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, Heller’s Origin Cruise Group plans to acquire vessels described as being “rich in history and character†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 “where possibleâ€.
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
Phil Davies
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
France prepares for a massive strike across all transports on September 18
Turkish tourism stalls due to soaring prices for accommodation and food
CCS Insight: eSIMs ready to take the travel world by storm
Germany new European Entry/Exit System limited to a single airport on October 12, 2025
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt