Island Cruises

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Island Star at Islabhela, Brazil.
Island Star at Islabhela, Brazil.

Island Cruises is the brand name of a cruise line operated by Sunshine Cruises Limited, a joint venture between Royal Caribbean International and TUI Travel PLC.[1][2][3] The company operates in Europe and South America, aiming its products primarily at markets in the United Kingdom, Brazil, and Argentina.[4] It was founded in 2001 by Royal Caribbean International and First Choice Holidays PLC (now TUI Travel PLC), and began operations in 2002.[4][5]

Initially, Island Cruises had planned to operate in Europe during the summer season (Northern Hemisphere), and out of California during the winter. Before the first winter season began however, the decision was made to change the winter schedule to 3- and 4-night cruises out of Brazil.[6]

In Europe, Island Cruises targets the British family market, offering casual "totally relaxed" cruising. In South America, the company targets a younger audience.[4]

Currently, the line operates two cruise ships, Island Escape and Island Star. Island Cruises' ships are managed by V-Ships, a part of the V-Group of shipping and transportation support service companies.[2][3]

Contents

[edit] Fleet

Ship Built Entered service
for Island		 Passenger
capacity		 Gross register tonnage Flag Notes
Island Escape 1982 2002 1740 40,132 GRT Flag of the Bahamas Bahamas Transferred from Royal Caribbean International, ex-Viking Serenade, Stardancer, Scandinavia
Island Star 1990 2005 1875 46,811 GRT Flag of the Bahamas Bahamas Transferred from Celebrity Cruises, ex-Horizon

[edit] Island Escape

The Island Escape is Island Cruises very first ship that entered service in summer of 2002. She was Royal Caribbean's Viking Serenade sailing 3 and 4 day Mexican Baja Cruises. She now sails 7 and 14 day Mediterranean Cruises in the summer and South American Cruises in the winter.

[edit] References

  1. ^ Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. press release: Celebrity Cruises' Horizon Moves to Island Cruises Fleet, retrieved 29. 11. 2007
  2. ^ a b Cruise-community.com: Island Cruises, retrieved 29. 11. 2007
  3. ^ a b V-Group, retrieved 5 March 2008
  4. ^ a b c Ward, Douglas: Berlitz Complete Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships 2006, pages 358-359, 363. Berlitz Publishing 2006. ISBN 981 246 739 4
  5. ^ Simplon Postcards: Island Escape, retrieved 29. 11. 2007
  6. ^ Maritime Matters Shipping News 21 July 2002: New Plan For Island Escape, retrieved 29. 11. 2007

[edit] External links

v • d • e
Members of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.
Fully-owned subsidiaries
Joint ventures with TUI
Island Cruises • TUI Cruises (begins service 2009)
v • d • e
Cruise Lines of TUI AG
Fully-owned subsidiaries:
Joint ventures with Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.:
Island Cruises • TUI Cruises (begins service 2009)