Headquarters Paris | Founded 2007 | |
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Area served Mediterranean
Caribbean Owner Springwater Capital (51%)
Royal Caribbean (49%) Website www.cdfcroisieresdefrance.com CEO Antoine Lacarrière (7 Apr 2009–) Parent organizations Pullmantur Cruises, Royal Caribbean International | ||
CDF Croisières de France is a subsidiary of Pullmantur Cruises, catering to the French cruise market, with French as the primary language used on board. The line offers cruises to the Mediterranean operating from mid-March until November. Most CDF cruises are tout inclus, meaning all inclusive. In many, but not all cases, the price may include airfare. However, cruises can be purchased without airfare as well. CDF will cease operations in 2017.
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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. 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. 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.
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.
In 2016, Royal Caribbean sold a 51% stake in CDF's parent division Pullmantur to Spain-based Springwater Capital.
In late 2016, it was announced CDF would cease operations in early 2017. With both ships being transferred back to Pullmantur.
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.