Orient Lines Doubles Capacity With Crown Odyssey

Specializing in destination cruises, Orient Lines will increase its passenger capacity by 131 percent, when the 1,050-passenger Crown Odyssey, (formerly Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Crown) enters Orient's fleet in the Spring of 2000. Plans call for the new vessel to be deployed on the line's popular Greek Isles and Mediterranean itineraries from May through October, and will feature new destinations -- such as Tahiti and Hawaii, during the winter months. The addition of the Crown Odyssey will also expand Orient's presence in the Indian Ocean, Southeast Asia and the South Pacific. The stately Crown Odyssey, which sailed for three years as Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Crown, was christened Crown Odyssey in 1988 by its original owners, the former Royal Cruise Line. Boasting 527 staterooms, the 34,250-ton vessel will receive a multitude of onboard enhancements prior to sailing as part of the Orient Lines fleet.