New star on the cruise horizon

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islandstar.jpgAs I reported exclusively last week, French cruise line CDF Croisieres de France has sold its only ship to Saga, who will take possession of it in about 12 months’ time.
The company is not about to disappear, however. It is to take over Pacific Dream, currently being operated by parent company Pullmantur. The ship, originally built as Horizon for Celebrity, was also briefly Island Star (shown above in Bridgetown, Barbados) for Island Cruises, which was a joint-venture operation between Royal Caribbean and First Choice.
With 721 cabins accommodating up to 1,875 passengers, the ship – built in 1990 – has double the capacity of Bleu de France. It will be re-named l’Horizon and begin sailing under its new colours early in 2012.
“This is excellent news for the future of our company, which will go on progressing,” said Antoine Lacarrière, of the Paris-based CDF. “With a broader range of cabin categories, including less expensive ones, this ship will allow us to attract a different category of passengers.”
I sailed on the ship when it was Island Star; it has plenty of large public rooms, including a two-deck high main lounge, a spacious pub – which will no doubt be transformed into something more French – and a large casino.
Saga has still not confirmed their urchase of Bleu de France. Perhaps the company is still deciding what to call their new ship.

By | 2017-06-15T16:00:15+00:00 17 November 2010|Cruise News, Cruise Ships|0 Comments

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John Honeywell is a travel writer specialising in cruise ships and cruise travel. Winner of CLIA UK's Contribution to Cruise award 2017.

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