Low-fare easyCruise and Neorion, a Greek shipbuilding entity, signed a
letter of intent to build two new 500-passenger cruise ships. The parties also
have an option for two more. The agreement is expected to be finalized within
two months. EasyCruise said the new ships will allow it to expand into new
markets, including the GreekIslands, the Mediterranean, Florida,
the Bahamas and Dubai. EasyCruise
currently operates one oceangoing vessel, easyCruise One, and will launch a
river vessel, easyCruise Two, this summer. EasyCruise said that while a start-up
date is not yet announced, its expansion plans in Greece
will feature cruises from one of several marinas near Athens,
but not from Piraeus,
where most other cruise vessels embark. Weekend and four-night GreekIsland
cruises will visit such ports as Mykonos, Syros
and Santorini, with other ports possible, the line said.