.

REGAL EMPRESS has arced open bridge wings. This is where the external portion of Sports Deck begins. A small athwartships games area aft of the bridge housing was enclosed to accommodate a new gym in recent years.

The new gym, facing port. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2001.

The gym is well equipped for the REGAL EMPRESS' size and capacity, and offers an array of cardio equipment and weights. Large glass doors on either side allow in natural light. This facility replaced a similar one a bit further aft, which is now for crew use.

Facing aft along the starboard side of freshly refurbished Sports Deck. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2001.

Sports Deck continues along either side, encompassing the original funnel housing as well as the current funnel casing.

Facing forward on the port side of aft Sports Deck. Note new tan deck covering and well maintained original teak. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2001.

Immediately aft of the funnel and just forward of the Mermaid Lounge skylight, there is a half basketball court. On both sides of the skylight, there is a strip of sunning deck that stretches past a cluster of ventilators to the stern. The after terrace of Sports Deck was recently converted into an alfresco watering hole called the Top Sail Bar.

Facing aft from Sports Deck. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2001.

The view over the stern shows the new tan colored decking which has replaced green turf surfacing. Excellent upkeep and pleasing architectural curves make this one of the most attractive lidos afloat.

Continue REGAL EMPRESS tour: page seven

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