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MyTravel quits cruise operations
Troubled MyTravel, the parent company of Airtours Sun Cruises, is withdrawing from cruising.
The company will stop operations after May 2005 but will reduce its fleet of ships at the end of this summer.
MyTravel incurred losses of £8 million on three of its for ships in the year to September 2003. The disposal will result in an exceptional loss of £16 million in the year ending September 2004, MyTravel said.
“The disposal of the ships will result in a significant reduction in both the fixed costs and risks associated with cruise ship operations,” the company said.
Sundream retires from the fleet after its final itinerary ends on September 26 while Seawing will also leave the fleet at the end of the summer.
Sunbird will continue to sail until January 15, 2005, while Carousel will operate until May 2005.
Cyprus-based cruise and hotel company Louis is taking over the operation of Carousel, Sunbird and Sundream for the above periods.
The exit from cruise operations is the outcome of a MyTravel review of its cruise strategy started in March.
MyTravel said there would be a phased hand-over of the three ships to Louis.
“The hand-over will have no impact on customers as Louis are just as committed to the excellent levels of quality, service and customer satisfaction that Airtours Sun Cruises are famous for,” said Airtours Holidays head of sales in a letter to trade partners.
Report by Phil Davies
Phil Davies
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