Carnival and Orizonia finalise Spanish cruise deal

Nicole Mezzasalma

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New Iberocruceros cruise brand to launch with three-ship fleet

Carnival Corp and Orizonia have finalised the deal to create a multi-ship cruise line serving Spain. Under the terms of the agreement, expected to be closed on September 14, Carnival will own 75% of the Iberocruceros joint-venture, while Orizonia will own 25%. The new company will be consolidated into Carnival’s financial results from the fourth quarter of 2007.

Iberocruceros will combine two of Orizonia’s existing ships—the 1,244-passenger Grand Mistral and 834-passenger Grand Voyager—with Carnival’s 1,486-passenger Celebration vessel. The latter is expected to enter service in late spring 2008 after undergoing extensive renovation, a statement from Carnival said.

Iberojet general manager Alfredo Serrano has been appointed general manager of Iberocruceros, which will be based in Madrid. The company’s vessels will fly the Italian flag, and itineraries have yet to be defined.

Carnival chairman and CEO Micky Arison said: "The new Iberocruceros joint-venture will build upon the tremendous brand awareness of Orizonia's Iberojet operations while providing a solid platform for expanding in the fast-growing European marketplace."