Island Cruises is expected to cease operations next spring. The Island Star will be returned to ROY AL Caribbean Cruises, which will transfer her to Pullmantur Cruises in the embattled Spanish market. The Island Escape will go to Thomson Cruises.
The Star will sail her Caribbean cruises until April 6, while the Escape will sail in Brazil this winter and starting her program from Palma de Majorca in March, according to an internal memo, which also said that the intention is to integrate the Escape into the Thomson fleet.
Royal Caribbean has announced that it is selling its 50 percent interest in Island to First choice holidays , the other 50 percent owner of the joint venture and a subsidiary of TUI ravels, which also owns Thomson.
Richard Fain, chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean, said in a prepared statement that while Island Cruises has been a rewarding investment, the company’s priorities have shifted and it will instead focus on developing its Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises brands in the UK.
