Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) will be transferring the 1988-built, 34,250-ton, 1,050-passenger Norwegian Crown (ex-Crown Odyssey) to sister company Orient Lines in the spring of 2000.

Six-year-old Orient Lines, which was acquired by NCL in July 1998, currently operates the 800-passenger Marco Polo on worldwide itineraries.

Returning to her original name, the Crown Odyssey will be deployed in the Mediterranean from May through October and in the Indian Ocean, Southeast Asia and South Pacific during the winter months.

Geir Aune, president and CEO of NCL, said that “Orient Lines has a style and a following that will enable the company, with the Crown Odyssey, to increase profitability for the group as a whole.

“As a public company, we are always seeking to maximize profit opportunities,” Aune added.

Gerry Herrod, Orient Line’s chairman and CEO. noted that the Crown Odyssey’s hull and superstructure were designed with long-distance cruising in mind, making her an ideal fit for Orient Lines.