FTI Cruises has announced 11 new itineraries aboard the FTI Berlin for 2014, calling at destinations in the Mediterranean, the Black Sea and the North Sea all the way to the North Cape.
The relatively small, 400-passenger Berlin is able to call at ports where the big ships do not have access, including transiting the Corinth Canal. “With interesting itineraries, we are achieving an occupancy rate of more than 90 percent and have had a number of charter inquiries from other operators as well,” commented Ralph Schiller, CEO of the FTI Group.
The itineraries range from seven to 16 days and run from March (2014) throughout the year.
The Berlin goes into drydock Oct. 31 for what FTI called various alterations and renovations. Schiller said that further details will be released at a later date and that the ship will sport a new. FTI has said earlier that it wants to capitalize on the vintage character of the ship.
Also to be introduced next year are three service packages. The basic package is the so-called Value Package, including not only all meals, according to FTI, but also a captain’s cocktail and complimentary coffee and tea.
A Plus Package will include complimentary table wine and bottled water with the main meals, a stocked mini-bar, a fruit basket on the day of embarkation, and choice of dining room seating and cabin based on availability. In addition, the package includes a 50 euro onboard credit per cabin and 5 percent discount on spa treatments, room service and photos.
The Exclusive Package includes all beverages and a bottle of champagne on embarkation, a 75 euro onboard credit, 10 percent discount on spa treatments, room service and photos.
Suite guests who book the Plus or Exclusive Package will also sit at the Captain’s table during the gala dinner.
Bookings made before Oct. 31, 2013, also qualify for a 10 percent early booking discount.
Spring Mediterranean sailings are round-tip from Nice, followed by a cruise from Nice to Bremerhaven. Also noteworthy is a cruise from Tromso, Norway to Bremerhaven, available in two-, eight or nine-day segments.
The Berlin moves back to the Mediterranean in August, to the Black Sea in September, and roundtrip from Nice to the Canary Islands in October and November.
