27 June 2008

Orient Lines to be revived

A US cruise retailer has bought the Orient Lines brand and plans to acquire ships to operate global itineraries.

Wayne Heller, founder of Orlando-based Cruises Only - claimed to be the largest cruise agency in the US - has purchased Orient Lines from Star Cruises for an undisclosed sum.

The brand currently has no ships since its former vessel Marco Polo is now operated by Transocean Cruises, sailing from Tilbury this summer.

However, Hellerââ¬â¢s Origin Cruise Group plans to acquire vessels described as being ââ¬Åâœrich in history and characterââ¬~ carrying between 600-800 passengers for destination-based itineraries.

The line's cruise-tour emphasis, which incorporates pre- and/or post-cruise hotel stays, sightseeing tours, guest lecturers and local cultural highlights will be preserved ââ¬Åâœwhere possibleââ¬~.

Heller said: "In the coming weeks we will announce our new flagship, followed by inaugural cruise itineraries and the senior management team.

"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 travellers to Orient Lines over the past 15 years."

The destination cruise specialist line was founded by UK cruise and tour entrepreneur Gerry Herrod in 1992.

by Phil Davies

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• Was A Great Cruise Line
  
  

  Before NCL and Star ruined Orient it was a top notch product. But as soon as NCL put their brand on it the product went downhill

  By Don Short, Saturday, July 5, 2008
• Orient packages were great
  
  

  As a cruise agency we always enjoyed selling Orient. Their combined affordable land and cruise packages were great, and easy to sell.

  By phalem, Wednesday, July 2, 2008