Commodore Cruise Line is handling the sales and marketing of the 669-passenger EuroSun during her winter sailings to the Canary Islands and Morocco. The ship bas been chartered by Europe Cruise Line – a subsidiary of EffJohn International, which is the parent company of Commodore – from November 11 until April 7, 1990 and also for the winter season of 1990/’91.

Commodore has combined the seven day sailings with a land program in Las Palmas and round-trip air from New York and Miami to create an 11-day package. After April, the ship will sail to Venice where she will begin her summer Mediterranean itinerary as the M.V. Orient Express.

Aboard ship, there are 229 staterooms, along with an outdoor and indoor pool, health club, sauna, massage room, squash court, library, movie theater, beauty salon, casino, nightclub, boutique, cafes and bars, dining rooms and an a la carte restaurant. “Fitness menus” are also offered.

Marketing

According to Bob Garrity, Director of Marketing Services, Commodore has gotten a late start in marketing the EuroSun due to Europe Cruise Line’s original uncertainty of marketing to an American audience. He said they convinced Europe Cruise Lines of the interest of the American market and their goal is to book each sailing with 10 to 15 percent American passengers. Since EffJohn and Europe Cruise Line are based in Stockholm, the EuroSun has been marketed to Scandinavians and Northern Europeans. Commodore’s President, Ove Nordqvist, felt that the Canary Islands and Morocco have recently grown in appeal to Americans who are seeking alternatives to the Caribbean.

Garrity said he plans to market to past Commodore and Bermuda Star Line (also owned by EffJohn) passengers. Due to the emphasis on health facilities and fitness cuisine, he noted that the EuroSun tends to attract a slightly younger clientele.