EasyCruise

Easycruise One

Soviet roll on-roll off cruise ship LEV TOLSTOY, 1988

EasyCruise was a cruise line that operated from 2005 until its closure in 2010. It was founded by Stelios Haji-Ioannou, the entrepreneur behind the low-cost airline EasyJet. Unlike traditional cruise lines, EasyCruise adopted a low-cost model, offering budget-friendly cruises with a la carte services. This approach was innovative in the cruising industry, aiming to attract a younger demographic who might not typically consider a cruise holiday.

Concept

The concept behind EasyCruise was to provide affordable, no-frills cruising options. The ships offered basic accommodation and amenities, with passengers paying extra for services such as food, housekeeping, and excursions. This model was in stark contrast to the all-inclusive packages offered by most cruise lines, where the price of the cruise includes meals, entertainment, and sometimes even shore excursions.

History

EasyCruise began operations with its first ship, EasyCruiseOne, which initially sailed in the Mediterranean Sea, focusing on popular destinations such as Monaco, Cannes, and Saint-Tropez. The idea was to stay in ports for longer periods, often overnight, giving passengers the opportunity to explore the destinations more thoroughly than traditional cruises would allow.

Following the initial Mediterranean voyages, EasyCruise expanded its operations to include routes in the Caribbean and later, the Nile River in Egypt. However, despite the expansion, the cruise line faced challenges. The business model struggled to gain traction among the target demographic, and operational costs were high.

In 2010, EasyCruise ceased operations. The brand was unable to sustain its business model, and the global economic downturn further impacted its viability. The closure of EasyCruise marked the end of an ambitious attempt to redefine the cruise industry.

Fleet

The EasyCruise fleet was modest compared to other cruise lines, starting with the EasyCruiseOne. The ships were characterized by their distinctive orange color scheme, aligning with the branding of EasyGroup companies. The interiors were functional and minimalist, reflecting the budget-conscious ethos of the brand.

Legacy

Although EasyCruise was ultimately not successful, it left a lasting impact on the cruise industry. It challenged traditional cruising models and demonstrated that there was a market for more flexible, budget-friendly cruising options. In the years following the closure of EasyCruise, other cruise lines began to offer more flexible dining and activity options, catering to a broader range of passengers.

See Also

• Cruise ship
• Stelios Haji-Ioannou
• EasyJet