~ Popular Destination-Oriented Cruise Brand Acquired from Star Cruises ~

CELEBRATION, Fla., June 26 /PRNewswire/ -- Orient Lines, the destination cruise specialist founded by British cruise and tour entrepreneur Gerry Herrod in 1992, has now been acquired by another cruise industry visionary, Wayne Heller. Heller's Origin Cruise Group LLC purchased the award-winning brand from Star Cruises Limited.

Heller is the founder of Orlando-based cruise retailer Cruises Only, which became the largest seller of cruises in North America. His great love for cruising fueled his desire to preserve Orient Lines and its unique destination-oriented worldwide itineraries.

Much like the former company's beloved Marco Polo, the "new" Orient Lines plans to acquire vessels that are rich in history and character and that can carry 600 to 800 passengers in great comfort and safety to all seven continents.

Moreover, the line's hallmark cruise-tour product, which seamlessly incorporates pre- and/or post-cruise hotel stays and orientation sightseeing tours, distinguished guest lecturers and local cultural highlights, where possible, will be preserved.

"In the coming weeks we will announce our new flagship, followed by inaugural cruise itineraries and the senior management team," said Heller. "As for details of the onboard product, consumers and travel agents can expect the same friendly and gracious service that has endeared legions of intrepid travelers to Orient Lines over the past 15 years."

SOURCE Orient Lines

As the American built passenger ship Oceanic is still floating around in the Dubai area, after being towed there from San Francisco, I wonder if they are interested in purchasing her to start their cruising business.

She certainly is a ship with a lot of history !

How many 600-800 passenger ships are there that are available for sale or charter? Not many.

BTW, it is most definitely NOT the former Independence. Orient needs a ship capable of worldwide operation.

The ship in question helped usher in a "new world" and played a role in what was perhaps one of the single most defining events of our lifetime.

Doug - play fair as you already know!

Tim

[ 06-26-2008: Message edited by: Tim in 'Lauderdale ]

Best,

It is indeed the MAXIM GORKIY - or so says, ahem, a well-informed source.

[ 06-26-2008: Message edited by: dougnewman ]

There was talk on one website that Gerry Herrod could have purchased the Aegean 1 but no information was given on her intended use and she just appears to have vanished.

No doubt Gerry Herrod would be an ideal person to run this new cruising operation having been connected with Orient Lines in the past.

Another ship which should finish a charter in August is the New Flamenco which was the original Sun Princess.

She did cruise around the world when operated by CTC Cruises as their Southern Cross.

Many thanks for the photo and update.

quote:

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Originally posted by mike sa:
I wonder how he will get Maxim Korkys very high running costs down ? !

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The Pacific LoveBoat:twin to the Discovery would be ideal. She is diesel and uses 70 tons of fuel a day and provision for a 12,000 mile voyage. Princess had her on many world cruises.

I have heard she is in deplorable condition and the rust is holding her together. Her mechanicals are less reilable than Lucas electrics.

The Pacific has just had a re-fit prior to her charter to Quail Cruises.

From the website pictures the ship looks immaculate and wth lots of new furnishings.

She certainly does not look as if she is in a deplorable condition !!

quote:

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Originally posted by Neil Whitmore ( Bob ):
Hi

The Pacific has just had a re-fit prior to her charter to Quail Cruises.

She certainly does not look as if she is in a deplorable condition !!

Neil ( Bob )

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I am glad to hear it! When I sailed her in July 2002 she was a bit rough, then again she was on leaseback from Pullmantur.

http://www.quailtravel.es/img/crucerosOK.pdf

The Island Princess had better maintinance. Gerry Herrod chose her over Pacific.

Looking at both brochures the Discovery-former Island Princess had a more extensive renovation and substantial redecorating, where Pacific seems to be cleaned up a bit with the deck plans unchanged.

[ 06-27-2008: Message edited by: desirod7 ]

Reports from passengers on the mv ' Discovery ' which sailed from Harwich, UK on the 11th June 2008 cruise, ' Land of the Midnight Sun ' , have said that the ship is having a major problem with one engine.

They were advised only seven days before boarding of schedule changes which resulted in ports being missed and the ship having five days at sea with one port being omitted.

All that has been offered is a refund of £100.00p which many passengers thought was insufficent.

It appears that this problem has been ongoing for some time so it looks as if this ship is now also suffering from a lack of maintenance !