Louis Cruise Lines Acquires New Ship

Louis Cruise Lines has acquired its seventh cruise vessel, boosting the total capacity of its fleet to 5,803 passengers. The vessel, M/S Mermoz, was bought from Prestige Cruises NV, a member of the Costa Crociere group. The cost of the acquisition was not disclosed. The vessel will come under LCL's ownership in November, a company spokesman said. The Mermoz is now operated by Costa, and its last cruise under the Paquet brand is scheduled for October, the spokesman added. The Mermoz has a tonnage of 14,173 and accommodates 739 passengers in 300 cabins. The ship will replace the Ausonia, which is under charter to Britain's First Choice. LCL owns seven cruise boats, and an eighth is under management. Two other Louis vessels, the Emerald and Sapphire, are under charter to Britain's Thompson Travel and France Croisieres respectively.