Royal Cruise Line, Miami $5 Inaugural LE Casino Chip

Royal Cruise Line, Miami $5 Inaugural LE Casino Chip
Denom: $5
Issued: 1991
Color: ORANGE
Mold: CHIPCO
Inlay: Full Graphic
Collected By: A. J. Giametta
Royal Odyssey Inaugural Season 1991-1992
Collector Chip.
Royal Cruise Line was formed in the early 1970s.
Their first ship, the Golden Odyssey, was the first purpose-built Greek cruise ship, and she entered service in 1974
. A second ship, the Royal Odyssey, was added to the fleet in 1982. The line developed a loyal following, and had a very high reputation. They ordered two new ships, of which the Crown Odyssey was delivered in 1988 (the second ship was not built). Royal Odyssey was sold in the same year as the arrival of the new ship, although postcards showing the fleet with all three were issued. The line was acquired by Norwegian Caribbean Line (Kloster) just one year later in 1989.
NCL was in a period of rapid expansion at the time. Within two years, Norwegian Caribbean was in financial difficulties, and began selling off various assets. Royal Cruise Line initially retained its separate identity, but Golden Odyssey was sold in 1994, and Crown Odyssey became part of the NCL fleet as Norwegian Crown in 1996.