EasyCruise heads to Greece

Low-cost cruising is coming to the Greek islands, Florida and the Caribbean.

EasyCruise, which last year launched low-cost cruises in the Mediterranean, has ordered two new ships, with capacity to carry 500 passengers, which will allow it to introduce a range of new cruise itineraries.

Dubai, the Bahamas and other parts of the Mediterranean are also among EasyCruise's plans for expansion.

The order with a Greek shipbuilder also includes an option for a further two cruise ships as the company looks to expand its fleet.

EasyCruise launched low-cost cruises to the French and Italian Rivieras in the summer of 2005, aimed at a young party-going crowd.

EasyCruise's itinerary meant the ship – EasyCruise1 - spent the night in port before moving onto the next destination in the early hours of the morning, providing passengers with a chance to sample the destination's nightlife.

Greek-born EasyCruise owner Stelios Haji-Ioannou has been talking about the company's plans to roll out this concept to cruises in his homeland.

"We aim to create a new cruise market in Greece, just like we did abroad. EasyCruise ships remain in the port during most of the day and overnight, so that passengers are free to visit the local bars, restaurants and shops, thus strengthening local economy in their ports of call," he said.

EasyCruise ships will sail from a marina in the Faliro area near Athens and offer weekend cruises to Mykonos and Syros, and four-day cruises to Santorini with possible visits to Paros, Naxos, Milos or Serifos.