CDF Croisières de France

CDF Croisières de France
Successor Pullmantur Cruises
Founded 2007
Defunct 2017
Headquarters Paris, France
Area served
 Mediterranean
Caribbean
Owner
Parent Pullmantur Cruises
Website www.cdfcroisieresdefrance.com

CDF Croisières de France was a subsidiary of Pullmantur Cruises, catering to the French cruise market, with French as the primary language used on board. The line offered cruises to the Mediterranean operating from mid-March until November. Most CDF cruises were all inclusive. In many, but not all cases, the price included airfare. However, cruises could be purchased without airfare as well. CDF ceased operations in 2017.[1]

History

Founded on September 2007 as a subsidiary of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., CDF begun in May 2008 with Bleu de France as their sole ship.[2] During the north hemisphere summer season the Bleu de France operated cruises in the Mediterranean out of Marseille, while for the winter season she relocated to the Caribbean, with La Romana, Dominican Republic as her port of departure.[3] The company offers an all-inclusive product, with not only accommodation and meals but also all drinks and tips included in the price of the cruise.[4]

In November 2010, CDF confirmed that they had sold Bleu de France to the British holiday operator Saga, however CDF retained the vessel on charter for a further 12 months. In 2012 CDF received a replacement ship, Horizon, which was transferred from Pullmantur Cruises. Horizon, which had previously sailed as Pacific Dream, for Pullmantur Cruises, Island Star for Island Cruises and originally MV Horizon for Celebrity Cruises; all three brands are currently subsidiaries of Royal Caribbean.

In 2014, the Zenith was transferred to the fleet of CDF Croisières de France, joining her sister ship the L’Horizon.[5]

In 2016, Royal Caribbean sold a 51% stake in CDF's parent division Pullmantur to Spain-based Springwater Capital.[6]

In late 2016, it was announced CDF would cease operations in early 2017, with both ships being transferred back to Pullmantur.[7]

Meals

Unlike most other cruise lines, the fare typically includes many basic alcoholic beverages, espresso, cappuccino, sodas and the like. Premium drinks are available for an extra charge. CDF does not currently offer anytime dining. First seating is typically at 7 pm and late seating is typically at 9:15 pm. While French is the primary language on CDF cruises, announcements are typically made in French first, followed by Spanish and then English.

Former Fleet

ShipBuiltEntered service
for CDF		CapacityTonnageFlagNotesImage
MS Bleu de France19812008-2011115837,301 gross register tons (GRT) MaltaPreviously Europa, Superstar Europa, Superstar Aries, Holiday Dream; Transferred to Saga Cruises as the Saga Sapphire.
MV Horizon19902012-2017187547,427 gross register tons (GRT) MaltaPreviously Horizon, Island Star, Pacific Dream. Identical to the Zenith; Transferred to Pullmantur Cruises as the Horizon.
MV Zenith19922014-2017177447,413 gross register tons (GRT) MaltaPreviously Zenith. Identical to the Horizon; Transferred to Pullmantur Cruises as the Zenith.

References

  1. ↑ http://www.cruiseindustrynews.com/cruise-news/16087-cdf-will-cease-to-sailing-its-own-ships.html
  2. ↑ "Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. Starts New Cruise Line Dedicated to French Market". Retrieved 2007-10-16.
  3. ↑ Doug Newman (2007-09-13). "Royal Caribbean Announces CDF Croisières de France". At Sea with Doug Newman. Retrieved 2008-01-30.
  4. ↑ "CDF Crosieres de France to offer all-inclusive product". Cruise Business Review. 2008-02-04. Retrieved 2008-02-06.
  5. ↑ http://www.cruiseindustrynews.com/cruise-news/8667-cdf-confirms-second-ship-for-2014-season.html
  6. ↑ Royal Caribbean (10 May 2016). "Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. And Springwater Capital Announce Joint Venture" (Press release). Miami, Florida and Madrid, Spain: Royal Caribbean. PRNewswire. Retrieved 16 May 2016.
  7. ↑ http://www.cruiseindustrynews.com/cruise-news/16087-cdf-will-cease-to-sailing-its-own-ships.html


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