 Originally built as the last of eight 'R' class ships for Renaissance Cruises, "Azamara Pursuit" was first known as "R Eight", and entered service in 2001.After Renaissance ceased operations and filed for bankruptcy in late 2001, the vessel was seized by creditors and laid up in Marseille, France.In 2003, the vessel re-entered operation, this time as the sole cruise ship in Swan Hellenic's fleet.