Grand Circle Cruise Line today announced that the 89-passenger M/V Clio will begin cruising this summer following a $5M refit beginning in May.

The M/V Clio will operate four European itineraries, including two new itineraries: a Small Ship Cruise Tour along the west coast of England, Wales, and Scotland, and the east coast of Ireland—and later, an itinerary from Lisbon, Portugal to Barcelona, Spain. 

Grand Circle acquired the small ship, formerly called the M/V Tera Moana, from Paul Gauguin Cruises last year for an undisclosed price.

“American boomers and seniors are increasingly interested in traveling by small ships—and in even smaller groups,” said Alan E. Lewis, Chairman of Grand Circle Cruise Line.  “We define small ships as those with 150 or fewer passengers, and the trend we’re seeing is very different from the industry’s move to bigger and bigger ships. 

“To create even smaller groups of travelers, we assign our local Program Directors to no more than 25 travelers, which creates a more intimate experience and more easily fosters engagement with local people, cultures and their ways of life.  We are proud to introduce the M/V Clio—a 4-star experience at a 3-star price and the best value in the industry.”

Itineraries include Coastal Charms of England, Wales, Ireland & Scotland and Voyage to Iberia: Lisbon to Barcelona.