United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
Royal Caribbean sets up French cruise arm
Royal Caribbean Cruises is extending its reach in continental Europe by establishing a French cruise operation.
This follows the US company targeting the Spanish market through local partner Pullmantur.
The new cruise brand is to be called CDF Croisieres de France, initially running one ship from next May.
The French initiative will see the former Hapag Lloyd vessel Europa, currently operating as Holiday Dream for Pullmantur, be converted to serve the French market.
The 376-cabin ship will undergo a euro 30 million overhaul and be re-named Blue de France.
Sailings wil start next May in the Mediterranean with departures from Marseille, followed by Caribbean itineraries from the Dominican Republic in winter 2008-09.
French will be the launguage used on board and the shipwill offer French cuisine and entertainment.
The French division’s managing director Brigitte Tissier said: “We are thrilled with this opportunity to enter the French cruise market with a custom-tailored brand for French cruisers.”
Royal Caribbean chairman and CEO Richard Fain said: “We have high demand for the product, a ship tailor-made for the market, and a highly talented team to lead the effort.”
by Phil Davies
Related News Stories:
Phil Davies
Kittipong Prapattong’s Plan for Thailand’s Tourism Growth: Taxes, Visas, and Campaigns
James Jin: Didatravel’s Journey from China to Global Reach and the Impact of AI on Travel
Darien Schaefer on Pensacola’s Evolution: From Small Town to Global Destination
Florida Tourism’s Next Frontier: Dana Young on Expanding Beyond the Classics
Patrick Harrison on Tampa Bay Tourism’s Resilience and Marketing Strategy
Bubba O’Keefe on Clarksdale’s Vibrant Music Scene
Commemorating Elvis and Embracing Tupelo’s Culture with Jennie Bradford Curlee
Craig Ray and the Expansion of the Blues Trail
Presenting Mississippi’s Cultural Trails with Katie Coats
Robert Terrell: A Journey Through BB King’s Influence
Rochelle Hicks: Celebrating Mississippi’s Musical Legacy
Exploring Jacksonville with Katie Mitura: The Flip Side of Florida
Dozens fall ill in P&O Cruises ship outbreak
Turkish Airlines flight in emergency landing after pilot dies
Boy falls to death on cruise ship
Unexpected wave rocks cruise ship
Storm Lilian travel chaos as bank holiday flights cancelled