Louis signs deal with easyCruise

The Cyprus-based Louis group has signed a franchise agreement with easyCruise for exclusive use of the brand in the eastern Mediterranean.

Under the deal, Louis plc, which operates 12 cruise ships, will get exclusive rights to use the easyCruise brand in the eastern Mediterranean, as well as use of online sales channel. Louis and easyCruise will also seek to increase the number of cruise ships that easyCruise has ordered from Greek shipbuilder Neorion to three, from two, with an option for three more.

“Louis will have the option either to use a newly built vessel or a second-hand vessel to be upgraded and converted in order to meet the easyCruise standards. easyCruise Ltd will be able to operate in the region themselves until the time Louis plc deploys the agreed vessels,” a statement from the group said.

Stelios Haji-Ioannou, chairman of easyCruise, said in a statement that by joining forces with Louis, easyCruise would not only benefit from their operational know-how in the area, but would also allow the company to grow faster by ordering more ships and covering more geographical areas faster. If all the new building contracts and options are exercised, the total fleet operating under the easyCruise brand could reach eight vessels by 2011.

Costakis Loizou, Executive Chairman of Louis, said the deal would create the opportunity for Louis Cruise Lines to expand its activities to a new type of cruising, “one that is mainly addressed to younger generations and offers a product which complements the traditional activities of Louis Cruise Lines”.