Island Cruises Sold
Royal Caribbean has announced that it has sold it’s 50% share of Island Cruises to British Tour Operator, TUI Travel PLC, for an as yet undisclosed fee. This signals the end of Island Cruises as we know it as the cruise line will no doubt be integrated into Thompson Cruises owned by TUI UK and Ireland. The deal has yet to be given regulatory clearance in Ireland but the companies do not envisage a problem in this regard. TUI will now become a full owner of Island Cruises as the company already owned a 50 percent stake in the cruise line following the take over of First Choice.
As part of the deal, Island Star, owned by Royal Caribbean and previously leased to Island Cruises, will be placed with Spanish-based cruise operator, Pullmantur, following the completion of her winter itineraries in the Caribbean. It is thought Island Star will sail under the Island Cruises banner until 6 April 2009. It is now unsure what will happen about Island Star’s spring and summer 2009 itineraries as she was due to sail out of Palma de Mallorca. Customers of Island Cruises who feel they may be affected by the deal may wish to clarify the matter with the cruise line.
