MIAMI, Sept. 13 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Continuing its expansion in
Europe, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. announced today it is launching a new
cruise brand, CDF Croisieres de France, committed to the French market. The
new brand will begin sailing its first ship, Bleu de France, in May, 2008,
after the ship has completed extensive renovations and undergone a cultural
transformation wholly adapting the brand experience to French tastes.
The new line will operate one ship initially when it begins operations.
The 376-cabin ship was the former luxury liner Europa when it was owned by
Hapag Lloyd. Currently, it is Pullmantur's Holiday Dream. As the flagship of
the new brand, Bleu de France will benefit from a euro 30-million overhaul,
significantly altering many of the ship's public spaces, guest accommodations,
entertainment venues and dining options.
The onboard experience of Bleu de France's guests will be totally French,
from cuisine to entertainment to decor. French will be the language used on
the ship as well.
The ship will sail a Mediterranean itinerary, departing from Marseille,
France, starting in Spring, 2008. It will shift to a Caribbean routing,
sailing out of La Romana, Dominican Republic, beginning in Winter, 2008-2009.
"We are thrilled with this opportunity to enter the French cruise market
with a custom-tailored brand for French cruisers," said CDF Croisieres de
France Managing Director Brigitte Tissier. "Our start-up efforts will clearly
benefit from the global success and experience of Royal Caribbean Cruises
Ltd.'s family of brands, and we look forward to launching another stellar
brand into that circle of excellence."
Equally enthusiastic about the new brand, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.
Chairman and CEO Richard Fain, added, "We are very excited about bringing
French cruising to the French market. We have a high demand for the product, a
ship tailor-made for the market, and a highly talented team to lead the
effort. I couldn't be more pleased."
Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. is a global cruise vacation company that
operates Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Pullmantur, Azamara
Cruises, and, now, CDF Croisieres de France. The company has a combined total
of 35 ships in service and seven under construction. It also offers unique
land-tour vacations in Alaska, Asia, Australia, Canada, Europe, Latin and
South America and New Zealand. Additional information can be found on
www.royalcaribbean.com, www.celebrity.com. www.pullmantur.es,
www.azamaracruises.com or www.rclinvestor.com.
SOURCE Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.
CONTACT: France, Anne Lederer, 011-33-1 40 09 12 92
or U.S., Lynn Martenstein, +1-305-539-6570
both of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.
Web site: http://www.royalcaribbean.com
http://www.celebrity.com
http://www.pullmantur.es
http://www.azamaracruises.com
http://www.rclinvestor.com
(RCL)