Louis Cruises consolidate and specialize in an all Greek orientated product

After a number of financially challenging years, Louis Cruises have turned the corner by refocusing their efforts on core strengths and values, which is centered on offering a Greek experience to all Guests on board.

As such Louis Cruises are now proudly dedicating all Louis operated ships during the European summer period to Greek orientated itineraries, thereby consolidating and specializing in an all Greek product. Various Greek Islands that are rarely visited by other Cruise Lines, such as Simi and Paros will now feature prominently.

Moreover, the product itself now oozes typically Greek touches, such as Greek Officers, a Greek Menu, Greek Decor and elements of Greek Entertainment. Even the new Louis Cruises Logo now boldly states.. "Kazimiera - We say it, you live it!".

So far the plan seems to be working, as Louis Cruises are experiencing a rise in Cruise bookings and renewed stability with their banks and investors. The aim is to promote the newly invigorated product to core Louis markets such as the US, UK, Germany, Turkey, Canada, other parts of Northern Europe, Latin America and through strategic Tour Operators that know and trust the Louis product.

Management and Crew training is also a strategic element for future success and subsequently Louis Cruises have contacted Progress International (leading training company for the cruise ship industry) to develop all personnel for critical operational topics like service and On Board Revenue.

Louis still operate the Hotel, Deck and Engine for 2 Thomson Cruises vessels (Thomson Spirit and Thomson Majesty). Mindful of the fact that these charters may not last forever, the recently appointed Louis Cruises CEO is wisely developing the home grown revamped brand to ensure success for the modern crossing Era.

Celestyal Cruises (former Louis Crusies) has high expectations for 2015, by offering an authentic Greek experience

2014 was a dramatic year of change for Louis Cruises, which involved the official launch of its new Celestyal Cruises division. While the ships chartered to Thomson Cruises will effectively operate under the old Louis Cruises name, as this is the trusted formula Thomson are accustomed to, the 3 remaining new and upgraded ships will operate under the new brand of Celestyal Cruises.

Part of the fresh Celestyal Cruises mix will be a 3 year charter of the MV Explorer, which will be renamed as the "Celestyal Odyssey".  At present the vessel is being operated by Semester At Sea. The ship was originally constructed in 2001 by Blohm and Voss for Royal Olympic Cruises as the "Olympic", which later became the "Olympia Exployer". The ship was actually designed for short or multiple port intensive cruises due to its exceptionally fast speed (speeds of 28 knots - making it one of the fastest cruise ships in the world), so it should fit in nicely with the Celestyal brand, which offers multiple Eastern Mediterranean ports within a single itinerary, a real Greek experience, local cuisine and Greek entertainment. The 420 cabin ship has a total capacity of 836 guests and in many respects is coming home!

Effectively the new brand of Celestyal Cruises will now operate 3 vessels as follows: 

1. Celestyal Odyssey: Described above 
2. Celestyal Olympia: Former Song of America & Sunbird)etc
3. Celestyal Cristal: Former Leeward & Opera) 

Commenting on the addition of a third vessel to the Celestyal Cruises fleet, Kyriakos Anastassiadis, CEO of Louis Cruises expressed his satisfaction and stated that: “The addition of a third vessel to our fleet is the result of continuous increased demand that is attributed to the repositioning and the redesign of our product. We remain focused on establishing Celestyal Cruises as the foremost ambassador of a real Greek experience that is an excellent value for money .”

Ships in Sochi for the winter Olympics to help meet the accommodation demands

Warm Greetings from a wet and windy Piraeus on board the Louis owned Thomson Spirit, which like the Louis Olympia (fittingly named) are bound for Sochi.

The concept of Cruise Ships providing emergency accommodation for major events is actually nothing new. The most notable example was back in 2001 when the former Festival Cruises hosted the G8 summit in Genoa. Despite rioting in the streets all delegates were safely contained within the Port.

NCL, Costa and others all have a presence in Sochi and no doubt this 3 week charter period is earning some crucial winter euros. The nearest port with adequate docking is around 40km from the Olympic setting, hence the operation on board is expected to be light during the day with

Qatar will host the world cup in 2022 and accommodation capacity may well be a factor there. As such the authorities are wisely investing in a state of the art Cruise Ship Terminal to support the extra capacity needed. Off Radar Cruise News will track the progress of the development.

The ever growing size of Cruise Ships today are widely considered to be floating Hotels or Resorts and as such their mobility will no doubt play an important role in hosting major events around the world in the future.

Meanwhile, we wish Costa, Louis and NCL every success in Sochi.

UPDATE
Both Louis Cruises vessels are now en-route to Sochi.

Eastern Mediterranean Leader in Cruising, Louis Cruises Unveils Faith-Based Travel “Pilgrimage Voyages” Mediterranean Cruise and Land Tour Itinerary

"This cruise itinerary offers a
rare opportunity for all those
interested in the history of the
faith to relive parts of Apostle
Paul's journey, and literally
follow in his footsteps"

Louis Cruises is introducing a new faith-based travel cruise program takes travelers to explore destinations rich in history and religious significance sailing on a Mediterranean cruise to exciting ports including Thessaloniki and Kavala in Greece; then cruising on to Istanbul, Dikili, Kusadasi in Turkey; before heading to Patmos and Syros in Greece; then back to Athens where the itinerary commences

LOUIS CRUISES, the leader in 3, 4 and 7 day Greek Islands and Turkey cruises, is pleased to unveil an exciting new cruise itinerary, introduced under the name “Pilgrimage Voyages” that invites travelers to share a voyage of religious discovery to Thessaloniki, Kavala, Istanbul, Dikili, Ancient Ephesus, Patmos, and Syros – locations holding strong relationships with history and Christianity.

The scheduled departures of the 7-day cruise itinerary “Pilgrimage Voyages” include: October 18th and October 25th of 2013. Sailing from the port of Lavrion in Athens, Greece, this faith-based travel cruise program takes travelers to explore destinations rich in history and religious significance starting with Thessaloniki and Kavala in Greece; then cruising on to Istanbul, Dikili, Kusadasi in Turkey; before heading to Patmos and Syros in Greece; then back to Athens.

In Thessaloniki, travelers will visit the ancient walls, the House of Jason and the Agora before delving into Veria. Next it's on to tour Kavala (biblical Neapolis), Philippi and the Baptistery of Lydia. Participants will enjoy a worship service on the river where Paul's first European convert, Lydia, was baptized. In Istanbul, pilgrims will explore Hagia Sofia, Topkapi Palace and the Blue Mosque. The next stop on this inspired faith-based travel program is Dikili where travelers will discover the treasures of Pergamon. Visitors will experience Ancient Ephesus in Kusadasi and take-in the spiritual peace at House of Virgin Mary. Patmos awaits as the next cruise port to reveal its imposing history with visits to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: The Monastery of St. John the Theologian and the Cave of the Apocalypse where St. John the Divine dictated the Christian scriptural Book of Revelation.

“It has been nearly 2000 years since the Apostle Paul set out from the Holy Land on a journey that was to play an immeasurable role in the dissemination of Christian ideas and the establishment of Christian communities. This cruise itinerary offers a rare opportunity for all those interested in the history of the Christian faith to relive parts of Apostle Paul's journey, and literally follow in his footsteps,” said Nicholas Filippidis, Director of Product Development in North America for Louis Cruises.

The sense of fulfillment and understanding acquired from participating in this soul searching, eye-opening cruise tour cannot be acquired from books or movies, to actually follow the journey of the Apostle Paul, on the paths that he took, to view the archaeological sights and relive his life in your heart and soul is a blessed educational faith-based travel tour.

With 25 time-honored years in cruising throughout the Mediterranean and 78 years of award winning history in tourism, Louis Cruises offers an unparalleled cruise experience onboard its celebrated fleet of destination-friendly cruise ships.

Louis Cruises takes extra care to design itineraries that include the best ports in their best seasons allowing ample time to enjoy their uniquely individual charms coupled with meticulously planned shore excursions for a truly insightful look into each destination. The line’s vessels transport passengers, both literally and figuratively, to the lands of philosophers and dreamers -- from the grandeur of Ancient Greece and the legendary Greek Isles to the treasures of Turkey and beyond. Sailing with Louis Cruises, travelers can expect a complete destination experience, timely arrivals, flexible and imaginative itineraries, smooth embarkation and disembarkation, fascinating shore excursions, and unparalleled Greek hospitality for a lifetime of enriching memories.

Louis Cruises’ itineraries can be booked on-line at LouisCruises.com or through most major tour operators in the U.S. and Canada that pay commissions to travel agents and offer the convenience of one stop service for air/land and cruise services (commissions offered by tour operators may vary). For further information or to order the company’s brochure call (877) 568-4787, send an e-mail to cruising(at)louiscruises(dot)com or visit the company’s web site at: LouisCruises.com.

About Louis Group: 

Louis Group was founded in 1935 and has over the decades evolved into a leading tourism, hospitality and travel group in the Eastern Mediterranean. Louis Hotels owns and manages 19 four and five star hotels in all of Cyprus’ resorts, including the Hilton Park Nicosia and the Greek islands of Corfu, Zante, Crete, Mykonos and Rhodes. With a fleet of five cruise ships, Louis Cruises sails from Piraeus, Istanbul and Kusadasi to the Greek islands and Turkey’s most enticing destinations. For more information on Louis Group and its subsidiaries, please visit our websites at: LouisHotels.com, LouisCruises.com and MykonosTheoxenia.com.

Source:   prweb.com

Louis Cruises Signs Global Agreement With Discover The World

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Dec. 19, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Louis Cruises has signed a global commercial agreement with Discover the World Marketing, appointing them as an agent for the purpose of promoting the absolute Hellenistic experience of Louis Cruises throughout Discover's global sales force effective this month.

"We selected Discover the World Marketing to help us develop our sales because of their profile, global network and success with other companies in this industry," said Katerina Protomastorou, Louis Cruises' international sales manager.

Jenny Adams , CEO of Discover the World Marketing said, "We are very pleased Louis Cruises has allowed us to generate sales for their various cruises throughout the Mediterranean with our global network of offices. This is the first time we will work with this specific cruise line and believe they will be pleased with the results, given our company's experience and market knowledge.

For more information about Discover the World Marketing, visit discovertheworld.com or call +1 480 707 5566 or +44 207 107 2303.

About Discover the World Marketing

Discover the World Marketing has earned a reputation as a leader in global travel distribution and its success in developing a worldwide network of 80 offices in more than 60 countries capable of exceptional representation performance is unmatched. With a portfolio of 73 clients utilizing its sales, marketing and business process outsourcing services, Discover the World Marketing remains a dominant innovator for the travel industry.

About Louis Cruises

Louis Cruises has been providing cruises for more than 25 years. It offers unparalleled cruise experiences aboard its six super friendly cruise ships from Cyprus, Greece and Turkey throughout the Mediterranean. For more information, visit  www.louiscruises.com

SOURCE Discover the World Marketing

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Eastern Mediterranean Cruise Leader Louis Cruises Introduces Overnight in Mykonos and Exciting New Shore Excursions for "Greece and Turkey" Cruises from Port of Lavrion

Louis Cristal in Patmos, Greece

"Louis Cruises is introducing the exclusive opportunity to overnight in Mykonos as part of a cruise itinerary and is unveiling even more exciting shore excursions that further distinguish the line as specialists in cruising the Eastern Mediterranean"

Louis Cruises is pleased to continue distinguishing itself as the Eastern Mediterranean cruise leaders; now exclusively offering travelers the unique opportunity to enjoy Mykonos’ famed nightlife with a full-day and overnight stay at this world famous Greek Island on its 8-day/7-night Greece and Turkey Cruise itinerary – as well as presenting novel shore excursions that take travelers to experience the Aegean in a truly authentic way.

Miami, Florida (PRWEB)

Louis Cruises is introducing the exclusive opportunity to overnight in Mykonos as part of a cruise itinerary and is unveiling even more exciting shore excursions that further distinguish the line as specialists in cruising the Eastern Mediterranean. As part of the line’s enhanced focus on showcasing its Aegean identity, guests sailing onboard Louis Cruises vessels can more fully experience the sights, sounds and tastes of Greece, the Greek islands, Turkey and beyond on their next Mediterranean adventure.

For the 2013 Mediterranean cruise season, Louis Cruises 8-day/-7night cruise program “Greece and Turkey” will sail to and from Lavrion (Athens/Attica) calling at the ports of Istanbul, Mykonos, Patmos, Kusadasi, Rhodes, Crete (Heraklion) , and Santorini. New for the coming year, travelers will have the opportunity to overnight in Mykonos and experience the world famous nightlife for which the Greek Island is renowned. Then, they can enjoy a full-day to explore Mykonos or venture off to the island of Delos on one of the line’s superb shore excursions. Louis Cruises is pleased to be the only cruise line in the Eastern Mediterranean to bring this unique and highly-requested option for travelers to truly live the magic of Mykonos with an overnight stay in this vivacious village.

In addition to the new overnight stay in Mykonos, Louis Cruises is unveiling new additions to its robust shore excursion program for its 8-day/7-night “Greece and Turkey” cruise itinerary, providing guests with an enriching and profound destination experience. Here’s a look at some of the exciting shore excursion options presented for 2013: 

Cape Sounion & the Temple of Poseidon – Half Day excursion in Lavrion, GreeceAn approximate 30 minute bus ride through the pine trees of Cape Sounion will bring you to the spectacular location of the Temple of Poseidon, built in the year 440 BC by Pericles during the Golden Age of Greece atop the ruins of a previous temple. During its heyday, the Temple of Poseidon in ancient Greece would have had 42 Doric columns, of which 16 remain today. As the Greek Mythology god of the seas, it only seems fitting that a temple built to honor him should be found at water’s edge. The Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion is an enchanting place at Sounion known as one point of a magical triangle - from there, visitors will see the Temple of Aphaia on the island of Aegina, and the Acropolis too. 

Byzantine Heritage & Bazaars -- Full Day Excursion in Istanbul, TurkeyThis excursion begins with a sightseeing drive through the business center of the modern city, across the Galata Bridge, along the banks to reach the Orthodox Patriarchate where travelers will visit the Church of St. George. The exploration continues at the Kariye Museum, once the 11th century Church of St Saviour in Chora. It was repaired in the Period of Commenses and Palaiologuses, and is considered to be the most important Byzantine monument in Istanbul after Hagia Sofia. Next travelers visit the “Misir Carsisi” or Spice Market to enjoy free time shopping and lunch. The adventure continues around the mighty city walls, walking to the world famous monument of Haghia Sofia the Byzantine Church of Divine Wisdom. One of the most historically important monuments, built as a grand cathedral in the 4th century by Constantius – the successor to Constantine the Great – it was dedicated to Divine Wisdom (an attribute of Christ). It was converted into a mosque after the conquest of Istanbul and today is used as a museum. The building has survived various earthquakes and fires during its lifetime, and is surpassed in size only by St Peter’s in Rome and St Paul’s in London. Fatih Sultan Mehmet added the four minarets after his conquest of Istanbul. The beautiful mosaics were covered with plaster, and have slowly been uncovered. The last stop on this fascinating excursion is at the worldwide famous Grand Bazaar. 

Ancient Ephesus & The Terrace Houses – Half Day Excursion in Kusadasi, TurkeyUpon arrival at Ephesus, a short drive from Kusadasi in Turkey, travelers enter the ancient site through the Magnesian Gate where they will discover one of the most magnificent excavations in the world with countless monuments including the Forum, the Odeon, the Library of Celsus, the Thermal Baths of Scolastika and the Great Theatre built in the Greek Era and reconstructed in the Roman period, which is still noted for its remarkable acoustics. Here they will view the symbols all around and marvel at the fact that one is still able to read the inscriptions in the ancient Greek language. Ephesus terrace houses are located on the hill, opposite the Hadrian Temple Also called as "the houses of rich", as they reveal information about family life during the Roman period. The excavations of the terrace houses started in 1960. The restoration of the two of the houses has been completed and can be visited today. There are six residential units on three terraces at the lower end of the slope of the Bulbul Mountain. The oldest building dates back into the 1st century BC and continued in use as residence until the 7th century AD. They had interior courtyards (peristyle) in the center, with the ceiling open. They were mostly two-storied edifices, but upper stories have collapsed over time. On the ground floor there were living and dining rooms opening to the hall featuring frescoes and mosaics, and upstairs there were bedrooms and guest rooms. Clay pipes beneath the floors and behind the walls carried hot air through the houses. The houses also had cold and hot water an amazing fact that showed advancements in Ephesus dating back more than two thousand years. 

St. John’s Monastery & Grotto of the Apocalypse – Half Day Excursion in Patmos, GreeceOne of the most distinctive port Louis Cruises calls at in the Aegean that travelers rave about is Patmos. On this excursion, travelers depart from the port of Scala and enjoy a short drive to the village of Chora, where The Monastery of Saint John the Theologian (also called Monastery of Saint John the Divine) is situated, which was built 900 years ago and has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In 1088, Byzantine Emperor Alexios I Komnenos gave the island of Patmos to the soldier-priest John Christodoulos. The greater part of the monastery was completed by Christodoulos three years later. He heavily fortified the exterior because of the threats of piracy and Seljuk Turks. Travelers will see the courtyard, the monks’ dining room and the old bakery before you visit the main church noted for its outstanding frescoes and interior decoration. Next, visit the small museum where priceless ecclesiastical treasures, books, manuscripts, mosaics, icons, splendid medieval textiles, vestments and jewelry are housed. The excursion continues along to the nearby Grotto of the Apocalypse and the Monastery of the Apocalypse above it. Walk down the steep steps to the Grotto of the Apocalypse believed to mark the spot where John of Patmos received his visions that he recorded in Christian scriptural Book of Revelation. Here guests will see the niches in the wall that mark the pillow and ledge used as a desk by the author of the Book of Revelation. In 1999, UNESCO declared the cave a joint World Heritage Site together with the Monastery of Saint John "the Theologian." Afterwards, drive back to the port of Scala and enjoy some free time in this quaint and picturesque town.

With 25 time-honored years in cruising throughout the Mediterranean and 75 years of award winning history in tourism, Louis Cruises offers an unparalleled cruise experience onboard its celebrated fleet of destination-friendly cruise ships.

Louis Cruises takes extra care to design itineraries that include the best ports in their best seasons allowing ample time to enjoy their uniquely individual charms coupled with meticulously planned shore excursions for a truly insightful look into each destination. The line’s vessels transport passengers, both literally and figuratively, to the lands of philosophers and dreamers -- from the grandeur of Ancient Greece and the legendary Greek Isles to the treasures of Turkey and beyond! Sailing with Louis Cruises, travelers can expect a complete destination experience, timely arrivals, flexible and imaginative itineraries, smooth embarkation and disembarkation, fascinating shore excursions, and unparalleled Greek hospitality for a lifetime of enriching memories.

Louis Cruises’ itineraries can be booked on-line at LouisCruises.com or through most major tour operators in the U.S. and Canada that pay commissions to travel agents and offer the convenience of one stop service for air/land and cruise services (commissions offered by tour operators may vary). For further information or to order the company’s brochure call (877) 568-4787, send an e-mail to cruising(at)louiscruises(dot)com or visit the company’s web site at: LouisCruises.com.

About Louis Group: 

Louis Group was founded in 1935 and has over the decades evolved into a leading tourism, hospitality and travel group in the Eastern Mediterranean. Louis Hotels owns and manages 19 four and five star hotels in all of Cyprus’ resorts, including the Hilton Park Nicosia and the Greek islands of Corfu, Zante, Crete, Mykonos and Rhodes. With a fleet of five cruise ships, Louis Cruises sails from Piraeus, Istanbul and Kusadasi to the Greek islands and Turkey’s most enticing destinations. For more information on Louis Group and its subsidiaries, please visit our websites at: LouisHotels.com LouisCruises.com and MykonosTheoxenia.com

Louis Cruises CEO Kyriakos Anastassiadis

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Travel Pulse's Interview with CEO Kyriakos Anastassiadis of Louis Cruises By Chloe Panayides

Mediterranean-based cruise operator Louis Cruises is heading into the New Year by getting ready for a repositioning. The company’s fleet of seven vessels visit ports spanning Piraeus in Athens, the Greek islands of Mykonos, Patmos, Rhodes, Crete, and Santorini, and across the Turkish coast, from Istanbul to Izmir and Kusadasi. We spoke with Louis Cruises’ recently appointed CEO, Kyriakos (Kerry) Anastassiadis, about his company’s new strategy and plans to re-launch as a Hellenic cruise operator.

You were named CEO of Louis Cruises in January of this year. What was the mission you were given for this year and next?

I joined Louis Cruises when the company was at a crossroads. Twenty-six years after its official founding, Louis Cruises is aimed at repositioning itself as a niche specialist, operating cruises in its very own home waters, the eastern Mediterranean. As a result, my initial mission was to oversee the implementation of a strategic plan that was prepared by PricewaterhouseCoopers Miami, a specialist in cruising, which would restructure Louis Cruises in accordance with that direction, making it overall a slicker and more flexible entity. As such, the company’s headquarters were moved to Piraeus, Greece, and a revamped management team has been built to accommodate these parameters. Ten months later the move has been completed successfully, and Louis Cruises is now a smaller yet stronger cruise operator with a clear direction and a redesigned product that reflects our Hellenic roots. As of next year, Louis Cruises will be re-launched in the market as a Hellenic cruise operator that specializes in unique itineraries, ready to welcome the world to truly some of the most stunning Greek islands and the most enticing Turkish ports.

Can you elaborate on your redirected strategies for the line and objectives for the company? 

Our new niche direction means that we are now aspiring to differentiate Louis Cruises from other cruise operators by stressing that we don’t just sail in the Aegean and the eastern Mediterranean. Instead, we invite our passengers onboard to be introduced to our history, culture, civilization, sites and cuisine. In essence, we are extending our “filoxenia,” the Greek word for hospitality, which translates to making your guest into a new friend. Therefore, our product has been redesigned to ensure just that. All of our guests’ five senses are engaged: our passengers will see our sites, hear our music, taste our cuisine, smell the aromas of Greece and Turkey, and touch history. With this in mind, it is clear that our objective is singular: the establishment of Louis Cruises as the specialist for cruises in the eastern Mediterranean. We also want to elevate our name so that it becomes synonymous with an authentic cruising experience.

Continue reading interesting details of Louis Cruises by Chloe Panayides, go to:  travelpulse.com

Louis Cruises Unveils New Destinations in Innovative 2013 Cruise Program

For the 2013 Eastern Mediterranean sailing season, LOUIS CRUISES is pleased to unveil an innovative new itinerary 8-day/-7night “Greece and Turkey” cruise program, introducing two new destinations in the Aegean, the island of Chios and the island of Symi. This unique itinerary demonstrates Louis Cruises’ enhanced focus on its Greek heritage with a change in product positioning that gives travelers the opportunity to visit off-the-beaten-path islands for an even greater and more in-depth perspective of the diverse Greek Islands.

“The introduction of this novel itinerary furthers our goal to give clients a more well-rounded Greek experience, not just entree to the big islands that everyone knows by name,” said Kyriakos Anastassiadis, CEO of Louis Cruises. “We are committed growing by innovation and by providing differentiated experiences and are pleased to provide the opportunity for guests to really come and experience our area, our region, and more of its distinctive ports and islands.”

The new Greece and Turkey program presents cruise travelers with a full day in Istanbul, Aghios Nicolaos (Crete), Santorini and an extended stay in Mykonos. Scheduled to operate from April 26 to October 25 of 2013, the cruise will depart weekly and will take travelers to experience the exotic and distinctive islands of Chios – known for its sweet, aromatic Mastic trees and Symi – with its postcard-picture panorama.

Additionally, Louis Cruises is introducing a new port of embarkation for the 8 day/7 night itinerary, which will be Athens’ port of Lavrion (Attica), conveniently located close to Athens International Airport. By implementing Lavrion as the new embarkation port in Athens, sailing time to Istanbul is reduced – providing guests more time to enjoy a full day to partake in the shore excursion program with the best of Istanbul highlights. For further flexibility, embarkation / disembarkation will also be possible from Istanbul and Kusadasi in Turkey, Aghios Nicholaos (Crete), and Rhodes. 

About Chios

Chios is known as the fragrant flower of the Aegean. This sweet-scented Aegean island owes its fame to its near-endless mastic (a kind of gum) trees, only found on this isle. Its charming medieval villages are called “Mastihochoria” (Mastic Villages) by the locals because there inhabitants used to produce and export big quantities of mastic from the area’s trees. Relatively unknown to most tourists, this beautiful wooded island offers a traditional culture, golden sand and pebble beaches, hiking trails, extraordinary caves and medieval stone villages, to remote mountains, unusual museums and a thoroughly Hellenic nightlife. Some of the most popular sites include, The Castle of Chios, the Archaeological and Byzantine museum, The Monastery of Nea Moni, and the Library of Korais.

About Symi

When it comes to revealing the treasures of the Greek Islands, Symi stands out as a gem of an island. Symi’s picturesque settings beckon…from its perfectly preserved Venetian port and mosaic of colorful houses steeped up the hillside along the harbor, to its 85 kilometers of coastline and azure seas as far as the eye can see. A small island with a big history, Symi was actually the capital of the Dodecanese and supported a population of 30,000 inhabitants in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Today, the island’s population is about 2,500 residents who welcome visitors with their warm hospitality to enjoy this cosmopolitan port town’s spectacular vistas, stunning architecture filled with 18th and 19th century houses and mansions, lively restaurants and bars, plus a variety of monuments attesting to historical moments of Symi’s past.

With 25 time-honored years in cruising throughout the Mediterranean and 75 years of award winning history in tourism, Louis Cruises offers an unparalleled cruise experience onboard its celebrated fleet of destination-friendly cruise ships, featuring LOUIS CRISTAL and LOUIS OLYMPIA as the vessels for its Eastern Mediterranean programs. As part of the line’s enhanced focus on showcasing its Aegean identity, guests sailing onboard these vessels can now more fully experience the sights, sounds and tastes of Greece and the picturesque Greek islands on their next Mediterranean journey.

Louis Cruises takes extra care to design itineraries that include the best ports in their best seasons allowing ample time to enjoy their uniquely individual charms coupled with meticulously planned shore excursions for a truly insightful look into each destination. The line’s vessels transport passengers, both literally and figuratively, to the lands of philosophers and dreamers -- from the grandeur of Ancient Greece and the legendary Greek Isles to the treasures of Turkey and beyond! Sailing with Louis Cruises, travelers can expect a complete destination experience, timely arrivals, flexible and imaginative itineraries, smooth embarkation and disembarkation, fascinating shore excursions, and unparalleled Greek hospitality for a lifetime of enriching memories.

Louis Cruises Unveils Excursion to The Lost City of Atlantis

The unsual is about to happen, Louis Cruises is introducing a new shore excursion that takes travelers to experience the famed archaeological site of Akrotiri in Santorini, following the official re-opening of the excavations last month after nearly seven years of being closed to the public.

Available now on 4-day/3-night “Aegean Legends” sailings, the half-day excursion gives visitors the unique opportunity explore one of the most prominent prehistoric settlements in the Aegean, a characteristic example of urban life in the prehistoric Minoan era – and believed by many to be The Lost City of Atlantis.

On Louis Cruises’ new Akrotiri Village & Excavations Half day Excursion, travelers are taken back in time as they experience the amazing ruins that demonstrate what life was like before the village was destroyed around 1650 B.C. by the eruption of the volcano of Thira.

Some of the most famous Greek frescoes along with imported furniture and pots have been found in what is left of Ancient Akrotiri’s once prominent homes. Visitors on this exciting excursion will see buildings, city squares, shops and working areas -- all remnants of a busy-bustling area before the volcanic eruption dating back more than 3,600 years ago. They will have the unique chance to admire various multi-story edifices with famous frescoes, such as the Saffron Gatherers in the Xeste 3 ritual building, or the West House - home to the fresco of the Young Priestess, and the famous Flotilla miniature frieze.

Source quote:  cruiseindustrynews.com

Louis Group Executive Chairman Awarded The Prestigious "EHF Award"

During the Gala dinner of the Annual General Meeting of HOTREC, the umbrella association of national trade associations representing hotels, restaurants and cafés in Europe and which acts as the representative of the hospitality businesses vis-à-vis the EU institutions, which took place in Limassol Cyprus on April 25th, Costakis Loizou, Louis Group Executive Chairman was awarded the prestigious European Hospitality Foundation “EHF Award”. The EHF Award is presented annually to the personality which has significantly contributed for a number of years to the tourism development of the host country. The AGM of HOTREC takes place every year in the country that presides over the European Union during the 2nd half of the year. 

Mr. Loizou was proposed unanimously by the Board of Directors of the Cyprus Hoteliers Association whose decision was endorsed by all the members of the Board of Directors of HOTREC and the GASPART BONET FOUNDATION, the two co-founders of the European Hospitality Foundation. 

This significant and Pan-European honour, which recognizes Mr. Loizou’s vast contribution to the Cyprus hospitality industry, was largely dedicated by the Louis Group Executive Chairman to his colleagues and business partners. More specifically, in his acceptance speech, Costakis Loizou noted: “But I must say that this honour is not simply personal, but reflects on the efforts of my fellow Louis Executives as well as the thousands of dedicated Louis staff members who have supported our hotel chain and the Louis Group in general for the last seventy-seven years”. Furthermore, Mr. Loizou sincerely thanked the Cyprus Hoteliers Association, HOTREC and the Gaspart Bonet Foundation for this great honour and stated that: “There’s no greater personal satisfaction than being acknowledged by one’s colleagues, and for that I am deeply grateful to you all”. 

HOTREC’s President Mr. Mr. Kent Nyström, stated that he was particularly moved to be in Cyprus and also to be awarding this to Costakis Loizou, someone he met and had the pleasure to work with during his first professional steps in the tourism industry back in 1972 when he started his career as Fritidsresor’s representative in Famagusta, Cyprus. 

The European Hospitality Foundation Award is yet another recognition for Louis Group’s pioneering and constructive contribution in European tourism and translates to an even stronger commitment in showing the same dedication in striving for excellence in the decades to come. 

About Louis Group: 

Louis Group was founded in 1935 and has over the decades evolved into a leading tourism, hospitality and travel group in the Eastern Mediterranean. Louis Hotels owns and manages 19 four and five star hotels in all of Cyprus’ resorts, including the Hilton Park Nicosia and the Greek islands of Corfu, Zante, Crete, Mykonos and Rhodes. With a fleet of five cruise ships, Louis Cruises sails from Piraeus, Istanbul and Kusadasi to the Greek islands and Turkey’s most enticing destinations. For more information on Louis Group and its subsidiaries, please visit our websites at: www.louishotels.com www.louiscruises.com and www.mykonostheoxenia.com

Source:  louiscruises.com

Finnish businessman reported to buy Louis Cristal

Written by Kari Reinikainen Friday, 20 April 2012 17:14 A Finnish businessman is reported to be close to sign a deal with Louis Cruises, the Cyprus based cruise shipping company in the Louis Group, to buy the 26,000 gross ton cruise liner Louis Cristal. Johnny Sid, the Turku based entrepreneur, plans to operate the ship on short cruises from Turku to Tallinn, Riga Bornholm and Visby under the Finnish flag, Finnish media reports say. The cruises should start already in the coming summer. The ship was built as a cruise ferry in 1980 and five years later it was refitted to operate short cruises from Helsinki. A major fire at a Swedish shipyard in 1990 resulted in the ship being totally rebuilt. However, four years later it ran aground and was severely damaged. Again repaired, it was used on charter by Norwegian Cruise Line and Star Cruises before return to the Baltic as Silja Opera in 2003. Problems at Silja Line’s owner Sea Containers put the vessel out of business as Louis acquired it as replacement of Sea Diamond that sank after grounding in 2007. Source:   cruisebusiness.com

Louis Cruises welcomes the eternal values of Olympia to its own Brand Operations

Piraeus, March 6, 2012

Louis Cruises is pleased to announce the deployment of its impressive and elegant cruise ship “Thomson Destiny” in its own brand operations as of this coming season. “Thomson Destiny” will replace the “Louis Majesty” - which has been chartered to Thomson Cruises as it is better suited for their 7 and 14day cruises - in the 3 and 4day cruises operation out of Piraeus and Kusadasi as of May 11th 2012.

 Refurbished this year, the new addition to the own brand operations is ideal for 3 and 4day cruises to the Greek islands and Turkey. Featuring 9 passenger decks and 7 elevators, she can accommodate 1664 passengers in 725 comfortable and welcoming staterooms, 419 of which with window views and 21 suites, 9 of which with balconies, an upgraded option for the Louis Cruises passengers sailing on 3 and 4day cruises. With 3 eating outlets to choose from, passengers can enjoy the sumptuous Greek and Mediterranean cuisine on board as well as 24-hour room service. A large show lounge, various other lounges, the casino Royale, the spacious decks – ideal also for parties by the 2 large swimming pools – and the 5 bars on board provide a complete entertainment at sea. A fully equipped gym, badminton, basketball and table tennis are available along with the Ocean’s Spa for treatments and saunas. The Kid’s Club, duty free shops, library and Internet corner complete the excellent experience offered on board.

The deployment of this beautiful cruise ship in the Louis Cruises own brand operations marks the launching of the company’s enhanced identity as a Greek island and Turkey specialist niche operator with a genuine Hellenic and East Med experience on board. It is for this reason that “Thomson Destiny” will be renamed “Louis Olympia”. Named after the ancient sanctuary and archeological site of Olympia, birthplace of the Olympic Games, the “Louis Olympia” will provide her passengers with a truly Hellenic experience, fitting with Greece’s vast history and culture which shaped today’s civilization and democracy around the globe. 

Commenting on the addition of “Louis Olympia” to the own brand operations, Kerry Anastassiadis, CEO of Louis Cruises stated: “The deployment of ‘Louis Olympia’ in our ex Piraeus and Kusadasi itineraries marks a new era for us at Louis Cruises since it further enhances our profile as the Aegean and East Med specialists. With a name representing the eternal values of Olympia and fitting with our Hellenic identity and local expertise in the region, the ‘Louis Olympia’ coupled with our ‘Louis Cristal’ that operates 7day cruises out of Piraeus and Istanbul, will now both offer our passengers a complete experience of the region’s history, culture, tastes, music and ‘filoxenia’, the Greek word our warm hearted hospitality is based on, while they sail to unique destinations. From the moment a passenger boards one of our cruise ships till the time of his disembarkation, a Louis Cruises sailing offers a genuine experience of Greece and Turkey. After all, we at Louis Cruises don’t just sail in Eastern Mediterranean but in essence we invite our passengers for an authentic experience in our ‘home’ waters”.

Source:  louiscruises.com

Louis Has Wider Full-Year Loss as Reduces Value of Cruise Ships

The Cristal

According to Stelios Orphanides in Nicosia, Cyprus, Louis Plc, the largest tourism company in Greece and Cyprus, has suffered increase of losses for 2011.  This reportedly done after devaluing two of their vessels.

"Louis posted a loss of 60.9 million euros ($82 million) for 2011 compared with 10.2 million euros a year earlier. Sales fell 10 percent to 247.5 million euros."

“The reduction of the value of two cruise ships negatively affected 2011 earnings by 25.4 million euros,” the company said today in a statement on the website of the Cyprus Stock Exchange. “A 8.9 million euros provision for a bad debt in relation to the sale of the ship Aegean Pearl in 2010 was also made.”

To contact the reporter on this story: Stelios Orphanides in Nicosia at sorphanides@bloomberg.net

Source:  bloombergnews.com

Back-to-Back Cruise Dockings for Gibdock

Back-to-back cruise ship projects at Gibdock’s No. 1 dock have seen the return of the 37,584gt, 1,575-passenger capacity Thomson Destiny for its fourth visit since a first refit in Gibraltar in 2006.

The Thomson Destiny arrived at the yard on November 13 to undertake works afloat and then docked on November 21 one day after the Pullmantur Zenith had left the 260m x 38m x 10m dock after a 12-day stay.

“In many ways this was a routine dry docking, but with two large cruise ships docking one after the other we had to make doubly sure we managed the time pressures very carefully,” says Gibdock Commercial Director, Richard Beards.

“Both vessels had to be completed by very specific dates in order to be able to maintain their cruise schedules and we once again demonstrated our reliability by delivering both ships within the time scales set by the owners.”

The 214m long, 1982-built Thomson Destiny is owned by Louis Cruises and is on long term charter with Thomson Cruises. During the two week stay at Gibdock the yard carried out a variety of tasks including high pressure washing and painting of the vessel’s hull, refurbishment of the anchor chain, sea valves and bow thruster, pipe work and steel repairs in the tanks. Before entering drydock the yard carried out afloat repairs alongside.

Mr Beards says: “We have developed a close working relationship with Louis Cruises and the fact that we have been able to secure repeat business of this type shows we are gaining the trust of leading regional cruise operators.”

Gibdock’s long-time Greek agent, Hellenic Industrial and Marine Agencies, was closely involved in this project, liaising with the owner to ensure the yard fully met its requirements.

“Gibdock has an excellent reputation among local owners, due to a combination of reliability, on-time delivery and high quality,” says Alkis Koukis, managing director. “This latest docking of Thomson Destiny went very well and Louis Cruises was extremely pleased with the outcome.

“There was a very tight schedule but Gibdock got the job done to time and the feedback we have had from the owner was once again very positive.”

Louis Cruises’ superintendant, Chrysanthos Chrysanthou adds: “Gibdock’s project management has been very successful as the yard was able to handle multiple activities, and adapt to changes and additional requirements, and still complete all works ahead of time.

“Cruise ships have tight schedules while on dry docking and each activity has to be planned and processed to ensure that all deadlines are met, while maintaining accuracy and high quality standards.

“Gibdock is one of the most convenient locations for ship repair with facilities close to the vessel’s operating routes. We have built a shared understanding and successful cooperation over the years and we look forward to continuing in the future.”

Source: maritime-executive.com

Cruise Industry Heavyweights to speak in Istanbul

 

More cruise industry heavyweights sign up to speak at niche event in Istanbul, as Turkey focuses on growing its share of the global cruise market.

Graeme Adams, VP - Voyage Planning, Port & Land Programmes, SeaDream Yacht Club, Captain Vassilios Gazikas, Senior General Manager, Marine Operations, Louis Cruises and Giora Israel, Senior Vice President Port & Destination Development, Carnival Corporation have recently been added to the prestigious speaker line-up at the 2nd Seatrade Winter Cruising Forum, being held in less than seven weeks in Istanbul, Turkey.

The event’s conference will feature a timely focus on Turkey as a cruise tourism hub linking Europe to Asia. Turkey recently demonstrated a strong commitment to its relationship with the industry, with the Minister of Transport, Binali Yıldırım, attending a meeting in Izmir with the heads of fourteen Turkish cruise ports to discuss the continued development of cruise tourism in the country. Port authority delegates at the meeting, organised by Izmir’s Chamber of Commerce, supported a proposal to form a ports association.

With higher fuel costs making it less economical to transport passengers to Caribbean cruise ports, the number of cruise ships plying Mediterranean waters in both summer and winter months over the next few years is likely to surge. The concept of winter cruising is not without challenges; sound itinerary planning and weather-proof shorex options are essential, but as more vessels are deployed out of traditional summer seasons, there is great scope for growth.

Numerous high-level itinerary planners and marine operations decision-makers are already scheduled to speak in Istanbul, with the recently announced additions bringing the total of cruise brands represented to thirteen. The event’s workshop sessions will give participating destinations an invaluable chance to meet one-to-one with speakers hosting workshop tables, all of whom are directly involved in deployment decisions for their brand. The 2nd Seatrade Winter Cruising Forum will take place under the auspices of the Republic of Turkey Ministry of Culture and Tourism and Tura Turizm at the Çıragan Palace Kempinski from 5-7 December 2011.

Source: ftnnews.com

Louis Cruises set to launch fresh A La Carte Dining Options

 

Louis Cruises of Cyprus have just announced an interesting new service involving la Carte dining options, which is set to be launched on board the Louis Majesty and Louis Cristal respectively. This fresh approach is based on the principles of “Thalassa” Restaurants, which will feature traditional Greek and Cypriot dishes skillfully prepared with a modern twist. The a la Carte option will only be available for Dinner and Cruise Guests can expect to pay in the region of 25 euro per person, per meal for this alternative dining opportunity.

The concept was created in association with the popular Greek Celebrity Chef “Christoforos Peskias”, who is widely known in Greek culture for the sophisticated recipes of his new Dinner Menu showcase, which features the crème de la crème of contemporary Mediterranean gourmet cuisine. The theory is to artfully integrate original Greek / Cypriot dishes with modern culinary techniques. In essence it is a fusion Menu that bring out the best in fresh, local and exotic Mediterranean ingredients.

Here is a description of a sample dish:
Fava Santorinis 
“A split pea puree which is yellow in color and originates from the volcanic island of Santorini. Enhanced with caramelized onions, truffle oil and grilled octopus; braised lamb shank with an Olive Oil emulsion; marinated chicken souvlaki which is marinated with Limnos muscat wine, lemon, Greek yoghurt and mint sauce and more besides.”

Louis Crusies set to operate in Cuba

 

Louis Cruises have declared their intention to operate in the Caribbean this coming winter season with the 1200-passenger ship named the Louis Cristal. The vessel will actually home-port in Cuba, operating weekly round-trip Cruises from La Havana. Itineraries will feature calls to the following ports...

Cayo Guillermo
Bahia de Nipe
Santiago de Cuba
Cayo Los Caguamas
Cienfuegos

Punta Frances The Louis Cristal is scheduled to sail around Cuba from the 4th of December 2011 until March 12, 2012 (16 cruises all in all).
Prices are reported to start from $586 USD per person for a standard inside cabin.

This is an interesting development from Louis Cruises and somewhat of a change in strategy.

Single travellers save £300 on Mediterranean cruise

Single travellers can save more than £300 on a seven-night cruise on the Orient Queen in July and August if they book by 30 June. Louis Cruises’ 912-passenger ship sails from Genoa and visits Marseille, Mallorca, Malaga, Tangier, Ibiza and Barcelona before returning to port. Sole occupancy in an inside room now costs £425.25 for full board, evening entertainment and port taxes. Flights are not included.

Call 0800 0183883 or visit www.louiscruises.com

Louis Cruises Adjusts Mediterranean Itineraries to Avoid Egypt

Having re-evaluated the present situation in Egypt, Louis Cruises has revised upcoming cruise itineraries aboard the Louis Majesty and the Louis Cristal to ensure the safety of its passengers and crew.
Louis Majesty’s 12-night “Eastern Mediterranean Highlights” cruise, departing March 12 from Genoa, Italy, has replaced Egypt’s Port Said and Alexandria calls with Katakolon and Nafplion, Greece, and the port of Ashdod with Haifa, Israel. The Louis Cristal’s seven-night “Three Continents & Istanbul” sailing, departing Athens, Greece, on April 8 and April 22, has replaced Egypt’s Port Said and Alexandria with Limassol, Cyprus, and Santorini, Greece. For more information, call 877-568-4787 or visit www.louiscruises.com.

Source: travelpulse.com

Louis Cruises may no longer fly the Greek Flag

In the dark light of the recent Greek pension fiasco, the Cypriot Cruise Line “Louis Cruises” has acted on the feeling of being financially forced to abandon the Greek flag on its vessels. This decision came about following a public stand-off concerning pension fund contributions, which according to the Greek authorities threatens to cost the jobs of around 350 Greek Crew members.

The prevailing situation in Greece with its well publicized austerity measures, no doubt impacted on the new laws and many empathize, that for Louis Cruises to realistically operate within the waters of Mediterranean, they had little choice but to move away from the Greek flag. Most Cruise analysts would agree that the new Greek Pensions legislation translates into a completely uncompetitive situation for Louis Cruises, by encouraging non EU flagged Cruise Ships to home port in Greek ports for the first time.

If Louis Cruises actually go ahead with the change of flagging, it will a sad day for Greek Cruising, because in reality the Greek registry will become completely absent of any notable Cruise ship for the first time in recent history, which is a major deal for such a rich sea-faring nation. What will they say at Possidonia in June!

Louis Cruises wasted no time in their application to change the flag of the 2 below ships to a Maltese registry…

·        Louis Cristal 25,611 gross tonnes

·        Louis Calypso 11,162 gross tonnes 

A third ship the Louis Emerald (26,428 gross tonnes and currently tied up for the winter) may also fly the Maltese flag, however this has yet to be confirmed.  Interestingly, a fourth ship, the Louis Majesty 40,876 gross tonnes already flies the Maltese flag. From a financial perspective the switch to the Maltese flag is calculated to offer savings of about €300,000 per month for each ship.

In many respects the catalyst for the move was a legal action case against Louis Cruises by the Greek Seamen’s Pension Fund, which is attempting to claim in the region of €5 million ($6.8 million) in unpaid contributions over the period of 5 years, a total that has swelled up to €15 million with accumulated interest and punitive fines. With such looming legal Pensions cases, one wonders who would ever want to fly a Greek Flag for cruising again.

There may yet be glimmer of hope however, because the previous Greek government administration did manage to make an agreement between Louis Cruises and the Seafarers’ Unions in 2005, although this was in a different economic climate.

Louis Cruises strongly claim that they always respected the number of Greeks nationals required to qualify for the arrangement. Former Festival Cruises Marine Operations veteran and Senior General Manager of the Louis fleet Captain George Koumpenas is reported to have said “This is unsatisfactory for everybody, but we have reached a point where we have no other means of protesting.” He went onto stress “I hope that even at the last moment there will be a solution.”

Louis Cruises operated around 6 vessels under the Greek flag, however it recently disposed of the Aquamarine and Aegean Pearl. Nevertheless the Company still employs over 700 Greek national Seamen. It is expected however that in general hotel staff and lower deck and engine ranks will bear the brunt of about 350 job losses. Louis Cruises still plan on employing Greek Captains, Senior Officers and Senior Engineers even for the Maltese flag operations.