CDF Croisières de France

CDF Croisières de France
Founded 2007
Headquarters Paris, France
Area served
 Mediterranean
Caribbean
Parent Royal Caribbean
Website www.cdfcroisieresdefrance.fr

CDF Croisières de France is a subsidiary of Pullmantur Cruises, catering to the French cruise market, with French as the primary language used on board. The line offers cruises to the Mediterranean operating from mid-March until November. Most CDF cruises are tout inclus, meaning all inclusive. In many, but not all cases, the price may include airfare. However, cruises can be purchased without airfare as well.

History

Founded on September 2007 as a subsidiary of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., CDF begun in May 2008 with Bleu de France as their sole ship.[1] During the north hemisphere summer season the Bleu de France operated cruises in the Mediterranean out of Marseille, while for the winter season she relocated to the Caribbean, with La Romana, Dominican Republic as her port of departure.[2] The company offers an all-inclusive product, with not only accommodation and meals but also all drinks and tips included in the price of the cruise.[3]

In November 2010, CDF confirmed that they had sold Bleu de France to the British holiday operator Saga, however CDF retained the vessel on charter for a further 12 months. In 2012 CDF received a replacement ship, Horizon, which was transferred from Pullmantur Cruises. Horizon, which had previously sailed as Pacific Dream, for Pullmantur Cruises, Island Star for Island Cruises and originally MV Horizon for Celebrity Cruises; all three brands are currently subsidiaries of Royal Caribbean.

Meals

Unlike most other cruise lines, the fare typically includes many basic alcoholic beverages, espresso, cappuccino, sodas and the like. Premium drinks are available for an extra charge. CDF does not currently offer anytime dining. First seating is typically at 7 pm and late seating is typically at 9:15 pm. While French is the primary language on CDF cruises, announcements are typically made in French first, followed by Spanish and then English.

Fleet

Current fleet

Ship Built Entered service
for CDF 		Tonnage Flag Notes Image
MV Horizon 1990 2012-present 47,427 gross register tons (GRT)  Malta Previously Horizon, Island Star, Pacific Dream
MV Zenith 1992 2014-present 47,413 gross register tons (GRT)  Malta Previously Zenith, Transferred from Pullmantur Cruises in early 2014.[4]

Former fleet

Ship Built Entered service
for CDF 		Tonnage Flag Notes Image
MS Bleu de France 1981 2008-2011 37,301 gross register tons (GRT)  Malta Previously Europa, Superstar Europa, Superstar Aries, Holiday Dream; transferred to Saga Cruises to become the Saga Sapphire.

References

  1. ↑ "Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. Starts New Cruise Line Dedicated to French Market". Retrieved 2007-10-16.
  2. ↑ Doug Newman (2007-09-13). "Royal Caribbean Announces CDF Croisières de France". At Sea with Doug Newman. Retrieved 2008-01-30.
  3. ↑ "CDF Crosieres de France to offer all-inclusive product". Cruise Business Review. 2008-02-04. Retrieved 2008-02-06.
  4. ↑ http://www.cruiseindustrynews.com/cruise-news/8667-cdf-confirms-second-ship-for-2014-season.html

External links