Island

Specialist Reports Styles of Holiday Cruise Holidays Cruise Operators Island 

	Island
First Choice House, London Road, Crawley, West Sussex RH10 2GH			MAP
tel: (08707) 500 414; brochures (0870) 600 1160

Launching in March 2002, operated by First Choice and Royal Caribbean International in a £200 million joint venture, designed to compete with Airtours and Thomson in the Mediterranean. It is aiming for a totally different market from the traditional cruise lines with the emphasis on the informal. As well as cruises of seven or 14 nights there are cruise and stay options with either hotels or apartments.
Details have not yet been finalised so more detail may be added to this report at a later date. However, the first brochrue does not highlight any offer for families or children so they do not appear to be a priority.
Note that trade reports of the inaugural cruise in spring 2002 have been poor, indicating problems with showers, lavatories, food, cabin allocation, d?cor and the pool area. Travel Trade Gazette commented that, contrary to the hype, the product is not of a superior standard to Airtours or Thomson cruises.

Ships

One, of 1,700 passengers.

Where

Mediterranean.

UK Departures

No.

Style

‘A relaxed and less regimented on board cruise experience. fresher, contemporary and more upbeat approach' with a target market of couples aged between 30 and 40, expecting high demand from families during school holidays. Facilities include a Holmes Place gym and spa, holistic classes including t'ai chi, yoga, pilates and salsa dancing, and Oddbins is supplying all wine on board. There will also be a Costa coffee shop. Entertainment will include not just West End style shows but stand-up comedy, deck parties, retro nights, line dancing and adult games.

Accommodation

Details not yet released.

For Children

No details available.

Children's Facilities

No details available.

Food for Kids

Nothing specifically laid on though the lack of set meal times or set menus should make things easier.

Babysitting

No details available.

Children's Activities

There are three on board clubs offering planned and supervised activities.

Childcare Staff

No details available.

Security Measures

No details available.

Port Calls

As well as traditional coach tours there will be a range of more tailor-made options for smaller groups with excursions exclusively for children.

Sample Price

For a seven-night fly-cruise the price for the high season might be £1,069, for the first child under 12 £199, for the second £249.