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.
In 2014, the Zenith was transferred to the fleet of CDF Croisieres de France, joining her sister ship the L’Horizon.[4]
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. |
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
- ↑ "Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. Starts New Cruise Line Dedicated to French Market". Retrieved 2007-10-16.
- ↑ Doug Newman (2007-09-13). "Royal Caribbean Announces CDF Croisières de France". At Sea with Doug Newman. Retrieved 2008-01-30.
- ↑ "CDF Crosieres de France to offer all-inclusive product". Cruise Business Review. 2008-02-04. Retrieved 2008-02-06.
- ↑ http://www.cruiseindustrynews.com/cruise-news/8667-cdf-confirms-second-ship-for-2014-season.html
External links
- Official website
- CDF Croisières of France at Simplon Postcards
- List of included and optional beverages
- Sample breakfast buffet menu in French & English
- Sample dinner menus
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