ORIENT LINES REBORN UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP
Popular Destination-Oriented Cruise Brand Acquired from Star Cruises
Celebration, Fla.
Company Background
Orient Lines was founded in 1992 by British entrepreneur Gerry Herrod to offer cruise vacations to exotic destinations at affordable prices aboard the cruise ship Marco Polo. In July 1998, Herrod sold the brand to Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), who operated the line with relatively few changes for nearly a decade. In March 2008, NCL sold Marco Polo.
In June 2008, Orient Lines was purchased by cruise visionaries Wayne and Judy Heller, and in August 2009, the line acquired a new flagship: Marco Polo II. From April to November 2009, the vessel will visit the Mediterranean, Greek Isles, Egypt, Black Sea, Croatia, Northern Europe, Scandinavia, Russia and the British Isles. In fall, plans call for the ship to be deployed in South America and Antarctica.
The 24,981-ton Marco Polo II was built by the Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft shipyard in Hamburg, Germany, for the German Atlantic Line who christened her Hamburg. For a brief time she also sailed as their ship Hanseatic. However, the ship is best known as Maxim Gorkiy, her name from 1974-2008. The vessel was refurbished in 1988 and again in 1995. In 2008, a series of enhancements will be made to comply with Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) 2010 regulations.
At 650 passengers – small in comparison to today’s mega liners – Marco Polo II is big enough for cruising to faraway ports yet small enough to enter remote harbors larger vessels must pass by. Facilities include 325 staterooms, two thirds of which are outside, four restaurants; seven lounges; a well-stocked library; intimate casino; gymnasium; spa with indoor pool; beauty salon; cinema; card room; Internet center; four duty-free boutiques; and outdoor swimming pool.
Wayne and Judy Heller are well-known cruise industry leaders. The couple founded Cruises Only in 1984, which grew to become North America’s largest cruise agency. In 2000, the Heller’s sold their remaining shares in Travel Services International, then parent company of Cruises Only.
“Orient Lines focus is on giving passengers an in-depth exposure to the destinations visited at an affordable price,” states Wayne Heller, the line’s president and CEO, “While providing a comfortable cruise experience aboard a ship that makes them feel like their home away from home.” Orient Lines headquarters is located in Celebration, Fla.
| Senior Management |
| President & Chief Executive Officer |
Wayne Heller |
| Chief Operating Officer |
Judy Heller |
| Executive Vice President |
Bruce Nierenberg |
| Senior Vice President of Operations & General Manager |
Brenda Acosta |
| Director of Passenger Services |
Mitch Cox |
| Director of Inventory Contro |
Adolfo Quintana |
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For more information about Orient Lines, please call a travel agent, or Orient Lines directly toll free at
(800) 333-7300or visit www.orientlines.com.
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