New Addition to Grand Circle Cruise Line’s Fleet (USA)
Grand Circle Cruise Line has acquired the M/V Corinthian, a 98-passenger, ocean faring vessel that currently operates in Antarctica.
Grand Circle Cruise Line had chartered the ship for the past year and will expand the Corinthian’s operations with the launch of three new small ship cruise itineraries in 2015.
The ship was acquired for an undisclosed price from Travel Dynamics International. Travel Dynamics will continue to operate the Corinthian throughout 2014, with Grand Circle Cruise Line assuming operational control when the ship returns to Antarctica in the fall. In addition, Grand Circle Cruise Line and Travel Dynamics have entered into a long-term agreement through which Grand Circle Cruise Line will provide small ship itineraries on the Corinthian and its other small ships for Travel Dynamics’ educational programs.
“Small ship cruising is a rapidly-growing trend among baby boomers and seniors who want the ease, comfort and affordability of small ship cruising along with access to local communities, cultures, and experiences,” said Cook. “We are committed to expanding our small ship fleet and to creating affordable, new small ship itineraries that provide travelers with an intimate experience of a destination. Our travelers to Antarctica have had an amazing experience on the Corinthian, and we feel extremely proud that this spectacular ship has joined our growing fleet.”
The Corinthian is an ice-strengthened vessel with the latest navigational, communications, and safety equipment. The ship is 297 feet long and carries 98 passengers in 49 outside-facing suites—each at least 225 square feet in area.
Grand Circle Cruise Line will launch three new itineraries for the Corinthian in 2015, including an 8-night, roundtrip cruise ; and an 11-night UK cruise. Grand Circle Cruise Line also will offer several repositioning cruises.
The acquisition of the Corinthian closely follows on the acquisition of the River Cloud II, now named the Chanson, a 90-passenger river cruise ship that will operate in the Bordeaux region of France.
Grand Circle Cruise Line, March 25, 2014
