Royal Sell Island Cruises

MIAMI, Oct. 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (RCL) announced today that it had agreed to sell its 50 percent interest in Island Cruises to First Choice Holidays Ltd., the other 50 percent owner in the joint venture and a subsidiary of British-based tour operator TUI Travel PLC (TUI).

As part of the transaction, RCL and TUI agreed to an early termination of the charter of Island Star, one of two ships in the Island Cruises fleet. RCL is the owner of Island Star and had chartered it to Island Cruises.

The deal is subject to regulatory approval in Ireland. RCL will also recognize a small gain on the sale of its interest in Island Cruises and the early termination of the Island Star charter.

“We thank TUI for their efforts and cooperation throughout the life of the joint venture. Island Cruises has been a rewarding investment for us, but over the past year our priorities have shifted,” said Richard D. Fain, chairman and chief executive officer of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.

“We believe by focusing on developing and expanding the Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises brands in the U.K. we will be better able to serve our customers and create value for our shareholders. This belief has been strengthened by the success of the inaugural season of Independence of the Seas, which has served the U.K. market from Southampton, U.K., since it entered service in May 2008,” Fain added.

Upon its return in April 2009, RCL plans to redeploy the Island Star to Pullmantur Cruises, its Spanish brand. “Redeploying the Island Star to our expanding Pullmantur fleet allows us to better serve the strategically important Spanish market,” said Fain.

Islands New Scottish Departure

Island Cruises (0161 772 8622/islandcruises.com) have introduced a new flight from Glasgow for this half term, departing on 11th October 2008 to meet the Island Star for a 7-night cruise around the Med.

Take the family on a Mediterranean cruise from £1,667 for a family of 3.  This includes return flights to Palma, transfers, full board accommodation, tipping and entertainment along with all the great kids activities. 

On an Island Cruises holiday kids will find everything they could possibly want, such as: 

-          The Breakfast Club: 2-3 times a week, kids will be collected from their cabins and taken to breakfast by the kids club reps and friends, in order to give parents a lie- in.

-          Kids can visit The Bridge, meet the Captain and crew and learn how to steer a cruise ship whilst getting a 360 view!

-          An hour before the deck party begins, kids will be treated to a special magic or puppet show, including a mini disco where they can learn the Macarena and the Nutbush.

-          Dedicated dinner and cocktail menus for kids have been developed at the onboard restaurants and bars, with fun and innovative non-alcoholic cocktails.

-          Each day there will be at least 2 hours of well organised and supervised kids club activities including games, face painting, quiz’s, themed events such as treasure hunts, pyjama parties and mini-discos for children between three different age groups: 3-6 year olds, 7’s to 11’s and teens.

This cruise is enjoying the Mediterranean Explorer itinerary which will take you to the very heart of the Med, from the buzz of Barcelona and Marseille through to the cultural and architectural delights of Valencia and Florence.

To book or for further information call Island Cruises on 0161 772 8622, visit islandcruises.com or visit your local travel agent.

Official Press Release Island Cruises dated 17th September 2008.

Islands New Fly/Cruise

A Mediterranean cruise is now closer than you think.  Island Cruises, the pioneer of relaxed, friendly and informal cruising, is introducing for the first time fly/cruises direct from Doncaster Sheffield Airport for summer 2009.

Prices start from just £729 (saving £220) for a 7-night fly/cruise onboard the Island Star cruising around the Mediterranean, when departing Doncaster Sheffield on 2nd May 2009, and enjoying Island Cruises NEW itinerary, the Mediterranean Splendour.  This price includes return flights, transfers, full board accommodation, entertainment and tipping. 

Official Press Release (Abridged) Island Cruises dated 17th September 2008.

Island Tie the Knot

Island Cruises, the relaxed, friendly and informal cruise line have launched a weddings programme making it possible to get married on the beautiful island of Barbados at a selection of idyllic shoreside locations and venues aboard the Island Star. 

Start your married life on the amazing coral island of Barbados with its stunning white beaches, rolling hills and spectacular flora and fauna. This Caribbean island is home to sunny skies, coconut palms and coral reefs, and with a relaxed funky vibe is the ideal wedding destination.

There is a choice of 3 wedding packages starting from just £538 per couple, all include:

o        Wedding planning and ceremony
o        Onboard-wedding venue (Barbados land-based venues available at a supplement)
o        Marriage licence, marriage certificate and registrar fees
o        Exotic bridal bouquet and buttonhole
o        Champagne for the bride and groom
o        Wedding cake
o        Special photograph with the Captain

Whether you choose to get married on a sun drenched beach; in a lush tropical garden or on The Bridge of the Island Star, we can take away the headaches of planning your special day.  In the capable hands of our specialist wedding team based in the UK, we can help you design your wedding every step of the way how you always imagined it would be.  Once you reach the Island Star our Guest Relations Manager will be on hand to oversee every little detail of your Island Cruises wedding experience.

Share your wedding day with your family, invite your friends or take everyone you know; the celebrations won’t be the same without them.   Island Cruises are offering special group discounts and if your wedding party exceeds 12 passengers (including the Bride & Groom), the Bride & Groom shall be entitled to a complimentary cabin upgrade.

Then once you’ve said ‘I do’ discover paradise on earth with our 15-night Caribbean cruises where stunning unspoilt scenery, lush tropical rainforests and island exuding character and charm await you. 

The Caribbean offers everything you could wish for in a honeymoon – and more.  Relax on Antigua’s sun-drenched white sand beaches whilst listening to the gently lapping azure waters and watching the undulating palm trees, or soak up the carnival spirit in the vibrant and thrilling island of Trinidad.

With three 15 night captivating itineraries to choose from we offer an adventure as colourful, exciting and diverse as the islands themselves – a voyage of discovery where the only limit is your imagination!

For further information Island Cruises dedicated wedding team can be contacted on 0161 772 8630.

Official Press Release Island Cruises dated 16th September 2008.

Island Cruises Swims Channel

Tom Brett, head of marketing at Island Cruises, has taken the plunge and completed a gruelling – and chilly – Channel swim to raise money for a leading transplant charity. Brett, 32, egged on by his brother, joined five others to complete two one hour legs of the cross Channel event, raising a total of £1,100 for The Transplant Trust .

His ‘Team Chum’ (‘chum’ being slang for ’shark bait’ as well as ‘friend’) set off from Dover at 700am and reached Cap Gris Nez at 7.00pm. There were no sharks to contend with, but at least one Spanish tanker had to be kindly asked to divert its course to avoid the swimmers.

Says Brett: “I’d have much rather been swimming in the Med or the Caribbean alongside one of our cruise liners, but I don’t think many people would have been putting their hands in their pockets to support me, so I had to do it the hard way.”

Following the event Brett got to add is name to the successful role call of Channel swimmers in The White Horse pub in Dover. He also confesses that the swim was far tougher than he’d expected – and that he is more than a little susceptible to sea sickness – but that it was, finally, worth it – not least to raise some vital funds for The Transplant Trust.

Official Press Release Island Cruises dated 15th August 2008.

Island Cruises Welcome New Captain

Island Cruises is pleased to welcome Captain John Clark on board.  Captain John joins the Island Cruises team from Wind Star Cruises.  He will work with Captain David Bathgate and together they will both be responsible for the Island Star.
 
Stuart Horne, Operations Director, commented: ‘I am delighted that John has chosen to join us as Captain of the Island Star.  He brings with him a fantastic wealth of knowledge and a broad spectrum of experience from across the Marine Industry. I have no doubt that he will fit in very well with Island Cruises, the relaxed, friendly and informal way of cruising.’

‘I am very excited to become part of Island Cruises, a successful cruise experience delivered in a rather more informal manner than I have ever encountered before.’ Comments Captain John Clark.

Official Press Release Island Cruises Dated 31st July 2008.

Island Cruises to Trial Unique New Shore Excursion

Island Cruises, the relaxed, friendly and informal cruise line are soon to be trialling a totally unique new shore excursion – ‘The Live The City Experience’ – to enable guests to make the most of their time at their favourite ports of call.

This experience enables Island Cruises guests the opportunity to combine sightseeing and entertainment in a unique format that culminates in an interactive quiz finale with the opportunity to win prizes.

How it works:  Guests who choose to take part will be provided with a ‘Live the City’ destination pack which includes a detailed guidebook, map with illustrated route and a pen.  The guidebook leads the guests around the city providing fascinating facts about the sights and also treasure hunt clues to solve en route.  Once back on the ships, guests will be able to see how many clues they’ve solved correctly in the Live The City quiz on special interactive screens. The three top scorers over the trial period will each win a great prize.  The experience is perfect for people who enjoy exploring at their own pace but want a little guidance to make sure they visit the best parts of the city during their visit.

Ben Green, Product Development Manager – Island Cruises, ‘I am very excited about this new initiative, and am sure this trial will be a success.  I believe our guests will really enjoy the mix of sightseeing, discovery, and entertainment offered by the Live The City experience.’

The Live The City experience is being trialled aboard both ships in the port of Barcelona from July and a whole day’s fun is available for just £25 per pack.

Official Press Release Islands Cruises dated 23rd June 2008.

Island Cruises Announce Late Deals

Island Cruises, the relaxed, friendly and informal cruise line, has today unveiled 1000’s of great savings on summer 2008 cruise holidays with lead-in prices from just £429 for a 7-night Mediterranean cruise and £1099 for a 15-night Caribbean cruise.

For example:
Enjoy a 7-night Mediterranean cruise aboard the Island Star from just £429, saving a fantastic £270, when departing Gatwick or Luton on 1st November 08.  Fly UK/Palma, cruise Palma-Majorca, Messina-Sicily, Naples-Italy, Livorno for Florence & Pisa-Italy, Toulon-France, Barcelona-Spain before returning to Palma. Price based on 2 adults sharing an inside cabin and includes return flights to Palma, transfers to/from the ship, full board accommodation, entertainment and tipping.

And for those wishing to venture further a field….
Make the most of a 15-night Caribbean cruise aboard the Island Star from just £1099!  Fly UK/Barbados, overnight in Barbados and then cruise Curaçao, Cartagena-Columbia, Limón-Costa Rica, Cristóbal-Panama, Aruba, Trinidad, Grenada before returning to Barbados, fly UK.  Based on 2 sharing an Aqua inside cabin on 26th Feb 09 departing Belfast/Glasgow/Manchester or Gatwick, and includes return flights to Barbados, transfers to/from the ship, full board accommodation, entertainment and tipping.

As well as great offers on all Mediterranean and Caribbean cruises, this edition of Captain’s Specials also include the following – which must be booked by 31st July 2008:

All-inclusive drinks upgrade for £129pp – Island Escape
Any customers booked before 31st July 2008 to holiday aboard the Island Escape this Med season will be able to take advantage and pay just £129 per person to have all their drinks included.

School’s Out – great value family holidays
Great reductions on summer 2008 family holidays. For example a family of 3 can enjoy 7-nights aboard the Island Star from £1,597, WAS £2,537, when departing 19th July 08.  That’s just £166 per night per family. Lots of other dates available.

Save up to £200 on Transatlantic cruises
Both Caribbean and Brazil Transatlantic cruises available, with prices for a 16-night cruise available from just £949.

Up to 50% off cabin upgrades
Cabin upgrades are available on all cruise holidays featured in the Captain’s Specials brochure.  For example upgrades to outside cabins available from just £7 per person per night or premier cabins available from just £14 per person per night.

Best of both worlds
It is now possible to extend your holiday to include an extra week in Majorca from just £32 per person per night.  Perfect for first time cruisers.  A 14-night cruise and Majorca stay holiday starts from just £749, when departing on 14th October 08.

Official Press Release Island Cruises dated 16th June 2008.

Island Cruises Announce New Mediterranean Itinerary for Summer 2009

Island Cruises, the relaxed, friendly and informal cruise line, has announced a new Mediterranean itinerary for the 2009 summer season, Mediterranean Splendour.
 
Providing travellers with a fresh new holiday alternative, Mediterranean Splendour will sail from Palma, Majorca and visit the ports of Naples, Civitavecchia for Rome, Elba-Italy, Calvi-Corsica, and Mahon before returning to Palma. Regional flights will be available from 19 airports across the UK.

The new itinerary, launching with five departure dates in 2009, has been specifically designed to appeal Island Cruises’ repeat guests who have already sailed the Mediterranean many times before. Mediterranean Splendour will also provide a greater range of 14-night possibilities, as passengers will be encouraged to mix and match the back-to-back itineraries.
 
For old and new guests alike, Mediterranean Splendour will offer more choice to the Island Cruises’ portfolio as it includes two brand new ports of call Elba in Italy and Calvi in Corsica.  The beautiful and captivating island of Elba is perhaps best known as the place Napoleon was exiled to.  Explore the rugged coastline and small villages set into verdant hilltops for spectacular views over the magnificent fortress isle.  The next stop is Calvi, a little-known gem of a port with something for everyone.  Meaner through the Old Quarter, relax on the white sands or treat your taste buds at a waterfront eaterie. 

The Mediterranean Splendour itinerary will depart on the following dates in 2009: 2 May, 13 June and 11 July, 22 August and 19 September aboard the Island Star. The 7-night fly cruise, departing on 2 May 09, starts from £649 per person.

Official Press Release Island Cruises dated 28th April 2008.

Island Cruises Update

Island Cruises, jointly owned by both Royal Caribbean and First Choice holidays have cancelled the next cruise of Island Star after a catastrophic power failure caused by was has been reported as an explosion but probably more like a generator failure.

A source told us that the they were watching a show in the Theatre at about 8pm when there was a loud “Bang” followed by the power failing. Further sources quoted that the ship was not running under any form of power, though this has yet to be substantiated. Eventually the ship was able to limp into Villefrance were engineers were able to join the ship about 4pm. At about 7pm the engineers tried to re-instate the power which lasted but 2 minutes. Soon afterwards the Captain announced that the Cruise was being cancelled and that all the passengers would be flown home the next day.

Without any power the rooms had no air conditioning and apparently many passengers slept with their doors ajar in order to try and quell the heat. Many passengers were disgruntled and Island Cruises eventually did offer some free drinks in the bars and are compensating their passengers.

Next Page »