Orient Lines Reborn Under New Ownership

[Raoul Fiebig]

Hello everybody,

the following press release announces the "rebirth" of Orient Lines under a new ownership:

Orient Lines Reborn Under New Ownership

~ Popular Destination-Oriented Cruise Brand Acquired from Star Cruises ~

CELEBRATION, Fla., June 26 /PRNewswire/ -- Orient Lines, the
destination cruise specialist founded by British cruise and tour
entrepreneur Gerry Herrod in 1992, has now been acquired by another cruise
industry visionary, Wayne Heller. Heller's Origin Cruise Group LLC
purchased the award-winning brand from Star Cruises Limited.

Heller is the founder of Orlando-based cruise retailer Cruises Only,
which became the largest seller of cruises in North America. His great love
for cruising fueled his desire to preserve Orient Lines and its unique
destination-oriented worldwide itineraries.

Much like the former company's beloved Marco Polo, the "new" Orient
Lines plans to acquire vessels that are rich in history and character and
that can carry 600 to 800 passengers in great comfort and safety to all
seven continents.

Moreover, the line's hallmark cruise-tour product, which seamlessly
incorporates pre- and/or post-cruise hotel stays and orientation
sightseeing tours, distinguished guest lecturers and local cultural
highlights, where possible, will be preserved.

"In the coming weeks we will announce our new flagship, followed by
inaugural cruise itineraries and the senior management team," said Heller.
"As for details of the onboard product, consumers and travel agents can
expect the same friendly and gracious service that has endeared legions of
intrepid travelers to Orient Lines over the past 15 years."

I understand that the ship Orient Lines is looking into operating is none other than "Maxim Gorkiy":

[Redlinekid2]

At least it's not going to Alang, like the SS Topaz. For 2008, I had always envisioned both the Hamburg and the SS Topaz being saved from the shipbreakers. I wish that the Orient Line would acquire the SS Topaz as well. They would make a great pair.

[Raoul Fiebig]

Hello everybody,

Orient Lines has now confirmed that "Maxim Gorkiy" has indeed been acquired and that she is to be renamed "Marco Polo II":

http://www.orientlines.com/

[Dave]

That is certainly good news. I wish they'd do something about the funky thing on top of the funnel though. It has always looked rather odd to me.

[IslandBreeze]

Yes,it´s true,this amasing cruise ship will have a dark blue in her hull and will be Marco Polo II,will sail on April 2009,sadly The Topaz would send for dismantling at Alang afther a cargo ship colition with,other great liner dissapear and some ones(hoppe not)have the same detiny(eg.:World Renaissance,Mona Lisa...)