CDF Croisières de France

CDF Croisières de France was a cruise line that catered to the French cruise market, with French as the primary language used on board. CDF was a subsidiary of Pullmantur Cruises, and offered cruises to the Mediterranean operating from mid-March until November. Most CDF cruises were all inclusive. in many, but not all cases, the price included airfare. However, cruises could be purchased without airfare as well. CDF ceased operations in 2017.[1]

CDF Croisières de France
Founded2007
Defunct2017
SuccessorPullmantur Cruises
HeadquartersParis, France
Area served
Mediterranean
Caribbean
Owner
ParentPullmantur Cruises
Websitecdfcroisieresdefrance.com

History

Founded in September 2007 as a subsidiary of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., CDF begun in May 2008 with Bleu de France as their sole ship.[2] 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.[3] 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.[4]

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.[5]

In 2016, Royal Caribbean sold a 51% stake in CDF's parent division Pullmantur to Spain-based Springwater Capital.[6]

In late 2016, it was announced CDF would cease operations in early 2017, with both ships being transferred back to Pullmantur.[7]

Former Fleet
ShipBuiltEntered service
for CDF		CapacityTonnageFlagNotesImage
MS Bleu de France19812008–2011115837,301 gross register tons (GRT) MaltaPreviously Europa, Superstar Europa, Superstar Aries, Holiday Dream; Transferred to Saga Cruises as the Saga Sapphire.
MV Horizon19902012–2017187547,427 gross register tons (GRT) MaltaPreviously Horizon, Island Star, Pacific Dream. Identical to the Zenith; Transferred to Pullmantur Cruises as the Horizon. Scrapped in Aliağa in 2022.
MV Zenith19922014–2017177447,413 gross register tons (GRT) MaltaPreviously Zenith. Identical to the Horizon; Transferred to Pullmantur Cruises as the Zenith. Scrapped in Alang in 2022.

References
  1. "CDF Will Cease Sailing Its Own Ships". 7 December 2016.
  2. "Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. Starts New Cruise Line Dedicated to French Market". Archived from the original on 2007-11-30. Retrieved 2007-10-16.
  3. Doug Newman (2007-09-13). "Royal Caribbean Announces CDF Croisières de France". At Sea with Doug Newman. Retrieved 2008-01-30.
  4. "CDF Crosieres de France to offer all-inclusive product". Cruise Business Review. 2008-02-04. Archived from the original on 2011-07-08. Retrieved 2008-02-06.
  5. "CDF Confirms Second Ship for 2014 Season". 5 February 2013.
  6. Royal Caribbean (10 May 2016). "Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. And Springwater Capital Announce Joint Venture" (Press release). Miami, Florida and Madrid, Spain: Royal Caribbean. PRNewswire. Retrieved 16 May 2016.
  7. "CDF Will Cease Sailing Its Own Ships". 7 December 2016.
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