On 22nd October came the news that a fire had broken out aboard the Splendour of the Seas (above) whilst sailing from Mykonos to Kefalonia. The ship limped back to Venice on one engine for repairs, thus slightly curtailing the cruise. All on board were perfectly safe.

Pullmantur announced that it was focusing solely on the European cruise market in 2016 so the 48,563gt/1990 built Empress (above – formerly the Empress of the Seas) would be returned to Royal Caribbean in February whilst sister Monarch cruises on in Europe. After a refit she ship may be transferred to Cuban cruise itineraries.