Carnival switches second ship for Ocean Village
Informal cruise line Ocean Village is to gain a second ship from AIDA Cruises rather than from Princess Cruises.
The UK single ship brand was to gain Regal Princess from Princess Cruises in November 2006 but instead will receive 1,664-passenger AIDAblue from German line AIDA Cruises in 2007. All lines are part of US cruise conglomerate Carnival Corporation.
AIDAblue will transfer to Ocean Village in April 2007. The 15-year-old vessel, which had a refit in 2004, previously operated as Crown Princess, sister ship to the current Ocean Village vessel which previously operated as Star Princess.
The change follows recent orders for three new ships for AIDA due to delivery in 2007, 2008 and 2009. Regal Princess will stay with the Princess Cruises fleet.
Carnival said only “minimal modifications” would be required to convert AIDAblue to reflect the characteristics of the Ocean Village brand.
Carnival chairman and chief executive Micky Arison said: “This is an excellent opportunity not only to expand Ocean Village’s presence in the UK market but also enhance the brand identity of AIDA Cruises. With the addition of these 68,500-ton cruise ships, AIDA Cruises will be comprised of six modern ‘club ships’ that cater exclusively to the German-speaking market.”
Ocean Village managing director Peter Shanks said: “Ocean Village has been highly successful since its start-up two years ago and is ready for further expansion.
“AidaBlu is already well equipped to operate as an Ocean Village vessel and we are delighted to be taking her into our fleet. With this change, the Ocean Village ships will remain the best in their class”
Report by Phil Davies
Phil Davies
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