A new cruise line for the French market, CDF Croisieres de France, will begin operations in May of next year. The re-christened Bleu de France will operate from Marseille on a Mediterranean route for the summer season. The cruise liner will then sail a Caribbean route based in La Romana, Dominican Republic, for the 2008-2009 winter season.
The new brand from Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. will be focused on providing a totally French cruising experience, with French as the shipboard language. Food, entertainment, and décor will cater to French taste and culture.
The public spaces, dining rooms, entertainment facilities, and the 376 cabins of the flagship Blue de France will undergo major alterations as part of a 30 million euro ($>>>) overhaul before the May launch. The ship is currently Pullmantur’s Holiday Dream, formerly Hapag Lloyd’s luxury liner Europa.
“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.
CDF Croisieres de France expands Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. presence in the European market. The cruise company also operates Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Pullmantur, and Azamara Cruises., with 35 ships plus seven currently under construction.
Visit http://www.royalcaribbean.com, http://www.celebrity.com. http://www.pullmantur.es, http://www.azamaracruises.com or http://www.rclinvestor.com for additional information.
