February 5, 2008

All ship enthusiast were hoping the Peaceboat Organization would continue to charter the Topaz until 2010. The 50+ year old liner, is having a wonderful career, sailing as the  Empress of Britain, Queen Anna Maria, Carnivale, Fiesta Marina, Olympic, and Topaz.

Late last year, the Topaz showed up on the list of ships for sale and/or charter, meaning that Peaceboat was not renewing her contract, She has since been removed from the "sale" list.

Late December, Peaceboat actually  updated their website to show the complete itineraries for 2008 - including a call in New York by the Topaz.

Today I was very surprised by an announcement found in Seatrader Inside, which states that Peaceboat has entered into a long term agreement with International Shipping Partners for the charter of the Clipper Pearl (ex Royal Caribbean - Song of Norway). Sources indicate that the charter will start in May at Yokohama Japan. The Clipper Pearl will be renamed Clipper Pacific and replace the Topaz (Including her call at New York).

At this point, it is unclear the fate of the Topaz. Hopefully she will find other employment until 2010 when the ship will no longer meet the SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) 2010 requirements.

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