The low-cost cruise line is putting plans for new-builds on hold while it seeks a suitable existing ship to add to its fleet.
easyCruise sales and marketing director Paul Ellerby said: ‘easyCruiseOne was always intended as a pilot and it demonstrated that the low-cost concept would work and attract a different audience.
‘With our move to Greece and the introduction of fixed itineraries instead of hop-on, hop-off we saw the load factors reach the high 90s.’
As easyCruiseOne only accommodates 232 passengers and easyCruise Life can hold 600, he said: ‘The only way forward in the short term is a second ship.
‘However, there’s nothing to say we won’t build in the future, as it depends on the rate of growth of the new brand.’
During the refit of easyCruise Life, the cruise line realised the high number of four-berth cabins available would suit the family market, for parents who want to spend time with their children.
Ellerby said the cruise line also wants to offer more ‘lifestyle options’ as the addition of a spa had been well received by passengers.
‘But we’re not going after the traditional market which likes casinos and such like,’ he added.
easyCruiseOne will operate in the Aegean and Ionian Sea until October, while easyCruise Life starts cruising on 19 April.
Ellerby said: ‘easyCruise Life represents the ideal size of ship for easyCruise, being small enough to visit off-the-beaten-track Greek islands yet big enough to offer more accommodation options, including suites, better restaurant, lounge, pool, spa and other facilities.
'We hope to find another similar ship and offer our customers two ships again in 2009.’
See also:
easyCruise signs Youtravel deal (27/01/07)
easyCruise adds new ship and itineraries (12/09/07)
easyCruise expands into Greece (21/08/06)